For all those who are undecided whether they prefer to be accommodated flexibly or constantly comfortably on holiday, a houseboat is the ideal alternative. The convenience of having everything with you every day and not having to worry about luggage and transport all the time. A holiday on a houseboat combines this with the flexibility of an individual trip. The boundaries of this kind of vacation are fluid in the truest sense of the word. You can indulge in the wanderlust along the course of the river to your heart’s content, drift (a little) and let your soul dangle.
Depending on the area, agency and type of boat, an appropriate driver’s license must be available in order to be allowed to go on a long trip on the houseboat during your vacation. The relevant information can be found on the provider’s website. Competent on-site training is a must anyway, as is a trial round under expert guidance. Simple motorboats with a cabin can theoretically be operated by one person, as long as locks (whether manually or automatically) are not to be expected along the planned route. At that point, at the latest, it doesn’t work without a second person, ideally even a third person, who keeps track of everything. In addition, it must be clear to all parties involved before the start of the journey that an active holiday, not a club holiday, is imminent. Even if gliding through a picturesque landscape is an experience of a special kind, you still have to be attentive and focused. After all, no one wants to experience an accident on holiday.
Which areas are recommended for a houseboat holiday?
Exploring the German rivers by houseboat, Image: Bjoern Wylezich / shutterstock
Many countries and tourist regions have recognized the potential of their rivers for individual tourists and seized the opportunity. France, Holland, Ireland and Belgium are particularly popular with houseboat lovers. Italy, Hungary and Poland rank more as an insider tip for a different kind of river experience. If you are not afraid of harsh climates, you can also explore England and Scotland by water. Germany also offers beautiful river areas that allow you to explore the country from a completely new perspective. Within the country’s borders, there may be different regulations for houseboat tourists. For example, in Germany you need a driver’s license for some federal states, in others you don’t. Bathing from a boat is also regulated differently from region to region. It is therefore highly recommended to find out about the local conditions in advance. However, the choice of the desired destination will certainly also influence the available options for arrival and departure (by public transport).
What is the best time of year?
Since modern houseboats now have reliable heating, nothing stands in the way of a trip in the early and late season. Even when vacationing on the water, these times are much cheaper than the high season. In principle, the river cruise can be started from March to November, provided that the regional climate plays along.
What comforts and deprivations await me?
Don’t worry, houseboats have also successfully made the leap into the 21st century. There are certainly regional differences, and providers also have different models and designs present. As standard, however, you can expect at least the comfort of a 3-star hotel. Luxury versions are now also common practice for houseboats and serve the demanding luxury segment among individual holidaymakers. The maximum number of fellow travelers is usually limited to 12 people. If you plan such a group excursion over several days, precise planning in advance can avoid conflicts (about the wheel, for example…) and cabin fever is at least rudimentarily prevented. The daily driving time is individual, but you should not underestimate the necessary concentration behind the wheel and take more breaks on the shore rather than less. Incidentally, depending on the model, one tank of fuel is enough for 2 to 3 weeks, which allows additional flexibility in the route.
Tips & tricks from the wealth of experience
By far the biggest challenges when holidaying on a houseboat are the locks along the route. Some of them can be operated manually, which, depending on the age (of the lock system, not of the people involved!), requires a good deal of effort and in any case an additional helmswoman. Automatic locks usually cause fewer problems if the systems are regularly maintained. What needs to be clarified before the start of the trip is the time and place of return of the floating domicile. Most providers are flexible in this regard and offer the return of the boat at the end of the trip (free of charge).
The rental price also includes fully comprehensive and liability insurance, similar to that of a car, sometimes with a deductible. Reading the fine print in the contract doesn’t hurt in advance anyway.
Holidays on the river – an experience for sure
For people who like to walk off the beaten track and want to make their daily routine on vacation flexible and location-independent, a trip on a houseboat is highly recommended. Having your accommodation and all your luggage with you every day saves you the hassle of looking for a hostel and avoids logistical stumbling blocks that can quickly turn a relaxing holiday into a gauntlet. However, if you are used to not having to worry about anything on holiday, you will quickly miss the desired relaxation effect on a houseboat. A little adventurous spirit is required, but the memory of this type of holiday will be an unforgettable one.
When it comes to packing suitcases, the eye also falls on the shoe cabinet. Like clothing, shoes are also among the utensils that should be packed in the suitcase. When choosing shoes, it depends on where the journey is going. It can be selected here so that shoes can also be used individually.
Sandals, which are available in a wide range – from chic with heels to robust trekking sandals – should also be taken out of the shoe closet and packed in the suitcase. Depending on the destination – beach or mountains – the right sandal should be chosen. Sandals usually have a more or less deep profile and are airy and are generally considered comfortable, such as the versatile Michael Kors shoes.
2) Flip Flops
Flip flops are practical and versatile. These shoes don’t take up much space and can be worn on the beach and as slippers if the hotel doesn’t provide one. It is advisable to pack flip flops especially when staying overnight in hostels or motels where there are shared showers. The risk of athlete’s foot is lower if you wear this type of shoes in such facilities.
3) Sneakers / Sneakers
Sneakers or sneakers are indispensable when travelling. These shoes are ideal for walking through the city and even longer distances on a rather uneven and unpaved ground can be mastered with these shoes. Sneakers are available in different designs and are true all-rounders. The fashion-conscious woman also wears sneakers with a dress or a skirt. Sneakers are suitable for everyday use. However, wearing these shoes on rainy days is not advisable, as the material makes the feet wet very quickly.
