Everyone knows it: car trips can often be long and breaks are necessary to stretch your legs, refuel and get some fresh air. Of course, a small snack, lunch together or a good coffee should not be missing during the breaks. The problem: Many rest stops and truck stops on the German motorways usually provide little relaxation from the journey and the selection of meals is also moderate. Finding the perfect restaurant for a break on the highway is often difficult. The drive & dine app now wants to make this search easier: The application, which was launched in the summer, takes drivers to one of over 1,500 selected restaurants along the planned route.
Wide range of choices: there is something for everyone
Restaurant search made easy: In the app, everyone can find the restaurant for their taste with the help of different filters. Users can choose between various cuisines, such as Thai or Italian, and filter the restaurants according to special characteristics. Among other things, breaks can be planned with a gas station or e-charging stations near the restaurants. In addition, it is possible to filter by the price range. The refreshment stops are easy to reach from the motorway, as they are usually a maximum of five kilometres away from the exits.
All restaurants at a glance depending on the route
The route from Cologne to Dortmund is one of the most stressful sections on the German motorways, with an average of 19 construction sites on the outward journey and 18 construction sites on the return, as a comparison of the app shows. Especially on such routes, a relaxed break is important in order to be able to continue riding full of energy afterwards. This is exactly what the app makes possible.
Unlike other online applications, drive & dine suggests restaurants while driving, so users don’t have to focus on a static location, but have an overview of nearby restaurants depending on the route. The app is currently available in German and English for iOS and Android devices.
The founder of the app is the Liebrecht-Frey family from Frankfurt am Main: Victoria Liebrecht has many years of international gastronomy experience, Werner Frey is an experienced manager in the automotive industry and the 17-year-old daughter and student Friederike Liebrecht takes care of the social media presence of drive & dine.
“The idea for drive & dine came to us in 2018 on the way back from our vacation in France . We wanted to eat something away from the busy motorway service areas, but the search with the smartphone turned out to be difficult and took a lot of time due to the dynamics. This gave rise to the idea of an app that can be used to easily direct you to a suitable restaurant near the motorway exit,” says Victoria Liebrecht, co-founder of drive & dine.
“Not far from the motorway there are real restaurant pearls. We want to put them in the spotlight, give them a stage and make them attractive for new guests. We have experienced for ourselves that it is worthwhile to just go off: This is the only way to get to know new corners and take a relaxed break,” comments co-founder Friederike Liebrecht.
Do you have a restaurant that fits drive & dine, but is not yet listed? Then feel free to send your suggestions by email to info@drivedineapp.com.
In the summer, the exhibition “Dobrna through the ages” was on display in the “two-hundred-year-old spa park of Dobrna (Slovenia).
When most people hear the name Dobrna, they first think of health resorts and spa tourism, as Terme Dobrna is considered one of the oldest health resorts in Slovenia today, and spa tourism has made great contributions to the development of the town and its surroundings. In addition to the spa material, the exhibition also presented archival materials from other holdings and collections, which reflect special features and interesting facts from the history of this place. The exhibition is arranged chronologically, the oldest document is the deed of the Dobrnica manor from 1789, with which Baroness Kajetana ceded the hunting ground to the owner of the Dobrna estate. As the oldest pictorial representation of Dobrna, in addition to the black-and-white graphic of the Snake Castle and Dobrna from 1681, there was also a colour postcard of Dobrna sent in 1899, on which the individual details of Dobrna can be seen.
Dobrna, a place where health and well-being have been at home for centuries
Image: Visitdobrna
Dobrna, a place in the heart of the green forests below Paški Kozjak, 20 km north of Celje, is characterized by its healing waters, which were already known to the Celts and Romans. The Dobrnske toplice thermal bath, now called Terme Dobrna, was first mentioned in a document in 1403; making it the oldest Slovenian thermal spa in operation. Without it, Dobrna would not be on the map of modern tourist destinations. Away from industry, city noise and traffic, with a mild climate, Dobrna has always been a recognized health resort for the treatment of gynecological diseases and infertility. Today, the program is broader and more effective in other treatment areas as well. Dobrna offers many opportunities for hiking, cycling and exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the surrounding area. It is also an excellent starting point for day trips around Slovenia, where you can be in the mountains, karst cave, wine cellars or on the coast in practically two hours.
The Dobrna Promotion 2021 project is co-financed by the Slovenian Tourist Board in accordance with the public tender “For the co-financing of activities to promote the tourism offer of the leading tourist destinations in Slovenia in 2021”.
Many people like to hike, whether it’s a day trip, a weekend trip, a few weeks or just for an hour to get some fresh air, hiking connects, makes you happy and provides an inner balance. However, it is very rare to decide to start a journey that has no end to it for the time being. But they do exist, people who care so much about the most natural and healing locomotion that they want to grow a steady rhythm of life from it. As if that wasn’t enough, there are two adventurers whose mission is to wander around the world without money. How this can work and from what the idea of leading a life without money was born is told here.
Heiko Gärtner and Franz Budjor on the day of their departure, Image: Lebensabenteurer.de
On 01.01.2014 the time had come, Heiko Gärtner and Franz Bujor wanted to find out whether a life without money is possible. The urge to escape from society and the regulations was so loud that they could hardly ignore it. Because the previous sedentary and unfree life was absolutely no longer an option for both of them, so the idea was born to hang up the old life and start a new one in freedom and enjoyment of life armed with two pilgrims’ chariots. Until then, Heiko did an apprenticeship at Allianz and took over his father’s insurance agency. And Franz studied pedagogy and led class trips and youth programs. Afterwards, they wanted to help students and participants in their joint wilderness school to re-establish their connection to nature, which they were happy to pass on for quite some time. Finally, the wilderness school was handed over to a successor in order to be able to work on the preparations for her world trip without money at the same time.
