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Warnemünde – Coastal holiday at the historic Baltic Sea resort near Rostock

PatrickJullien
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Warnemünde – Coastal holiday at the historic Baltic Sea resort near Rostock

There are few places in Germany where beach recreation close to the sea is as directly possible within a big city as in Warnemünde. The Baltic Sea resort is one of the most beautiful and famous districts of the Hanseatic city of Rostock. If you want to combine inner-city sightseeing with coastal flair close to the beach on the Baltic Sea, Warnemünde is the right place for tourism!

Warnemünde – Historic coastal settlement as a Baltic Sea resort

Hanseatic City of Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Hanseatic City of Rostock, Image: Oleksiy Mark / shutterstock

Visible from afar, the famous Teepott and the lighthouse of Warnemünde are enthroned above the face of the beach region. Today a tourist highlight in the north of the Hanseatic city of Rostock, the striking coastal panorama of Warnemünde geographically accompanies the Warnow River as it flows into the Baltic Sea. The popular Baltic Sea resort in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is actually home to only a fraction of Rostock’s more than 200,000 inhabitants: almost 6,000 people live here. But Warnemünde is the place-to-be when it comes to idyllic beach life and the tourist holiday highlights in Rostock.

Warnemünde is said to have been settled by Frisians and Lower Saxony as early as 1100, and in the 14th century the small village was incorporated into the then city of Rostock. The district of Warnemünde and the city are thus linked by a long history – today the northern city region is one of the most beautiful and popular seaside resorts on the Baltic Sea. In terms of tourism, there are multifaceted highlights to see here, not only the beach, tea pot and lighthouse ensure this. Regular events such as the Warnemünde Week ensure a mostly lively holiday experience for all those who are looking for a mixture of relaxation and activities here. In terms of tourism, Warnemünde is one of the most fascinating places on the Baltic Sea.

Teepott, lighthouse and co. – Landmarks and sights of Warnemünde

Alter Strom in Warnemünde
The old river in Warnemünde, Image: Kirk Fisher / shutterstock

If you take a photo of the beach panorama near Warnemünde, you will notice two buildings for a reason: Teepott and Leuchtturm. Together, they form the modern landmark of the Baltic Sea resort, which also has a sandy beach about 150 metres wide and a distinctive beach promenade. The striking lighthouse of Warnemünde towers over 36 metres above the local coastal panorama. As early as the 14th century, there is said to have been an early form of a lighthouse here, which still consisted of a simple wooden frame and a fire basket. Today’s Warnemünde lighthouse was completed in 1898 and has shaped the scenic face of the Warnemünde coastal region ever since. Today, the lighthouse not only fulfils its original function, but also serves as a popular vantage point to see Warnemünde in its entirety in good weather.

In the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse is the ominously named Teepott, a circular building whose origins date back to 1968. Especially among the otherwise mostly uniform construction methods in the GDR era, the unusual building on the coast stood out early on. As early as the 20s of the 20th century, there was a round tea pavilion in the architectural style of the New Building on the site. Today it is assumed that the name Teepott was inspired by the predecessor building. There is now a restaurant here, and the Teepott forms a tandem of Warnemünde’s landmarks together with the neighbouring lighthouse.

In addition to these two obvious sights and the beach, a long lakeside promenade awaits you on site, where neoclassical villas and hotels are grouped in the striking seaside resort architecture of the Baltic Sea. In striking green, the small west pier welcomes travellers at the harbour entrance. The red and white east pier near Warnemünde is considered a counterpart to the coastal structure built in 1985. The waters on the coast of the Baltic Sea resort are shaped by the Old Stream and the New Stream, and there is also a fish market on the historic central pier today – for those interested in fresh or smoked fish. An insight into the history of the region is provided by the small Warnemünde Museum of Local History, which provides information about seafaring and coastal life. If you are interested in the outstanding buildings near Warnemünde, you will not only come across an old Dutch mill from 1866, but also the historic Warnemünde church from the 19th century with its neo-Gothic façade. Sightseeing in Warnemünde promises to be the opposite of a boring affair.
Festivities, excursion destinations and co. – more reasons to visit Warnemünde

The supra-regional focus on Warnemünde is not only of a tourist nature – passionate sailors and advocates of a wide variety of leisure activities are also regularly attracted to the northern city region of Rostock. This is also ensured by festivities and events such as the Warnemünde Week and the Hanse Sail. The Warnemünde Week is an annual sailing event with international appeal, with the usually more than one million visitors not only drawn to the sailing regattas, but also to the traditional costume parades and the general festival flair of the weekly event. Gigantic sailing ships also present themselves at the Hansesail, which unfolds in Warnemünde in August of each year. Instead of modern sailing regattas, the focus here is on traditional sailing ships and gigantic multi-masters.

What has not yet been sufficiently talked about: the Baltic Sea. The natural highlight on the coast of Warnemünde characterizes the entire northern region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the neighboring states. In sunny weather, you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on the long beach of the Baltic Sea. If you want to enjoy the coastal flair, Warnemünde is the right place for you: not only does the beach area extend over two kilometres, the more than 150-metre-wide beach is one of the widest beaches on the North German Baltic Sea coast. If you stay at Warnemünde for tourism, it is also not far to the historic city centre of Rostock – with highlights such as Kröpeliner Straße, St. Peter’s Church and Rostock Zoo .

Cruises in the Mediterranean – the classics among cruises

PatrickJullien
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Cruises in the Mediterranean – the classics among cruises

A Mediterranean cruise is a true classic. Nowhere else in the world can you find so many historically significant cities, culturally outstanding sights and fascinating natural wonders close together. A cruise in the Mediterranean is always a journey along the old transport routes back in history to the beginnings of European culture.

