All about travel

Stralsund, a new old Hanseatic city

PatrickJullien

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22. July 2025

Stralsund looks back on a long, rich history, which today has left numerous traces – especially in the form of historic buildings. Stralsund is a recreational, bathing and holiday resort as well as a World Heritage Site. Stralsund combines the old with the modern. Stralsund pulsates with life, architecture and culture are at home here. The surroundings are also worth experiencing.

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The gateway to the island of Rügen

Stralsund has been allowed to call itself a Hanseatic city since 1990. It is a beautiful place in the northeast of Germany, more precisely in the coastal area of the southern Baltic Sea in Western Pomerania. The Strelasund strait separates the city from Germany’s largest island of Rügen by only a few kilometers. You can get there either via the approximately 4-kilometre-long cable-stayed bridge, over the Rügen dam or by ferry. Between Stralsund and the Rügen is the island of Dänholm, which belongs to Stralsund.

A city with a long history

As early as the 10th century, there was a settlement here called “Strale”, but the current name of the city was not mentioned in a document until 1240. Wizlaw I, Prince of the Principality of Rügen, is considered the founder of the city. In 1234 he ensured exemption from customs duties as well as fishing rights and granted Stralsund city rights. Because the Stralsund people were once supported by the Swedes in the fight against Wallenstein, they were subject to the Swedish crown for almost 200 years. In 1815, Stralsund finally became part of the Prussian Kingdom.

Through international trade, the city became prosperous, which is still noticeable in the cityscape today. In 2002, the Hanseatic city was awarded the title of “UNESCO World Heritage Site” because of its historic old town.

Sights in Stralsund

Port of Stralsund, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

The town’s landmark is the old town hall with its striking façade. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Nikolaikirche from 1276 and other interesting buildings. Stralsund is also defined by its colourful town houses from the Hanseatic era with their characteristic gables, which shine in new splendour. This special shape embodied the power and wealth of the former merchants.

In addition to St. Nicholas’ Church, there are numerous other new and old places of worship. Particularly worth mentioning are St. Mary’s Church, once the tallest building in the world, and St. Jakobi’s Church. All three city churches impress with their brick facades.

Stralsund also has some monasteries, but today they have different purposes: The St. Catherine’s Monastery houses the Cultural History Museum and the German Oceanographic Museum, the St. John’s Monastery houses the city archive, the St. Jürgen am Strande monastery serves as accommodation for students and the Heilggeistkloster has also been converted into a residence. Finally, a number of green and park areas invite both two-legged and four-legged friends to take a walk.

Stralsund, city of the most interesting museums

It is not only in bad weather that you should visit one or more museums. The most popular are the museums of the German Oceanographic Museum Foundation, which are spread over four different locations. The former St. Catherine’s Monastery is home to the German Oceanographic Museum with Germany’s largest aquarium for sea turtles and over 30 other tanks with sea creatures from the Mediterranean and the tropics. On the harbour island, you can visit the Ozeaneum with a gigantic shoal fish tank. Here, the underwater worlds of the North Sea and Baltic Sea as well as the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean are impressive. The island of Kleiner Dänholm is home to the third museum: the Nautineum. This is about marine research and fisheries. The open-air museum Natureum is located outside Stralsund in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, at the northern tip of the Darß.

Another kind of “museum”, the Gorch Fock, is located in Stralsund harbour and can be visited.
Finally, the Cultural History Museum, as the oldest museum in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, should be mentioned. Exhibitions from the history of Pomerania are shown.

Stralsund, a city with a harbour

As early as the Middle Ages, Stralsund was one of the most important transshipment points and long-distance trading cities for fish, cloth, salt, grain and more. Today, the port area consists of the city harbor as well as the south and north harbors. The latter two are transshipment points, while the city harbour is a popular meeting place for guests and locals alike with a real maritime flair. Ferries and passenger ships depart from here from time to time. The harbor tours are recommended. Numerous events, cosy bars and good restaurants invite you to linger.

At the north pier you can go far into the water. As a side effect, there is a fantastic view of yachts, the white-green lighthouse, the Rügen dam as well as the Rügen Bridge and finally the silhouette of Stralsund.

Stralsund, a city for relaxation and bathing pleasures

Stralsund Town Hall — The town hall of Stralsund, Image: Nina Alizada / shutterstock

With numerous green spaces and the immediate proximity to the sea, Stralsund ensures that guests can breathe in healthy air and enjoy a high recreational value.
Even though Stralsund is not the fashionable seaside resort par excellence, it does have a large beach with fine sand, where you can enjoy sun, sand and sea almost like on the Mediterranean. So let’s go to the seaside resort on the Strelasund!

Stralsund, a city for active people

There are numerous opportunities to get active in and around the city. In addition to forays through the city and along the water, a number of well-developed cycle paths offer the opportunity for day trips or multi-day trips. A breathtaking landscape is a constant companion.
Walks through one of the many parks or along the Sund promenade offer relaxation and fantastic views for people who like to walk and/or with their dog.
If you want to take it a little easier and are interested in fishing, you will encounter great biodiversity both on the Strelasund and in the Bodden waters off Rügen: zander, sea trout, pike, eels and co. are waiting to be fished.

Water rats can let off steam both in the north of the city – at the lido – and in the south – at Devin Beach. You can expect a wide sandy beach next to good water quality. Leisure fun in different theme worlds is offered by the HanseDom, an amusement park with sauna and water adventure world.

During the city tours, visitors get to know the historic old town as well as interesting stories about Stralsund.

A city with special events

Actually, there is always something going on in and around Stralsund, but the following events are particularly worth mentioning:

The Harbour Festival in June
The Wallenstein Days in the summer in memory of the resistance during the siege by the general
The Rügen Bridge Run in October
The Christmas market on the Old and New Market is the oldest of its kind in the Baltic Sea region

City of culinary delights

Stralsund is considered the cradle of the original Bismarck herring. In 1871, the merchant and fishmonger Johann Wiechmann gave his freshly caught, bone-freed herring from the Baltic Sea, which was soaked in a sour broth and shipped in small wooden barrels, to the then Chancellor Otto von Bismarck as a birthday present. Since then, this specialty, which is sold on almost every corner of Stralsund, has been called “Bismarck herring”.

In addition to numerous other fish dishes, the beer of the Stralsund brewery is considered a local specialty. The brewery was founded in 1827, received numerous awards and has been operating under the name “Störtebeker Braumanufaktur” since 2012.

Luxembourg – A small country in a big way

PatrickJullien

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16. July 2025

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Luxembourg – A small country in a big way

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Grand Duchy with many tasks and special features

With an area of only 2,586 km², Luxembourg is a small country in this respect. Nevertheless, it has great and diverse things to offer:

The Grand Duke is multicultural, with almost 50 percent of the approximately 600,000 inhabitants being foreigners. Three languages are spoken: Luxembourgish (Letzebuergisch) as the national language and German, French and Luxembourgish as the official language.
Luxembourg has three direct neighbours: Germany, France and Belgium. Together with its neighbour Belgium and the Netherlands, it forms the Benelux countries.
It is a member of NATO, the UN, as well as the EU, the European Union. The capital of the same name is the venue for the Council of the EU
Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Economic Community (EEC)
Luxembourg City is home to several important European institutions: the administrative headquarters of the EU, the seat of the European Court of Auditors, the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank.
The international agreement for the abolition of stationary border controls in the area of the participating states, the so-called “Schengen Agreement”, was signed in the town of Schengen.