4) Hiking boots
For hikes in the high mountains, but also through the low mountain range or the foothills of the Alps , there are special hiking boots. Depending on the area of use, these shoes are equipped with spikes or have a very low profile that ensures a secure step and grip. Special materials that are incorporated or used for the sole prevent the penetration of moisture and the formation of sweaty feet. These shoes ultimately also protect the foot from impacts. The disadvantage of the shoes is that they take up a lot of space in the suitcase and are quite heavy in weight. Both are disadvantageous when traveling by plane.
Shoes come in all kinds of variations. If you go on a trip, you should think carefully about what kind of shoes you pack in your suitcase . While shoes can be quite space-saving, such as flip flops, they cannot offer enough protection or are not suitable for longer tours or hikes. Sneakers are often a good alternative. However, wearing them requires that the weather remains dry or that the surface is as dry as possible. Hiking boots, however, are usually clunky, but protect the foot.
For many couples, the way to the wedding is usually associated with a lot of work and stress. The honeymoon comes at exactly the right time. Finally relax and enjoy togetherness undisturbed. This journey seals the start of a life together. That’s why you don’t go anywhere, but only the most beautiful destinations in the world are on the list when planning your honeymoon. Sun and sea, luxurious hotel complexes or deserted islands, wellness or adventure – wherever you go, this trip will be unforgettable.
Honeymoon in Asia – Fantastically beautiful and inexpensive
Classic wedding destinations include the Maldives, Seychelles and Canary Islands. The Greek islands and Hawaii also offer a fantastic location and leisure opportunities for honeymooners. In recent years, however, Asia in particular has become increasingly attractive as a travel destination. The incredible diversity of nature and fascinating cultures invite you to go on a discovery tour. In addition to the opportunities for relaxing bathing trips and exciting diving holidays, compact round trips and so-called island hopping are also particularly popular.
A honeymoon in Asia brings many advantages, including above all the inexpensive travel offers. For newlyweds, the wedding is in many cases a financial tour de force and can often only be inhibited with the support of the parents. Accordingly, you have to make do with a certain budget on your honeymoon. In order not to save money at the wrong end, for example on accommodation and food, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam or India are ideal destinations for a cheap but still unforgettably beautiful honeymoon. Stroll along the beach together, watch the sunset arm in arm and look forward to many wonderful years together!
Holidays for newlyweds in the exotic paradise of Koh Tao
Koh Tao, Image: SERG60 / shutterstock
Thailand welcomes its visitors with a beaming smile. Newlywed couples will find relaxation on the beautiful beaches and first-class comfort in the cheap hotels. A special highlight awaits honeymooners on the island of Koh Tao, off the coast of Thailand. The island paradise is considered one of the best diving areas in Southeast Asia and offers a largely functioning infrastructure. With off-road vehicles or boat taxis, holiday resorts and equally remote bays can be easily reached. Excursions to the neighbouring islands or to the mainland are also possible.
In numerous diving schools, which have spread throughout the island due to the great demand, holidaymakers can explore the fascinating underwater world off Koh Tao under professional supervision.
Activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing and rafting are also offered. In a yoga class or during a massage, you can forget the world around you and gather new strength. Many romantic hotels on Koh Tao also offer special honeymoon offers. The island in the Gulf of Thailand exudes a magical attraction and also convinces with affordable travel offers for every budget.
Whether backpacking or all-inclusive vacation: the most exciting thing about a vacation is to immerse yourself in both the everyday life and the peculiarities of foreign cultures. But sometimes this is easier said than done, especially when you think about the language barrier that makes many things more difficult – “Lost in translation” is the keyword here.
doesn’t exactly improve this problem… But it’s actually quite simple: English lessons are now firmly anchored in school education and accordingly many people in this country are at least familiar with the language to the extent that they can communicate about it to some extent.
How fortunate is it that English is the most widely spoken language in the world – at least if you add native speakers and second language speakers together. Speaking of native speakers, there are more than 50 English-speaking countries in the world beyond the United Kingdom and America.
Language barrier? Piece of cake – English spoken here
Among the many countries where English is spoken, there are of course many exciting destinations. Here you can create an authentic holiday experience with the appropriate language skills. And for all those who don’t (anymore) quite believe in their language skills, there is still the possibility to fall back on one of the many offers that make English lessons conveniently online possible – and thus prepare you perfectly for one of the following destinations.
Great Britain
Of course, the country where the English language originated should not be missing from this list. But that’s not the only reason why a visit to England is recommended.
In addition to exciting destinations for a city trip such as London, Manchester or Liverpool, the home country of Shakespeare, the Beatles and baked beans offers a lot more. Here, for example, you can learn English in its purest form, British English. From the imposing chalk cliffs of Dover up to the picturesque natural landscapes of Scotland, there is also a lot to discover in terms of landscape.
United States
Image: shutterupeire / shutterstock
Stroll through Central Park or catch a performance on Broadway Live? A vacation in New York is on many people’s bucket lists. But even away from the “Big Apple”, the land of unlimited opportunities shows why it has more than earned its nickname. How about a road trip along the east or west coast or through the interior? A visit to colorful Las Vegas? Or get up close and personal with the natural splendor of the Grand Canyon ?
Ireland
A safe bet for a trip to Ireland is, of course, the capital Dublin, the birthplace of Oscar Wilde and the famous Guinness beer. If you prefer a road trip to classic city trips, the “Ring of Kerry”, a picturesque panoramic coastal road, is just the thing. Fans of longer hikes, on the other hand, are guaranteed to be happy in one of the country’s six national parks.
For all those who have had English lessons for a while and therefore want to refresh their language skills, a visit to Blarney Castle is almost mandatory – after all, here you will find the Stone of Fluency, which may enable a special form of English tutoring.