Odysseus, as Homer described it, spent ten years in the eastern Mediterranean. On his odyssey, he crossed the Greek islands and survived legendary adventures before returning home. Things are not quite as dramatic on a Mediterranean cruise in 2023 . On the modern and magnificently equipped cruise ships, you can discover the fantastically beautiful Mediterranean world in a completely relaxed way. The culinary diversity of Mediterranean cuisine invites you to enjoy it in front of a spectacular scenic backdrop.

Spoilt for choice

The incredible beauty of the cultural and scenic sights cannot be captured in a single trip. A choice must be made. The Mediterranean Sea is perfect for a cruise in all its facets. The Mediterranean offers enough experience for several boat trips. Every trip is an experience in itself. But where to start?

The Mediterranean Sea is an inland sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar. It is a tributary sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Italy separates the western from the eastern Mediterranean, which in turn are divided into various bays and tributaries. So the first decision will be whether the cruise should take place in the western or eastern Mediterranean.

The Western Mediterranean

The western Mediterranean is located between France or Spain and Italy. To its north is the Ligurian Sea with the Gulf of Genoa. Further southwest, near Spain, lies the Balearic Sea. To the southeast, closer to Italy, is the Tyrrhenian Sea with the Gulf of Naples and the islands of Capri and Ischia.

The entire Mediterranean region has been dominated by seafaring for thousands of years. The economic, power-political, religious and cultural developments of the countries bordering the Mediterranean would not have been conceivable without seafaring. The port cities and sights that can be visited on the routes are correspondingly impressive.

Routes in the Western Mediterranean

Exploring the Mediterranean by cruise ship, Image: ©PONANT

Routes in the north of the western Mediterranean can, for example, start on the Italian mainland in Rome or Florence. The port of Rome is located in Civitavecchia. From Florence, the port in the city of La Spezia in Liguria is served. Starting from northern Italy, they often head towards France to Ajaccio in Corsica. The journey continues to Barcelona. They will then return to Italy with stays on the Balearic Islands, perhaps via Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca. Such a shipping route leads across the Ligurian and Balearic Seas.

A slightly longer route covers the southern part of the western Mediterranean. It runs from the Balearic Sea to the Strait of Sicily via the Tyrrhenian Sea and includes a stop at each of the major islands. Not only cathedrals or historically grown old towns can be visited, but also spectacular natural wonders such as Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Such a route could include the following port cities: Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca, Ajaccio in Corsica, Cagliari in Sardinia, Valletta in Malta, Palermo and Messina in Sicily. The beginning of such a tour could be Rome. Naples as the end of the trip offers some highlights: past the islands of Ischia and Capri to a visit to Pompeii at the foot of Vesuvius.

The Eastern Mediterranean

The eastern Mediterranean between Italy and the Balkan countries is better known as the Adriatic Sea. South of the Adriatic, between Italy and Greece, lies the Ionian Sea. Between Greece and Turkey is the Aegean Sea. Further south, between Crete and North Africa, lies the Libyan Sea and east of it is the Levantine Sea. The latter is the easternmost part of the Mediterranean and stretches from Libya and Egypt past Israel and Lebanon to Turkey.

Routes in the Eastern Mediterranean

View of Dubrovnik
View of Dubrovnik, Image: Dreamer4787 / shutterstock

The Adriatic Sea is a classic cruise destination. The many bays with their wonderful landscapes, historic old towns and cultural highlights invite you to get to know them. Adriatic routes often start in Venice, Trieste or Ravenna and lead to Croatia, especially Rijeka, Zadar or Dubrovnik. Often an Adriatic cruise also includes Bari in southern Italy, Kotor in Montenegro and Corfu in Greece.

A longer cruise leads from the Adriatic Sea into the Ionian Sea to the islands between Greece and Italy. The following places are often visited: Argostoli on Kefalonia, Katakolon on the Peloponnese for a visit to ancient Olympia. From Greece, it will then go to Calabria in southern Italy, for example to Crotone in Calabria or Catania in Sicily.

Cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean can combine destinations in the Ionian Sea with those in the Aegean Sea. There are countless islands in the Aegean Sea. Crotone or Catania can be the starting points for such a route. Corfu and Piraeus are often called. Piraeus is part of Athens as a port city, where a trip to visit the Acropolis is an absolute must. The port city of Kusadasi in Turkey is also a popular excursion destination. Santorini and Crete are among the classic destinations of a cruise in the eastern Mediterranean.

Fascinating routes in the southern Aegean start in Istanbul and partly lead along the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Destinations of such a tour are, for example, Izmir, Bodrum, Mykonos and Piraeus. Turkey offers a tremendous variety of excursion destinations for travelers interested in history and culture. Troy was once located on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, the starting point of Odysseus’ ten-year odyssey.

Flight Delay Compensation

PatrickJullien
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Flight Delay Compensation

Flight delays aren’t just annoying because you mess up your schedule and you may have to spend several more hours in the uninviting environment of an airport. It is also often difficult to exercise one’s own passenger rights when it comes to compensation claims against the airline. You can get support in claiming your compensation from specialized providers such as AirHelp.

What rights do I have if my flight is delayed?