Cultural heritage, traditions and natural beauties

Luxembourg, Philharmonie — The Philharmonie Luxembourg, Image: Reinhard Tiburzy / shutterstock

Our neighbouring country of Luxembourg is full of sights. Numerous historical places, museums, castles, ruins or monuments bear witness to a rich past, tradition and beauty. It is not for nothing that UNESCO has elevated many places to World Heritage status. The capital itself is particularly worth seeing.

The landscape of Luxembourg is very varied. In particular, there are the rather rugged Luxembourg Ardennes, the famous Mullerthal with its bizarre rock formations or the vineyards in the Moselle Valley.

Industry, agriculture and trade played a major role in the country’s past. Numerous industrial museums still tell of it today. These include the Slate Mining Museum in Haut-Martelange or the Industrial and Railway Park in Differdange/Pétange.

Last but not least, there are numerous traditional and interesting festivals that attract numerous visitors from all over the world in various towns every year. An example would be the jumping procession in Echternach.

Luxembourg City, a capital with charm

Luxembourg, Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes — The Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes, Image: nito / shutterstock

One of the most important sights of the Grand Duchy is without question the capital. It has twice received the “European Capital of Culture” award and the old town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxembourg City is culturally and historically an unmistakably impressive city where multicultural life pulsates.

A stunning location

Luxembourg is a city with many faces: on the one hand, gigantic, modern buildings and luxurious shops dominate, and on the other hand, the well-preserved remains of the medieval fortifications are enthroned high above as the city’s landmark. Deep gorges are formed by the rivers Alzette and Pétrusse, which seem to encircle the city. An extremely beautiful panorama of this can be obtained from the view from the ramparts down into the valley.

Dive into the underworld

If you are in the Luxembourg capital, you can’t help but marvel at the fortress known as the “Gibraltar of the North”. You should definitely venture into the “underworld” there. A visit to the gigantic casemates is a must for every visitor. In the Bock casemates, which were used for defence from the 17th century onwards, the visitor enters the caves and passages carved into the rock and experiences a journey through time par excellence. A prison, a dungeon and the city’s birthplace, the archaeological crypt, as well as some fantastic views “outside” offer a breathtaking experience for the whole family.

If you want to soak up a lot of city history, you can entrust yourself to the approximately 5.5 km long “Wenceslas Trail”, a circular route that has casemates, defensive walls and citadels as cornerstones.

Detour into a fairytale world

The Mullerthal, also known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland”, is a breathtaking landscape that you can expect to encounter elves and gnomes at any time when you cross it. Almost like in a fairytale forest…

Luxembourg, Mullerthal — The Mullerthal, Image: Sabino Parente / shutterstock

But what is special about the Mullerthal? Quite simply: it is an ideal hiking area with gigantic rock formations that leave a lot of room for the imagination, with romantic streams, beautiful small villages with castle ruins such as Larochette or Beaufort, impressive panoramas of the valley of the Sûre and, of course, the landmark of the region, the Schiessentümpel, where water forms a fairytale situation.

Hiking is not only the miller’s delight…

In the Mullerthal, several longer and shorter hiking trails are well signposted. The most famous is the Mullerthal Trail, a hiking route of 112 km consisting of three routes. The tours can also be done independently of each other and, of course, expanded. The starting point of the hike can also be chosen individually. A large red M is pointing the way.
No matter where and how, you will definitely go to some spectacular natural sites such as the Schiessentümpel or the Wolfsschlucht. Truly gigantic rock formations await hikers at almost every corner. But also the castle of Beaufort and Echternach with its lake and excavation site are on the list of the Mullerthal Trail. Once again an experience for the whole family!

Luxembourg – You have to see it!

Luxembourg, European Court of Justice — The European Court of Justice, Image: nitpicker / shutterstock

In principle, the whole of Luxembourg is worth a trip, some destinations have already been mentioned. However, there are certain places that are simply a must. They either originate from the past or are recommended due to special natural beauties or events.

Castles in Luxembourg

Approximately in the middle of Luxembourg is the “Valley of the Seven Castles” – the Eisch Valley – with the 37 km long hiking trail of the same name, which leads past all seven castles and palaces in the region. The cornerstones of the hike are the Fockeschlass in Koerich and the castle in Mersch.
Directly on the border with Germany is the village of Vianden with the almost 1,000-year-old castle with manor house. This is said to have been built on the foundations of a Roman fort and a Carolingian refuge. After the restoration, both can now be visited

Villages

Luxembourg, Monument of Grand-Duchess Charlotte — Monument of Grand-Duchess Charlotte, Image: Valentin Ivantsov / shutterstock

Vianden or Veinen, located in the Ardennes and on the Our, has not only the castle but also the Sodality Chapel and the Trinitarian Church as sights to offer.

Clervaux, also known by its French name Clervaux, is located in the heart of Luxembourg’s Ardennes and, despite its small size, is a “great” place. Clervaux, for example, has a castle that houses three interesting visitor magnets: the War Museum, which provides information about the Battle of the Bulge, an exhibition with models of the country’s castles and palaces, as well as the famous UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage, the photo exhibition “The Family of Man” by Edward Steichen, which gave the city the nickname “City of Images”.

In the border triangle of Germany, France and Luxembourg, the small but famous wine-growing village of Schengen on the Moselle can be found. Here, in 1985, the famous Schengen Agreement was signed on the “MS Princesse Marie-Astrid”, which set the milestone for the abolition of controls at the European borders of some countries. Interesting information can be found today in the “Europe Direct” and especially in the “Musée Européen Schengen”. In addition to the historic ship, the remains of a moated castle from the early Middle Ages, a church and a castle as well as the baroque castle garden are the historical sights of the city.

Luxembourg, Vianden Castle — Vianden Castle, Image: Sergey Novikov / shutterstock

Echternach an der Sauer is the oldest city in Luxembourg and a stone’s throw from Germany. The market square, towers and remains of the former city wall and the narrow, winding streets still bear witness to medieval charm today. Also worth mentioning are the “Denzëlt”, the former court of justice, the Peter and Paul church with its frescoes and the Romanesque basilica, whose crypt houses the tomb of Saint Willibrord. On the outskirts of the city is a leisure centre with a lake and the “Roman Villa”. Here the visitor will find excavations from the 1st to 5th centuries, an exhibition about the life of the “ancient” Romans and much more.
Once a small settlement of boatmen and fishermen, Remich on the Moselle has become a respected wine village to this day. The city’s landmark is the Bacchus Fountain. Surrounded by vineyards and forest, the Battle of Remich against the Vikings took place here in 882. Today it is much more peaceful, today only the tourists storm the place.