New Zealand
The diversity in New Zealand is limitless, Image: Leelakajonkij / shutterstock
Not only all those who have always dreamed of roaming through the Shire or the steppes of Rohan will get their money’s worth during a visit to New Zealand. Because the scenic beauty of the country, which contributed to the success of the film adaptation of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, quickly captivates all visitors.
With spectacular sights such as the Fiordland National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Lake Taupo or the Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand offers all nature lovers what their hearts desire.
Australia
Australia is currently known as a popular travel destination to explore an exciting part of the world during “Work and Travel” after school and also to further improve the language skills acquired in English lessons.
But even apart from that, Australia is definitely worth a trip with its lively metropolises such as Sydney or Melbourne, impressive national parks and world-famous sights such as Ayers Rock.
Canada
In addition to English, French is also spoken in Canada – making the country perfect for a language trip. A city trip to Montreal, Quebec or Toronto already offers a lot worth seeing. But the real magic of Canada is the beauty of its nature. In addition to famous destinations such as the Rocky Mountains or Niagara Falls, there is so much more to discover in the country’s seemingly endless wilderness – making Canada a great destination for adventurous explorers.
Learning English and discovering the world go hand in hand
The great thing about English being spoken almost all over the world is the combination of discovering new cultures and having unforgettable experiences with the opportunity to improve your language skills. Or to put it another way: if you speak English, the world is open to you!
And if the English lessons at school have been a while ago, you can simply take some English tutoring – if necessary also online, which is no longer a problem these days.
Still a rarity in our waters, you can already see them gliding over the surface of the water in Hawaii, California and other famous surf spots around the world: We’re talking about e-foils. The sensational sport is equally interesting for beginners and surf pros – and is slowly but surely making its way into Europe. We take a look at what’s behind the new trend and, above all, how you too can try out the hip sport.
When they are in the water, e-foils actually look like normal surf or kiteboards. But once they start to move and gain speed, an amazing difference becomes apparent: the surfer takes off on the board and floats above the surface of the water at a height of half a meter. Why is it that people can glide so effortlessly over the water on the e-foil and get such a speed on top of that – and without any waves or wind?
An e-foil has two very crucial components that ensure that the board can take off:
Hydrofoil: The part of the device, actually called foil or hydrofoil , is attached where a classic surfboard has its center fin. It consists of a mast, front and rear wings and possibly a propeller. A popular material for this is full carbon fiber, as it is both lightweight and extremely durable.
Electric motor: Inside the board is the motor. An electric battery is installed at the rear end of the board, which not only delivers maximum performance, but is also completely protected from salt water and other external influences.
But why does the foil take off? The wing generates a vacuum above a certain speed; this creates a lift. This ensures that the E-Foil detaches itself from the surface of the water and floats over it. The surfers don’t have to paddle: The electric motor, controlled by a small remote control, drives the board and ensures that it goes into gliding flight.
The advantages of e-foiling
Image: GROGL / shutterstock
Compared to classic surfing and other variants of surfing, e-foiling has some convincing advantages. While surfers are dependent on the weather and wave conditions, e-foilers can glide over the water (almost) anytime and anywhere.
Surfers know it: The swell direction is not right and the wind is too strong. Windsurfers and kitesurfers, on the other hand, sometimes suffer from the light winds, which make it impossible to get a speed that is also fun. None of these problems exist with the E-Foil. The electric motor ensures that the foil floats over the sea even when the waves are not surfable for the normal surfers. And that’s not all: it also opens up completely new surf spots, for example on lakes and rivers. And e-foilers don’t have to pay so much attention to the tides either, unlike surfers. With e-foiling, surfers are very flexible and can also spontaneously take a short session at low tide.
E-Foiling Spots in Europe
In Europe, there are already some spots where you can see the e-foils flying over the water more and more often. More and more schools and rental companies are also offering courses.
In the Netherlands, the trend sport is already extremely popular. For example, you can glide through the water in Amsterdam in the Nieuwe Lake or in the immediate vicinity of the IJsselmeer with the e-foil. And you can also see more and more e-foilers flying around at various spots on the North Sea.
If you want to try e-foiling on vacation, you will already find some spots in Italy, for example. In Gargano on the Adriatic Sea, you get a real beach feeling. The courses there take place on the open sea, but are still suitable for beginners.
And there are already a handful of spots in Germany where you can rent e-foils or take part in a training course. One of them is in Bremerhaven. The E-Foil rental also offers courses for individuals or groups of two, in which the participants float over the Weser or over the North Sea at Cuxhaven or Wremen.
Also suitable for beginners
We find flying with the e-foil to be the easiest way to surf. With the small waterproof remote control, the rider has it in his own hands how fast he wants to ride the foil. The foils from the premium manufacturer Lift, for example, drive for up to two hours at a top speed of 40 km/h.
We highly recommend beginners to take an introductory course. And even for more experienced surfers, this can make sense. E-foiling is very different from normal surfing. In this way, the course participants not only learn the basics that are needed to take off, but also general netiquette in the water. And material care also needs to be learned – after all, e-foils are not exactly the cheapest sports equipment. A good model costs around 12,000 €. Considering the high-quality technology built into the boards, this price is justified – but with the high price comes a high level of responsibility. The more carefully the equipment is handled, the longer it will last.
E-foiling – new sport, new challenge
E-foiling is a trend that is here to stay! Recreational and professional athletes who love the water and new challenges will be thrilled by this sport. The increasing popularity also leads to more and more new e-foil spots with rental shops and schools. This means that beginners and interested parties can also try out the sport without immediately investing in one of the high-priced e-foils. But beware: We’ve heard that e-foiling can be really addictive!
