This year, the pandemic continues to have a firm grip on us. For this reason, no one yet knows exactly how the situation will present itself in the summer. Incidentally, this also applies to summer holidays, which many citizens like to use for a holiday trip. This year, however, the question arises as to the extent to which vacation trips abroad will be possible at all, and unfortunately restrictions around the well-deserved vacation are also to be expected at home. One option, for example, could be to travel with a hotel on wheels. Motorhomes and caravans can be rented in Munich and many other cities via campanda.de. The Alps, for example, are also suitable destinations with such a rented motorhome.
If you don’t have your own motorhome, you can also rent a vehicle for the desired period. It is important to consider whether you want to rent such a motorhome or a caravan at home. It may also be worth considering taking over the desired rental vehicle for the holiday only near the region. In this way, you can initially travel to the destination region by your own car or by train. If you want to spend your next holiday in the mountains, you can also set off for the Alps in a motorhome. After all, there are many interesting places and impressive nature to discover.
Discover the surroundings of Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is well known, not least because of the organization of a ski jumping event as part of the annual Four Hills Tournament. But even apart from that, the city and the surrounding area has a lot to offer visitors.
With the motorhome, however, many holidaymakers want to experience and enjoy nature in the holiday region. The region around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is definitely the right place for this. After all, there are some fascinating mountains on the one hand and beautiful lakes on the other, which invite you to swim and often do a wide variety of water sports, especially in the summer months.
Visit the mountain village of Wamberg
If you are traveling in this region by motorhome, then you should definitely take a little time for a detour to Wamberg. After all, this is the highest mountain village in Germany that is inhabited all year round. However, the road leading to the mountain village is very narrow, so you should look for a parking space a little further away. Afterwards you can walk the way to Wamberg and enjoy the beautiful nature on this hike. You should not miss a visit to the church of St. Anna in Wamberg, because this village church has a very special charm. There is always a lot to discover near the village, so you should take enough time to discover the beautiful nature. When traveling with a motorhome, it is also important that you should not necessarily completely determine all excursions and destinations. After all, it’s also a lot of fun to just let yourself drift a little and get involved in interesting things on the itinerary.
Italy is a destination for all the senses: lively cities, beautiful landscapes, culinary delights and, last but not least, world-famous wine. As a wine country, Italy is remarkable in several respects: Italy is one of the most important wine producers in the world and the cradle of Western European viticulture: with the Romans, wine came to Germany and many other countries. Italy is one of the few countries in the world that has a vibrant wine culture in all regions from north to south. Even today, “Bella Italia” is home to over 1,000 grape varieties.
The first parts of our wine tour have already taken us to Sicily , Apulia , Piedmont and Veneto . The fifth part takes us to a rather unknown, but no less worth exploring region: the Marche. This small stretch of land in east-central Italy, located between the Alps and the Apennines on the Adriatic Sea, is home to only 1.5 million people, but it is home to great wines and an important winemaking tradition. With around 25,000 hectares, the Marche region has about as much vineyards as Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine-growing region. The mostly gently undulating hilly landscape is favoured by sunlight and warmth, protected from the sea wind and therefore ideal for viticulture.
The Marche: Insider tip for wine connoisseurs
The wines are correspondingly impressive. In the white wine sector, the ancient Verdicchio grape variety, known since the Etruscans, is the flagship of the region. Verdicchio is a white wine with a strong character, rich in acidity and fruity aromas, which is not only grown in the Marche, but indisputably produces the most beautiful wines here. Even though the Marche is internationally known above all for its aromatic white wine, slightly more red wine varieties are grown in the region. The red wines Rosso Piceno and Rosso Cònero stand out. While a Rosso Cònero from the vineyards around the capital Ancona is vinified mainly or exclusively from Montepulciano grapes, with Rosso Piceno it is usually the interplay of Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes that makes up the special character of this red wine.
A Rosso Cònero is usually an uncomplicated everyday wine with a high drinking flow. On the other hand, the Rosso Piceno, the largest production area in the Marche, can be a little more refined and complex. The special thing about the Marche is certainly that very good qualities can be found here at very low prices compared to well-known Italian wine regions – the unbeatable price-enjoyment ratio makes the Marche a real insider tip for wine explorers!