Other places worth mentioning are Ettelbruck, where beer is said to flow from a donkey fountain at certain times, and Diekirch with the National Museum of Military History and a Bee and Beer Museum. In the former mining town of Rumelange, you can now learn interesting facts about this industry in the mining museum and drive into the tunnels like the miners once did. Esch-sur-Sûre is particularly impressive. The remains of an old fortress are enthroned on a steeply sloping rockslide. The town itself is almost completely engulfed by the Sûre. In the immediate vicinity is the Sauer dam with lake and leisure facilities.

Luxembourg – festivals, celebrations & traditions

Luxembourg Christmas Market — The Christmas market in Luxembourg, Image: FamVeld / shutterstock

Probably the best-known and most spectacular traditional festival is the Echternach Hopping Procession, which takes place on the Tuesday after Pentecost. That’s when the participants jump from the former abbey to the basilica in the archipelago. The purpose is to honour Saint Willibrord, who set off from here to work as a missionary in northern Germany. The procession is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous people from all over the world every year.

Not quite as spectacular, but also worth seeing are the annual medieval festival in Vianden and the nut market in October.

The carnival customs of various municipalities in Luxembourg are also interesting. For example, the carnival parade in Diekirch is one of the most worth seeing. In Remich, the carnival season ends by burning a straw doll on the Moselle bridge on Ash Wednesday. The flames are supposed to drive away the evil winter spirits.

In Wiltz, the Gënzefest, the Broom Festival, is accompanied by a colourful flower parade at Pentecost.

Bolzano – Tourist highlight in Italian South Tyrol

Italy

PatrickJullien

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11. July 2025

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Bolzano – Tourist highlight in Italian South Tyrol

In the Italian South Tyrol, an urban highlight awaits: Bolzano. The university town is framed by the alpine panorama of the region and today functions as the provincial capital of South Tyrol. The largest city in South Tyrol is correspondingly versatile with its cultural and tourist opportunities. It is a centre of the culturally multifaceted and distinctive region of South Tyrol that is well worth visiting. If you want to spend your holiday in the Italian autonomous province south of the Austrian Tyrol, Bolzano should not be missed.

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Experience South Tyrol – History, culture and culinary delights in Bolzano

The most striking reasons for the tourist attractiveness of the South Tyrolean city are grouped around Bolzano: the alpine foothills of the Fiemme Valley Alps, Sarntal Alps and the Nornsberg Group. With its Alpine panorama, the city impressively underlines how closely South Tyrol is interwoven with the nature and culture of Alpine life. The lively home of more than 100,000 inhabitants also stands for a rural connection and is of enormous importance for the region, in whose conurbation about 250,000 people are at home. The city region was already populated in prehistoric times – which made the enormous attraction of the region clear early on. Finally, in the Middle Ages, an important settlement grew up here, which today has become an irreplaceable centre of South Tyrol.

The historic alleys, castles and sacred buildings are a reminder of the multifaceted history and are thus an important starting point for understanding South Tyrol culturally and touristically. South Tyrol’s winegrowing is flourishing in the surrounding area, which is known for regionally distinctive grape varieties such as Vernatsch and Lagrein. From Tramin, about 25 kilometres to the south, comes the world-famous Gewürztraminer. South Tyrolean cuisine, the facets of which can also be discovered in Bolzano, is characterised by bread varieties such as Vinschgauer, Räuscherfleisch and bacon, soups and Schupfnudeln as well as specialities such as Schöpsernes, Strauben and Krapfen. If you want to take a culinary tour in South Tyrol, Bolzano is the right place for you.

Castles, religious buildings and museums – Places of interest in Bolzano

Walther Square Bolzano — Piazza Walther in Bolzano, Image: Paolo Bona / shutterstock

Picturesque and historic streets, striking arcades and market squares characterise the old centre of Bolzano. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stayed in Bolzano on his trip to Italy in the late 18th century, as evidenced by the Goethe Street named after him and the nearby fruit market, which Goethe described in detail at the time in his work of the same name, Italian Journey. The central square of Bolzano is the Walther Square, which commemorates another poet: Walther von der Vogelweide. The Walther monument – a marble statue with a fountain – in the heart of the square is dedicated to the medieval poet. In Bindergasse you can discover some rustic inns and old buildings. Here, in the historic Gasthof zum Pfau, the Perlaggen card game was invented around 1833, which is now recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Bolzano is also attracting greater attention thanks to the South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology, where the world-famous man from the Tinsenjoch, also known as Ötzi, is kept. The museum, which opened in the 90s, contains archaeological finds, mainly from the Alpine region, which illuminate various historical epochs starting with the Stone Age. There are also regular special exhibitions. Visitors interested in culture can discover the Municipal Museum and the South Tyrol Museum of Nature in Bolzano at the same time. The mountaineer and adventurer Reinhold Messner is responsible for the Messner Mountain Museum, some of whose exhibits can also be seen in Bolzano.

The long and interesting history of the region is remembered by the many castles and castle buildings in and around the city region. One of the most famous buildings of this kind is Runkelstein Castle, which was built in the 13th century in today’s city region of Bolzano. The building is known nationwide thanks to its medieval frescoes, some of which are very well preserved. In the green scenery near Bolzano lies Maretsch Castle, which was built in the same era as Runkelstein Castle – in the 13th century. Sightseeing tours and events bring visitors closer to the idyllically situated castle and its history in a variety of ways. Some of Bolzano’s important sacred buildings also present themselves magnificently to travellers. One of the most famous is certainly the Cathedral of Bolzano – also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. As early as the 12th century, a predecessor building in Romanesque style stood here, and today’s late Gothic building was built around 1300. With its rich culture and multifaceted sights, Bolzano presents itself as an important gateway to the South Tyrol region – and a highlight for all travellers to Italy, as Goethe already knew.

Excursions – Alpine nature and South Tyrolean sightseeing

Lake Caldaro, South Tyrol — Lake Caldaro is a wonderful holiday destination for the whole family, Image: Sigena-S. / shutterstock

If you stop for a bite to eat in Bolzano, you will find yourself directly in the alpine region of South Tyrol – with all its natural highlights and hiking trails. The South Tyrolean Wine Road with its vineyards and its green natural beauty also runs along here. One of the popular local recreation destinations for nature lovers is Lake Caldaro, about 20 kilometres south of Bolzano. The lake, which was formed during the last ice age, is just as much a hotspot for holiday recreation as it is for winegrowing. The region is also home to the two idyllically situated Monticolo lakes. Bolzano is a good starting point for getting to know the most famous sights in South Tyrol – about 30 kilometres to the southeast is the idyllic Lake Carezza, the beautiful wine village of St. Magdalena with its mountain panorama is not far from the city centre, and day trips to Lake Braies and other top destinations are also possible. One thing is clear: the whole beauty of South Tyrol unfolds at the gates of Bolzano.

The most beautiful resorts in Formentera

PatrickJullien

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11. July 2025

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The most beautiful resorts in Formentera

The island of Formentera is located about nine kilometers south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea and belongs to the Balearic Islands. The island is about 19 kilometers long and has about 70 kilometers of coastline. With an area of 82 square kilometres, Formentera is the second smallest inhabited island in the Balearic Islands. In fact, about 12,300 people live permanently on the island, but only about a quarter come from there.