With more than 1100 years, Berching is one of the oldest settlements in the region in the middle of the Altmühltal Nature Park in Bavaria. History and tradition have shaped the city. Four ancient city gates, a completely preserved city wall with partially accessible battlements and 13 pointed, fortified towers characterize the impressive, medieval townscape of Berching.
Behind the city wall from the 15th century , magnificent, colourful town houses are neatly lined up, with half-timbered houses and mighty barns squeezed in between. They still bear witness to the wealth of the merchant town today. Wide, cobbled squares, winding alleys and a babbling city stream invite you to take a tranquil stroll through the old town. Traditional, cosy restaurants and cafés will be happy to spoil you here in the town of Cittaslow . Three parks invite you to linger, to fitness or to play.
The state-approved resort in the district of Neumarkt, picturesquely embedded in the Sulztal, is not only a true gem of the Middle Ages, but also a city on the water and that has a tradition: As early as 1846, King Ludwig I built the one named after him and still preserved today. Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal. Since 1992, Berching has been located directly on the Main-Danube Canal, the great European waterway. An unforgettable premium experience here is a contemplative tow ride on the barge “Alma Viktoria” on the old Ludwig Canal – pulled by a horse, just like in the old days.
Discover Berching
Whether it’s tours through the historic old town of Berching, culinary tours for connoisseurs or an adventure tour with entertaining acting scenes – our gem has something for every taste. Our tour guides inform and entertain visitors warmly and competently. Here every group will find the right thing for themselves!
Cycling and hiking paradise
The city wall, Image: City of Berching
For cyclists and e-bikers, the canal has its own fascination: Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna – can be reached from Berching in hours or days by bike. The Five Rivers Cycle Route runs 200 km through Bavaria, along the Pegnitz, Vils, Naab, Danube and Altmühl rivers. The popular Franconian Water Cycle Path also leads directly through Berching, and the Altmühltal Cycle Path is also nearby. Healthy air, intact nature, murmuring streams, forest and field as far as the eye can see. Nature invites you to hike around Berching. Seven signposted circular hiking trails show the most beautiful corners of the municipality. Hikers can reach great vantage points and natural monuments such as the High Fountain, caves or the wildly romantic tufa terraces. A detour away from Berching is the Altmühltal Panorama Trail, one of Germany’s top trails, whose Sulztal loop runs directly over Berching.
But four certified long-distance hiking trails also lead through Berching. The most famous is probably the Frankenweg, which goes from the Rennsteig to the Swabian Alb. After a bike tour or hike, you can relax wonderfully in the Berching adventure pool with hot whirlpool, 50 m slide, children’s paddling pool, lazy river, steam bath and outdoor area with sunbathing lawn. Boat trips from Kelheim through the Danube Gorge or tow tours on the Ludwig Canal complete the diverse, attractive hiking, cycling and sightseeing offer in and around Berching.
Active & Family
Image: City of Berching
A successful active holiday also includes experiences. Berching and its surroundings leave nothing to be desired: from fishing, Nordic walking, swimming, boat tours on the Altmühl, to horseback riding, hang-gliding, mini golf, inline skating, photography, yoga, meditation, climbing, bowling, stand-up paddling or golf, there is something for everyone here. Families can also redesign every day in the middle of the Altmühl Valley Nature Park, visit the appropriate water experience playground, get up close and personal with animals, collect fossils, visit an interesting museum, an amusement park or take part in guided adventure tours.
Culture and tradition
A trademark of Berching is undoubtedly culture – with traditional festivals, theater, concerts and much more. Berching is the birthplace of the great opera reformer Christoph Willibald Gluck. In addition to the birthplace and the Gluckwanderweg (in the districts of Weidenwang and Erasbach), a modern multimedia presentation in the Berching Museum, the Gluckevent taking place in the summer and the new cultural hall commemorate the famous son of the city. Since 1722, the “Berchinger Rossmarkt” has taken place every year at the beginning of February. Up to 100 horses are rounded up at Bavaria’s largest winter folk festival in the historic city centre.
Culinary magic
You are guaranteed to experience your personal “Schmackofatz moments” here in the Cittaslow town of Berching ! Berching’s restaurateurs rely on Slow Food cuisine in many places. With brilliant creations, they pamper their guests to the highest level all year round and focus on regional, seasonal and down-to-earth cuisine. In terms of culinary delights, you should not miss the Berching Cittaslow Spring Kitchen. In March, the participating inns are focusing on bringing you healthy and energetic into spring. The counterpart to this is the Wild Autumn in October, where the chefs serve game dishes and autumnal culinary delights.
The Benedictine Abbey of Plankstetten Monastery
The “green monastery” Plankstetten with an organic farm shop presents itself as a spiritual centre. The Romanesque monastery church invites you to contemplation. In the monastery tavern and in the farm shop, the monks provide for the physical well-being with ecologically produced food.
Celebrations
In summer, our festivals Berchinale and “Kanal im Feuerzauber” attract people to the city. On these weekends you can expect a colourful programme with music, art, paddle boat races, duck races, light art, large fireworks on the Main-Danube Canal and much more. Always on the 3rd weekend of Advent, the romantic Christmas market with nativity scene exhibition takes place in the historic city centre.
You can feel the real flair of Berching when you walk through winding alleys, along centuries-old buildings to dreamy squares.
Conferences in Berching
Berching is located between the cities of Nuremberg, Regensburg and Munich and is an ideal place for conferences, seminars and workshops of all kinds. Here you will find many numerous conference houses with bright, light-flooded conference rooms and top technical equipment of the finest!
