All about travel

The 20 regions of Italy

Italy

PatrickJullien

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7. September 2022

Italy has been THE absolute attraction for tourists when it comes to holidays since the 1950s at the latest. Germans in particular love their holiday destination – after all, it can be reached directly by car. Italy has beautiful beaches and is densely populated by sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts in the summer months. In winter, you can ski in Italy and explore the country’s magnificent ski resorts on the snow-covered slopes.

Italy is famous above all for its unique cities and tourists from all over the world visit well-known metropolises such as the capital Rome, the water city of Venice or Florence, the hometown of the Medici. Hardly any other country has such a density of interesting cities to offer, which are full of beautiful buildings and peppered with great history. You are almost overwhelmed when you follow in the footsteps of long-gone times of the Romans in Rome or explore the historical sights in Florence .

The cuisine of Italy should also be tasted extensively, because the Italian dishes are full of epicurean delicacies. The countless wine-growing regions of Italy complete the offer absolutely perfectly.

But not all Italy is the same, because the country in southern Europe, shaped like a boot, has no less than 20 regions to offer, all of which you should actually have visited at least once, because they are as charming as they are different and all have an enormous amount to offer.

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Abruzzo (Italian. Abruzzo) – Mountains meet Adriatic coast

The region is rather sparsely populated with just 1.3 million inhabitants. Abruzzo is located in the east of the country directly on the Adriatic coast and has long beaches. In addition, it is home to the highest mountain in Italy – which does not belong to the Alps. The Corno Grande is almost 3,000 m high and rises in the middle of the Gran Sasso d’Italia massif in the Apennine mountain range. Abruzzo has the highest density of nature reserves – after all, a third of the region is under nature conservation. Tourists mainly visit the numerous castles and palaces. L’Aquila is the capital of Abruzzo and has various historic buildings from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The mountains are good for hiking in summer, and varied skiing in winter. Abruzzo has so far been considered an insider tip by tourists.

Aosta Valley (Italian. Valle d’Aosta) – home of Mont Blanc

Valle d’Aosta is the smallest region in Italy. It is located in the northwest of the country and belongs to the Alps. This is also where Mont Blanc is located, the highest mountain in the Alps at 4,810 m. The region borders directly on Switzerland and France in the border triangle. The official language is therefore French in addition to Italian. There are several ski resorts in Valle d’Aosta, the most famous being the town of Courmayeur. This is also where the famous Mont Blanc tunnel begins. Above all, fans of alpine pleasures such as hiking, mountain biking and, of course, skiing and snowboarding regularly come here.

Apulia (Italian. Puglia) – on the heel of the boot

Puglia, Polignano a Mare — Polignano a Mare in Puglia, Image: Stefano_Valeri / shutterstock

Puglia is located in the very south of the country and, together with the Salento peninsula, forms the heel of Lo Stivale, the boot shape of Italy. The region has just over four million inhabitants. The capital is Bari, a well-known university and port city. Puglia is located on both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and has long beaches to offer. In addition to Bari, the city of Brindisi is also known and is often visited by tourists. Puglia is home to the famous Castel del Monte Castle, built in 1250. But Puglia is best known for its good red wines such as Primitivo.

Basilicata (Italian. Basilicata) – wild and untouched

The sparsely populated region is located in the south of the country on the Apennine Peninsula. Basilicata has just under 600,000 inhabitants and the capital is Potenza. The region is located directly on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Especially the sandy beaches at Metapont and Policora invite you to sunbathe. The city of Matera, with its Sassi cave settlements, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worth seeing are the Roman Catholic Abbey of Santissima Trinità di Venosa and the Cathedral of Acerenza from the 11th century. The landscape of Basilicata is wild and unspoiled and can be explored in the Pollino and Murgia Materana National Parks.

Emilia-Romagna – large metropolises galore

Tiberius Bridge Rimini — The Tiberius Bridge of Rimini, Image: ALEX_UGALEK / shutterstock

The Emilia-Romagna region has about 4.3 million inhabitants and is located in northern Italy. Emilia-Romagna is home to a large number of well-known Italian metropolises. These include Parma, Modena, Ravenna, the well-known seaside resort of Rimini, Forlì and the capital of the Bologna region. Bologna is the oldest university city in Italy and has many attractions such as Piazza Maggiora and the Basilica of San Petronio. In Bologna, fans of motorsport can visit the factories of Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. Emilia-Romagna is home to the popular Imola circuit. Famous delicacies such as the ever-popular spaghetti bolognese and the delicious mortadella come from this region.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italian: Friuli-Venezia Giulia) Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Northern Italy’s pearls do the honours

Trieste, Italy — Picturesque Trieste, Image: leoks / shutterstock

Friuli Venezia Giulia is located at the outermost tip in the northeast of Italy and is rather small with about 1.2 million inhabitants. Friuli-Venezia Giulia borders Austria as well as Slovenia, the capital is the well-known port city of Trieste. In the famous university and port city you will find countless beautiful buildings such as the Castello di Miramare Castle. Other well-known cities in the region are Udine with its famous cathedral Santa Maria Annunziata and Pordenone with picturesque palaces of the patricians. In Friuli-Venezia Giulia Veneto is the Monte Coglians, at 2,780 m the highest mountain in the region.

Calabria (Italian. Calabria) – the tip of the boot

The region is rather sparsely populated. Calabria is dominated by a mountainous landscape and is almost entirely criss-crossed by mountain ranges. The highest mountain at 2,260 m is the Serra Dolcedorme. The region is located on both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas and has a coastline of 700 kilometers. In addition to the capital Catanzaro with the Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta, there are other buildings worth seeing in Reggio Calabria, Stilo and Rossano. The ancient excavation sites in Sybaris and Lokroi invite you to visit. Calabria is also notorious for one of the most powerful mafia organizations, because it is home to the ‘Ndrangheta.

Campania (Italian. Campania) – Vesuvius and Pompeii invite you to explore

Campania, Amalfi Coast — The Amalfi Coast in Italy’s Campania region, Image: IgorZh / shutterstock

Campania is located on the west coast of Italy and is the most densely populated Italian region, with a population of about 5.8 million. Especially the well-known capital Naples is an attraction for tourists every year. In addition to the Neapolitan sights, the volcano Vesuvius, not far from Naples, and the famous archaeological site of Pompeii are an absolute must for every visitor to this region. The enchanting Amalfi Coast and the pretty islands of Ischia and Capri with the Blue Grotto invite you to linger. In addition to a relaxing beach holiday, tourists also prefer extensive hikes in the mountains and exploration tours through the nature parks. In addition to spaghetti Napoli, the region is also famous for its pizza – it is said that the first pizza ever was baked here.