Due to tourism, the population of Formentera has more than tripled since the seventies and especially since the turn of the millennium. This was initially due to the arrival of workers and, since the nineties, increasingly to people who have decided to live permanently on the island.

As long as the interior of the island is not used for agriculture, such as viticulture, pine forests and juniper grow there. Catalan has been spoken in Formentera since the 13th century.

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The climate of Formentera

The climate in Formentera is temperate subtropical. With an average annual temperature of over 16 degrees, Formentera is the warmest island of the Balearic Islands, but also the driest due to the low rainfall.

The mass tourism of the nineties, like all the islands of the Balearic Islands, has of course also shaped Formentera, but not to the same extent as the other islands. Formentera has largely been spared the ruthless construction boom that has given other islands soulless concrete castles, the beaches are still almost completely unspoiled, and the hotels are essentially concentrated in a single place. Formentera has been able to retain much of its original tranquillity. This is certainly also due to the fact that the island can only be reached by ship. Nevertheless, about 450,000 passengers arrive at the ferry port of La Savina every year.

The towns in Formentera are San Francesc de Formentera, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, Es Cap de Barbaria, Es Pujols, El Pilar de la Mola, La Savina and Es Caló.

San Francesc de Formentera

San Francesc de Formentera is the main town of the island. Sometimes, however, the place is also called San Frances Xavier; the Spanish name is San Francisco. “Hauptort” because the town hall, the main post office and the police station are located here. Actually, Formentera is not further divided politically. San Francesc has about 1,400 inhabitants in the town and about 1,700 in the surrounding area.

In San Francesc there are good restaurants and also good shops. In addition, the daily art market takes place here in the season, where not only arts and crafts and jewellery are offered, but also, for example, clothing and – for “self-propellants” – wool.

Sights in the village are the fortified church of San Francesc Xavier from the 18th century and the chapel of Sa Tanca Vella from the 14th, possibly even from the 13th century. There is also an interesting ethnological museum in the village, the “Museu Etnològic”.

In San Francesc de Formentera, the feast of the patron saint of the island, St. James (Festa de San Jaume), is celebrated on 25 July and the feast of the patron saint of the town (Festa de Sant Francesc) on 3 December. About three kilometres from the centre of the village is the port of La Savina.

Sant Ferran de ses Roques

The town of Sant Ferran, in Spanish San Fernando, is located directly east of San Francesc. The village itself has about 1,000 inhabitants, another 2,000 live in the area. San Ferran was the center of hippie culture on Formentera in the sixties. Speaking of “hippie culture: the Canadian songwriter Joni Mitchell wrote part of her famous album “Blue” in Formentera in 1970.

On 30 May, Sant Ferran celebrates the Festa de Sant Ferran, the feast day of the patron saint of the town.

El Cap del Barbaria

Cala Saona, Formentera — Cala Saona beach, Image: Sergio TB / shutterstock

The “Barbarian Cape” is particularly known for its outstanding sight in the truest sense of the word, the lighthouse on a cape over 100 meters high. The American songwriter and current Nobel Prize winner for literature Bob Dylan lived in the lighthouse for a while in the seventies.

Es Pujols

The town of Es Pujols is the place where tourism is concentrated in Formentera. Es Pujols has less than 900 inhabitants, but it is home to almost all the hotels on the island and all the facilities relevant to tourism, such as restaurants, bars and discos. Formentera’s tourist nightlife is almost exclusively found in Es Pujols. The town is located on an almost two-kilometre-long bay with the beach Playa d’Es Pujols. In the high season, there are regular buses from Es Pujols to the other towns on the island.

El Pilar de la Mola

El Pilar is a small town with only about 200 inhabitants. Another 600 people live in the vicinity of the village.

Worth seeing in the village are a pretty 18th century church reminiscent of Cubism despite its age, an old windmill and especially another lighthouse of the island, the Far de la Mola. It was built in 1860. Here is a memorial stone in honour of the French writer Jules Vernes, in whose novel “Journey through the World of the Sun” the lighthouse plays a role. The lighthouse stands on a cape almost 150 meters high.

In El Pilar de La Mola there is also a craft market twice a week during the tourist season.

A small town that belongs to El Pilar de la Mola is Es Caló, which was once the only port in Formentera before the port in La Savina was opened. Es Caló has a fine sandy beach about 100 meters long and 25 meters wide. The harbour itself is still in operation for pleasure and fishing boats.

Holidays in the village are 24 June, St. John’s Day, and 12 October, the feast day of the patron saint Pilar.

La Savina

La Savina, Spanish name La Sabina, has about 800 inhabitants and is home to the port of the island of Formentera. This is where ferries coming from Ibiza and the Spanish mainland dock and depart. With the Far de La Savina, this place also has a lighthouse worth seeing.

Other sights

Near the town of Es Pujols, on the Punta Prima headland, there is a defensive tower dating back to the Middle Ages. Also near Es Pujols is the salt lake Estany Pudent with its salt pans used for salt production.

Beaches in Formentera

Platja de Migjorn, Image: Naeblys / shutterstock

“Migjorn” is the name of the south coast of Formentera. Here there are more than five kilometers of beach after beach, only interrupted by rocky areas. Each beach has its own name: Mal Pas, Es Ca Marí, Es Racó Fondo, Es Codol Foradat, Es Valencians beach, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. The most popular beaches are Ca Mair, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. Since the winter ocean currents reshape the landscape here every year, the beaches can look different from year to year. There are numerous restaurants and hotels in this area of the island, although most of the tourist facilities are located in the town of Es Pujols.

The town of Es Caló has a fine-grained sandy beach about 100 meters long and 25 meters wide. Hotels and restaurants can also be found here. On a long headland northwest of Es Pujols there are beaches, the most famous is Platja de Ses Illetes and right next to the beach Llevant, less known, but at least as beautiful and much quieter.

Cavall d’en Borràs beach is only about two kilometres from the port of La Savina and is therefore also well suited for a day trip from Ibiza with its crystal clear waters. Cala Saona beach can be reached from Cap de Barbaria and is located between two cliffs.

The beach of the main tourist town of Es Pujols stretches over a length of 600 meters. Another nearby and somewhat quieter beach is Sa Roqueta. Restaurants and hotels can be found on all the beaches, although, again, Es Pujols is the tourist heart of the island of Formentera. By the way, nude bathing is allowed practically everywhere on the island.

Holidays on Koh Chang

Thailand

PatrickJullien

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6. July 2025

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The many islands around Thailand have been among the favorite destinations of German vacationers for years. One of them, however, has developed into a special insider tip in recent years: Koh Chang. Located a little away from the typical tourist regions, the island has only become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Here you will not only find the wonderful white beaches that many travelers have come to appreciate about Thailand , but also a variety of opportunities for excursions into the interior of the island, which is almost untouched to this day and attracts with impressive nature.

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What do you need to know about Koh Chang?

Actually, it is surprising that the island has only developed into a popular destination for holidaymakers in recent years and has only been developed for tourism during this time. After all, it is the second largest island in Thailand. It is located near the border with Cambodia and is also known as Elephant Island due to its unique shape. Life on the island is mainly concentrated in the coastal areas – the inner part of the island is not really habitable, but offers a beautiful landscape, as it is typical for the region, but did not have to give way to tourism on the island.