It is without a doubt the greatest adventure of her life, which took a year of preparation, but it was worth it. Since the beginning of their adventure, they have been living as nomads, wanderers, researchers, healers and writers without money in order to learn as much as possible about natural healing methods and the healing art of different cultures.
The trip became the longest charity walk in the world without money
Since Heiko and Franz wanted to contribute something to the well-being of the world and its inhabitants, they also opened the longest charity walk in the world. The aid projects of the charity run were joyfully supported by private individuals and companies in order to ensure a more peaceful, healthy and happier life together. By running without money, projects such as for the protection of indigenous peoples but also for environmental protection are supported, but above all and this is particularly important to Heiko and Franz, that those who can no longer walk should also be supported. This is how the mission “Walk for people, who cannot walk” was born.
A dream became reality
They not only want to be web nomads, healers, researchers and globetrotters themselves, but also pass on their knowledge and the many possibilities to all people who are interested and also feel the call of freedom within themselves. Every person can become a light or kindle his light and they want to encourage everyone to become a seeker of truth in their own life.
From childhood dream to task in adult life
Heiko Gärtner takes an ice bath, Image: Lebensabenteurer.de
Even as children, Heiko and Franz carried large and adventurous travel plans independently of each other at the age of about four or five. But above all, as a researcher and explorer, to travel the world without money. Nevertheless, like many others, they started as adults with a completely normal job and put the world travel plans of their childhood on hold for the time being.
When they both set out as adults to visit an American medicine man, they already suspected that a big task was waiting for them. They were allowed to take part in a healers’ meeting, where the old Indian healing knowledge was to be reactivated. As you can quickly imagine at this point, it didn’t take long for the childhood dream to flare up again like an unmistakable fire. There was no longer any doubt for both of them, they felt that it was time to break down the tents and go.
Why walk around the world?
Our feet have more nerve cells than our hands, so they are a lot more sensitive. This enables us to establish a connection to the earth while hiking, in order to create a healing for the earth but also for us, as long as the steps are carried out consciously. Therefore, a hiking trip is also a healing journey at the same time, where you experience first-hand who you are, what needs to be healed and how you can heal your contact with the earth.
How can you imagine a life without money?
Since both pull a pilgrim’s chariot behind them by means of an attached hip belt, they can stow their belongings in it and are thus flexible and without travel costs. Each of them carries around 60 kilos of luggage and equipment, as this weight would have been impossible with a backpack on their backs.
If you travel with a higher goal that people find supportive, such as supporting the aid organizations during Heiko and Franz’s trip around the world without money, you will also meet people with a big heart. This made it possible for them to find out in which region which methods and systems work to get food, sleep and equipment. Churches, museums, castles, yurts, caravans, cafes, community rooms or host families are suitable for accommodation, as long as there is a positive intention and a feeling of confidence.
Due to the abstract system of society, there is a lot of waste and overproduction, which on the other hand has developed a dense social network to catch people who fall through it. Nobody uses food that is available in surplus anyway, considering how much is thrown away. 70% of what is grown in the fields is thrown away before it reaches the end consumer. Actually, you can go anywhere, both report, where food is sold, to ask with a friendly request and a short explanation why you need the things. Of course, not everyone says yes, even if they could, but usually you always find enough to get full.
A lot has changed for Heiko and Franz since they left
The time spent hiking has become a kind of ritual in their journey. Especially in regions like Extremadura, where the landscape does not change for many weeks, you have the opportunity to look into your own soul cellar and get out everything that is slumbering there and wants to enter into harmony. Both were able to gain many small and large insights about themselves in the course of their travels. But the most important and central insight that both were able to gain for themselves is the sentence: “Everything is one!” A sentence that can be found in any religion or philosophy of life and sounds totally simple at first.
What this sentence means, however, can throw the entire world view overboard, because the meaning of our lives is suddenly completely different. The explanation that there will always be joy and sorrow in life and why we are confronted with certain situations or topics that we perceive as negative is also becoming more and more conclusive. Both now see and feel the world with different feelings, they feel how strongly omniscient love surrounds us and that everything and every encounter has a meaning. They are incredibly grateful for everything that has happened in these 7 years of being on the road without money.
About the authors: Heiko Gärtner and Franz Bujor are survival experts and extreme journalists who have been wandering around the world on foot and without money for a good cause since 2014. All information about her journey, the ideas behind it and her experiences so far can be found at www.lebensabenteurer.de
Interview with Heiko Gärtner from 28 November 2021
What were your biggest concerns about embarking on such a travel adventure without money?
The biggest concerns were that we would get involved in a very hard and uncomfortable life. Before we left, we weren’t sure if we could even rely on any form of support from other people. So what if no one wanted to help us with food, places to sleep, or other things? We had already trained often enough on how to survive purely with what nature offers. So we knew that we would definitely get through, but we also knew that this would be very hard and deprivation. Fortunately, however, these concerns proved to be completely unfounded. In the seven years we have been on the road so far, we have not had to go hungry for a single day and only on about 10 or 15 nights we did not get a place to sleep. But even that wasn’t bad, since we had our tent with us.
How do you have to imagine the daily routine on such a trip?
As a rule, we got up every morning around 8:00 a.m., packed our camp for the night and then left around 9:00 a.m. Most of the time we had fresh fruit for breakfast on the way. Sometimes we also ate together with our hosts before leaving or took a short breakfast break along the way if we found a nice place for it. The hike then took an average of about 6 hours before we looked for a new place. Depending on the location, we then went on sightseeing tours without luggage or simply worked on our projects. Wrote articles for the world travel blog, edited pictures and the like. Or we have had long and intensive conversations with our hosts or with other people we have met. In the evening we had a proper dinner and then we ended the day with a series or a movie on the computer. That’s more or less how our “everyday life” went. Of course, there were completely different days, because nothing could really be planned. It could be that we passed a thermal spa and were invited to test it. Then we spent the afternoon in the sauna. Or we hiked until late at night because the next place where we could find a place to sleep was 80km away from the last one. A lot of things could be planned or at least assessed in advance, but things often went completely differently than expected.