Lazio (Italian. Lazio) – with the Eternal City of Rome

Rome Attractions — Image: Neirfy / shutterstock

Lazio is, so to speak, the navel of Italy, because here lies the city of Rome, its capital, world metropolis and place of a lot of history of the ancient Romans. In the middle of it all is Vatican City, seat of the Catholic Church with its head, the Pope. Every year, countless tourists come to Rome to marvel at the many sights such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Spanish Steps, Colosseum & Co. The Lazio region is located on the west coast of Italy and is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Civitavecchia is the port city not far from Rome, where numerous cruise ships dock every year to visit the city of Rome. Next to the city of Rome, Lazio captivates with its beautiful landscape, peppered with vineyards and volcanic lakes. Various mountains, such as the almost 2,500 m high Monte Gorzano, invite you to go hiking and mountain biking. Impressive historical buildings such as the Castle of the Farnese in Caprarola and Castel Gandolfo offer a perfect insight into times long past.

Liguria (Italian. Liguria) – on the trail of the Genoese naval power

The Liguria region is located directly on the Ligurian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Especially the famous capital Genoa is an attraction for tourists from all over the world every year. Here you can admire the beautiful harbor and the countless sights such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. In addition, Liguria is known for its cities of Alassio, Savona, Sanremo, La Spazia and its noble town of Portofino. Liguria is located in the northwest of Italy and borders France. The long beaches are very popular during the summer months. The region is home to several regional parks, nature reserves and the Cinque Terre National Park, all of which are protected.

Lombardy (Italian: Lombardy) Lombardia) – World-class fashion in Milan

Milan, Cathedral — The Cathedral of Milan, Image: Viacheslav Lopatin / shutterstock

The region is located in northern Italy and borders Switzerland . With around 10 million inhabitants, it is the most populous region in Italy and you will find beautiful metropolises such as Milan, Bergamo, Mantua, Pavia and Brescia. The popular Lake Como as well as parts of Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are also part of Lombardy. The landscape of the region is very multifaceted. The almost 4,000 m high mountain Piz Zupò is just as much a part of Lombardy as parts of the Alps and the Po Valley. The countless tourists make a pilgrimage every year, especially to the popular large lakes with all their opportunities such as swimming, hiking and cycling. No less popular are city tours to Milan, where you can visit the Milan Cathedral or explore the fashion houses with world-class fame.

Marches (Italian. Marche) – between water sports and pilgrimage

The Marche region is located between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. It is located on the east coast and the capital is Ancona. Tourists appreciate this region for its beautiful seaside resorts such as Portonovo or Sirolo. Water sports enthusiasts in particular get their money’s worth here. But the hilly landscape and the adjacent mountains of the Apennines also provide a wide variety of activities. In addition to the capital Ancona, the towns of Pesaro, Fano and Urbino are ideal for exploring. And last but not least, the pilgrimage site of Loreto is an important place for Catholics and attracts countless pilgrims every year.

Molise – unspoilt landscape with suggestive villages

Molise is the second smallest region in Italy after Aosta Valley and has just over 300,000 inhabitants. It is located directly on the Adriatic Sea in the east of the country and its capital is Campobasso. Molise is divided into Basso Molise with picturesque hilly landscape and Alto Molise with high mountains and small villages. Nature is often still practically untouched and thus has its very special charm. In the region, which has so far been spared from mass tourism, you can explore pretty villages, vineyards and scenically impressive areas. In the capital Campobasso you can visit the Castello Manforte, in Termoli the Romanesque cathedral and in Sepino an excavation site of the ancient Romans.

Piedmont (Italian: Piedmont) Piemonte) – Turin, Truffles & Barolo

In terms of area, this region is the second largest in Italy. It is located in the north of the country and borders Switzerland and France. The capital of Piedmont is the well-known city of Turin, other well-known cities are Asti, Novara and Alessandria. Turin stands out above all for the Palazzo Reale, the residence of the Savoy royal family, which is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Turin Cathedral and the Castello del Valentino. Piedmont is considered an insider tip for tourists, because here you will still look in vain for mass tourism. In Piedmont you can go hiking in the mountains and ski in winter. Famous winter sports resorts are Sestriere, Alagna Valsesia and Bardonecchia. The highest mountain in Piedmont is the Monte Rosa massif, which is about 4,600 m high. Tourists also appreciate the region for its epicurean delights such as Barolo red wine and delicious truffle dishes.

Sardinia (Italian: Sardinia) Sardegna) – Holiday island par excellence

The island of Sardinia is a separate region of Italy. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the second largest island after Sicily. There are about 1.6 million inhabitants living in Sardinia, the capital is Cagliari. The island is extremely popular with tourists, because it has a lot to offer and presents itself very varied. Pretty places such as Porto Cervo, Palau, Alghero or Cannigione invite you to linger. There are plenty of water sports such as diving, windsurfing and sailing, and the beautiful beaches attract countless visitors. Ancient villages such as Castelsardo and Bosa bear witness to the island’s earlier times and should definitely be explored.

Sicily (Italian. Sicilia) – Etna volcano in all its splendor

Isola Bella, Sicily — Isola Bella off Taormina in Sicily, Image: IgorZh / shutterstock

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has just over 5 million inhabitants. The still active volcano Etna is about 3,300 m high, the volcano Stromboli is considered the most active volcano in the world. Sicily impresses above all with its wild, unspoilt landscape. The island is best explored by trekking through the mountains or by taking a beautiful boat tour along the coast. Miles of sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe and swim. If you prefer sightseeing, Sicily is home to ancient Greek temples, the archaeological site of Doric temples of Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Scala di Turchi. Especially the capital Palermo, but also Messina, Syracuse, Catania and Taormina are also worth a visit.

Tuscany (Italian: Tuscany) Toscana) – simply fantastically beautiful

Ponte Vecchio Florence, Tuscany — The famous and oldest bridge in Florence: Ponte Vecchio, Image: muratart / shutterstock

Once you’ve been to Tuscany , you can’t decide what’s more beautiful – the enchanting landscape or the countless beautiful cities of this region. The historic landscape presents itself with graceful hills dotted with magnificent pines, columnar cypresses and olive trees. The vineyards produce plenty of delicious wines. Florence as the capital of Tuscany is hard to beat in terms of historical buildings, after all, the famous Medici dynasty has left its mark here. Other cities include Lucca, Pisa with its famous leaning tower, Siena and Livorno. The island of Elba also belongs to Tuscany.

Trentino-Alto Adige (Italian: Trentino-Alto Adige) Trentino-Alto Adige) – paradise for skiers

The region is located in the very north of Italy in the border triangle with Austria and Switzerland. Trentino-Alto Adige is dominated by the Alps and the mountain range of the Italian Dolomites. Many winter sports enthusiasts come to South Tyrol every year to ski or snowboard extensively. The highest mountain in the region is the Ortler at just over 3,900 m. In summer, enthusiastic hikers enjoy the impressive mountain landscape and the good mountain air. Trento is the capital. Places such as Merano, Bressanone and Bolzano invite you to visit with their historic buildings. The Trauttmansdorff Castle of Empress Sissi is just as worth a visit as the medieval alleys in Sterzing, the city of the Fuggers.