If you would like to spend your holidays on the island, you will have to travel by ferry, which runs several times a day. As a rule, you would land at the airport in Trat, which can be easily reached from Bangkok. From here, it takes about an hour by boat to the island, where its own coastal towns have adapted very well to the increasing number of tourists and offer a good infrastructure when it comes to the onward journey to the hotel on the island.

What particularly appeals to holidaymakers about Koh Chang?

Koh Chang, Thailand — Koh Chang, Image: Songdech Kothmongkol / shutterstock

Holidaymakers on Koh Chang either take advantage of the many great beaches and opportunities for recreation or they are looking for a piece of the untouched landscape in the core of the island. Above all, however, the beach vacation is the focus of most travelers. The entire coastline of the island is a bit hilly and offers great conditions all year round – perhaps one reason why the island has already been given the nickname Good Weather Island. In the meantime, most beaches are also well developed for tourism and therefore offer all the amenities you could wish for for a beach holiday in Thailand. From good food to fun and activities in the sand, everything is on offer. Most hotels also offer exclusive beach areas. If you go on a search, you will still find almost unvisited beaches in some parts, where you have a little piece of paradise almost to yourself.

Arguably the largest and most popular beach on the island is White Sand Beach. It is located right near Haad Sai Khao and thus the tourist center of the island. If you are looking for a rather young crowd and the famous backpackers and beach parties of Thailand, you will certainly find what you are looking for at Lonely Beach – you should not be confused by the name. You can always find like-minded people here. Haad Kai Bae Beach is the direct opposite. A bit remote, it takes a little effort to land here. But you will find what is probably the most beautiful beach the island has to offer, which makes a unique picture, especially at high tide.

Activities and other excursions on the island

Than Mayom Waterfall, Koh Chang — Than Mayom Waterfall, Image: StrippedPixel.com / shutterstock

Hikes and trekking are particularly popular with many holidaymakers. It is not uncommon for the tours to be drawn to the interior of the island. On small paths, you will discover the green lung of the island and come across a multitude of waterfalls that break through the rocky landscape. With local guides, you can take a look at what Thailand would still look like in many places without tourism. But not only hikes are very popular – after all, you want to take advantage of the wonderfully clear sea. Snorkeling and diving are particularly popular on various sections of the beach and are offered here by many professional companies. Together with the boat trips around the island, they are probably the best way to explore Koh Chang from a different side.

When it comes to sights, you should definitely take a look at the small coastal town of Bang Bao. Not only the small lighthouse is worth a long look here. It is above all the many restaurants in the village that invite you to good Thai food and fresh seafood directly by the sea.

Culture and nightlife on Koh Chang

In the meantime, the island has completely adapted to the demands of tourists. Not only are there restaurants in different national cuisines and accommodation in almost every price range, but the nightlife has also developed accordingly. Especially in the larger touristic parts of the island there are many bars and clubs. In addition, there are the many beach parties, which usually arise spontaneously, but can actually be found everywhere on the island, especially in the high season. In this way, adventure can be wonderfully combined with relaxation.

Ardèche in the south of France

France

PatrickJullien

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3. July 2025

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The Ardèche is a river in southern France and gives its name to the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Ardèche is about 125 kilometres long from its source at Astet to its mouth in the Rhône at Point-Saint-Esprit. A large part of it flows through densely populated area that you don’t have to see.

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Impressive gorge

Of particular tourist interest is the lower reaches of the Ardèche, where it flows through a narrow gorge, the Gorges de l’Ardèche, between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. The area is a protected area as La Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l’Ardèche. The biggest sights of the gorge are the natural rock arch Pont d’Arc, which spans the Ardèche like a portal, and the Cirque de Madeleine river loop. The Pont d’Arc in particular has made the Ardèche gorge famous: 60 m long and 54 m high, it spans the river, making it one of the most famous Instagram motifs in the area. The Pont d’Arc is the must-see spot when visiting the Ardèche! The tourist centre of the region is the nearby village of Valon-Pont-d’Arc, where there are several campsites as well as hotels and guesthouses. One of the campsites is even located in the immediate vicinity of the Pont d’Arc.

The D290 panoramic road runs along the northern edge of the gorge with countless curves and allows a view of the impressive limestone gorge and the Cirque de Madeleine river loop at several vantage points. To actually experience the Ardèche on its most beautiful section, however, you have to leave the vehicle and descend into the gorge. There are several hiking trails that descend to the Ardèche from the edges of the gorge and follow its banks for several kilometers.

Crossing the Ardèche by boat

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Ardèche — Impressive sight in the village of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Image: JeanLucIchard / shutterstock

An even more intense way to experience the Ardèche is to travel the gorge by canoe or kayak. The Ardèche is a white water, but relatively easy to navigate, so beginners and families with older children (usually a minimum age of seven years is recommended) can also venture on this tour. In the meantime, the Ardèche has long since ceased to be an insider tip, there are numerous boat rentals in the two towns of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. In summer, there is a lot going on on the river, and the pebble beach at the iconic rock arch is then covered with boats and resting tourists. On peak days, especially during the French summer holidays in July and August, there are a few thousand who pass through the gorge! If you want a little more peace and quiet, you should therefore come in June or September. The descent for beginners is only recommended in the months of April to November; in winter, the Ardèche is much more difficult, so only experienced whitewater rafting should venture onto the river.

There are different variants for navigating the gorge: the shortest is around eight kilometres long, the longest 36 kilometres, and in between there are variants 12, 24 and 32 kilometres long. You can only leave the gorge by boat at a few points, so you have to think about how long you want to be on the road beforehand.

The tour operators transport their customers from the meeting point to the starting point and back again; therefore, it doesn’t really matter whether you choose a provider at the northern end or at the southern end, you have to cover a distance with the tour provider’s bus anyway. Most tours start near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc at the top of the gorge. You can ski the gorge at your own pace and take a break at your leisure, as the tour length is designed in such a way that you can get through in one day in any case.

Different variants

The easiest is the eight-kilometre tour from Vallon to Chames, which involves crossing three easy rapids: Les Blachas, Les Branches and Le Charlemagne. For this you have to estimate about two hours of pure paddling time, so there is plenty of time for breaks. Also suitable for the inexperienced is the 12-kilometre tour, which starts a little further up, in Les Mazes, and also ends in Chames. The Pont d’Arc rock arch can be seen in both variants.

The variants in the lower part of the gorge are considered more difficult – not because of the additional rapids, but because of their length, which requires some practice and endurance. That’s why they are usually ridden in two-day tours. An overnight stay in a tent at the bottom of the gorge is one of the greatest experiences you can have in the Ardèche! However, bivouacking is only allowed at the two official tent campsites Château de Gaud and Bivouac du Gournier. These two-day tours can also be booked with commercial providers, who then also take care of the mandatory reservation.

Grotte Chauvet

In 1994, one of the most impressive legacies of the Paleolithic Age was found on the slopes of the gorge near the Pont d’Arc: the walls of the Grotte Chauvet cave are covered all over with impressive rock paintings! However, these are so sensitive that even scientists are only allowed to enter the cave to a very limited extent. In order to make the grotto accessible to the general public, a copy was built near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the “Grotte Chauvet 2”. Even if it is not the original, visiting this replica is an impressive experience!