Which countries did you like best on your way?Both from nature and from the hospitality of the people?
As far as nature is concerned, our favorite is clearly Montenegro. In no other country have we been able to get to know so many different natural beauties in such a small area and with almost no traffic. There were gorges, mountains, forests, endless meadows, steppes, beautiful lakes and much more. As far as hospitality is concerned, Slovenia is our number 1. Here we sometimes had problems making any progress at all in one day because we were invited so often. But Kosovo, Romania and Bulgaria were also very hospitable. Here it was enough to show a crumpled piece of paper on which it was written in poor translation what we needed and the people helped us without us knowing a word of their language. However, we were also positively surprised by the Germans, who were much more open and helpful towards us than they are usually credited with. However, we have had the best experience in Central and Western Europe in France . Here the people were not only very hospitable, but also real connoisseurs. We were able to taste hundreds of cheeses and many other specialties.
Were there any considerations during the trip to cancel the project?
A few times. There were always situations in which you were fed up because nothing just wanted to work out as planned. There were areas that were so ugly, loud and unfriendly that you just wanted to leave. But those were always only short moments in which you didn’t see a way out. Most of the time, it only took minutes for the mood to improve again and then we made new plans or adapted our previous strategies to the situation. The good thing was that it would have been impossible to give up immediately anyway. In any case, you would have had to go to the next city to book a plane or a train there and just thinking about how to do that already led to the fact that we preferred to look for a solution on how to proceed instead.
What are your plans for the future?
We are currently taking advantage of the situation with the Corona crisis, in which it is no longer so easy to travel without money, to prepare for our next stages. From the very beginning, the goal of our journey was to walk through every country and continent on earth. The plan is still in place and in order for it to be feasible, we need an escort vehicle as a mobile base station. In Europe, you could easily wander from one place to the next and get a new place to stay and new food. In Africa, Australia, Russia and also in the USA and Canada, this will no longer be possible so easily. There are regions where you have to overcome hundreds or even thousands of kilometers to get back to a populated place. You can’t take enough water and food with you on foot. In some regions it doesn’t matter, because you will find enough on the way, but if you have to go through deserts or steppes, that would be our death. Therefore, we take our expedition vehicle with us, in which we can transport food and water and which also serves as a living and working place in the afternoon and evening. After all, we want to continue our documentary and it would be a shame if we couldn’t report on the particularly exciting corners of this earth.
On the Mexican peninsula of Yucatan in the state of Quintana Roo lies the small town of Tulum on the Riviera Maya. It is popular all over the world for its enchanting beaches. One of its attractions is the clear sea. Not far away, the jungle awaits tourists, as well as the legacies of ancient, fascinating cultures. Tulum is also known for its magnificent Mayan ruins on the Caribbean Sea.
The journey to Tulum usually takes place by plane in Cancun . The bus then continues via Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The town can also be reached by car from Cancun via MEX 307.
The special features of Tulum
Mayan ruin in Tulum, Image: DC_Aperture / shutterstock
The greatest features of Tulum are the ancient ruins of the legendary Mayans and the so-called Canabas. In earlier times, these were simple huts directly on the beach, whose hammocks served as sleeping accommodations. In the present, however, there are also luxury huts. They can be found in the coastal area between Tulum and Punta Allen.
The idyllic city is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Tulum is located about 130 kilometers south of Cancun. The fascinating Mayan ruins are only 2 kilometres from the town. Until the 90s, the village of Tulum was relatively quiet and tourism was limited to simple huts and a few shops. From Cancun, the visitors usually only went to Tulum for a day trip.
Since 2008, the city of Tulum has been the capital of the 9th municipality in Quintana Roo and the number of inhabitants has increased. The approximately 18,000 inhabitants live mainly from tourism. Hotels, bars and restaurants in the centre of the municipality are among the offers. There are also fitness centres, boutiques, internet cafés and supermarkets. In addition, Tulum offers its guests a relaxing and quiet atmosphere.
Tulum is composed of its town center, the hotel zone, which is about 5 kilometers from the beach, and the Mayan ruins, which are well worth seeing.
The sights of Tulum
Of course, charming Tulum also has some attractive sights to offer its visitors:
Visit the archaeological site of Tulum
Probably the most important sight in Tulum is the archaeological site with its famous Mayan ruins. The city was founded between about 1200 and 1520, when the great time of the Mayans was gradually coming to an end and began to decay. However, Tulum was able to flourish through trade.
Admission to the ruins is paid, but well worth it. Another attraction is the beautiful beach in the immediate vicinity of the ruins. If you prefer to avoid tourists, you can take a boat tour, which is offered by many Mexicans at a reasonable price. A boat tour is one of the highlights of a vacation in Tulum.
Visit the city walls and other facilities
Image: cocarole / shutterstock
Tulum is surrounded by a defensive wall on three sides. It reaches a height of 5 meters and a width of 6 meters and takes on impressive dimensions.
Also worth a look is the Casa del Noreste temple. On a platform, the remains of the wall and two columns can be viewed. On a cliff at the port of Tulum is the small temple Templo del Dios del Viento. It stands on a round platform, which was considered unusual for the Mayans. From the temple, the visitor has a fantastic view of Tulum, its harbor and the wide ocean.
The Old Port
There is not much left of the former old harbour in the present. However, it has a wonderful sandy beach with a castillo perched on a rock. Sometimes it is also allowed to swim there. Otherwise, the old castle is worth a visit.
The Templo del Dios Descendente
The Templo del Dios Descendente is the temple of the descending god. It also contains a stucco sculpture of this deity, which was given the name “Ah Mucen Cab” by the Mayans. This meant the god of bees. But the natives also associated it with lightning and rain. The temple was built on an old building.