Umbria (Italian. Umbria) – in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi

Due to its narrow boot-like shape, almost every region of Italy has a stretch of coast. Umbria is the only exception. The region is located in the center of Italy and has almost 900,000 inhabitants. The capital is Perugia, other beautiful places are Città di Castello, Assisi and Orvieto. In Perugia you can visit the medieval old town. The town of Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holidaymakers appreciate Umbria above all for its varied landscape with many opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and hiking. The Valneria Natural Park impresses above all with its many waterfalls. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy kayaking and rafting on the Nera River. Umbria has many epicurean delicacies to offer. This includes delicious wines and cheese specialties.

Veneto (Italian. Veneto) – Venice as the crowning glory of Italy included

View of Venice, Image: Mariia Golovianko / shutterstock

As we all know, the best comes at the end. And for many Italy fans, this is undisputedly the water city of Venice – after all, it is absolutely unique in the world with its special waterways without any access for cars. The historic city is a must-see with its famous buildings of ancient naval power such as the Doge’s Palace, the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. The Veneto region also includes the beautiful cities of Verona with its famous Arena, Padua, Vicenza and Treviso. The Veneto region has much more to offer than its well-known cities. The region stretches from the Dolomites to the Po Valley, parts of Lake Garda are just as much a part of Veneto as the lagoons on the Adriatic coast.

Water sports on holiday

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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6. September 2022

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Summer holidays are there to unwind, relax, refresh and simply enjoy life. Especially at hot domiciles, where summer, sun and beach are in the foreground, one thing should not be missing, namely the cool water. What would a summer holiday be without a wonderfully refreshing dip in the sea and pool? The sun shines on your face, the clear water reflects and sparkles, what could be better? This dreamlike feeling is simply incomparable!

Of course, swimming is not just for cooling down, there are also action-packed variants that bring even more fun and add some spice to the whole thing. Find out what great water sports and opportunities there are, find out right away and be curious.

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The classic: the surfboard

You probably know it from many movies: The athletes ride meter-high waves as if they were nothing and make surfing look so easy. The fact is that surfing is simply a cool and at the same time intense sport, but it requires a lot of skill. So unfortunately it is not possible to get on the board and start surfing like the kings of the waves and mastering monster waves. However, we can reassure you, because there are surf schools in many resorts that will teach you everything from scratch, without missing out on fundamental techniques and basics. In this way, you will be introduced step by step and learn how to tame the water with ease. Surfing offers speed, adrenaline and thrills. Surfing offers excitement, fun and cooling. What more does a water sport need?

Stand-up paddling: full speed or relaxing?

SUP Holidays — Stand-up paddles are fun for the whole family, Image: EpicStockMedia / shutterstock

A more relaxed variation of surfing, stand-up paddling. In summer, all reservoirs and rivers are full of them and the holiday resorts are almost littered with them. People kneel or stand on a board and glide over the cool water. Here you can switch off perfectly and forget the time. Just lie down on the board, relax and let all your worries and thoughts run free. If you like it a little more sporty, then you can of course also step on the gas on the stand-up paddle and work out. Almost all muscle groups of the human body are used. So you have the choice between complete relaxation or complete exhaustion, it’s entirely up to you. In any case, stand-up paddling is a flexible sport that leaves all options open to you.

Snorkeling: all the beauty of the underwater world

Hardly any area of the earth is less explored than the underwater world. But you can gain impressive impressions and convince yourself of the whole, dreamlike playfulness of the creatures under water. Discover colorful fish species, colorful corals, and unusual critters like you’ve never seen before. While snorkeling, you will see things with your own eyes that you may have only known from TV before. In many holiday destinations, there are courses for snorkeling and diving and accompanied excursions. There are extra places where you can fully absorb and enjoy the experience. It’s really worth it, because here you will experience moments that you will live on for the rest of your life.

Kayaking and canoeing: a true all-rounder

On the one hand, you will get to know beautiful landscapes and untouched nature. You can switch off and let yourself be sprinkled by the flora and fauna, even experience original forests and rivers. On the other hand, a wild kayak trip also offers something for adrenaline junkies who want to give it their all and prefer a wild ride on the water. What you ultimately decide is entirely up to you. It is clear that in most holiday resorts both variants are possible and are also gladly used. Both options are clearly recommended.

Water skiing: merciless action and incredible speed

If you love to feel the rushing wind on your face and can’t stop grinning, water skiing is the right choice for you. The adrenaline shoots through the veins, the drops of water patter down on the skin and the body is completely tense. Get down to business here! You will be pulled behind a speedboat and feel the rush of speed on your own body. When it comes to water skiing, the feeling of freedom and speed are particularly popular. Every lover of it gets their money’s worth here. Experience here how beautiful speed can be.

Result

There are so many fantastic holiday homes and they all have one thing in common: they offer many different water sports that everyone can practice and try out. The above variants are particularly popular and offer something for every taste. Whether action, relaxation, acceleration or deceleration, everyone gets what they want. Just get a taste of the sports that appeal to you and let yourself be inspired by the variety and possibilities. Water sports on vacation are simply something that everyone should do. After all, if you don’t test it, you’ll never know how it feels and how beautiful it can be.

Travel health insurance – that’s why it’s important!

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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5. September 2022

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Travel health insurance – that’s why it’s important!

A trip abroad is an exciting experience. But you should think about a suitable foreign travel health insurance in advance so that the holiday does not become an expensive claim. Travel insurance is indispensable, especially for stays over a longer period of time.

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But why is travel health insurance so important in the first place?

Return transport to the home country

Anyone who falls ill or suffers an accident during their journey wants to return to their home country immediately. However, the costs for repatriation to Germany can quickly rise into the four-digit range. In order to protect yourself from the extremely high costs, a contract should be chosen in which medically sensible repatriation is included in the scope of insurance. The statutory health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs, even if it is a medically necessary return transport. However, repatriation can reach existence-threatening sums, which is why you should definitely take precautions with foreign travel health insurance.

Standard rates for treatment abroad

Abroad, the rates applied by doctors for treatment often differ significantly from the usual costs for medical treatment in the home country. However, since statutory health insurance companies only cover the standard rates, everything that exceeds this amount must be paid locally out of pocket.
So if medical treatment is necessary, even if only for check-ups, it can be taken care of by travel insurance.

Social security agreement is not enough

Anyone who is a member of a statutory health insurance company has insurance cover in countries that are part of the social agreement, but only with the benefits and conditions customary locally. However, these are quickly exceeded, so that patients have to pay additional high costs out of their own pockets. TravelSecure international health insurance offers, among other things, the protection to pay for additional costs if the covered benefits of the statutory health insurance are exceeded.

All medical services included

The advantage of international travel insurance is that it does not only serve to cover the costs of inpatient hospital stays abroad. Everyday outpatient treatments are also fully covered by the supplementary insurance. Dental treatment abroad is also covered by the insurance, some of which is not covered by statutory health insurance. This includes costs for pain-relieving dental treatments, but also simple fillings and repairs of existing dentures.