Excursion destinations nearby
Due to its central location, Berching is an ideal starting point for the many attractive excursion destinations in the surrounding area: how about a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg, the Franconian metropolis of Nuremberg, the episcopal cities, Amberg and Eichstätt, or the Palatine city of Neumarkt? It is only 15 minutes by car to the natural bathing lake Kratzmühle with sandy beach, boat rental, mini golf course and lake café. The surfing and bathing paradise Franconian Lake District is also not far away. Whether it’s a fossil hunt in an old quarry, an exciting bird of prey show at Rosenburg Castle in Riedenburg, a stalactite cave, monasteries or an open-air museum, the “Altmühltal Nature Park Experience” attracts visitors with its many attractions.
A trip to the casino metropolis of Las Vegas sounds like an absolute dream to many. The streets are lit up in colourful neon lights, and the sounds of the jackpots can be heard from the gaming benches. However, you don’t have to travel that far for the great casino fun. In Germany , too, there are numerous establishments that invite you to play and have a long tradition. If you prefer to take it easy, just stay in your own four walls and play in the online casino instead. We have taken a closer look at what the advantages and disadvantages are!
Cozy Adventure at Home
Image: insta_photos / shutterstock
When the low temperatures move over the country and the first snowflakes fall, we actually prefer to be at home. Then it gets really comfortable on the sofa. If you don’t want to take off your pyjamas all weekend long, but still want to experience a portion of thrills, the online casino is the right place for you. Here you can find the perfect mix of adventure and cosiness. Compared to some land-based casinos, there is no dress code, you don’t even have to get up from the couch. With your smartphone or laptop, you have access to a huge selection of games and never have to change tables or even go to another casino. In addition, you can enjoy the offers at any time and do not have to stick to opening hours. If you just want to relax after a stressful week at work, but still want to experience something, this is the place for you!
Wide range of games with one click
A big advantage in the online casino is that you have numerous games to choose from within a few moments. Most land-based casinos have the same machine multiple times so that several people can use their favorite slots at the same time. In the online casino, this is not necessary, because each digital game can be used by several users at the same time. This leaves more space for different games, which are of course not subject to any space restrictions in the virtual world. The slots differ not only in gameplay and the number of reels and rows, but also in design. Each machine is dedicated to a specific theme: Slots with Greek mythology, retro slots with fruits and red sevens or games inspired by films are popular. Some online casinos also offer classic table games such as blackjack, roulette or poker. Here you either compete against an AI or can be guided by a professional croupier in the live casino.
Live games provide immersion
The live games offer a very special charm, as they bring a social component to the virtual world. Instead of experiencing the casino adventure alone, you communicate with the dealer and almost feel like you’re there. The games will be streamed via live stream and transmitted to the user in real time. The croupier sits in front of a green screen on which a lively casino backdrop is superimposed, and has a regular gaming table with decks of cards, chips or a roulette wheel in front of him. The player can specify in the software which bets he wants to place and start the game. Some live games also have a chat function that can be used to send messages to the dealer. He can then simply answer via the video. Fans of live casinos really appreciate the immersive component of the games, because here the boundaries between online casino and land-based casino are blurred. To this end, new game variants are being worked on diligently. In the future, for example, there could be VR casinos that you could visit with a VR headset.
Great conditions on the net
Image: rawf8 / shutterstock
An important aspect when deciding on an online provider are the conditions for customers. These tend to be better online, but they also vary from platform to platform. Here, for example, a distinction is made between the amount of bonus offers. Most online casinos give new customers a welcome bonus, which can even be worth several hundred euros. The amount usually depends on the amount of the first deposit. However, there are also providers who distribute free spins directly after registration. This means that players can try out the gaming experience even before making their first deposit. The payout percentages of the games are also interesting. These can be set for the entire casino or differ from slot to slot. Good payout percentages start at around 95% and go up. The higher the percentage, the greater the chance of winning something. So that you don’t have to compare each provider individually, websites like Casinos.de are available and show the best online casinos in Germany at a glance. Here you can see exactly what bonus offers are waiting for customers and what advantages and disadvantages each platform has. Factors such as the seriousness of the various providers are in the first place.
Disadvantages in the online casino
Of course, there are also some arguments against playing in an online casino. If you visit the casino to enjoy a special evening with friends, you may not get your money’s worth with the virtual games. In the casino, you can start your visit with an elegant dinner, sip exquisite cocktails at the gaming table and let yourself be pampered by the service staff the entire time. The atmosphere in the most beautiful casinos in the world cannot be compared to anything else – anyone who has ever visited the Casino of Monte Carlo in Monaco or The Venetian in Las Vegas can confirm this! Especially for poker players, the digital poker tables sometimes lack that certain something. Poker is very much based on a psychological component, as you have to constantly analyze and observe your opponents while maintaining your poker face. In the online casino, this part of the game is not relevant. While this is a real relief for some players, some poker pros will miss the thrill of the regular table!
Online casinos are an excellent alternative to a visit to a German casino or a trip to a casino hotel. Of course, the experience is completely different, so you have to coordinate which offers suit you best according to your own needs. Fun is guaranteed wherever you can hear the slots ringing!
The Großer Beerberg in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park is just under 1,000 metres above sea level. Located southeast of Ilmenau, in the Free State of Thuringia , this low mountain range is a popular place for active people. Dense forest, rugged rocks and gentle hills await visitors. They can pursue a wide variety of activities there all year round.
Hiking in the Thuringian Forest, Image: Oliver Hlavaty Photo / shutterstock
When the temperatures rise and it becomes almost unbearable in the sun, the cool forest offers a welcome refreshment. Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead through the Thuringian Forest and invite you to explore.