Camping in the Ardèche

In the Ardèche, there are a large number of campsites spread throughout the department, offering a wide range of experiences, from recreational areas close to nature to active holidays with water sports and other outdoor activities. Some of the most popular destinations in the Ardèche are Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Berrias-et-Casteljau, Rosières, Ruoms, Sampzon, Salavas, Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, Saint-Alban-Auriolles, Lagorce and Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Campsites in the Ardèche offer various accommodation and facilities, including mobile homes, chalets, bungalows, cottages and traditional tent sites. Many campsites are located in scenic locations, often near rivers, and offer activities such as kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming. Among the well-known campsites are “Le Soleil Vivarais” in Sampzon, “Le Pommier” in Villeneuve-de-Berg, “La Plage Fleurie” and “La Roubine” in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, “Domaine de Sevenier & Spa” in Lagorce and many others.

For a detailed list and descriptions of the various campsites in the Ardèche, you can visit the following websites:

The climate in the Ardèche region

Month	Average temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)
January	5	45
February	6	40
March	9	50
April	12	55
May	16	60
June	20	45
July	23	30
August	22	40
September	19	55
October	14	60
November	9	50
December	6	45

Sicily: One of the most beautiful islands in Italy

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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3. July 2025

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Sicily: One of the most beautiful islands in Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean! It is located southwest of the Italian mainland, below the tip of the boot. The island was once formed from a headland that connected Africa and Europe millions of years ago. Sicily is known for its striking vegetation, which it owes to one of the main attractions of the island – the volcano Etna. Well-known cities in Sicily are: Palermo, Messina, Syracuse and Catania.

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Sicily inspires

Castellammare del Golfo near Palermo, Image: wiesdie / shutterstock

Experience diversity in a confined space! Sicily impresses with its cities, historic architecture and a natural landscape of contrasts. The rugged beauty of Mount Etna is paired with the crystal clear sea and white beaches. The colourful, blooming island paradise by the sea stands in complete contrast to a barren, sulphur-rich landscape inland. The greatest natural attraction in Sicily is Mount Etna.

Today, the volcano is considered the most active in Europe and, at 3,340 meters, is also the highest. Mount Etna is not only a popular photo motif, in the winter months the region around the volcano turns into a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. But the volcano is also a popular destination for nature lovers in summer – the volcano tours are recommended!

If you want to explore the island on your own, you should plan a round trip. There are so many beautiful things to discover. On the one hand, there are the well-known cities of Sicily such as the island’s capital Palermo. The student city offers well-known sights such as the cathedral, the opera house or the Palazzo Reale. End the day in a cozy restaurant in the picturesque bay of Palermo.

Catania Skyline — Image: NAPA / shutterstock

The journey continues to Catania. The second largest city in Sicily is located on the east coast of the island and impresses visitors with its fantastic location, not far from Mount Etna. Start your stroll through the city at Piazza Duomo and visit the Castello Ursino. At the gates of the city there is also one of the most beautiful nature reserves on the island “Oasi del Simeto”. It’s worth a visit! Messina is also worth a visit. The city is located a few kilometers away from the mainland of Italy and is also known as the gate of Sicily due to the “Stretto di Messina”. If you are visiting the city centre, you should not miss the view into the interior of the Cattedrale di San Maria Assunta. It is also worth taking a detour to the city’s natural harbour. It is located in a picturesque bay and is a well-known photo motif of Sicily.

The excursion highlights in Sicily

Palermo, Sicily — The Cathedral of Palermo, Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock

One of the most popular seaside resorts in Sicily is certainly Taormina! The town is located between Messina and Catania, on a rock not far from the sea. In addition to quiet, unspoilt sandy beaches, there is a rich vegetation and beautiful places with sea views. This is how romantic holiday evenings can be realised and unforgettable sunsets can be enjoyed! From here, you can take a day trip by boat to the island of Isola Bella. The alleys of the city are known for the colorful, small houses and shops. Other popular seaside resorts are located at the gates of Palermo.

There are several beaches and small, enchanting bays here. It gets especially crowded on the main beach: “Mondello Beach”. Many Palermo residents spend their summer days here and the bay is also a popular terrain for water sports enthusiasts. In the evening, Mondello is transformed into a hip nightlife district. Here, night owls will find great bars and clubs for dancing and partying. Other popular holiday resorts in Sicily are: Marina di Ragusa, Syracuse and the small town of San Vito Lo Capo.

Sicilian specialties

The island also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights: for example, visit the small jam factory “Laboratorio artigianale Biosolnatura” in Carlentini. The area has always been known for its extensive lemon plantations. The country’s most beautiful citrus fruits grow here. Unfortunately, the yellow fruits are hardly processed anymore. Three young Sicilian women wanted to change that. They have made it their mission to carry the taste of Sicily out into the world in a jam jar. By the way: Also a great souvenir to take home! But oranges and especially the reddish shimmering blood organs also thrive wonderfully on the island. In the eastern provinces of Sicily: Enna, Ragusa, Catania and Syracuse you will find the largest plantations. Three well-known varieties such as Moro, Sanguinello or Tarocco grow here.

Due to the nutrient-rich soil, to which the island owes its volcano Etna, the nutrient density of blood oranges is particularly high. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. This also benefits other products of the island such as the grapes that are processed into wine, the spicy olive oil or the pistachios that are harvested around the city of Bronte and sold throughout Europe. Another high-quality product of the island is made from the milk of the goat breed “capra Argentata dell ́Etna”. If you have the chance, be sure to try the fresh goat cheese.

The Orange Battle of Ivrea

If you want to experience a traditional Sicilian festival up close, you should travel to the small village of Ivrea during carnival. Then the inhabitants of the village celebrate their wild orange fight “Ivrea la battaglia della arance” again. It lasts a whole three days and at the end the alleys of Ivrea are covered with a thick carpet of oranges. According to legend, the bizarre carnival custom goes back to a feudal custom in the Middle Ages.

At that time, women were forced to spend their wedding night with a hideous nobleman from the neighborhood. Violetta, a young woman, did not want to accept this any longer and freed the women of Ivrea from the tyranny of men by beheading her superior husband on their wedding night. In the 30s, local girls became aware of the old story and began to throw confetti and flowers as well as oranges from their balconies at the passing carnival lists. This developed into a three-day orange fight, in which today around 500 tons of oranges are consumed. The spectacle is now known throughout Italy and attracts countless tourists to Ivrea every year.

Final tips for a holiday in Sicily

The best time to visit Sicily is the summer months from July to the end of August. Then the sun shines, become rich eleven hours a day and spoil the guests with hot temperatures of up to 40°C. If you don’t like it so hot, you should visit the island in spring or autumn. At this time, the temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 30°C.

Palau – picturesque islands in Micronesia

Oceania

PatrickJullien

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27. June 2025

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Palau – picturesque islands in Micronesia

If you come to Palau, a small island nation in Micronesia, for the first time, you will understand why the country is also called the “unspoiled paradise”: palm-fringed beaches, majestic limestone cliffs off the coast and crystal clear waters with an impressive biodiversity make every trip to Palau an unforgettable experience.