Reimbursement of costs for medication

On vacation, there is not always the danger of an accident. Even everyday illnesses can become a real burden on vacation. The most common illnesses abroad include sunburn, diarrhoea, stomach problems and food intolerances. If you have not packed enough medication in your luggage in advance or if it is running low, you must visit a doctor or pharmacy on site. However, medicines abroad can quickly exceed the conventional costs of domestic pharmacies. A foreign travel health insurance covers the costs of necessary medication in full.

Travel insurance letters for complete peace of mind

A trip should be able to be enjoyed carefree. So-called cover letters are suitable for this, similar to those for your own car. Here, however, for your own health. Travel insurance letters are a travel insurance policy that complements the already very extensive protection of foreign travel health insurance.
The TravelSecure Travel Protection Letter Corona, for example, also covers costs incurred in connection with a Corona infection. These can include costs for not participating in the trip, but also treatment abroad and repatriation if transport is refused due to the infection.

Furthermore, travel insurance covers rebooking costs, but also costs for travel extensions due to illness or corona infections. Anyone who has to interrupt their trip prematurely due to an infection with the corona virus will be paid proportionately for the costs of the unused travel services.

Heligoland: Germany’s only offshore island

Germany

PatrickJullien

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4. September 2022

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Heligoland: Germany’s only offshore island

Heligoland is a nature-rich island in the North Sea that offers a lot of relaxation. A beautiful sandy beach, restaurants and cafes contribute to relaxing on Germany’s only offshore island. Well-developed hiking trails and quiet places for bird watching are interesting for nature lovers. In addition, there are numerous sights and sports facilities that provide plenty of action, culture and adventure.

The following article shows what else the island on the German Bight has to offer and what insider tips there are.

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This is what makes Heligoland so special

Deät Lun is Frisian for Heligoland. The island in the German Bight is Germany’s only offshore island and consists of the main island and the dune. To get to the dune, a short crossing is necessary.

Heligoland looks back on a long history: Due to the New Year’s flood in 1721, the island is divided in two. In 1947, the British Allies blew up the military installations. Since then, the island has been demilitarized.

A real highlight is the journey with the famous seaside resort ships. The passengers are taken from the large ships to the smaller Börte boats. The so-called disembarkation is very popular and provides a lot of fun. The white Börte boats are then moored at the harbour, where it is particularly romantic in the evening: The sunset is a beautiful highlight of a Heligoland trip, which is free of charge and at the same time will be remembered for a long time.

The best time to travel to Heligoland is from May to September. Then the temperatures rise to a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. The water temperature is around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius and the quality is very clean.

The journey to Heligoland

The journey to Heligoland always takes place by sea. This can be done in an hour by ferry from Cuxhaven: a catamaran takes passengers safely to their destination.

Other ferry piers that depart for Heligoland are located in Hamburg-Wedel, Büsum or Bremerhaven. A journey from Hamburg takes around three and a half hours.

Cars and bicycles are prohibited on the island, which is why only pedestrians are allowed on the ferries. Dogs are welcome on the island and find enough space on signposted beach sections.

If you prefer a quick journey, you should rely on a light aircraft. The flight with a private airline from Cuxhaven takes about 20 minutes and leads to the only landing site on the dune.

To get to the ferry docks, it is possible to arrive by plane, car or train. There are plenty of parking options on site, which are subject to a fee. To save money, the free park-and-ride parking lots are suitable, which are located just outside.

Sights of the offshore island and the surrounding area

Lighthouse Heligoland — Lighthouse of Heligoland, Image: Petr Kahanek / shutterstock

The landmark of the island is the Lange Anna, which is definitely worth a visit. At a height of a good 47 metres, the rock ledge made of red sandstone rises up. With a weight of 25,000 tons, the Nathurn Stak, as the rock is called in Frisian, is very imposing. Not far from there is the old lighthouse, which completely survived the Allied attack in 1947.

The colourful lobster stalls are simply part of Heligoland. The houses were once intended for the fishermen, who stored their equipment in them. Today, boutiques and other shops are located in it.

A popular attraction are the cute grey seals. They can be recognized daily in close proximity on the dune. Bathers on the beach can see from the shore how the island’s well-known inhabitants sunbathe or mate.

Equally well-known are the drum guillemots, which breed on the famous guillemot rock. The birds are almost unique on the island and an absolute highlight for birdwatchers.

From the north beach it goes up via the Jägersteig. The many steps offer a fantastic panoramic view.

These tips are worth it

The colourful houses of Heligoland, Image: Christian Horz / shutterstock

With a trip to Heligoland, visitors save twice: One advantage is duty-free shopping on the island. This is because Heligoland is a foreign country. Nevertheless, it belongs to Germany , so all other German regulations apply.
To save money when booking, an early bird discount or a last-minute offer is worthwhile.
Although a tourist tax is levied, this ensures clean beaches, a wide range of leisure activities for families with children and discounts of all kinds. Museums, mini golf and more are thus cheaper.
Two beautiful sandy beaches can be found on the dune. The fine sand creates a lot of holiday atmosphere. The beaches are guarded in the high season, so swimming in the North Sea is safe. On one section there is a beautiful playground, a restaurant and sanitary facilities.
Although there is no longer any fresh fish in the colorful lobster stalls today, they indicate the popular dish of the locals. Lobster, sprats and halibut are very popular and can still be found on the local menus today. Freshly caught goods are best obtained directly from the cutter that arrives at the port.
For dessert, an egg grog is typical, which consists of rum, sugar, egg yolk and cream. Sea buckthorn grows on the cliffs, known as the lemon of the north and is full of vitamin C. Sweets, schnapps or jams can be considered as souvenirs.

Result

Heligoland is a very special island in Germany that offers beautiful vantage points. Although the only offshore island in Germany is quite tranquil, it has a dream beach and interesting sights on offer. It is worth visiting all year round to come with your family, as a single or as a couple with or without a dog

The most beautiful sights in Barcelona

Spain

PatrickJullien

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1. September 2022

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The Catalan city of Barcelona has become one of the most popular destinations for city trips in Europe over the past twenty years. With its unique architectural charm, wonderful and hearty Spanish cuisine, and a variety of attractions, the city invites you to do more than just a simple weekend trip. While you can certainly stroll effortlessly for days through the beautiful shopping streets, the beach or the cafes and tapas bars of Barcelona, you will certainly want to discover one or the other sight. Both culturally and historically, there are a few things on offer in the city.

Our tip: Join one of the 10 best free walking tours of Barcelona and only pay the amount you want to pay from the end.

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1. The Sagrada Familia Church

What once began as a private project has developed into the unofficial landmark of the city over the decades. The still unfinished church, designed by Gaudí and built by him alone in the first few years, has now been under construction for over 140 years. With its many towers, neo-Gothic architecture, and curious history, the church has become one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. If the city’s plans go according to plan, the landmark should finally be completed by 2026. However, the building can already be admired not only from the outside, but also offers a variety of interesting guided tours that deal with the history of the building and the city.