The European Union’s Air Passenger Rights Regulation awards passengers flight delay compensation in the event of significant delays, which can range from €250 to €600, depending on the route. The compensation claims for delays of more than three hours are divided as follows:

  • Short-haul flights (e.g. Mallorca) up to and including 1,500 kilometres: 250 euros in compensation
  • Medium-haul flight between 1,500 kilometers and 3,500 kilometers: 400 euros compensation
  • Long-haul flight outside the EU from 3,500 kilometers: 600 euros compensation (for a long-haul flight within the EU, maximum 400 euros compensation)

It is true that compensation claims can be asserted from a delay of three hours. A claim for compensation arises if connecting flights are missed as a result of the initial delay. If you are two hours late, you are entitled to a free supply of drinks and snacks, as well as access to free means of communication, especially e-mail and telephone. In the event of a delay of more than five hours, you have the right to withdraw from the trip with a full refund of the ticket price. If you still want to continue the journey and a flight to the desired destination is not possible until the next day, you are entitled to reimbursement of hotel costs. You can also reclaim the transfer costs to a hotel (there and back) from the airline.

The EU’s Air Passenger Rights Regulation applies not only to flights within the EU, but to all flights departing from the EU, regardless of the location of your airline. If your flight departs from outside the EU, the regulation only applies if the selected airline is based within the EU. The EU regulation also applies to flights departing from Switzerland, Norway or Iceland. Note that especially in Switzerland, the European legal situation is not necessarily adopted and judges there often rule in favor of the airlines.

If the EU Passenger Regulation does not apply, your compensation claims are often in a bad position, as comprehensive regulations such as those in the EU usually do not exist. Most airlines have developed their own regulations that regulate how to proceed in the event of significant flight delays and under what circumstances the affected traveler may be able to get money back. If your flight starts outside the EU and the airline you have chosen is based in a third country, then it is worth taking a look at the airline’s general terms and conditions.

What to consider when claiming compensation

Only about 2/3 of the flights delayed by more than three hours in the EU are entitled to compensation from the airline. Whether you can claim compensation depends on whether the airline itself is responsible for the delay. If this is not the case, e.g. in the event of unusual storms or bird strikes, there is no claim for compensation against the airline. Important: Staff strikes are also usually attributed to these “extraordinary circumstances”.

Special case: cancellation of a flight as a result of the COVID19 pandemic

If your flight has been cancelled due to national measures to contain the COVID19 pandemic, the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation No. 261/2004 stipulates that the airline must refund the full ticket price to the customer within seven days. Reimbursement is often made in the form of vouchers. However, this form of reimbursement is only permissible with the passenger’s documented written consent. Since airlines want to retain their customers, the vouchers often have a value that is higher than the price of the original tickets. You have to weigh up whether you want to accept the voucher or ask for your money back. If you accept the voucher, you must expect that it could expire in the event of the airline’s insolvency . If you insist on a refund of the money, you may have to deal with some bureaucracy if the airline does not agree to the repayment immediately.

Although air travel conditions have now largely returned to normal, this point could become more relevant again with the emergence of new and possibly more dangerous variants of the pandemic coronavirus.

What do I need to do to claim my rights after a significant delay to my flight?

Rights in the event of flight delays
In the event of a delay caused by the airline, you have various rights at your disposal, Image: David Prado Perucha / shutterstock

If you would like to claim financial compensation in the event of a delay to your flight, you should consider a few points right from the start, the following of which will later help you to claim your legally guaranteed passenger rights.

Already at the airport, you should have the delay documented with its exact duration or the reason for the cancellation of your flight by the airport staff. Keep proof of financial expenses for drinks and snacks. It is also advisable to actively approach other passengers and ask them for their address or at least a reachable telephone number, so that you have witnesses later. This can be especially important if there is a legal dispute with the airline.

If you wish to make a claim for compensation, please send a letter by post (ideally registered mail + acknowledgement of receipt) to the airline’s branch in your country, preferably by registered mail. In the case of package tours, the claim must be addressed to the tour operator.

In this letter, list exactly at what time the flight should have taken off at which location, when and at what destination the flight should have arrived. Furthermore, you inform them of the delay with which the flight ultimately took place.

By following the tips described here, you have a good chance of being able to enforce your rights against the airline.

Perugia – historic and cosmopolitan metropolis of Umbria

PatrickJullien
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Perugia – historic and cosmopolitan metropolis of Umbria

Perugia is not only considered the largest, but also the most beautiful city in Umbria. The old town, located on a 450-metre-high hill, offers a view all the way to the mountain ranges of the Apennines. The city of 150,000 inhabitants is rich in history and presents itself as multifaceted, cosmopolitan and full of charm and character.

History at your fingertips

The history of Perugia dates back to the Paleolithic Age. A first settlement existed in today’s city area as early as the 11th century BC. The roots of the city can be traced back to the 6th century BC. At that time, the Etruscans founded the first larger settlement.

Perugia developed into one of the most important cities of the Etruscans thanks to its strategic position. On a tour of the city, visitors can still convince themselves of the former heyday. The historical sights are concentrated along the Piazza Grande.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can do so at Perugia’s Archaeological Museum. In the monastery of San Domenico you can admire ceramics and tombstones from the Etruscan period.

Defiant walls and babbling fountains

View of the picturesque Piazza IV, Perugia
View of the picturesque Piazza IV, Image: Marco Rubino / shutterstock

The city center is surrounded by two rings of walls. The fortifications built by the Etruscans date back to the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, there was a medieval fortification ring with five city gates, which extended over more than six kilometers.

The Porta Marzia is a preserved city gate from Etruscan times. In the 15th century, another Etruscan city gate, Porta Trasimena, was renovated. At the highest point of the city is the Porta Sole, one of the oldest city gates, which today is also characterized by medieval architecture.

The part of the city wall built by the Etruscans is called Arco Etrusco. In the immediate vicinity of the historic walls, the Fontana Maggiore rises on Piazza IV Novembre, probably the most beautiful fountain in the city of Perugia.

Proud buildings

One of the most important religious buildings in the city is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The foundation stone for the church was laid in the middle of the century 14th century. The interior decoration dates mainly from the end of the 15th century. The construction work was completed in 1587 without really having come to an end. One of the most important pieces of decoration is, in addition to the pulpit, a statue of Pope Julius III.