Other temples to visit in Tulum
One of the temple attractions is the Templo de los Frescos. It is located in the center of the area that has been walled. Several superstructures and changes took place. Inside the temple there are frescoes, some of which have undergone restorations. They represent various gods of the Mayans. For safety reasons, visitors are only allowed to admire them from a distance.
Other interesting temple complexes are the Templo del la Serie Inicial and the Templo del Mar, which is a little off the beaten track.
The Cenotes
There are numerous cenotes around Tulim. They provide immediate access to the cave water systems of Yucatan. Many of them are good for diving, snorkeling or swimming.
Activities around Tulum
Because Tulum has many beautiful beaches, the place is ideal for a beach holiday. Because it is further from the city to the beach, accommodation in the hotel zone is recommended. From there, the beach is just a stone’s throw away.
The shopping of Tulum
If you would like to take home a souvenir of your trip to Mexico, you will find it in Tulum. Between the parking lot and the ruins, there are many souvenir stalls with beautiful souvenirs, most of which have to do with the Mayans.
If you travel to Lech in Austria, you should give up the search for the Arlberg. For he will not find it. These seven letters stand for a region and for a passport. It is exactly 1,793 metres high and connects the provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Today, the “Arlberg” sees itself as the cradle of skiing and was apparently derived from the Arlen, a bush that can be found almost everywhere here. Lech, with its somewhat smaller neighbour Zürs, is not only a worthwhile destination in winter. In the cold season, legendary slopes beckon here for carefree skiing pleasure. In spring, the slopes of Valluga and Trittkopf are transformed into a blooming paradise. And that’s why Lech am Arlberg is a year-round destination for holidaymakers who prefer exercise in nature. Either on the narrow boards that mean the world to many or as hikers on foot.
Lech is also a popular travel destination in summer, Image: Umomos / shutterstock
It is thanks to Emperor Franz Josef I that the remote villages of this region once awoke from their slumber. The regent opened the Arlberg Railway Tunnel and thus the connection from Bludenz to Landeck in Tyrol. A side valley benefited from this, which is now one of the most interesting winter sports areas in the Alps. Lech am Arlberg not only acted as a magnet for the monarchs of this world. More often, crowned heads wept over the slopes. As early as 1959, the members of the Dutch royal family gathered here. They stayed in the historic Hotel zur Post. It is the first house on the square, which is also geographically correct. Because if you reach the beautiful village of international winter sports celebrities, you will find yourself directly in front of the “Post”. It was probably also due to the celebrities from all over the world that the properties to the left and right of the small river that gave this place its name were soon no longer affordable for ordinary mortals.
With Hannes Schneider, the “white intoxication” began
A local named Hannes Schneider is considered a pioneer of alpine skiing. He opened the first ski school on the Arlberg in 1906. More precisely in Zürs, but in Lech this alpinist of the first hour is considered a “local”. Schneider taught his students technique and posture, although in the years after the turn of the century there were still boards without steel edges. It was the era when the “white rush” began in Lech am Arlberg. Leni Riefenstahl engaged Hannes Schneider for her film “Sonne über dem Arlberg”. At the latest this film brought the breakthrough for Lech and for the smaller neighbors Zürs and Hospiz. Today, there is hardly any other winter sports resort in the Alps that has such a large number of first-class ski instructors. They all see themselves as the heirs of the legendary Hannes Schneider.
Ernest Hemingway and the “grumpy peasants”
View of Lech from the Kriegerhorn on the Arlberg, Image: studio-fifty-five / shutterstock
There’s no question about it: Lech am Arlberg is a pearl in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. But that was probably not always the case, because none other than Ernest Hemingway was not particularly uplifted when he stayed in this area with his wife Hadley in the autumn of 1925 and immersed himself in his future book “Fiesta”. In his rather bumpy attempts to move in the young snow, he encountered, as he put it, “grumpy farmers”. Today, the region around Lech is a classic holiday destination with friendly ski instructors and locals who like to open the doors of their old farmsteads to their guests. The inhabitants of Lech, who are concerned about the preservation of nature, are equally concerned about the comfort of their guests, but at the same time feel a great deal committed to their surroundings. Therefore, for example, snow cannons may only be used in winter if strict conditions have been met beforehand.
Relaxation and edification at the Schlegelkopf
Lech stands for entertainment and boundless fun in the snow. When the days get shorter there, this place with its white splendour presents itself as the largest contiguous ski area in Austria. The ski huts and restaurants in Lech and Oberlech are an Eldorado for skiers and snowboarders, and an international community of people who seek relaxation and edification meet on the slopes of the Schlegelkopf. However, many winter sports enthusiasts also come to this region to be pampered with culinary delights. In the star-decorated hotels and in the restaurants, where top-class chefs pamper their guests. Some people rave about a culinary break after an inspiring winter hike after their holiday. The way of life of this beautiful area in Vorarlberg can also be experienced on a warm summer evening in Lech. Golfing, mountain biking, hiking, swimming in the forest pool – the offer in this intact natural landscape is extremely rich. And the mountains on the Arlberg – which does not exist – are full of surprises
Schladming is located in the upper Enns Valley and is the tourist centre of Upper Styria. The small town has become known above all as a winter sports resort, to which the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1982 and 2013 contributed as well as the Ski World Cup races that regularly take place here. The most famous ski area in Schladming is the local mountain, the Planai, which is easily accessible with a cable car starting in the centre. Other ski areas are a few kilometres away, such as the Hauser Kaibling or the Hochwurzen. Together, these mountains form a ski area with a total of 123 kilometres of slopes, 43 cable cars and lifts and 56 ski huts.