Casa Milà & Casa Batlló

Another building by Gaudi, who architecturally shaped the city like no other person. At the request of an eccentric widow, the structure was designed and built on the corner of Passeig de Gràcia, and in the first few months of work on the façade was reminiscent of a quarry – the reason for its nickname in the Spanish language. Today, the building with its modernist furnishings can be visited and especially from the roof terrace you have a great overview of the city. If you haven’t had enough of Gaudi’s talent, Casa Batlló is another work in Barcelona that attracts attention above all with its colorful windows and special shapes.

3. La Rambla / The Ramblas

The heart of Barcelona is La Rambla. Hardly any other place is so closely associated with the vibrant life in the Catalan metropolis and nowhere else will you find so many people. The avenue leads down to the port of Barcelona and has a lot to offer from shops to cafes, tapas bars and restaurants of different price ranges. Above all, however, it is the street musicians, the artists and the many small sights for the eye that make a visit to the lifeline of Barcelona so appealing. Hardly anywhere else can you get such an insight into what Barcelona stands for and is appreciated today.

4. Port Vell – the port of Barcelona

If you have arrived at the end of the Ramblas, you will find yourself directly in the beautiful port of Barcelona. For centuries, it was the center of the flourishing economy of the metropolis in the Middle Ages and even today there are various sights for visitors to find here. In addition to the fishermen, who still sell their goods directly in a remote part of the port, the largest shopping centre in the city is also located here. Above all, however, you can stroll along the coastline and let the sea work its magic on you. A long walk along the harbour should definitely become part of your own experience of Barcelona – it is still one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

5. Barcelona Beach

With all the sights and cultural and architectural sights of the city, it is sometimes easy to forget that Barcelona also has some beautiful city beaches to offer. The most popular specimen is located in Barceloneta and offers the right base for an excursion for the whole family. Not only can you plunge into the waters here, but there are also various restaurants and activities that invite you to sit back and enjoy your time on the beach. Just right if you need a break from the vibrant life of the city.

6. Barri Gòtic – the Gothic Quarter

Getting around the historic district of Barcelona — On the road in the historic district of Barcelona, Image: puyalroyo / shutterstock

If you want to take a long look at historic Barcelona, you should take the time to explore the city’s Gothic Quarter. The high lords lived here as early as the Middle Ages. In addition to the narrow streets between the historic buildings, there are rows of ruins that date back to Roman times. Next to palaces and the cathedral of Barcelona once lived the nobles who decided the fate of Aragon, the former kingdom. Only here do you really get an insight into how the city behaved in the Middle Ages and how people lived here. This is an easy way to spend a whole day in Barcelona.

7. Picasso Museum Barcelona

The Museum of Picasso is representative of various museums that are located in the city of Barcelona. While this is about the works of an artist who is closely connected to the city, Barcelona is home to various art museums, galleries and art galleries. In addition, the museums offer a deep insight into the history of the city, explain the culture of the Catalans or deal with the port. If you want to take the time to visit only the most important and impressive museums in the city, you should plan a few days.

Last minute holiday – what to look out for

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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1. September 2022

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Last minute holiday – what to look out for

Many people are increasingly deciding spontaneously to go on vacation or fly. Sometimes you can even make a real bargain if you rely on last minute trips. But what do you have to pay attention to if you want to fly spontaneously on holiday?

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Plan early or use last minute?

While some plan their vacation a year in advance and queue up early at the travel agency, some still rely on spontaneous offers. Especially at a time when the corona pandemic made travel more difficult and travel restrictions were the order of the day, last-minute trips were all the rage, because you often had to postpone or rebook your travel plans.

If you look in travel agencies or online agencies, you will actually find the best bargains for cheap package tours far in advance. Cheap offers are often bought by tour operators a year in advance, but the cheap offers are only available to a limited extent. If gone, then gone is the motto, which is why early bookers also like to plan for the long term. But more and more travel enthusiasts are relying on more spontaneous bookings, so that the tour operators are also increasingly postponing the early bird offers to the winter of the previous year.

But if you are sure where you want to go next year, you should still not wait too long and book your summer vacation for next year early. If there are any problems, you can usually rebook or cancel the trip planned in advance free of charge.

Be flexible

If you don’t have any plans for your next vacation yet and are flexible, you can still get a bargain on last minute trips. If the cheap offers have been gone for a long time, you can still get a good deal at short notice as a last-minute holidaymaker if you are not concerned about a specific destination, a certain hotel or high demands. Especially if you are open to offers that do not offer the high luxury, there are also some good travel offers in a timely manner.

What are the regulations in the destination country ?

Although the entry requirements in most countries have long since been overturned, of course you have to find out about the respective requirements even for a last-minute trip. There should therefore not be too little time between booking and departure, because often a lot has to be organized for the time of the vacation.

If the trip is planned abroad, the important identification documents must of course not be missing. If a passport has expired, it should be renewed before you decide to travel last minute, as the issuance of the passport can also take some time.

Refresh vaccination protection

Not only the corona vaccination is important if you want to travel. Other vaccinations can also be important, depending on which country the trip is to go to, holidaymakers should definitely make an appointment with their doctor to have their vaccination protection refreshed.

Check insurance

Anyone who likes to travel a lot should have travel insurance. However, what is covered in the respective insurance contract is often lost. Before leaving, it is therefore advisable to take a look at the policies and, if necessary, upgrade the insurance with new clauses so that you are protected against eventualities in the holiday destination.

Tips for a small budget

If you have already saved on your trip, you can keep your holiday budget low with other tips. For example, flights during the week are cheaper than departing on weekends, all-inclusive saves expensive food in restaurants and rooms with an extra bed are cheaper than large family rooms.

CEMPEDAK ISLAND – Sustainable Luxury in Indonesia

PatrickJullien

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1. September 2022

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CEMPEDAK ISLAND – Sustainable Luxury in Indonesia

Cempedak is a unique adults-only private island that prioritizes sustainability and groundbreaking design. The twenty exceptional handmade bamboo villas for a maximum of 40 guests, has developed step by step over the years to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife. A destination for true visionaries.

If you want to make a contribution on holiday so that our future generations can also benefit from the natural beauty of our earth, Cempedak Island is the right place for you. The hotel promises holidays in its most authentic form and the philosophy of sustainability sets completely new standards that are forward-looking. Holiday memories such as the beach, sun and sea will become secondary if you take home the feeling of having made a valuable contribution to protecting our environment.

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The rooms

Every guest will find a secluded idyll on the barefoot island, where sustainability and environmental friendliness are combined with luxury. The bamboo villas have been created in the country’s typical architectural design using natural materials as well as recycled materials such as driftwood, alang-alang grass or rubber wood.

Care was taken to ensure that no existing trees had to be felled. The gardens have been planted with native trees and bushes, irrigation is done with recycled water, lighting is minimal so as not to disturb nature, especially the nesting turtles, in their night’s rest. The hot water system is powered by solar energy.

There are a total of twenty Beach and Sea Villas to choose from.