The church of Sant’ Angelo dates back to the 5th century. It is a rotunda. The city’s cathedral was completed in 1490 and is considered a prime example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral also includes an extensive seminar and chapter complex. In 12. and In the 13th century, Perugia hosted five conclaves.

Perugia for art connoisseurs

San Francis in Assisi
Panoramic view of the Basilica of San Francis in Assisi, in the province of Perugia, Image: essevu / shutterstock

Art lovers can visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria, the most important art gallery in the region. In 2018, the institution celebrated its 100th anniversary. The museum is housed in a Gothic-style mansion.

Visitors enter the exhibition through a richly decorated portal. The interior is dominated by works by Umbrian and Central Italian artists. The treasury houses works by Gentile da Fabbriano or Piero della Francesca. The collection is complemented by Umbrian masterpieces by Pinturicchio and Perugino.

In the adjoining building, the tour continues to the Collegio del Cambio. The medieval exchange office is decorated with numerous frescoes.

City of contrasts

It is not only the numerous students who give the city its very own colour. Perugia can also be explored underground. The path system leads through the foundation of an old fortress and is often the scene of events and exhibitions.

In a city where time seems to have stood still, escalators are less suspected, and yet they also shape the cityscape. Escalators provide the connection between the upper town and the old town. Past a historic backdrop, the path leads up to the historic city center.

In Goethe’s footsteps

At the gates of the city lies Lake Trasimeno, a popular local recreation area. Historically, the water gained importance when Hannibal inflicted heavy losses on the Romans here in 217 BC. The German prince of poets also seemed taken with the water. Goethe is said to have highly praised Lake Trasimeno on his trip to Italy in 1786.

Today, people are drawn to the lake in summer to swim. In winter, the nearby Monte Vettone with its 2,500-metre-high summit is considered a much-visited ski area.

Attention those with a sweet tooth – Perugia in a festive mood

Not to be missed is the tasting of Baci Perugina. The hazelnut pralines produced by the traditional company, which was founded in 1907, are known far beyond the borders of Perugia.

There is even a festival dedicated to sweet seduction. If you travel to Umbria in October, you can attend the Eurochocolate, the festival of chocolate. Those with a sweet tooth will find a wide range of chocolate specialties that can be tasted and serve as popular souvenirs.

Music lovers visit the annual Umbria Jazz festival. National and international artists who have dedicated themselves to jazz or blues perform there.

The surrounding area of Perugia is the scene of the sagre between August and the end of October. The weekly events resemble a harvest festival. The celebrations are usually held in the open air. Regional dishes are served with mushroom dishes, risotto or truffles

Liechtenstein – a small principality surrounded by Europe

PatrickJullien
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Liechtenstein – a small principality surrounded by Europe

The Principality of Liechtenstein is manageable, traditional, cosmopolitan and modern at the same time – just like the people who live here. The sixth smallest country in the world is located on the Rhine, between Vorarlberg, Austria and the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. Eleven municipalities are still subject to a constitutional hereditary monarchy today. The head of state is Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein. The official language is German.

The history of Liechtenstein

Gutenberg Castle, Liechtenstein
Gutenberg Castle, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock

According to tradition, today’s principality was settled in the Neolithic Age. Once conquered by Romans and incorporated into the province of Raetia, the country was later Germanized under Frankish leadership. The current state was created by the purchase of the County of Vaduz and the lordship of Schellenberg by former princes. Due to the unification in 1719, the two territories were finally elevated to the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein. Since that day, the Principality of Liechtenstein has been a hereditary monarchy. Liechtenstein was governed absolutistically: the prince lived in Vienna and had the country administered by a bailiff. This displeased the residents. They demanded a constitutional amendment. Since 1921, Liechtenstein has been run as a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a parliamentary and democratic basis. A new constitutional proposal was approved by citizens in a referendum in 2003. Even today, the principality is divided into two independent constituencies: the Oberland in the south and the Unterland in the north.

The Princely Family

Vaduz Tourist Railway
Tourist train in Vadu, Image: RossHelen / shutterstock

The Princes of Liechtenstein originally come from Lower Austria. They first bought the lordship of Schellenberg in 1699 and later the county of Vaduz. Since the unification of the two regions, state power has been vested in the Liechtenstein princely family. It is traditionally regulated according to the domiciliary law. The current head of state is Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein. His deputy and later heir to the throne is Prince Hans-Adam’s eldest son – Hereditary Prince Alois. He also already has children of his own. The eldest, Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria, will one day take over the succession to the throne.

The climate in Liechtenstein

The temperatures are pleasantly mild despite the proximity to the mountains. Warm, dry downward winds affect the weather in spring and autumn. Even in the winter months, the temperature rarely drops below minus 15 degrees, while in summer it is on average 20 to 28 degrees. Precipitation is lower than in the rest of the Alpine region and the duration of sunshine is around 1,600 hours a year. Perfect excursion weather!

Well-known sights and popular excursion destinations in Liechtenstein

Vaduz, Liechtenstein
In the center of Vaduz, Image: Lightlana / shutterstock

Visit Gutenberg Castle and learn everything about the high medieval castle complex. It is located in the south of the country, in Balzer. Initially, the castle was a church building with an adjoining cemetery. At the beginning of the 20th century, the site was converted into a castle complex. Visits and guided tours take place from May to October. In the summer months, the rose garden of Gutenberg Castle is used for cultural events.