The Skywalk Dachstein, Image: pridalo / shutterstock
With around 3,500 inhabitants, Schladming is now a rather small village. In earlier times, however, things looked quite different: Schladming was in the Middle Ages and in the early modern period – especially in the 14. and 15th century – one of the largest cities in the region due to the flourishing mining industry in the area. One of the old mines, the Brom Giant Tunnel in the Obertal, has been converted into a show mine and offers an exciting journey into the past. A small museum has been set up in the ruins of the neighbouring former nickel smelting furnace.
Cozy main square
Schladming is a cosy village, but there are hardly any real sights here despite its historical significance. The center is grouped around the main square, which is more of an elongated wide street than a square. Not too much historical building fabric has been preserved here, but the center of Schladming with its numerous restaurants and many small shops is quite cozy. The Catholic parish church dates back to a medieval building, and it received its present baroque appearance in the 16th century.
Of the historic building fabric, the Salzburg Gate, the last remnant of the old city wall, is particularly interesting. To the south of it, in the suburb that used to be outside the walls, there is a quarter with more shopping and nightlife options. The small town museum, located in a historic farmhouse, gives an overview of the town’s history. A kind of second city centre is the modern building complex “Planet Planai”, located a few hundred metres from the main square, which contains numerous shops in addition to the valley station of the Planai cable car. West of the city centre is the Schladminger Brewery, whose products are often found in the gastronomy of the entire Enns Valley.
Numerous hiking opportunities
Schladming in summer, Image: josefkubes / shutterstock
The tourist focus here is on the winter season, but Schladming is also a popular and attractive holiday destination in summer due to the countless hiking opportunities in the area. The location of the village between the Niedere Tauern on the southern and the Dachstein massif on the northern side of the Enns Valley is unique, the three valleys in the Lower Tauern – Untertal, Obertal and Preuneggtal – are easily accessible from here by car or by hiking bus. The mighty Dachstein massif is also within a radius that can be reached from Schladming as part of a day tour. A hiking bus also runs to the Dachstein cable car near Raumsau from the centre of Schladming.
Schladming’s local mountain: the Planai
The Planai is one of the peaks of the Niedere Tauern above the village and the local mountain of Schladming. The most famous ski slopes in the area are located here. In summer, you can start a day tour on the Planai to the centre of the Niedere Tauern, take a leisurely lap on the short panoramic circular trail, which is even suitable for prams, or simply enjoy the view with a coffee in the restaurant at the mountain station. This is mainly determined here by the monumental south face of the Dachstein massif, which rises to an altitude of almost 3000 meters on the opposite side of the Enns. For children, there is a small adventure play park next to the mountain station, the Hopsiland. If you are looking for a little more adventure in summer, you can ride a mountain bike down one of the numerous downhill tracks that have been set up on the slopes of the Planai. The cable car, which also takes bicycles, takes care of the ascent.
Untertal and Riesach Falls
One of the most beautiful excursion options in the area is the Untertal, which stretches from Schladming for about 14 kilometres into the heart of the Niedere Tauern. The main attraction in Untertal is the Riesach Falls. If you add up the two levels of the waterfall, it is one of the highest waterfalls in Styria. The Riesach Falls are accessible via a rather steep hiking trail that leads past several viewpoints. Above the Riesach Falls, you can continue the hike to the picturesquely situated Riesachsee or to the Preintalerhütte.
Preuneggtal and Ursprungalm
In addition to Untertal and Obertal, the Preuneggtal forms the third of the Schladming Tauern valleys. The road leading into the valley ends after about 15 kilometres at the 1600-metre-high Ursprungalm, which is certainly the most beautiful head of the valley near Schladming: the rustic alpine huts are widely scattered on a green meadow, surrounded by steep rocky slopes. A half-day hike leads up to the Giglach lakes, which can be circumnavigated on an easy walking path
Skiers from the New World find it difficult to hear the word “Sankt Anton”. And since this is obviously unchangeable, the name of the popular winter sports resort in the Alps was unceremoniously “Americanized”. Anyone who travels from the United States to the Arlberg on their skis or snowboarders speaks of “Stanton” when they mean Sankt Anton. The inhabitants of the lively town on the border between the Austrian provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg take note of this with great equanimity, and for the large number of ski instructors, “Stanton” has become a name corruption that is easy to live with. After all, the numerous guests from the USA don’t let themselves be left with tips.
Four towns in this region claim that the cradle of winter sports once stood within their walls. This is associated with a certain Hannes Schneider, who founded Austria’s first ski school in the early twenties of the last century. In Lech and the neighbors Zürs and Sankt Christoph, he is said to have taught his students the first stem bows. And this at a time when the telemark style was still very popular with alpinists. If you go in search of traces in Sankt Anton today, you will even come across a monument in memory of Hannes Schneider in the park in front of the Ski and Local History Museum. Sankt Anton claims this pioneer for itself because he launched the local ski school and was already employed as a ski instructor in Sankt Anton at the early age of 17. The fact that American vacationers have a special relationship with Hannes Schneider and cultivate it with “Stanton” can probably be deduced from the fact that this ski instructor emigrated to the USA with his family in 1939 and spent the rest of his life there.
Once upon a time, the people at the pass were very poor
On the road in St. Anton, Image: Boris-B / shutterstock
For most holidaymakers, Sankt Anton is something like a synonym for carefree days and for the great freedom in a white paradise. Where Hannes Schneider once crouched down and taught the well-travelled excursionists the right swing while having fun on boards, winter sports are at home. The ski area around the Valluga, the highest mountain in the region, is one of the largest in Austria. Sankt Anton, the main town in the upper part of the Stanzertal, has changed its original appearance, but it has retained its very special charm. He is still down-to-earth, but has opened up to an international crowd of guests, not only in the cold season. Sankt Anton was once an important stop on the heavily frequented pass on the local mountain Gampen. The people who professed their homeland here were traditionally poor, but the farming structures in this community, one hundred kilometres from Innsbruck , changed with the start of international tourism.