The Rosso Piceno Superiore from the Brandenburg flagship winery De Angelis is a fantastic introduction to the region’s wine world. This red wine is made from hand-picked Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes from organic viticulture. A wonderfully harmonious, dry wine that matured for two years in large wooden barrels and impresses with a moderate alcohol content of 13 percent by volume. The De Angelis Rosso Piceno Superiore smells and tastes of wild berries, plums and a hint of liquorice, full-bodied and fresh with a beautiful structure and tasty spice. An upscale wine experience at a low price – and incredibly delicious with hearty pasta dishes!
Flight delays are not only annoying: sometimes they also have a whole range of unpleasant consequences. You may miss a connecting flight, an overnight stay may be necessary, or you may have additional expenses for your meals. You can find out what rights travellers have in the event of a flight delay here.
In which case do travelers have a right to compensation?
As a general rule, the delay must be at least three hours in order to be able to apply for compensation. This can be a maximum of 600 euros. If your flight is delayed by two hours, the airline must already offer services. If you are five hours late, you can claim damages. However, there is no entitlement to compensation payments in the event of delay if this was due to force majeure. Bad weather, bird strikes and strikes that are not directly related to the airline are included. That would be, for example, a strike by air traffic controllers. Strikes by airline staff, staff shortages, technical problems or icy wings are not considered force majeure.
How much is the compensation in detail?
According to EU law, the amount of compensation for flight delays depends on the flight distance. If your claim is legal, it is staggered between 250 and 600 euros. Up to 1,500 kilometers 250 euros, up to 3,500 kilometers 400 euros and beyond 600 euros. The delay time also plays a role. From a delay of two hours, passengers are entitled to services: these are free drinks and meals. From a delay of five hours, passengers have the choice of whether they still want to take the flight or not. Then it is possible to have the flight ticket refunded.
If you still want to reach your destination, you are entitled, if possible, to an alternative form of transport to your destination, for example by train. It is also possible to rebook on another flight. If the flight or train journey can only be started the following day, you have the right to cover the costs of an overnight stay in a hotel. You are also entitled to the services if the airline is not to blame for the delay of the flight. In addition, they are not offset against any subsequent compensation payments. Other services can also include a maximum of two phone calls if you need to reach your family at home from abroad to inform you of your delay.
What is the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation for Flight Delays all about?
The regulations mentioned so far fall under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation. This comes into force if either the airline is based in the EU or the flight with take-off and landing takes place within the territory of the EU. Even if the delayed airline is not based within the EU. For these airlines, the following also applies: If the flight takes off within the EU and ends outside, the EU Passenger Rights Regulation also applies. However, it does not apply if the take-off was set outside the EU, but the destination is within the EU. The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation also applies to flights that include connecting flights and have been booked as a complete flight. In this case, both flights act as one, and the total delay must be at least three hours in order to make a claim.
How do I apply for compensation?
In order to be able to apply for compensation, some documents must be available. You will need the boarding ticket with flight number, proof of purchase of the flight, any replacement tickets issued, any vouchers received, receipts for additional costs such as train tickets from the destination airport or hotel costs. In order to be able to prove the delay, you should also have a written confirmation from the airline regarding the flight delay handed over to you at the airport. Make sure that the reason for the delay is stated. In any case, you should also take a photo of the departure board at the airport indicating the delay. The delay time is indicated here. The earlier the compensation payment is submitted to the airline, the better. Internationally, there are different limitation periods for compensation claims. In Germany , it is three years.
What to do with package or business trips?
Even on a business trip, you are entitled to compensation if the flight is delayed, Image: Ekaterina Pokrovsky / shutterstock
In the case of package tours, compensation can also be claimed from the tour operator for a delay of four hours or more. This then affects a part of the price of the package tour. From a legal point of view, it is a travel defect. The basis for compensation payments in the event of travel defects is the so-called Frankfurt Table. This regulates the actual entitlement to and the amount of the compensation payment. In the case of business trips, the passenger is entitled to any compensation. Even if the ticket was booked by the company. However, the employment contract may contain special rules for this. If necessary, check it carefully in advance.