During a holiday in Liechtenstein, you can’t avoid visiting the country’s capital, Vaduz. In the city, on a slope above the city, stands the famous Vaduz Castle. It is the residence of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. Stroll through the traffic-calmed city centre and visit well-known museums, such as the contemporary art museum or the popular Landesmuseum. If you want to learn more about the princely family, you can book the city tour “Monarchy and Democracy”. She takes a look behind the scenes of the castle and the princely family.

Vaduz
View of Vaduz

Families with children should visit the Forst rope park in Triesen. Here you can train your dexterity, concentration, strength and endurance – a special outdoor experience! Nature lovers should plan a hike through the Ruggeller Riet nature reserve. This is a 90-hectare peat area that delights with its impressive flora and fauna.

You have the best view over the Principality of Liechtenstein from the viewing terrace of Sareis in the Malbuntal. The alpine pasture is located at an altitude of 2,000 m and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Liechtenstein mountains.

Would you like to learn more about the rural life of the people? Then visit the Peasant Housing Museum in Eschnerberg. Here you can visit an almost 500-year-old Biedermann house. It is a symbol of the late medieval settlement in the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Regional delicacies

Vaduz Castle
Vaduz Castle, Image: stifos / shutterstock

Liechtenstein has a broad culinary base: Due to its location, Liechtenstein’s cuisine is subject to influences from Austria and Switzerland. But that’s not all – some chefs have reached star level in recent years. If you look at Gault Millau, you will find four award-winning chefs. If, on the other hand, you want to explore the country’s typical cuisine, a traditional inn is the place to be. But what is typically Liechtenstein?

The roots of Liechtenstein recipes lie in the country’s rural past. It has had a strong influence on food culture. One of the oldest recipes is probably the “Ribel”. During preparation, corn semolina is boiled in milky water to a pulp and then fried in a pan. Stir until small lumps are formed. The Ribel is served with applesauce, coffee or milk. Another national dish are the small Knöpfle with sour cheese and homemade applesauce. Both dishes are also known in the border regions of Switzerland and Austria.

Image: Michal Zduniak / shutterstock

The principality also has no need to hide when it comes to the selection of drinks. Just a glance at the landscape reveals it – Liechtenstein has a long wine-growing culture. Today, 99 winegrowers cultivate over twenty different grape varieties. If, on the other hand, you prefer the enjoyment of beer to wine, you can try Liechtenstein’s beer specialties. Whether light, dark, wheat or strong beer – two Liechtenstein breweries prove that good beer is not only brewed in Germany . You should also try traditional Liechtenstein fruit brandies made from plums, pears or apples on site. Delicious!

Ciudad Perdida – Colombia’s Lost City

Marleen Langen
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Ciudad Perdida – Colombia’s Lost City

Confucius already knew: “The journey is the goal.” With every step, the anticipation increases. Is it worth the long journey? What exactly is behind the lost city (Spanish: “Ciudad Perdida”)? A few years ago, the Sierra Nevada in Colombia was still part of the guerrilla zone and thus one of the most dangerous areas in the world. Today, the jungle near the Caribbean coast is the destination of thousands of tourists. But why was the ruined city considered lost for so long? Many secrets are hidden behind the Ciudad Perdida and only those who dare to do the four-day jungle trek get the opportunity to discover this natural wonder.

The Mystery of the Lost City

Staircase Ciudad Perdida
Image: dunn4040 / shutterstock

It is the first encounter with the indigenous people, who own a large part of the area around the Ciudad Perdida, the breathtaking view over Colombia’s north and the unique opportunity to hike through the jungle of Colombia for four days. Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, Ciudad Perdida is one of the largest and oldest rediscovered cities in South America, along with Machu Picchu. The ruined city is located about 40 km southeast of Santa Marta in the middle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the upper valley of the Río Buritaca and consists of almost 200 oval and round terraces. Many of these terraces now serve as a tourist attraction, but some are still considered untouched.

Ciudad Perdida in Colombia
Image: Jenny Leonard / shutterstock

For almost four hundred years, the city of Teyuna, which means “origin of the peoples of the earth” in the indigenous Chibcha language, lay forgotten in the Colombian jungle. The foundation stone for the construction was laid around 700 AD. The estimated population was around 7,000 people for a time. When the Spaniards conquered large parts of today’s Colombia, the peaceful indigenous people retreated more and more to the higher mountains to flee from epidemics and other diseases. Imported diseases such as syphilis and smallpox reduced the population until the lost city fell into oblivion a short time later. Only a few knew about the secret of the lost city, until 1972. There are many legends about the rediscovery of the Ciudad Perdida. One of them says that in 1972 a hunter discovered overgrown steps in the middle of the jungle. He followed the 1200 steps and came to the lost city. As a result, grave robbers plundered the city, looting ancient treasures and destroying houses and the landscape. As a result, there were severe restrictions on entering the lost city.

Nowadays, a four-day trek leads to the remains of the ancient Teyuna civilization. To protect the lost city, agreements have been made with the indigenous population and the government, which severely limit the number of visitors. Nevertheless, more and more visitors are embarking on an adventure through the jungle. Although the demanding hike deters many people from doing so in advance, more and more tourists come to Colombia every year to discover the secret of the lost city. The hike is not a bargain and luxury is also limited during this time. Tropical heat, instead of air-conditioned rooms, limited access to drinking water, hammocks in the open air and dangerous jungle inhabitants. As soon as you leave Santa Marta by bus, you give up any kind of modern civilization. Electricity is only available for a short time in the evening, mobile phone reception is a foreign word and this hike is also a real challenge in other respects. But maybe that’s what makes this trek special. One thing is for sure, however, for those who get involved, this hike is an unforgettable adventure.