The Restaurant

The Dodo Bar in the evenings, Image: Cempedak Island

The hotel’s restaurant, with stunning views, serves three meals a day exclusively a la carte to reduce food waste. Food leftovers are fed to fish from the hotel’s own fish farm. Ingredients from our own production are used in the preparation of the dishes.

The menu includes homemade muesli, juices, jams, homemade bread, bar snacks, ice cream, as well as homemade syrups for soft drinks. Cempedak’s water uses its own carbonated water, which is sold in recyclable glass bottles. The coffee comes from Indonesia and is fairly traded.

Spa & Leisure

CEMPEDAK ISLAND , main pool right on the beach, — The main pool is located directly on the beach, Image: Cempedak Island

On offer are: diving, stand up paddling, yoga, tennis, windsurfing, sailing, and spa treatments. The Rock Spa is a unique oasis of peace, nestled on impressive granite rocks in an eastern mangrove bay. All three double treatment rooms have views of the sea and can relax to the sound of the ocean waves.

How to get there

The Indonesian island is located 85 km south of Singapore in the South China Sea. Cempedak is very easily accessible via Singapore International Airport. From Singapore, take a 55-minute ferry to Bintan, where a Cempedak representative will escort you to the Speed Boat Terminal and the island.

More information can be found on the hotel website.

The resort of Dénia, on the Costa Blanca, benefits from its picturesque location

Spain

PatrickJullien

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31. August 2022

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The resort of Dénia, on the Costa Blanca, benefits from its picturesque location

The idyllically situated and sun-drenched Spanish city of Dénia is located on the northern Mediterranean coast of the province of Alicante. With an area of just over 66 km², Dénia is the second largest and, with currently over 46,000 inhabitants, the most populous city in the surrounding comarca of Marina Alta. In the neighbourhood are the towns of Oliva, Ondara and Jávea. The 753-metre-high Montgó mountain, sometimes called the “Sleeping Elephant” because of its characteristic shape, towers majestically above these equally touristy seaside and holiday resorts, which is recommended as an excursion and hiking destination for all fitness levels and ages. If you want to go to the cross or to the summit, you can be prepared for sporting activity.

A hike to Cabo de San Antonio with its lighthouse and view of Jávea over flatter high-altitude paths with Mediterranean vegetation is also very attractive, a return trip to Dénia by boat from Jávea is a good idea. There, Dénia’s three port areas are home not only to fishing boats, pleasure boats and yachts, but also ferries for regular connections to Mallorca and Ibiza.

View of Dénia, Image: Sergio Formoso / shutterstock

Between the Montgó and the Segaria mountain range stretches the fertile plain known as Plana de Dénia, which has always been intensively used for agriculture and especially for the cultivation of oranges. Irrigation is provided by the Río Girona River, which flows into the sea at Almadraba, where it forms the small delta of La Punta. Off the coast in the direction of Jávea is the marine reserve of the same name, named after the headland Cape San Antonio, and also an excellent hiking area, where you can constantly let your eyes wander between mountain massif and rocky coasts. Here is also the destination of Cova Tallada, a cave at sea level, which was used for limestone extraction from the 16th century, but in the interior of which relics from the Muslim XI and XII centuries have also been found.

Although Dénia is clearly a tourist centre, it retains its Spanish character – in different parts of the city, such as the historic centre and the old and new port, you can experience a pleasant, rarely crowded tourist atmosphere, you never have the feeling of living in an artificial world created only for holidaymakers, the mix of locals, national and international residents and holidaymakers creates a pleasantly natural atmosphere. The numerous festivities and parades, which are always suspected by visitors of only serving as a folkloric tourist attraction, can also be traced back to a local tradition of the local population that is deeply felt as everywhere in Spain . Among the highlights here are certainly the fiestas “Fallas” in March and “Moros i Cristians” in August.

You will certainly feel at home in the hinterland of the Marina Alta: Mediterranean mountains with hiking trails, caves, river valleys, orchards, smaller mountain villages that invite you to take a break with a caña (a small draught beer) with a few tapas. An inexhaustible network of even smaller country roads in the mountains makes the area a paradise for cyclists and e-bikers. It is no coincidence that you can find numerous international professional teams training here in spring in preparation for the season.

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The city grew very quickly in the 20th century and is still attractive as a place to live today

The favourable geographical conditions, each with relatively short distances to the two major cities of Alicante and Valencia, the warm and mild Mediterranean climate with up to 320 days of sunshine per year and the enviable location directly on the coast with over 20 kilometres of the finest sandy beaches made Dénia a popular bathing destination among Spanish visitors as early as the late 1950s.

In the mid-1960s, under the impression of increased growth and influx, there were plans, mainly characterized by land speculation, to build on the entire coastal strip with multi-storey buildings, but fortunately and not least for reasons of nature conservation, this was quickly discarded. Nevertheless, numerous holiday homes have been built in and around Dénia since then, as well as smaller and medium-sized hotels. In the summer peak season, the temporary number of inhabitants can quadruple to up to about 200,000. Between 1970 and 2021, the population almost tripled from 16,000 at the time to 46,000 today.

Not quite 30 percent of today’s population originally comes from abroad. A total of 111 nations are represented, you meet many Latin Americans and Central Europeans, but English and Germans form the strongest group with 1300-1400 inhabitants. Interestingly, however, the number of resident Germans has halved in the last 20 years.

As already mentioned, many former Denia holidaymakers decide to purchase a holiday home on site, which then often develops into their main place of residence. There are endless possibilities, from an apartment with sea views and communal pool, to a typical Spanish house with views on MontGo, to quieter settlement houses inland. You should get in touch with specialists who can help you reconcile your needs, wishes and wallet. More information: Asesor inmobiliario SAFTI Wolfgang MARINGER Dénia (03700) | SAFTI

Natural beauties as well as beaches with sand or stones are here in abundance for every taste

The biggest and most famous crowd puller of the city is undoubtedly its beach, which is divided into several sections and stretches over a coastline of about 20 kilometers and has state-recognized quality and environmental certificates. North of the center of Dénia and in the so-called “Zona Marinas” there are a total of 17 quite wide, fine, clean and well-kept sandy beaches. The Albaranes, L’Almadraba, Les Bovetes, Les Deveses, Els Molins, Les Marines and Punta del Raset sections are the most visited beaches. On the positive side, the kilometre-long extension of the beaches ensures a good distribution of visitors even in summer and makes overcrowded beaches practically impossible.

To the south, the so-called “Zona Las Rotas” is dominated by the smaller, mostly rocky, but very picturesque bays of Les Arenetes, Marineta Cassiana, El Trampolí, La Cala and La Punta Negra, which are connected by a modern waterfront promenade (“paseo marítimo”). These latter sections and bays have an excellent reputation among water sports enthusiasts as snorkeling and diving spots. Sailors and kitesurfers also get their money’s worth in Dénia. There are also several high-class equestrian centres and golf courses in the vicinity.