Palau is a state with over 300 islands, but only 11 of them are inhabited. The economic center as well as the former capital is Koror. In addition to many hotels, there are also cultural attractions such as the Etpison Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Palau, and the Palau Aquarium. Here you can admire the biodiversity of Micronesia’s underwater world behind glass.

Of course, you can also experience them live while snorkeling and diving , for example at the coral reefs of the Rock Islands. Scuba divers will get their money’s worth on a dive to the wrecks of sunken Japanese battleships and in the German Channel with its manta rays. A special highlight is the Chandelier Cave, an underwater cave with crystal clear water and bizarre rock formations, where you can also emerge and take off your mask.

Palau is known for its beautiful rocky islands, rich marine life, and world-class diving and snorkeling tours, Image: Ethan Daniels/shutterstock

If you just want to relax in the shade of palm trees, you will find a large selection of beautiful sandy beaches on Palau, for example on the island of Malakal, which is connected to Koror by a land bridge. A little further north is the jungle-surrounded Palau Pacific Resort, which not only has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches near Koror, but also a private coral reef. And if you are looking for a particularly secluded spot, you can take a boat tour to one of the many unpopulated or only sparsely populated islands. The island of Tobi, for example, impresses with pristine sandy beaches in the shade of dense coconut palms and is home to only about 20 inhabitants.

Palau also has unique natural wonders to offer away from the coast inland, including the Ngardok Nature Park with its lake and majestic waterfalls. A popular spot for hikers is the Nanyo Shrine on Koror Island, a remnant of Japanese rule during World War II. And if you want to learn more about the traditional life of Palau’s inhabitants, you should visit the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center. The local cuisine is also worth mentioning, which has absorbed many cultural influences, for example from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and the USA . Pichi-Pichi, a dessert made of cassava and coconut typical of Palau, is particularly popular.

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How to get to Palau?

Palau does not have a direct flight from Europe. The most common routes lead through Asian cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei or Manila. From these cities there are direct flights to Koror, the capital of Palau. It is advisable to compare different airlines and routes to find the best option for your specific needs and location.

What do I need to consider when planning a trip to Palau?

Travel planning: Consider flight times and possible stopovers. Sometimes an overnight stay in the stopover city may be required, depending on the flight schedules.

Visas and entry requirements: Check the visa requirements for your passport. Many countries, including Germany, do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Palau. However, make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Health and safety advice: Find out about any health risks and vaccination requirements. It is also advisable to check the current safety instructions and travel recommendations.

Accommodation and local transport: Plan your accommodation and transport in Palau in advance. There are a number of hotels and resorts, as well as options for local transportation, including rental cars and taxis.

Travel insurance: It is recommended to take out travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies and travel interruptions.

How much does a trip to Palau cost?

The cost of a trip from Germany to Palau can vary a lot, depending on several factors such as travel time, airline, type of accommodation, and planned activities. Here’s a rough estimate of the cost of a typical trip:

Flight costs: The flight is probably the most expensive part of the trip. The cost of a round-trip flight from Germany to Palau can vary from 1,000 to 2,500 euros or more, depending on the airline, the time of booking and the class of travel.
Accommodation: Prices for accommodation in Palau range from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Per night, the cost can range from around 50 euros for basic accommodation to several hundred euros for a luxury resort.
Food and living expenses: Daily expenses for food and drinks could range from 20 to 50 euros, depending on your lifestyle and the restaurants you choose.
Local transport: Rental cars, taxis or local transport can cost around 20 to 50 euros per day.
Activities and Tours: Palau is famous for its diving and snorkeling activities. A guided diving or snorkeling tour can cost between 100 and 200 euros per day.

Weather in Palau

Month	Average maximum temperature (°C)	Average low temperature (°C)	Average rainfall (mm)	Average number of rainy days
January	30	24	208	18
February	30	24	193	17
March	31	24	178	18
April	31	25	220	19
May	31	25	267	20
June	31	25	344	22
July	31	25	399	23
August	31	25	318	22
September	31	25	301	22
October	31	25	352	23
November	31	24	287	22
December	30	24	242	20

Keep in mind that these values are averages and may differ slightly each year. Palau experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity all year round. The rainy season lasts roughly from May to November, with most rainfall falling between July and October. The driest months are usually February and March. This climate chart can be helpful in determining the best time to visit Palau, especially if you plan activities such as diving or snorkeling.

Palm beaches, beautiful landscapes, a variety of leisure activities for the whole family and the friendly locals make Palau the ideal holiday destination for those looking for a tropical paradise under palm trees.

Travel information Palau

Capital	Ngerulmud
Form of government	Republic
Currency	U.S. Dollar (USD)
Area	approx. 459 km²
Population	approx. 17,500 (as of 2015)
Languages	Palauan and English In Angaur Japanese and Angaur, Sonsorolese in the Sonsorol Islands and Tobian in Tobi
Electricity grid	120 volts and 60Hz
Area code	+680
Time zone	UTC+9

Lake Balaton – pure relaxation

PatrickJullien

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26. June 2025

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Nestled in the western Hungarian landscape, Lake Balaton is considered the second most popular travel destination in Hungary. The pleasant climate, a beautiful landscape, hot springs and numerous sights make every holiday at Lake Balaton an unforgettable experience. While beach resorts and hotels have sprung up in large numbers on the southern shore of the lake, the north side of the lake presents itself with charming towns and historically grown villages worth seeing.

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Natural paradise of Lake Balaton

The varied landscape around Lake Balaton is beautiful. While the swamp zones and reed regions around Lake Balaton are a unique habitat for rare plant, reptile and bird species, the volcanic mountain landscape around the lake presents itself with extensive forests and geological features.

The Balaton Uplands National Park is one of the most fascinating nature reserves in Europe. Both the northern area of the Tihany peninsula and the Kis-Balaton bog are part of the national park area. The wetland of Kis Balaton is a well-known buffalo and bird reserve. Observing the buffalo and grey cattle herds in their natural habitat is one of the impressive experiences that nature lovers can have in the National Park at Lake Balaton.

If you want to explore the nature around Lake Balaton, you will benefit from an extensive network of hiking trails and nature trails. Especially in the national park area, there are numerous signposted routes that lead to the most beautiful natural areas in the region.

Lake Balaton holiday paradise

Lake Balaton, Lake Balaton in Hungary — Boat trip on Lake Balaton, Image: grafxart/ shutterstock

With an area of 600 km² and an average water depth of 3 m, Lake Balaton is a popular destination for families. Lake Balaton is characterized by its shallow water near the shore, so that children can also enjoy the cool water here without any worries. But Lake Balaton also offers ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts, where you can surf, sail, dive and fish. The beautiful bathing meadows and sandy beaches around the lake invite you to sunbathe and relax and around Lake Balaton, tourists also benefit from a very good infrastructure. The region has a lot to offer, especially in terms of cuisine, and so it is worth visiting the restaurants at Lake Balaton. Here you can enjoy typical dishes such as goulash soup, paprikás csirke, lángos, bableves and much more. But also fantastic sausage specialties such as Debrecziner and Kolbász and sweet temptations such as Dobostorte, Esterházy cake and pancakes are part of the typical Hungarian cuisine.