Wander
About 200 different tours can be undertaken through the Thuringian Forest with its numerous peaks. These include themed hikes with a focus on culture, history and water. There is something for every age group on the different routes, and hikes with children are also possible without any problems. The Rennsteig, Germany’s most famous hiking trail, leads hikers from Hörschel to Blankenstein. The Rennsteig is the name given to old trade or courier routes, the one in the Thuringian Forest is considered one of the most beautiful and varied.
Cycling
Whether leisurely with the family on gravel paths or rather adventurous on a mountain bike, everything is possible for cycling fans in the Thuringian Forest. The well-maintained cycle paths through forests, meadows and along streams and rivers make every excursion an experience.
Climb
Various natural rocks and a 25-metre-high climbing tower offer climbing fans a true paradise. Both professionals and beginners will find suitable routes. The necessary equipment can be rented from the climbing guides on site. So nothing stands in the way of the exciting experience.
The Thuringian Forest in winter
As soon as winter falls over the Thuringian Forest and the first snow falls, nature is transformed. It becomes quieter and also a bit more mysterious. Then it is particularly nice to go on a winter hike.
Winter hiking
With the right clothing and footwear, a hike in the snow-covered Thuringian Forest is something special. To make it fun for less experienced people and children, the paths are cleared or rolled. About 530 kilometres are available and are specially marked as winter hiking trails.
Skiing
Magnificent winter landscape in the Thuringian Forest, Image: limpicture64 / shutterstock
In addition to fans of the two classic boards, snowboarders, ski hikers and ski jumpers will also find optimal conditions in the Thuringian Forest. A total of 22 lifts bring snow enthusiasts to the top and offer wonderful winter fun. Some slopes are floodlit at certain times, so skiing is possible even after sunset. The right equipment can be rented on site at one of the ski schools.
Cross country
Fans of the Nordic variant of skiing will find perfectly groomed trails in the Thuringian Forest. Some of them can also be used at night thanks to floodlights. In total, the Rennweg, which has been prepared as a winter hiking trail, connects 1,600 kilometres of cross-country skiing and skiing trails. A true paradise for beginners and advanced skiers.
Toboggan
For those who have nothing to do with skis, their own toboggan slopes offer an enjoyable alternative. In addition to the classic sled, you can also use an air-filled tire as a base. So-called snow tubing is particularly fast-paced. In four different facilities, you can go in search of a special adrenaline rush.
Skating
The ice rink in the Gleisdreieck Waltershausen, the Ilmenau ice rink and the Sonneberg ice rink offer ice skaters fun in any weather. A great alternative on rainy days!
Places of interest in the Thuringian Forest
A holiday in the Thuringian Forest is active recreation. Numerous sporting activities lure you outside. But the forest has even more to offer.
Historic buildings
The Thuringian Forest is home to a variety of old castles and palaces, from ruins to stately country estates. Particularly worth seeing, for example, is the Wartburg near Eisenach. It is over 900 years old and became famous through Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament. His workroom can still be visited today.
The picturesque ruins of Brandenburg near Lauchröden are no longer as well preserved as other castles, but they are all the more exciting. An on-site museum offers interesting information about local history, and the viewing platform offers an excellent view over the Werra Valley.
Glassblowing town of Lauscha
True craftsmanship is hard to find today in the age of machine manufacturing. We are all the more impressed when people really master their craft. In the coloured glassworks, the art of glassblowing, which is still carried out manually, can be traced. During a guided tour, you can watch the glassblowers live at work. The Museum of Glass Art exhibits workpieces from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
The fascination of subterranean worlds
Caves and mines have something magical about them. They are part of legends and fairy tales and awaken the spirit of discovery in us. The Saalfeld Fairy Grotto attracts numerous visitors with its breathtaking fairytale cathedral, while in the Merkers Adventure Mine you can walk around 20 kilometres through the exciting world of tunnels and grottoes.
In northeast Africa lies the state of Ethiopia, which is the most populous landlocked country in the world with over 112 million inhabitants. Ethiopia is one of the highest countries in Africa. For this reason, there are often extensive high mountains to see here.
In the north of Ethiopia lies the Simien National Park, which was founded in 1969. This 179 square kilometer park is particularly known for its spectacular and unique mountain landscapes. The mountains can reach altitudes of 1,900 to 4,500 meters above sea level. The highest mountain there and also in the entire state of Ethiopia is the “Ras Daschän”. This reaches a height of 4,533 meters, making it the seventh highest mountain in all of Africa. The national park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Due to the rather remote location of the mountains in Simien National Park, there are some unknown but native plant species. Below 3,000 meters above sea level, you can find some edible plant species, such as African olive trees, East African junipers and water pears, where both fruit and leaves are edible. The steep slopes in the park are mainly overgrown with tussock grass and numerous herbs. From an altitude of about 3,800 metres, the landscape is overgrown with subalpine grasslands. Abyssinian rose, African immortelle, tree heather, torch lily, various nightshade species and other plants can be found here.
Wildlife in Simien National Park
Image: Endless Traveller / shutterstock
The northern Ethiopian national park was founded, among other things, because of various endangered animal species, all of which should be able to move freely in their natural habitat here. For example, djeladas (blood-breasted baboons) live in the national park. This is only found in the Ethiopian highlands and it is the last surviving monkey species that feeds mainly on grass, which is why it is harmless to humans. The most striking feature of these baboons is a red, hairless spot on the chest, which gives it its name. In addition, the males have an impressive mane and sharp canines.
About 3,000 specimens still live in the shelter of Simien National Park and can move freely and unhindered here. But there are also other animals in the national park: The Ethiopian ibex, for example, feels extremely at home on the cliffs of the rocky slopes in the north. He lives very withdrawn. The Ethiopian wolf and jackal also live in the park and are only found in Ethiopia. It is one of the rarest greyhounds in the world and depends on the tufted grassy areas of the mountains. Other animals include leopards. Several bird species are also native to the park: Klunkeribis, Taranta parrot, Abyssinian rock pigeon, lamb vulture, raven and mirror wheatear and many more can be found in the highlands and in the cliff area.