It starts with a tingling sensation in the feet. With the desire to just grab your backpack and boots and start running, out into the wide world. Enjoy the silence of nature, its originality and the freedom that lies in it. A hiking holiday is the modern alternative to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From green forest paths to majestic mountain paths, past glittering lakes or small wooden huts – the decisive advantage of hiking lies in its diversity. Just take a deep breath between two steps when there are only animals around you for miles, or find happiness in a large group that creates memories together. Discovering foreign cultures under an exotic backdrop is just as conceivable as revealing the secrets of one’s own homeland. With its forests and mountains, Germany offers a good starting point for the first trip.
Regular hiking is a pure blessing for the body. The fresh air and plenty of exercise invigorate tired limbs and draw the sluggishness out of the bones. If you take the first steps slowly, you will not only feel a completely new activity, but also see your surroundings in a completely different light. A wild flower or a colorful mushroom then works like a small miracle.
Hiking holidays – The pilgrims of the modern age
In recent years, a long-established form of long-distance hiking has experienced a real renaissance: pilgrimage is once again enjoying great popularity among the masses. Inspired by bestsellers and movies, millions of people set off every year in Europe alone and run for hours every day towards a common goal. However, the religious idea is increasingly receding into the background. Unlike in the past, pilgrimage today is often an adventure trip, a kind of extreme hiking holiday among like-minded people.
The famous Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, Image: gregorioa / shutterstock
The most famous example is certainly the Way of St. James, whose main route leads 800 kilometers from the Pyrenees in southern France to the Atlantic coast in western Spain . One reason for the popularity of this week-long hike, especially among younger travelers, is the ancient network that is responsible for the organization. The paths are well maintained, important information is disseminated quickly and the accommodations along the route are constantly expanded, making pilgrimage even more accessible.
Such a pilgrimage takes time. You can be on the road for weeks or even months at a time and thus detach yourself further and further from everyday life, similar to a hike on one of the world’s most famous hiking trails. On the Pacific Crest Trail, for example, the long-distance hiking trail in the west of the USA, your own camping equipment is part of the basic equipment, unlike pilgrimage. This autonomy illustrates the last major advantage that a hiking holiday has over comparable package tours : it is much cheaper. And since you wake up in a new place every day, it’s also a lot more varied.
Land is scarce in this strait, and because this is the case, Gibraltar Airport affords itself a very rare “luxury”: its runway is intersected by one of the main roads. As a result, medium traffic chaos is to be expected on Winston Churchill Avenue whenever an airplane is announced. Gibraltar is hardly larger than Baltrum, the smallest of all East Frisian islands. The British have sovereign rights over the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. There, where on clear days you can not only guess at the African continent. A rock towers four hundred meters high in Gibraltar – it is the last natural fortress in Europe before Morocco. The tax haven became a bone of contention between Spain and England – and has been for about three hundred years now.
Undoubtedly, the most famous rock in Europe has a strategic importance. Napoleon already recognized this when the British destroyed his ships off Gibraltar on their way to Egypt . The British territory on the Mediterranean Sea is exactly 6.5 kilometres in size. But not big enough for the Gibraltar national football team, which has to play its home games in Faro , Portugal, because there was no space for a stadium in their home country. 30,000 people live in Gibraltar – and a few handfuls of Barbary macaques, not all of which are tame and pretty much all very cheeky. They prefer to threaten tourists and steal their bags…
And yet Gibraltar is a popular destination for tourists, most of whom come by land and thus from Spain. A shopping paradise has established itself around the famous rock, because VAT is a foreign word here and therefore alcohol, tobacco products, perfume and watches are quite cheap. The rock is also an interesting attraction for holidaymakers because there is the Gorham Cave Complex, which has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is said that the last Neanderthals in Europe once lived here.
View of Gibraltar, Image: Benny Marty / shutterstock
According to ancient tradition, the Rock of Gibraltar is said to have been one of the pillars of Hercules. Phoenicians and Romans later became interested in the interface between the European continent and Africa, before the Berbers reached out to Gibraltar in 711. One of the landmarks of the region, once called a “colony” by the United Nations, is the Ibrahim al-Ibrahim Mosque at Europa Point. It is one of the largest Islamic sacred buildings in a non-Islamic country and was inaugurated in 1994. This was a gift from the King of Saudi Arabia, Fahd ibn Abd al-Aziz.