The freestyle enthusiasm in “Stanton Park”
However, a first hotel opened its doors in Sankt Anton as early as 1895. It had around a hundred beds and even then boasted centrally controlled heating in all rooms. Today, the town with its excellent hotel industry is approaching the million mark in annual overnight stays. In 2001, Sankt Anton was the venue for the Alpine Ski World Championships, and World Cup races take place there on a regular basis. If you are enthusiastic about freestyle skiing, you will be drawn from the Rendl mountain station to the so-called “Stanton Park” and you will find rails and boxes of all levels of difficulty. Skiers on the Arlberg rave about the above-average long slopes and the snow reliability. It is guaranteed, among other things, by the installation of snow cannons. The cable car takes you up to the 2,650-metre-high summit of the Valluga, and those who dare to do it and have the appropriate skills can even descend from there to Zürs and Lech.
The sport here is not seasonal
Winter World Sankt Anton, Image: Styve Reineck / shutterstock
But Sankt Anton is more than just fun in the snow. This place is a year-round destination with hospitable people and cozy dining rooms. But there is also the parish church of St. Anton, which is built immediately before the threshold of the 16. To 17th century and dedicated to three saints: the Virgin Mary, Francis and Anthony. The second church in Sankt Anton presents itself in a baroque robe, and its spire was the landmark of the village for a long time. But then it was destroyed in a fire. The Ski and Local History Museum is located in the so-called “Trier Villa” and conveys the history of Sankt Anton from the Middle Ages to modern times. In summer, holidaymakers hike through wonderful nature with numerous lakes, alpine pastures, waterfalls and moors. The fact that the place is not only a worthwhile destination for winter sports is known to those who know the scene. Because the sport there is not seasonal. The “Arlberg Giro” and the “Bike Marathon” take place here. And if you are interested in the country and its people, you should come there for the cattle drive or the Advent market, which traditionally heralds the “white season”.
Bathing bays with picturesque jetties, crystal-clear turquoise water and bright white sandy beaches with a view of green islets, that’s what holidaymakers will find in the seaside resort of Ksamil on the Ionian Sea. The beach on the Albanian Riviera is one of the most beautiful in the country. If you come to the region for the first time, you will quickly be captivated by the beauty of the area.
From the beach, the view falls on four offshore islands, two of which are only 100 meters away from the beach. Holidaymakers can reach the undeveloped islands by swimming or rent a paddle boat to explore the typical Mediterranean vegetation on the small islands, which are part of Albania’s natural monuments. Rustic holm oaks, elms, laurel and myrrh green the small rock formations and in the crystal-clear sea water, seagrass is home to the mussel. The protected mussel species is one of the largest mussels in the world.
In addition to the well-developed beach area in the village of Ksamil, there are countless other beaches and small bays in the area. Especially in the high season, the larger beaches are very busy and the shore areas with their restaurants and boat rentals are well used. Those who prefer it a little quieter can use the undeveloped bathing bays, which can often only be reached via a small footpath from the road. Good footwear is absolutely necessary on the sloping scree paths through the rocky landscape. The short hike is rewarded by lonely bays with bright white sand and cobalt blue water. On the horizon, the skyline of Corfu is a reminder of its proximity to Greece.
Charming excursions in the surrounding area
Saint-George Monastery in Ksamil, Image: lindasky76 / shutterstock
Just 40 km away is Syri i Kaltër, a spectacular karst spring also known as “The Blue Eye”. Surrounded by light sandstone, the water rises to the surface from the dark depths at high pressure and shows itself in impressive shades of blue in the sunlight. The area around the spring with its impressive tree population is a nature reserve. The blue eye is a unique natural spectacle that beguiles the senses in its entirety. There is a restaurant on site, which invites you to linger afterwards.
The ruined town of Butrint is located in the Butrint National Park. The journey time by car is 15 minutes. In Ksamil, day trips by bus can be booked or you can opt for a hike through the hilly, olive tree-covered landscape to the ruined city. The sprawling ancient port city dating back to the 8th century BC was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
A brochure is available at the entrance that provides basic explanations of the sights. The history and architecture have been impressively shaped by different cultures over the centuries. Butrint has been fiercely fought over again and again in the course of its history and the testimonies of Greek and Roman times as well as Ottoman and Venetian times can be traced in the complex. Visitors will find ruins of townhouses, theaters, churches, temples, and military installations. There is an archaeological museum on the site that displays special finds.
Also in the national park is the Bronze Age fortress Kalivo on an 81-meter-high hill with a beautiful view of Lake Butrint and the surrounding area.
Accommodations
In recent years, a lot of money has been invested in tourism. In addition to small hotels in the village, there are also privately run guesthouses and room rentals. The former fishing villages and rural settlements are well adapted to tourism. For many residents, renting out rooms is an important source of income.
Albanian hospitality
Image: sabiel shena / shutterstock
Holidaymakers will meet helpful and friendly people in Albania . Communication works well, even if foreign languages are usually not understood outside the tourist areas. English and some German are spoken in the holiday areas. Albanians who do not speak a foreign language are very eager to make themselves understood, so shopping and directions are rarely a problem.
The prices in the gastronomy are very reasonable for German holidaymakers. A tip of 10% is customary. In many places, it is now possible to pay cash with euros. In general, however, it is cheaper to choose to pay in the local currency.
Getting to Ksmail
The most convenient way is to fly from Germany to the Albanian capital Tirana and rent a car there. By car, the journey to the seaside resort takes 5 hours. Alternatively, a one-hour journey by ferry from Corfu to Saranda is possible. From Saranda to Ksamil it is 17 km by bus or taxi at very affordable prices.
The best time to travel
The Mediterranean climate prevails in the south of Albania. The hot summer months with little precipitation bring an average daily temperature of 32 °C. The best time to visit is the low season from May to June and October. During this time it is pleasantly warm and the beaches are not as crowded as in the high season.