Stunning Accommodations in Simien National Park
Jelada, Image: Endless Traveller / shutterstock
Since you can be wonderfully on the road in Simien National Park for a few days, there are also a few accommodations to be comfortable and warm at night. For example, Africa’s highest hotel is located in Simien National Park. The “Simien Lodge” is located on the edge of a steep slope at an altitude of almost 3,300 meters. It consists of a total of ten spacious round huts with 20 rooms. These have either a double bed or two large single beds.
Bathrooms are of course also included. All rooms are equipped with underfloor heating and have a balcony that offers fantastic views. A restaurant and a bar are also part of the complex. The restaurant has a beautiful, cosy log fire and serves both international and Ethiopian dishes. The bar stands out as the tallest bar in Africa and closes when the last guest has left. To drink there are various Ethiopian beers, South African and Ethiopian wines as well as some other drinks. Due to its unique location, the hotel complex offers a breathtaking view of the varied landscapes of the Ethiopian mountains.
The lodge offers its guests various activities, excursions and safe transport options, about which they can find out the best information on site.
Another place to stay is the “Limalimo Lodge”, which has existed since 2016. There are 14 rooms here as well as a bar, a restaurant and a spacious terrace that offers a unique view of the mountains. Here, too, both international and local dishes are served.
The old imperial city of Gondar
At the foot of the mountains of the Simien National Park lies the old imperial city of Gondar (also spelled Gonder) at an altitude of about 2,133 meters. If you are on holiday in Ethiopia, you should definitely include Gondar in your daily programme. Historical buildings and legacies such as old churches and an impressive castle complex are extremely worth seeing.
What better way to get to know a foreign city than with a local guide? And what do you think of first when you think of Cuba? That’s right: the Caribbean, cigars and, of course, vintage cars.
A Cuban tourism project offers exactly this wonderful combination: Individual city tours through Havana in a vintage car of your choice. The German-speaking tour guide can be booked directly. And all this at a very reasonable price by German standards.
Now the project has OldCarsHavana.com been awarded the “International Travel Award”. An award that also caused great joy in Germany . It is true that the complete organization of the tours is carried out via the local network. However, the website and the associated clear booking system come from Germany.
We spoke to Oliver Döhring, who is responsible for volunteer project aid on the German side. Oliver Döhring has been a journalist in print, TV and radio for over 30 years. Some will know him from the radio comedy “Der kleine Nils”. He has been traveling to Cuba for 16 years and knows the situation on the ground very well.
Their project “Old Cars Havana” has just won the International Travel Award. Please tell us a little more about your project.
The topic of Cuba started for me with a vacation in 2004. I was a normal vacationer, typical tourist hotel and already on the second day “just lying around by the pool” was just too boring. So my travel companions and I rented a car and we drove to Havana. In the historic old town we were approached by Alejandro, a Cuban tour guide, “if he should show us the city”. We thought “Ok, a local is certainly helpful”, but Alejandro said that we were not interested in the typical tourist entertainment. We wanted to see “country and people” and the real, the real Cuba, with all the possible consequences of seeing unpleasant things.
We had a very relaxed, honest, even silly atmosphere from the first second. In Germany I do radio comedy, I guess you can’t switch it off even on vacation. In short, in addition to everything worth seeing, there was also a lot of laughter. Alejandro stayed by our side every day from that moment on and we saw so much more than a normal tourist in Havana alone. It went so far that he invited us to his almost 80-year-old grandmother, who insisted on drinking rum with me. According to Alejandro, she hadn’t done that for years: “But when such a young, handsome man is a guest at her house, you can make an exception!”. By the way, after the glass she was well tipsy, but told us about half of her (by the way) very exciting life.
In short, I stayed in contact with Alejandro even after the holiday and only 6 months later I came back and went with the rental car across the entire island. We were on the road for a good 2 weeks, every evening somewhere else, always in small private casa’s, cooked by the local families. I have to say, at that time I was professionally stressed. The fact that there was hardly any cell phone reception in Cuba at that time, so I was not always available for everyone, made for a real break. I was literally in another world.
Since then, I have been going exclusively to Cuba on vacation. Guess I fell in love with the country. For me personally, there is no more beautiful place.
In November 2015, new opportunities for Cubans emerged: The communist government decided that Cubans would be allowed to become self-employed from now on. Alejandro had the idea to start a “Classic Car Agency” and asked if I could help him. That’s how it all began.
The following year, the classic car agencies literally sprang up out of the ground. In the meantime, there were over 70 competitors! So the first thing we had to do was a market analysis: What exactly are the others doing, what cars do they have, what tours, what are the others doing well and what can we do differently and better? Without going into too much detail: It was immediately clear to us that we could only establish ourselves if we combined top quality, a top offer and top service. Another advantage was that I know how a holidaymaker thinks and Alejandro knows what is possible on site.
Alejandro was looking for the best classic cars in Havana and I took care of everything that had to do with internet and marketing. Our portal was launched in July 2017. A special feature, on the European side we work completely on a voluntary basis. Over the years, many friends joined this project, including from the USA. They have helped to translate our pages into different languages and the Business Club Stuttgart provides a lot of support when it comes to the implementation of ideas and marketing.
What makes the tours so special?