Not far away and easy to reach by rental car in just a few minutes drive from Dénia are also the equally charming beaches of Playa del Arenal, Playa de la Barraca and Cala de la Granadella in or near Jávea. A little further south in the direction of Moraira, there are other attractive bays, e.g. Cala de Moraig and Cala de Llebeig.

In and around Dénia, people have enjoyed living since over 2,000 years ago

Port of Denia — Sunset at the port of Dénia, Image: lunamarina / shutterstock

From a cultural point of view, the port city of “Dianium”, which was already wealthy in antiquity and named after the Roman goddess Diana and already known nationwide, offers numerous attractions and sights. Wine production began 2700 years ago, which developed into a major economic factor 700 years later and helped Dianium to flourish under the Roman emperors Claudius and Nero. The Campiña de Dianium was home to 68 wineries and 17 amphorae production centres. Of the 10 amphorae produced, 9 went to the wine trade, one to olive oil. The wine was exported by ship, mainly to Gaul, Liguria, Rome and Sicily. Even today, Spanish wines do not need to hide internationally, to which many wineries in the area around Valencia and Alicante also contribute.

Located directly at the port of Dénia and right in the center, the landmark of the 11. to 12th century fortress “Castillo de Dénia” built by the Islamic rulers of the city. The imposing structure can be seen from afar from both land and sea and houses other architectural treasures such as the two defensive towers from the 15. and the former governor’s palace from the 16. and 17th century.

The archaeological museum is also located here, where finds from excavations from the surrounding area can be visited. For guests interested in history, the fortified Benitzaina estate from the 18th century, the picturesque hermitage “Caseta del Pare Pere” of a monk from the 17th century on the slopes of the Montgó and the mighty watchtower Torre del Gerro near Las Rotas with the nickname “Jarrón” (vase) from the 16th century are also excursion destinations.

There is perhaps no better place to eat in the Spanish Mediterranean

Dénia’s location by the sea and the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from the neighboring plain have made the city the preferred destination for gourmets and gourmets from all over the world from early on. Delicious local and regional specialties are primarily red prawns (with chard), the delicious seafood casserole “Suquet de Peix”, the grilled vegetables “Espencat” and the fish soup “Llandeta”. As an outstanding example of Mediterranean cuisine, even scientifically recognized as proven healthy, Dénia was included in the circle of “cities of gastronomy” by UNESCO a few years ago.

In the historic district around Carrer Loreto and the Old Town Harbour, holidaymakers will find a wide range of exquisite and first-class restaurants as well as cosy tapas bars all year round. A few years ago, the former warehouses were also converted into the authentic culinary and cultural site of Els Magazinos. Arroces, i.e. rice dishes, can be found everywhere, which is due to the fact that there are rice-growing areas in the Valencian Albufera but also in the nearby Marjal of Pego. Based on this, there is everything – from the world-famous “Paella Valenciana”, which, contrary to popular belief, delights the taste buds without seafood but with chicken and rabbit, to classic Alicantine variants with seafood, to the Arroz Negro, black by the ink of the squid, and lots of delicious alternative versions. At first glance, very similar to paella, the fideua is also tempting, which is prepared on a pasta basis. Tapas, fresh fish and grilled lamb chops remain popular classics.

In summary, it can be emphasized that Denia, with its Spanish soul, offers the visitor a naturally attractive backdrop in which nothing is left to be desired: whether you prefer the more traditional historic districts, the modern marina with bars and restaurants, the more rocky coast or miles of sandy beaches, or perhaps prefer nature in the hinterland, everyone will get their money’s worth in Denia.

The Halligen – storm-swept islands in the Wadden Sea

Germany

PatrickJullien

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31. August 2022

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The Halligen – storm-swept islands in the Wadden Sea

Ten flat islands in the North Sea, which are flooded at high tide and are grouped in a circle around the island of Pellworm – these are the Halligen. They are called Gröde, Hooge, Langeneß, Nordstrandischmoor, Oland, Habel, Hamburger Hallig, Norderoog, Süderoog and Südfall. Five of the ten Halligen are permanently inhabited. The houses on the Halligen stand on artificially raised terps that protrude from the wild North Sea at high tide. There are no dikes. There is no fresh water on the Halligen, but an interesting flora adapted to the salty sea water.

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Geography, formation and nature

Geologically, the Halligen are very young and once formed on silted or flooded marshland. In the past, they often changed shape, some disappeared and others, such as the Hamburg Hallig, merged with the mainland. Floods repeatedly caused changes to the coastline. Due to sediment deposits, some Halligen even enlarged. However, maps have only been available since 1700. The flora and fauna are represented by the Hallig lilac flower, the sea beach plantain, ringed geese and many other species.

Places of interest on the Halligen

On the road on Hallig Langeneß, Image: tourpics_net / shutterstock

The unpredictable forces of nature and the way they are dealt with probably attract most guests to the Halligen, but the Halligen also offer some cultural sights. The pretty Hallig churches in particular are definitely worth a visit. These are located on the Halligen Hooge, Oland, Langeneß and Gröde.
Among the museums on Langeneß are the “Captain Tadsen Museum” and the cozy “Friesenstube”. Highlights on the Hallig Hooge are the local history museum, an old Frisian living room with interesting finds and the so-called Königspesel, a Frisian parlour that vividly conveys the living culture of the seafarers with its faience.

In addition, the Mensch & Watt experience centre on the Hallig Hooge provides exciting insights into the diverse relationships between man and nature on the Halligen. Highlights are the tidal aquarium and the mudflat workshop.

In the storm surge cinema, visitors are shown a typical country underwater on a large screen. Langeneß has the exhibition room of the Wadden Sea Conservation Station on the Rixwarft, where visitors can get an idea of the nature and culture on the Halligen in two exhibitions and guided tours during the summer season. There is another exhibition room on the Peterswarft. Here, the plants of the salt marshes and the bird life are the focus. But the challenges for the Halligen due to climate change are also discussed.

The replica of a sailing cart and a post windmill on the Ketelswarft Captain Tadsen Museum also attract interested parties.

Wadden hikes

Various mudflat hikes are offered, including one from the mainland to Hallig Oland, another to Gröde and another from Hallig Hooge to Japsand. Usually a visit to a Hallig church and of course a terp is included in the program. The duration is six to seven hours, but shorter mudflat walks with a duration of about two hours are also on offer. A total of 3200 animal species live in the Wadden Sea, 250 of them in the salt marshes. There are over 60 species of fish in the water. Countless mussels, snails, small crabs and of course the famous lugworm can be observed during a mudflat hike. The experienced mudflat guides provide informative insights into the Wadden Sea ecosystem and have all kinds of stories and anecdotes in their luggage. For young and older guests alike, a mudflat hike is a highlight during a stay on the Halligen. Visitors’ favourites are seals and grey seals, which are mainly found on the offshore sandbanks.

Life on the Halligen

View of Hallig Südfall, Image: bluecrayola / shutterstock

The Halligen have been continuously inhabited since the Viking Age. At that time, Frisians who came from the area of the mouth of the Rhine settled here. From the very beginning, the terps served as protection against flooding. On the upper floor, all houses have had their own shelter since the huge storm surge of 1962. Today, about 230 people live on the Halligen, mainly from tourism as the most important source of income. In addition, agriculture with its focus on livestock farming still plays a certain role.