Guided tour to Ciudad Perdida

Image: Joerg Steber / shutterstock

If you want to visit the Lost City, you have to rely on a guided tour. Several tour operators in Santa Marta and Cartagena offer hikes to Ciudad Perdida. The Ciudad Perdida Trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights and passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Colombia. Steep paths have to be overcome, mountain slopes lead into the abyss and ice-cold rivers flow everywhere that have to be crossed during the hike.

Day 1

The first day begins with a drive in a van through the national park to the beginning of the trek, to the village of El Mamey. After the first few kilometers, you are already immersed in the silence of the jungle. A few hours later, you come across the first accommodation, where hammocks serve as night quarters. The mud of the jungle and the dried blood of the mosquito bites on the skin are washed off under a cold shower. And the first night also brings magical moments, because the jungle only really wakes up at night.

Day 2

However, the nights are short! Every morning you are woken up early, there is breakfast and you go straight on. Past steep rock slopes and surrounded by huge swarms of mosquitoes, we pass indigenous tribes to the next camp. This also has some surprises in store. The bathing area located at the camp invites you to cool off after another energy-sapping day. However, they spend the night one camp away, just before the gates of the Ciudad Perdida – and thus shortly before the destination.

Day 3

The path is the goal and it is steep. It goes up 1,200 Teyuna steps. The steps are a challenge in themselves, but every step is worth it. The ruined city itself is much bigger than you think. Once you reach the highest point, you can look out over the breathtaking terraced landscape of the Ciudad Perdida. It almost seems as if we are in a country before our time.

Day 4

It’s hard. It’s hot. It goes uphill and downhill. The last day of the hike is the most challenging. In just four days you walk about 70km, with 95% humidity and 30 degrees in the deepest jungle. Finally, the question arises again: Is it worth the long journey? Absolute. Exploring Ciudad Perdida is a real adventure and a unique experience.

Although the lost city is considered rediscovered today, it will probably never reveal its secrets once and for all, and that’s a good thing.

 

Sunny island of Fehmarn: Schleswig-Holstein’s pearl in the Baltic Sea

PatrickJullien
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Sunny island of Fehmarn: Schleswig-Holstein’s pearl in the Baltic Sea

When talking about Schleswig-Holstein and its islands, most people probably think of Sylt, Amrum and other insular North Sea beauties. But island fans can also find what they are looking for off the east coast of the northernmost federal state. Apart from the lock islands in Kiel-Holtenau and the two tiny Warder Islands in the Lemkenhafener Wiek, however, there is only one island in the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea: Fehmarn.

Between Holstein and Denmark

The island is not only unique, but also big. With an area of 185 square kilometers, Fehmarn is twice the size of Sylt and thus the largest island in Schleswig-Holstein. In the all-German island area ranking, Fehmarn takes 3rd place after Rügen and Usedom. The island, which belongs to the district of Ostholstein with its 12,000 inhabitants, has formed a single municipality since a municipal reform, in which the former town of Burg (6,000 inhabitants) and the former municipalities of Westfehmarn, Bannesdorf and Landkirchen, which were divided into many villages, have been merged. Fehmarn is located in front of the eastern tip of the Wagrien peninsula.

The Fehmarnsund strait, which separates the mainland and the island here, is barely a kilometre wide. Since 1963, there has been a fixed crossing over this strait with the Fehmarnsund Bridge, which is passable for motor vehicles and railways. The fact that a similar bridge could ever be built on the north side of Fehmarn over the 15 km wide Fehmarn Belt between Fehmarn’s ferry port Puttgarden and the Danish neighboring island of Lolland is always considered, but so far it is speculation.

Exciting island history

Jimi Hendrix Fehmarn
The Jimi Hendrix memorial stone, Image: Oliver Foerstner / shutterstock

In some respects, Fehmarn’s history occupies a special position. In contrast to most other regions of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, the rural population of the “Fehmarn Landscape” was able to preserve extensive rights of freedom and self-government. The lack of serfdom, which was common on Schleswig-Holstein aristocratic estates on the mainland until the beginning of the 19th century, is particularly noteworthy. Fehmarn had been settled by members of the Slavic tribe of the Abodrites since the early Middle Ages.

The island’s name is derived from the West Slavic term “fe more”, which means “in the sea”. Later, the Slavs mixed with Holstein, Dutch and Danish new settlers. Fehmarn had changing sovereigns. Around 1020, the Bishop of Odense was the lord of the island, then the Counts of Schauenburg. In the war against Danish King Erich in 1420, most of the island’s population was wiped out. Count Adolf VIII of Holstein-Schauenburg lured members of Dithmarschen farming families from the North Sea coast in particular to the island with the promise of freedom and tax privileges for resettlement. Later part of the Danish state, Fehmarn became Prussian in 1867. Thanks to the initiative of a British diplomat, Fehmarn narrowly escaped the fate of being added to the Soviet occupation zone after the Second World War.

For many rock fans, the most important post-war event on Fehmarn was the Love and Peace Festival, celebrated in 1970: Jim Hendrix’s last appearance celebrated there is now commemorated by a memorial stone near the Flügge lighthouse.

Varied landscape, wide beaches

Beach Fehmarn
Beach on Fehmarn, Image: Lapa Smile / shutterstock

The landscape of Fehmarn, shining in lush green, shows many attractive differences. In addition to pastures for livestock farming of black Holstein cattle and the black earth fields unique to Schleswig-Holstein, wide areas with dunes, spits, small lakes and white beaches are reserved for nature conservation and recreation. There are hardly any elevations on the flat island. The highest island hill, the Hinrichsberg in the village of Staberdorf, is not particularly impressive with its 27 m height. In contrast, the cliff coast on the east side of the island has a rugged, stony drama that contrasts with the soft dune landscapes of the north coast. The beaches on the south coast, which are as wide as they are fine sand, are particularly popular with bathing enthusiasts.