The British Overseas Territory is now an important port for cruise ships. Every year, more than 40,000 passengers land at the Cruise Liner Terminal, the infinitely long pier behind North Mole Road. They then besiege not only the numerous shops, but also the restaurants and supermarkets. Incidentally, their goods come almost exclusively from nearby Spain, and every day 7,000 workers and employees commute from the big neighbor to the small Gibraltar.
The cityscape is also hardly different from that in Spain, while some restaurants have adapted to their British guests in particular and enrich their menus with fish and chips. The telephone booths in Gibraltar are also typically British, which are given a peculiarly exotic coat of paint under the palm trees. The view from the Gibraltar Rock is particularly impressive, the summit of which can be reached in six minutes by cable car. The legendary O’Hara’s Battery with a disused cannon, which was mounted there in 1901 and had a range of more than 32 kilometers, is now orphaned. By the way, you should discover the British enclave at the end of Europe on foot. Featuring the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned, the Governor’s residence, and the Inces Hall Theatre. And if you feel thirsty while strolling through the city, you can be helped in the famous pub The Angry Friar.
For some, this is a country before our era. It is the realm of the pyramids and the pharaohs, and the stone witnesses of the past leave the viewer amazed and incredulous. Egypt – these are wonders of the world that you can touch and that you must have seen, because they are unique in the world and where the larger-than-life statues in the temple in Luxor proclaim power and domination. This country on the Nile is two things: blessed with mysterious tombs and a retreat on the beaches of the Red Sea to unwind.
The Pyramids of Giza, Image: AlexAnton / shutterstock
The Egyptians like to speak of their country as the “Mother of the World”. It is certainly a land between heaven and earth. Between the biblical sites on the Sinai peninsula and the colossal tombs that were snatched from the sand sea on the great river and have encouraged conservators to race against transience for decades. The realm of the dead is a fascinating example of people’s delusion of securing a place for eternity. The pyramids of the god-kings in Giza are among the most interesting travel destinations on our globe.
Anyone who visits Egypt embarks on a journey through 7,000 years of history and to the temples of the cult of the dead. Most holidaymakers land in the lively capital Cairo and then either head southeast to the warm waves of the Red Sea or approach Luxor, the Valley of the Kings or the Hatshepsut Temple in the form of a Nile cruise. More than three hundred ships are sailing on the Nile to transport holidaymakers to the sites where the pharaohs dreamed of immortality and afforded themselves the luxury of gigantic buildings.
The capital Cairo at night, Image: Kazzazm / shutterstock
The pyramids still pose puzzles not only to the observer but also to scientists, and it is inconceivable that all this was created by human hands in an era when no one dared to dream of a technical revolution. Hieroglyphics of that time show that even the downtrodden people were convinced that the rulers reached the “land of light” after their death via a kind of ladder to heaven. Many holidaymakers stand humbly in front of these wonders in the Orient.
The trips with a ship of the Nile fleet, which usually start in Luxor , are pleasant. On the shore, the mud huts of the villages glide past here and there, or the contours of a minaret. And behind it, the desert spreads out – golden yellow and mysterious. Egypt has many faces, and if you want to understand the history of the country, you should also take a look around Cairo’s large museums.
On the Red Sea, some first-class or futuristic art cities have emerged. For example, the seaside resort of El-Gouna, where artificial islands, hills and lagoons have been built and where holidaymakers can choose between Venetian, Nubian or Yemeni domiciles. Here, the imagination of world-famous landscape architects and urban planners has been lived out and created amazing things. But also in Hurghada , 22 kilometers away, there are a number of modern hotels with huge water landscapes and challenging golf courses.
The magic of the Red Sea is also revealed under water. The areas are a highlight for divers, and the shipwrecks off the coast are teeming with schools of damselfish. This is the warmest sea that can be reached from Europe and an Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts.