When we think of Venice, we think of Casanova, masked balls and the glorious times when the jewel on the Adriatic Sea in Italy was a meeting point for merchants and traders. Churches, bridges and palaces reveal a lot about the history of the lagoon city in Veneto. Walking through the narrow streets, you can get a glimpse of the former atmosphere. Taking the gondola down the Grand Canal is a must for many lovers. Venice fascinates visitors from all over the world – but the ravages of time gnaw at the city.
Gondoliers in the green canal, Image: muratart / shutterstock
The city on the water is built on more than 100 islands in an Adriatic lagoon. More than 400 bridges connect the individual islands with each other. About 150 canals serve as traffic routes on the water. Vaporetti, public transport on the water, and the legendary gondolas transport people around the city. You can also explore the narrow streets on foot.
During a trip on the great canals, you pass the imposing facades of palaces and churches, luxurious hotels and residential buildings. From this perspective, it looks like all the buildings were built on stilts in the water. In fact, the city stands mostly on the muddy bottom of the lagoon. Even though the front of the buildings on the canal side is supported by tree trunks everywhere, sandbanks form the foundation of Venice.
Piazza San Marco, Image: TTstudio / shutterstock
To immerse yourself in the special flair of the lagoon city, the best way to get around is on foot. Since there are hardly any roads for cars, you can park your car in one of the parking spaces in Piazzale Roma, the “gateway to the old town”. Parking spaces (e.g. in the San Marco garage) are correspondingly rare and expensive. It is better to park the car in Mestre and travel by public transport.
At high tide (“Aqua alta”), the sea water overflows its banks in some places in Venice. To avoid getting your feet wet on a city trip, it’s better to find out about the water level – or pack your rubber boots.
At the legendary Venice Carnival, guests from all over the world flood the city’s hotels and attractions. Affordable alternative accommodation can then be found on the mainland. Venice is most beautiful (and not quite as crowded) in autumn or spring. The summer months of July and August are the busiest and the canals sometimes smell strong due to the high temperatures.
To regulate the tourist crowds, Venice has set an entrance fee of €3 for day tourists. Guests who stay longer in the city pay a local tax. The city administration is investing the money in the restoration work and infrastructure that is necessary in many places.
Sights in Venice
The Doge’s Palace, Image: Catarina Belova / shutterstock
In the district of San Marco, directly on the Grand Canal, lies St. Mark’s Square. The 82-metre-wide and 175-metre-long “Heart of Venice” is a tourist magnet. The always lively square is surrounded by St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Tower and the popular Doge’s Palace – many important sights at once. Stay away from the pigeon feeding souvenir photo on St. Mark’s Square:
As a measure against pigeon droppings, there is an official ban on feeding. Anyone who gets caught paying a fine of 500 euros. St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the most important church in the city. The over 900-year-old “golden basilica” is not only a holy place, but also a monument to the splendor and glory of ancient Venice. The St. Mark’s Tower can be visited in more detail for 8 euros admission.
The world-famous Doge’s Palace used to be the seat of the head of state of Venice. For 19 euros, you can also see the palace from the inside and be transported back in time through the paintings and the magnificent rooms. The connection between the Doge’s Palace and the prison is the famous Bridge of Sighs. From this Venice landmark, prisoners used to take a last look at freedom. The particularly popular Rialto Bridge, one of the first stone bridges in the city, is also always well attended.
View of Venice, Image: Mariia Golovianko / shutterstock
Early morning is suitable for a souvenir picture. At this time of day, you can still enjoy the view from the bridge to the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway, relatively undisturbed. A boat trip on the Grand Canal – whether gondola or scheduled boat – is a must on a trip to Venice. From the water, the full splendor of the city is revealed. With a little imagination, you can guess the past, despite the crowd of the many boats. By the way: A gondola ride is an unforgettable event, but it also costs a proud 100 euros. For an extra breeze of romance, you can ask your gondolier to drive you through the more secluded side canals. Less romantic is the vaporetti, which stop at various stops in the city.
Culinary delights in Venice
The Rialto Bridge, Image: canadastock / shutterstock
In order to eat well and at a reasonable price in Venice, it is better to leave the tourist paths. Authentic Venetian cuisine can be found mainly in an osteria or trattoria, both of which are rather cozy restaurants. Venice also has some noble “ristorante” to offer. Typical delicacies are, in addition to various pasta creations, for example “Fegato alla Veniziana” (calf’s liver in white wine and onion sauce) or “Baccalà mantecato” (cooked cod in parsley, garlic and olive oil). As a snack next to a good glass of wine, “polpette” (meatballs) or “folpetti” (octopus) are suitable.
To fully enjoy the Italian food culture, the typical menu sequence is recommended: “Antipasti” as a starter, the “Primo Piatto” (pasta or risotto), followed by a dish with fish or meat as a main course. A good red wine should not be missing with the meal, as well as the dessert and the espresso at the end.
Beauty is transient
If you walk through the “Serenissima” with your eyes open, you will see crumbling facades and the museum character of Venice. The eventful history of the city is still noticeable, but its current infrastructure is mainly geared towards the many tourists from all over the world. You won’t find a real Italian way of life in Venice, but you will find a fascinating look into the past.
More impressions from Venice
Grande Canal in Venedig, Bild: Adisa / shutterstock
Kathedrale San Simeone Piccolo in Venedig, Bild: Yasonya / shutterstock
Dubai offers travelers a lot to see. The megacity on the Persian Gulf has undergone rapid change since the discovery of the oil fields. In just a few decades, the traditional desert city became one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Beyond luxury, however, Dubai is above all a melting pot where tourists and trendsetters from all over the world come together. Culture and art therefore also have their place in the city. In the following, some of the most beautiful sights and excursion destinations are presented. Book with ebooking and get the best place.