Colorful Havana, Image: YU_M / shutterstock
We try to make Cuba as personal as possible. Of course, we also drive to all tourist hotspots, but it makes a difference whether you learn a lot about the country and its people in addition to the historical data. In any case, our guests were always enthusiastic to learn something about the life and thinking of the Cubans. We also go to places that are usually not visited by tourists. We once organized a whole beach dinner for a wedding couple in a remote Caribbean bay.
Many of our tours were created in the first place because of the “customer interest”. There are many guests who inform themselves very well before the trip and get recommendations in forums. New ideas are always on the table.
But what makes us unbeatable at the moment: We have tour guides for 9 different languages, of course there is also German. All our guides have studied the languages or are even trained teachers for the respective language.
And we have set clear rules for Old Cars Havana: Things like punctuality, clean vehicles, etc. are a matter of course for us. If a tour starts at 10 a.m., our team is often there 10 minutes before.
Is there a tour that you would particularly like to recommend to our readers?
That depends very much on the guest.
If a guest is in Havana for the first time, then I recommend a 3h or 6h city tour: The vacationer gets an overview of the city, the most important places and can ask our guides questions about “tips and places”. So, what can you experience where etc.
If you are only in Havana for one day, then definitely the 6h City Tour.
If you are interested in cigars, you should take a day trip to Vinales or if you love action, you should go to Zapata National Park (Guama/Bay of Pigs).
My favorite tour was to Zapata National Park, where I had a lot of nature, a boat tour and went snorkeling in the Caribbean.
How do the owners actually manage to maintain their cars so well despite the circumstances (salt water, no spare parts)?
There is a joke among drivers: “I take care of my car more than my wife!” – mind you, it’s a joke!! In a perfect Cuban household, the woman is usually the boss.
But it is indeed not easy. On the one hand, repairs are carried out until it is no longer possible. Many cars are also built up by cannibalizing an identical car, i.e. 2 cars become one that drives. In the meantime, however, we also receive real help from classic car fans from all over the world. Small components sometimes come into the country with the holidaymakers.
For the sake of honesty, however, it must also be said that some cars no longer have the original engine under the hood. If it is a newer engine, then usually a “Japanese”, with a few adjusting screws these motors get the sound of the 50s American sleds perfectly. But, the original restorations are (at least in our country) clearly in the majority.
American tourism in Cuba has risen sharply in recent years. Now it is being slowed down by the pandemic and the decisions of the outgoing US government (Info: The US government has put Cuba back on the list of terrorist states a few days ago). What is the current situation on the ground?
American tourism began with the Obama administration’s rapprochement policy. US citizens were able to travel to Cuba under conditions and this created a real tourism boom. This does not only apply to our project: private restaurants opened, clubs, privately run shops (mainly fashion, cosmetics, telecommunications). I know so many families who have used everything they had to take the step into self-employment. We have also helped such projects. For example, the beauty villa in Rostock had given us almost everything you need in a hairdressing salon.
The first serious turning point came in June 2019 with Trump’s decision to ban travel for US citizens again from “one day to the next”. Then came the Covid pandemic and finally the Trump administration’s decision to put Cuba back on the “terror list.”
Nobody can do anything about Covid-19, but both decisions of the Trump administration are not well received on the ground in Cuba. I’m talking explicitly about the normal people and not about the opinion of the communist government. Trump’s decisions have led to a mass extinction of the many, small private existences. So the decision of the Trump administration has destroyed livelihoods among the normal population for the time being. No one on the island believes that President Trump wants to help “the people of Cuba to more freedom” with his decisions. Worse still, on this issue, even the critical voices among Cubans are once again on the side of their government.
The two years before were impressive for me: With the many US tourists, people came to the country who turned out to be perfect ambassadors for more democracy. Suddenly, Cubans were able to talk and think outside the box, friendships were formed and as a result, Cubans were also expressing their opinions more and more openly. Many things reminded me of the GDR in 1988/89. All of this has been undone by the Trump administration, perhaps the most hopeful time for Cubans.
The current situation is difficult for Cubans. There was also a currency reform that made a lot of goods unaffordable. The pandemic and Trump’s decisions have of course had a massive impact. The Cubans do their best to at least get enough food on the table. Every piece of front garden is used to grow vegetables and they support each other wherever possible. And, like us, they have high hopes for the Biden administration.
Finally, the question: What do you like most about Cuba and are there other destinations that you like to visit?
Fantastic cars in a dreamlike setting, Picture: Picture: Annie Ehringhaus – oldcarshavana.com
Of course, I see Cuba differently today than I did 16 years ago. 16 years ago, it would have remained “Cuba is a sensationally beautiful island and its people are hospitable”. The more often you are there, the more you learn to appreciate it. Of course, Cuba has the best rum in the world, the best cigars and the Cuban lifestyle teaches everyone the term “carefree”. That doesn’t mean Cubans don’t feel problems! But it means that the way we deal with worries is different from ours. Cubans have not lost their lightness, cheerfulness and laughter. I often sat on the plane home and thought “Do I really have problems? Cubans have it so much harder than I do, and yet they laugh more!”
Through the many contacts, I know that Cubans have a very good general education, they are proud of their history and traditions. Conversations are always characterized by curiosity, Cubans learn quickly and they definitely have an idea for their own lives. The young generation in particular is in the starting blocks to use this potential. Sooner or later, there will have to be changes in Cuba.
Before Cuba I traveled half of Europe (Southern Europe pretty much everything), I was in the Maldives or on Koh Samui in Thailand. For me personally, the vastness of Russia would still be interesting, I would like to see the Northern Lights or New Zealand one day. But if it only remains with Cuba, I am certainly not unhappy.
Mr. Döhring, thank you for the interview!
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The gas strut is a typical spare part, e.g. for the tailgate on a car.