A smaller part of the population works for coastal protection at the Office for Rural Areas of the State of Schleswig-Holstein. Individual people are employed as teachers and pastors. In addition, NABU and WWF maintain stations with employees on the Halligen.

For a long time, electricity was generated by windmills and generators, but until the 1960s it still happened that Hallig residents did not have secure access to electricity. In the meantime, there are power cables to the mainland that guarantee a continuous power supply.

For a long time, the inhabitants were dependent on the collection of rainwater in cisterns for the water supply. A distinction was made between service water for humans and for livestock. The latter was stored in a water pit at the highest point of the terp. Longer dry seasons or the salinization of drinking water were constantly in the room as dangers. Fresh water then only came to the Halligen by ship. Similar to electricity generation, water pipelines to the mainland have been built since the 1960s. The uninhabited Halligen, on the other hand, still have no fresh water pipe.

Since the 1990s, the Hallig residents have also had Internet access. In the meantime, efforts are being made to get a fiber optic connection. Modernity has found its way into the stormy island world. Smaller grocery stores are available on Hooge and Langeneß for daily shopping, otherwise food is delivered by ship. There are certain delivery days for this purpose.

Nursing stations are owned by the Halligen Hooge and Langeneß. Of course, Hallig schools are not missing either, even if the number of teachers and pupils remains very manageable. The relationship between teacher and student is very close, there are even school classes that consist of only one student. But the funding is all the better.

Coastal protection, flooding and the current situation

In 1825, the great Hallig flood swallowed up all but the Halligen, which still exist today. A large loss of land was the result. Due to Lahnungen and stone layers, the area of the Halligen is even increasing today. However, the heights of storm surges continue to rise, especially in times of climate change, and require regular adjustments. In this way, the terps were further raised and fortified. Together with the Hallig residents, all inhabited terps are to be raised. The North Frisian outer sands of Japsand, Norderoogsand and Süderoogsand also contribute to the protection of the Halligen. However, it is still called land under, especially in the winter months. Up to 20 times a year, the sea floods the Halligen. Last but not least, the floods promote natural growth and ensure salinity.

Festivals and traditions

The festivals and traditions on the Halligen include the Biike brennen, the ringed goose days and the traditional costume summer. The Biike brennen heralds the end of winter and, like everywhere else in northern Germany, is a great spectacle. They celebrate and drink together. The Brent Goose Days are all about nature conservation and bird watching, when huge flocks of Brent Geese stop off on the lush green Hallig meadows. At the Trachtensommer, more than twenty traditional costume groups from the Halligen and the mainland dance together on the meadow of the Hanswarft. In addition, the women serve culinary delicacies. The character of the festival remained very familiar. Other festivals on the Halligen are the museum market with an open day in the Hallig Museum on Hooge, the lock festival with sailing regatta and the winter market on Langeneß

If you love luxury travel, you should visit these places

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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31. August 2022

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If you love luxury travel, you should visit these places

Deserted picture-book beaches in prime locations, luxurious hotels, with a service that leaves nothing to be desired or exclusive cruises to the most beautiful places in the world. Holidaymakers who have the necessary financial means at their disposal can choose from numerous offers that meet their needs. It doesn’t always have to be long-distance trips that guarantee a first-class holiday. There are also destinations in Europe that offer pure luxury and extravagance.

Yachts St. Tropez — Luxury yachts in the harbor of St. Tropez, Image: NAPA / shutterstock

One of them is the formerly sleepy fishing village of Saint Tropez on the Cote d’Azur, which was discovered by the international film industry in the middle of the last century and has been one of the favourite destinations of the Haute Volée ever since. Where small wooden boats used to set out to fish, the largest and most expensive yachts are now anchored. Filmmakers from all over the world stroll along the harbour and stay in the town’s luxury hotels. Not far from Saint Tropez is the tiny state of Monaco. It is not only famous for its glamorous princely family or the Monte Carlo Rally , but first and foremost for the noble Casino de Monte Carlo, which has served as a film set countless times.

For more than 150 years, the world’s high society has indulged in gambling. If you don’t manage to visit this Monegasque landmark in person, you can also switch to offers on the Internet and immerse yourself in the dazzling world of online casinos. A real pleasure, because attractive chances of winning are also tempting on the net. JackpotPiraten Casino is currently on everyone’s lips, because this is the first online casino with a German license, which means that you play in a completely safe and legal environment.

In addition, JackpotPiraten offers an attractive bonus with which you can top up your customer account right at the beginning. Here you can find information on how to use the JackpotPiraten Casino bonus correctly. Although this is no substitute for a visit to the Casino de Monte Carlo, it is a pleasant alternative and a fun pastime for friends of gambling. If you prefer to combine a luxury trip with winter sports, you will get your money’s worth in St. Moritz. The Swiss Alps guarantee snow, and slopes that are ideally groomed for perfect skiing fun. In addition, glamorous luxury hotels attract high society from all over the world every year.

Orient instead of Occident

For holidaymakers looking for something special, the Orient is also at the top of the ranking. Dubai is clearly at the top of the hit list. In this metropolis of superlatives you will find the most expensive and extravagant hotels of all. Among them is the prestigious Burj al Arab. This sail-shaped building houses the only 7-star hotel in the world and is considered the landmark of the emirate. In Oman, too, a number of exquisite hotels offer a sophisticated holiday in a class of its own. Fairytale temples made of marble, gold and crystal invite you to enjoy the oriental splendour up close. If you travel there in the summer months and prefer a cooler climate, you should visit Salalah . This dry desert area turns into a colorful sea of flowers during the monsoon.

Dream beaches and luxury resorts

Alimatha, Maldives — The island of Alimatha in the Maldives, Image: Marcello Landolfi / shutterstock

People looking for the sound of the sea, crystal clear waters and endless white sandy beaches will find their holiday paradise in the Maldives. There you can even book individual islands exclusively for yourself. Alimatha is hard to beat in terms of luxury. This palm-covered island has only one resort, which is of breathtaking beauty. The Seychelles also offer turquoise blue sea and white sand. It is not for nothing that the coasts are regularly awarded as the most beautiful beaches in the world. The advertising industry also discovered this for itself and filmed the Bacardi and Raffaello commercials in La Digue , among others. Of course, the hotels and resorts of the Seychelles also charge for this beauty.

Another tip for a luxury holiday on picture-perfect beaches with magical underwater worlds is undoubtedly Bora Bora. This remote South Sea island is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. If you want to experience the whole magic of this island, it is best to rent one of the exclusive water bungalows. They have glass floors and tables that allow an unobstructed view of passing rays, sharks or barracudas. Tropical holiday dreams also come true in Mauritius. There, a magnificent coral reef, exclusive hotels and numerous water sports opportunities away from mass tourism beckon.