Pure holiday joy

It is not in the south, but in the north that it is sunniest: With about 2,220 hours of sunshine, Fehmarn is a whopping 10% above the national average, making it the sunniest area in Germany. Even before agriculture, tourism is the No. 1 economic factor on Fehmarn. Nevertheless, the sprawling island does not make an overcrowded impression even in the high season. Fehmarn has a lot to offer its guests. In addition to holiday guesthouses, campsites, holiday farms or hotels, Fehmarn visitors can also choose an original sleeping beach chair or a well-kept holiday apartment on Fehmarn as a starting point for exploring the island. If you travel with many people and prefer to book holiday homes on the Baltic Sea , you will also benefit from the large selection of houses. In addition to beach and bathing pleasure, wellness and sauna, body and soul can be done good with kiting, hiking, cycling, surfing or sailing. Fun is also guaranteed by the Viwa Watersports water park and pedal boat rental on the south beach, a round of soccer golf in Burg or Siloclimbig in Burgstaaken.

Museums such as the Peter Wiepert Museum in Burg or the Mill and Agricultural Museum in Lemkenhafen provide information about the local history of the island. In Burgstaaken, one of the standard U-boats from the early days of the West German Navy can be visited with the Bundeswehr veteran U 11, who was active from 1968 to 1987. Fehmarn wildlife can also be admired: at various vantage points or during guided tours in the nature reserves, people can get up close to cormorants, grebes and the like.

Arrival in Fehmarn

Since Fehmarn was connected to the mainland by its Sund Bridge, the journey has become uncomplicated. From Hamburg , the driver drives on the A1 via Lübeck to Heiligenhafen at the eastern tip of Ostholstein to Fehmarn. From there, it is only a few kilometres on the B 207 to the Fehmarnsund Bridge. If you choose the train for the journey, you can reach the island stations of Burg and Puttgarden by regional trains or by the ICE trains running on the Vogelfluglinie between Germany and Denmark .

Football betting on holiday – this is the legal situation

PatrickJullien
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Football betting on holiday – this is the legal situation

When you go on holiday, you want to leave a lot behind: work stress, housework, the dreary view from the kitchen window. The farther away all these annoying things are, the better. But there are also a few things you don’t want to miss on holiday. Football fans want to follow their league from the other side of the world, with everything that goes with it. In addition to a Cool beer and a bag of chips, this can also be a little tip on the outcome of the next Bundesliga match. However, this is not always so easy. Because sports betting is not allowed everywhere in the world. And if they do, there is no guarantee that the local bookmakers will have German football in their program. This is what it looks like in the different regions of the world.

EU

For all those who travel within the EU, there is good news: online providers make it possible to bet from anywhere in the Bundesliga

Complete. Not only providers from Germany have German football in their program. Also with online bookmakers based in Malta or Curaçao it is at least possible to access the games of the 1st Bundesliga. Many of them even have the 2. and 3rd Bundesliga in the program. Because the principle of freedom to provide services applies in the EU, it doesn’t matter at all which country you are in. It is possible to access the relevant pages from anywhere. In most EU countries, there is also the possibility to place bets at a local terrestrial bookmaker. However, the betting program for the German league is often incomplete and the odds are not as good as on the Internet.

USA and Canada

The situation in the USA is much more difficult. Because sports betting is not legal everywhere. For this reason, European betting providers have blocked their sites for IP addresses from the USA. After all, since a decision by the US Supreme Court in 2018, around half of all states, including New York, sports betting. In some cases, however, legalization only applies to terrestrial bookmakers and not to online providers. If you are in a state where sports betting is legal, you still need luck: Because the German Bundesliga is a foreign word for many bookmakers there. The situation in Canada is similar: There are betting offers in most provinces. However, European sites are not accessible and the Bundesliga offer is thin.

Rest of the World

If you are in a region of the world other than Europe and North America, you should be prepared to take a short break from betting. There are many countries where sports betting is legal. But it’s not all of them. Especially in Asia In some countries, there is still a complete ban on gambling, which also affects sports betting. If you do find a bookmaker, you will still have difficulties betting on the Bundesliga. Because the demand for it is at the other end of the world extremely low. So hardly any bookmaker will take the trouble to show a match between FC Augsburg and Hertha Berlin. Anyone who
exotic countries
 , it is best to wait until the summer break – or to do without.

Travel guide for Oman with children – Everything you should read before your trip!

PatrickJullien
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Travel guide for Oman with children – Everything you should read before your trip!

Oman: classic Arabia, men in white robes with turbans, camel caravans in the sandy desert, Bedouins, oases, mosques and, of course, the mighty sultan in his palace. The small Sultanate of Oman fulfills pretty much all the clichés you would expect for a country from the Arabian Nights and offers an excellently developed tourist infrastructure for an average of rather few travelers. What is perhaps less well known is that Omanis are extremely child-friendly. In fact, your children can open many doors for you on your trip to Oman. Read here everything you need to know for a trip to Oman with children!

1. Good preparation ensures a great holiday

International travel always requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the key points:

  • The easiest way to apply for an Oman visa is online.
  • Covid 19: All restrictions have been dropped by Oman. You can find the current status and other useful information here. Regardless of this, however, your chosen tour operator or airline may make its own requirements, such as a negative PCR test or masks during the flight.
  • No other vaccinations are required. It is mandatory to take out travel health insurance. Medical care in Oman is very good, emergency care for everyone, including tourists, free of charge.
  • The best time to travel is from November to March, because it is not as hot as the rest of the year.
  • Their passports should be valid for at least six months upon entry and must not have stamps from Israel.