The 5.72 km² man-made archipelagos in Dubai Harbour are an exciting stop on any tour of the city. Dozens of luxurious hotels and apartments are currently being built on the sand-filled islands, which are lined up next to each other in the shape of palm leaves and look like a palm tree from the air. Restaurants, clubs and more round off the tourist offer. Visitors can stay overnight here directly in accommodation and enjoy the view of the blue sea. Boat tours for sightseeing are also sold around the islands.
Atlantis The Palm
View of Dubai and the well-known hotel “Atlantlis, The Palm”
In the middle of The Palm Jumeirah lies the famous luxury hotel Atlantis The Palm, which opened in 2008. More than 1500 rooms on 22 floors and 23 restaurants can be found in the noble building. The luxury resort attracts holidaymakers with exceptional Arabian-style furnishings. In addition to gastronomy and spa programs, a wide range of leisure activities with sea lions and dolphins promises good entertainment for children. For non-hotel guests, the nearest Atlantis-style The Lost Chambers Aquarium Hotel, with several thousand fish, lobsters, sharks and other marine life, is worth a visit.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the largest skyscraper in the world. It is located in the middle of Downtown Dubai, one of the highlights for every holiday. The 828 m high building was opened in 2010 and designed by an exclusive American architect. For a fee, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai offers spectacular views from its observation deck over the vibrant desert metropolis. Inside there are numerous hotels, office space and restaurants that invite you to feast and linger. Outside the high-rise, tourists can also admire the unique water feature.
Dubai Fountain
The largest water fountain in the world is located in Dubai’s downtown on the Burj Kalifa Lake and the skyscraper of the same name. If you want to discover Dubai, you should take a close look at this spectacle on foot. Alternatively, boat tours on the lake are also available. Musical accompaniment, together with lighting, provides an exciting water feature every half hour from 6 to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. The fountain’s fountains reach over 100 meters into the sky.
Ski Dubai
Skiing in the desert is not a contradiction in Dubai. In the middle of the Mall of the Emirates is the large hall Ski Dubai. There, tourists can prove their skills in real snow on five downhill runs, slalom and co. and enjoy a unique indoor experience on the ski lift. A day at the Snow Park includes other highlights for families, such as an aquarium with real penguins. Inexperienced skiers are instructed in exclusive courses under the supervision of the local team.
Mall of the Emirates
For young people and families, the shopping centre is a must-see on the list. The huge shopping center on Sheikh Zayed Road, about 15 minutes from downtown, was created as a temple of experience. In addition to shopping facilities for clothing, jewellery and the like, it offers a wide range of entertainment options. Highlights include the indoor ski hall and the Planet arcade. There children will find a colourful package of attractions from carousels to bumper cars. Cafés, restaurants and a cinema complement the shopping experience and invite you to a relaxing day out.
Burj al Arab
The luxury hotel Burj al Arab impresses with its unique architecture in sailing style and proud prices. It is located on an artificial island in the immediate vicinity of Dubai’s center and is considered the most luxurious hotel in the world due to its unusual furnishings. In the building there are several hundred large suites with their own butler, swimming pools, restaurants and other amenities for well-heeled guests. As a landmark of the city, the Tower is a popular photo motif by day and night. With prior reservation, it is possible to dine in one of the hotel’s posh restaurants or at tea time.
Wild Wadi Water Park
Off-road tour through Dubai’s desert, Image: Victor Maschek/shutterstock
In our recommendations for Dubai, the Wild Wadi water park, located in the immediate vicinity of the Burj al Arab, should not be missing. A day at this amusement park promises pure fun on countless slides, swimming pools, wave pools, an artificial river and surf waves in the water. Selected spa experiences complete the adventure day. Stylistically, the area is based on historical buildings in Arabia of past centuries. The name Wadi refers to the raging rivers of the same name in the Arabian desert, which are formed after rainfall.
Dubai Museum
The municipal museum is an insider tip for all those who are looking for peace and quiet from the busy everyday life. It is located in the building of a former fortress and is dedicated to the representation of former life in the desert metropolis. During the visit, you can learn everything about the history of the former trading city on the Persian Gulf, which was controlled over time by the Portuguese sailors and later by the British. In addition to former settlements and everyday objects, the exhibits also show pre-Islamic history and the rapid development of the metropolis after the oil boom.
Dubai’s Desert
Outside the city walls, the Dubai desert holds great potential for nature lovers. The extensive, dry sandy landscape is home to many mammals, reptiles, insects and birds, including the beautiful oryx antelopes.
On a desert safari by jeep, families, couples and singles discover the landscape and take part in fun activities such as camel riding or sandboarding. It is also worth spending the night in a traditional Bedouin tent in the group. On this occasion, dance shows, henna painting and other nice activities are usually held. Now you can exchange ideas with other travelers over a cup of tea or coffee and marvel at the starry sky at night.
Gold & Spice Souk
The traditional spice market in the eastern district of Deira is located directly on the Dubai Creek and attracts with a great culinary variety. Several hundred stalls offer their colourful spices to market visitors at the Spice Souk. The refined product portfolio ranges from high-quality saffron to chili. Haggling is the order of the day here, because the dealers are willing to sell and like to talk directly to their customers. On the neighboring Gold Souk, a rich range of jewelry of precious gemstones, jewels and gold productions vie for the favor of the people.
Dubai Opera
In the desert metropolis you can also experience real high culture. The Dubai Opera House, which only opened in 2016 directly on the water in the city centre, shows all genres of art from classical concerts to plays. Tips on the programme of events can be found on the opera’s own website, where the diverse programme is vividly presented. In addition to attending the actual events, interested parties will also be offered architectural tours of the imposing building. There you can find out all the background information about the construction of the brand new opera house.
In the summer, the exhibition “Dobrna through the ages” was on display in the “two-hundred-year-old spa park of Dobrna (Slovenia).