Cures at Lake Balaton

Hungary and especially the region around Lake Balaton is also an ideal destination to enjoy spa and wellness treatments. Over 1,000 hot springs can be found on Hungarian territory and even the Romans knew about the healing powers of Hungary’s hot springs.

Only a few kilometres west of Lake Balaton, the traditional spa town of Héviz inspires with Lake Hévis, which is a very special attraction as the largest natural thermal lake in the world. Idyllically surrounded by forest, the spa facilities of Héviz are among the most famous in Hungary. But there are also numerous health resorts along the shoreline of Lake Balaton, which are known for their wide range of spa and wellness facilities. The Tihany spa is particularly idyllic here, but the spas of Gyenesdias, Balatonfüred, Siofok, Balatonakali and many other health resorts also inspire with their direct waterfront location and their spa and wellness facilities.

The most beautiful towns and villages of Lake Balaton

A special highlight are the enchanting towns that can be found around Lake Balaton. Many of the cities are characterized by their city center that is worth seeing, a fantastic riverside location, historical sights and a wide range of cultural offerings. Especially on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, there are many charming towns worth seeing, so that exploration tours prove to be extremely worthwhile.

Balatonfüred – the romantic spa town

Balatonfüred is known as one of the most romantic cities in Central Europe. The spa town shines with a town centre that is characterised by buildings from the 18. and 19th century. A jetty also gives the city maritime flair. In addition, the spa and health resort is characterized by its attractive cultural life, so it is always worth taking a look at the current calendar of events.

Tihany – the unique place on the Balaton Peninsula

Tihany, Lake Balaton — Tihany, Image: ZGPhotography / shutterstock

The town of Tihany offers a fantastic view of the lake and also shines with numerous listed buildings. The nearby Baroque monastery of Tihany Abbey is probably the most famous building in the city, as it is considered one of the most important historical monuments in Hungary. It is also worth visiting the ruins of the Újlak church. But in the end, it is the particularly cozy atmosphere of the place that inspires visitors.

Keszethely – the capital of Lake Balaton

The town of Keszethely has always occupied a very special position among the places around Lake Balaton. It is not only the largest city on the shores of the lake, but also historically the most interesting. Here you will find sights such as the enchanting castle complex of Feštetić. The list of listed residential buildings in the old town is long and the cityscape is correspondingly worth seeing. Keszethely is also ideal for an extensive shopping spree, because the lively pedestrian zone of the spa and spa town has a lot to offer. But in the end, it is the unique Mediterranean flair of the city that enchants visitors and invites them to linger in the numerous cafés and restaurants.

Siofók – the pearl on the south bank

The town of Siofók is one of the most famous and popular seaside resorts on Lake Balaton. Although the town is often referred to as the “Ballermann am Balaton”, Siofók looks back on a long history and is well worth seeing as a former royal free town. If you walk through the city attentively, you will find numerous sculptures worth seeing, dreamlike old villas, beautiful parks and, of course, the city’s famous water tower.

The most important questions about Lake Balaton

How deep is Lake Balaton?

The maximum depth of Lake Balaton is 12.5 meters. The average depth is 3.3 meters.

How big is Lake Balaton?

Lake Balaton is 77 kilometers long and has a total area of 592 km²

In which country is Lake Balaton located?

Lake Balaton is located in Hungary, about 100 kilometers from Budapest .

Why is Lake Balaton called Lake Balaton?

The name is probably due to the low water level. Even the Romans called the lake “
Lacus Pelso
“, the shallow water.

Lufthansa’s Allegris: A new level of comfort in the air

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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20. June 2025

0

Lufthansa’s Allegris: A new level of comfort in the air

With the Allegris programme, Lufthansa is setting new standards in the comfort and luxury of aviation. From an extended Premium Economy to a revised First Class Suite, Lufthansa offers Allegris, a variety of innovations designed to make the flight experience more pleasant and individual. This article gives an insight into the various innovations and what passengers can expect on long-haul routes in the future.

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The vision behind Allegris: More comfort and flexibility for all travel classes

The Allegris program is part of a financially strong investment by Lufthansa to make its long-haul fleet more modern, comfortable and individual. With the aim of offering both frequent flyers and occasional travellers a pleasant and high-quality flying experience, the concept includes new seats, more privacy and additional comfort in all travel classes – from Economy to First Class. Lufthansa wants to remain competitive in an international comparison and position itself as a leading airline in the field of passenger comfort.

The highlights: New seating concepts and individual privacy

Lufthansa has revised the seat concept in each travel class and developed tailor-made solutions for different requirements:

First Class Suite Plus: The First Class Suite is a real highlight of the Allegris program. Passengers enjoy a “flying suite” that offers complete privacy and is equipped with a large, fully lockable room, a double bed and individual temperature and light controls. A real luxury offer suitable for business travellers or special occasions.
Business Class with “Allegris Sleepwear”: Business Class has been designed so that passengers can travel comfortably and restfully with the “Allegris sleep mode”. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, and the cabin configuration offers greater privacy through special screens and individual aisle access.
Premium Economy with Adjustable Seating Areas: Premium Economy offers more legroom and extra-large seats, which are a significant improvement compared to classic Economy Class. Seating comfort is enhanced by additional features such as footrests and an adjustable backrest.
Economy Class with personalized comfort: There are also innovations in economy class. The seats are ergonomically designed and offer passengers more legroom. In addition, passengers in Allegris Economy have the option of blocking adjacent seats for an extra charge to enjoy more space and privacy.

Greener technology and modern aircraft

In addition to comfort, Lufthansa is also focusing on more environmentally friendly technologies and a modernization of the fleet with the Allegris program. The new seats and materials are designed to reduce weight and thus reduce fuel consumption. In addition, modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” and the Airbus A350 are used on many routes, which not only fly more efficiently, but also significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Lufthansa is thus combining luxury and comfort with a stronger focus on sustainability and environmental awareness.

Exclusive services for a unique flying experience

The Allegris program goes beyond seat comfort and includes a range of services that make the flying experience even more enjoyable. The new offerings include:

Personalized menus: In Business and First Class, passengers can choose their meals according to personal preferences and choose from a wider variety of international dishes. Lufthansa works with renowned chefs to offer an exclusive dining experience on board.
Improved entertainment and connectivity: With a new in-flight entertainment system and high-speed internet access, passengers can connect, work or relax during the flight. The entertainment includes a wide selection of films, series, music and games that make the flight pleasant and entertaining.
Exclusive lounge experience: For Business and First Class passengers, Lufthansa has upgraded its lounges worldwide. These include the new “Allegris Lounge”, which scores with its modern design, gastronomic highlights and areas for rest and relaxation.

Lufthansa’s Allegris program takes the flight experience to a new level and appeals to a broad target group with its innovative offerings. From business travellers to luxury lovers to families – everyone benefits from the increased comfort and flexibility that Lufthansa wants to offer with Allegris.