2. What should be in the holiday suitcase?

Oman is a country with a subtropical climate. In winter, daytime temperatures in the lowlands range up to 28°C, while in summer they can even rise to 50°C. So the clothing can be chosen summery. However, it should be noted that the shoulders should be covered. The Omanis are very friendly, but have a clear idea of what clothing is appropriate. For women, the knees should also be covered. Even on the beach, it is recommended to wear a T-shirt and shorts over the bikini. For a trip to the Hajar Mountains, long pants and a warm jacket are also recommended. It can even snow there in winter.

If you are taking electrical devices such as laptops or chargers with you, you will need a Type G adapter.

3. Safety and rules of conduct

Oman is a safe country to travel with simple, friendly and honest people. Even women traveling alone have no problems to fear. Only the border region with Yemen, where there is war, should be avoided if possible.

To note:

  • The left hand is considered unclean. You should not greet them or touch anyone with them. Even gestures, such as greetings or hand signals, are best done with your right hand.
  • The people often look very picturesque. However, avoid taking photos without their explicit permission.
  • For mosque visits, the knees should be covered and women should wear a headscarf.

Of course, it is always a special recommendation if you learn a few words of the local language for your Oman holiday. Even just 10 or 20 words like: Good day = As-salamu-aleikum, thank you = schukran, good, bad, excuse me and so on prove your good will to integrate into the culture and help you enormously in everyday life. Here is a small list of useful expressions.

4. What to do on holiday in Oman with children?

Oman, Muscat
View of Muscat, Image: NAPA / shutterstock

The landscape of Oman offers desert, beach and mountains. Although the mountains are actually desert, but they are interrupted by mountain lakes, the wadis, which feed green valleys and where you can cool off in the heat. The cities, especially the capital Muscat and the old capital Nizwa are also worth seeing.
The largest sand desert in the world, the Rub al-Khali, is partly located in Oman. You can take day trips from Muscat to the desert to the so-called Wahiba Sands. If you want to experience the desert very intensively, you can also book a night in a desert camp. Since Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, many know that a desert night is something very special, not only for stargazers.

5. Beach vacation

What could be better in tropical or subtropical countries than holidays on the beach and from beaches, Oman really has an abundance to offer. Of course, a beach holiday is also a great experience for children, where they will not be bored for a second. Book a holiday in a child-friendly family hotel if you want a fixed base for your holiday. The beaches in the Muscat region then offer quick access to desert tours and cultural attractions, while in the Salalah area you will find palm beaches in one of the greenest regions of the Arabian Peninsula. You can also dive and snorkel in Oman. Equipment is rented and there are diving schools.

Conclusion: A holiday with children in Oman requires little preparation and offers a lot of educational and entertaining things for children and parents. It is a safe and beautiful experience that you will remember fondly for many years to come.

Cheap parking at the airport and relaxed on holiday

PatrickJullien
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Cheap parking at the airport and relaxed on holiday

Just quickly look for a parking space at the airport and then off you go on your long-awaited vacation? The best parking spaces will already be gone and you will have to pay a price that is way too high. If you don’t want to blow your travel budget while parking at the airport, here are a few tips for you. So you can start your journey completely relaxed.

How do I find the cheapest parking options at the airport?

The prices for parking spaces at German airports vary greatly, which is why you should look for an offer before your trip. The earlier you book the parking space, the cheaper it will be. And this is how it works:

  1. Select your departure airport in the comparison portal and enter flight details.
  2. Compare providers at the airport – choose a service that suits you.
  3. Reserve the parking space online.
  4. You will receive the booking confirmation by e-mail.

Saving costs – how does it work?

The short-term parking spaces directly at the terminal are the first port of call for many travellers. But in fact, the short-term parking spaces are designed to drop off travelers or pick them up after a relaxing vacation. It is strongly advised not to use these parking spaces if you are in a hurry or if you are running late. We therefore recommend planning in good time. The prices are cheapest if you reserve a parking space a few months in advance. You can use alternative Park & Fly offers at many airports, which are usually cheaper.

What alternative parking options are there?

There are various parking options available at the airport, which vary in price and service. Below, we’ve compared the three most common ones so you can find out what suits you best.

Park & Walk

If you want to leave your vehicle at the airport, you can use the parking garages or parking spaces on site at the airport. These are usually within walking distance and therefore usually expensive. Due to the proximity to the airport, you have a high degree of flexibility and can decide for yourself when you want to arrive.

Parking with shuttle service

With the shuttle service, you can drive your car to the parking area and park it there. These parking spaces are often not accessible on foot, which is why the additional service is offered. You will then be driven to your terminal by shuttle or bus. When you return from your holiday, this shuttle will pick you up directly at the airport and take you to your car. The cost of the shuttle ride is already included in the parking fees.

Parking with valet service

Parking with valet service offers you a high level of comfort and additional security for your car. You drive your car to the airport terminal and can hand it over to a parking lot employee. The employee will then park your car in one of the designated parking spaces. The valet service is insured and your car is covered against damage on the crossing to the car park. This parking option saves time and allows you to get your journey off to a relaxed start.

Parking at Frankfurt am Main Airport

Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s largest airport and offers you a variety of destinations, but can also quickly become confusing. There, the prices for parking spaces vary greatly, as the cheap parking spaces sell out quickly. In order for you to find an affordable parking space, we recommend that you compare the prices here.

Due to the distance to the airport, alternative parking options such as a shuttle service are often cheaper. In addition, the prices on site in the car park are not transparent for you as a guest, as the parking prices fluctuate constantly. Especially at Frankfurt am Main Airport, you should book a parking space in good time and early, as the traffic on site is high.

In a nutshell

➤ Planning is everything! It is best to book a parking space when booking the flight.

➤ Be sure to compare the offers beforehand and reserve in advance.

➤ Use alternative parking options.

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