The Persian Gulf is an emirate that offers high-tech and state-of-the-art architecture, while taking care to preserve its traditional Arab heritage. Abu Dhabi is proud of its history and offers its visitors a wide range of leisure activities, picturesque nature and endless sandy beaches.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Image: Sanchai Kumar/shutterstock
Abu Dhabi’s oil wealth has triggered a construction boom of superlatives. Futuristic buildings made of steel and glass and gigantic skyscrapers outdo each other here, striving for a symbiosis of high-tech and traditional Arabian architecture. This is particularly evident in the huge Emirates Palace Hotel, whose gold-coloured façade shines in an opulent play of colours at night. In addition, visitors marvel at the breathtaking Etihad Towers and Capital Gate, the “most intentionally inclined tower in the world” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The Aldar Headquarters, the only round skyscraper in Arabia, is considered one of the most interesting office buildings in the world with its huge dimensions and unusual shape.
Abu Dhabi is a Mecca for motorsport fans. And not only because of the Yas Marina circuit, but also because of Ferrari World. The largest indoor amusement park in the world, where everything revolves around racing, is also home to the fastest roller coaster in the world.
View of Abu Dhabi from the helicopter, Image: Ali Suliman/shutterstock
Abu Dhabi may look to the future, but it retains its original culture and spirituality: the most impressive sacred building is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest Islamic houses of worship in the world, whose gleaming white domes are reflected in the surrounding pools. Here, visitors can also admire the largest hand-woven carpet in the world.
Al Ain used to be an important oasis on the way to Oman and is now a UNESCO cultural site as well as an important testimony to the settlement of the Arabian desert region. Here you will also find the lavishly restored fortress of Qasr al Muwaiji and an authentic camel market, where you can watch – and above all listen – the traders haggling over the price.
Visitors looking for peace and relaxation in picturesque nature will also get their money’s worth in Abi Dhabi: Mangrove National Park is a huge nature reserve in the middle of the city with a lagoon where you can watch boating and water birds such as flamingos. Not far from Al Ain is Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in the emirate, where there are also archaeologically significant tombs. Numerous visitors come here for the thermal springs and the extensive cave systems.
With its 400 km of coastline, Abu Dhabi has always been an important port and fishing town, and even today there are many attractions by the sea. On the mirror-smooth waters of the Persian Gulf, you can still marvel at dhows, traditional Arabian sailing ships with their gleaming white sails. In addition, Abu Dhabu is a paradise for beach vacationers and impresses with the 8-kilometer-long public beach of Corniche, which has been awarded for its excellent water quality.
Futuristic architecture, a variety of well-preserved sights steeped in history, natural oases in the middle of the desert and bathing paradises on the golden coast make Abu Dhabi an unforgettable experience under the bright Arabian sun.
Travel information Abu Dhabi
Capital
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates
Saxon Switzerland in the German state of Saxony has always captivated fine minds and nature lovers alike. In 1819, August von Goethe, the son of the poetic genius, expressed his enthusiasm about the rock cave called “Kuhstall” in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Even today, the idiosyncratic rock opening on the “Neuer Wildenstein” attracts thousands of tourists here every year. Anyone who has walked up to the second largest rock gate in the low mountain range – at an altitude of just over 300 metres – will be surprised with a fabulous panoramic view of the surrounding area. But that’s not all: a few steps away, the so-called iron “ladder to heaven” leads through a narrow crevice in the rock up to a Platteau: From which another impressive view opens up over the stony beauties of this region.
The “Kuhstall” – a rock formation/ famous rock hole – in Saxon Switzerland, Image: German Egert
The way back is on a path through the forest that is particularly suitable for families. This hike is undemanding, but especially beautiful. Once back down, the corridor leads back to your own car, which can be parked up here in a parking lot. If you want to put the icing on the cake of the day trip, you can instead make the short journey back to Bad Schandau on the “Kirnitzsch Valley Railway”, which has been in service since 1898.
The Kirnitzsch Valley Railway, Image: German Egert
This historic, bright yellow overland railway connects the spa gardens of Bad Schandau with the Lichtenhain waterfall, which is also always worth a photo. After the train driver has briefly waited the “old lady” with her three wagons, the train with the Friends of Nature on board reliably starts moving. The path seems to be the goal, because things don’t move too fast here. Bad Schandau is extremely proud of the stylish attraction on rails, with the small town shining with a whole range of other tourist pluses. For example, the recognized Kneipp health resort, which was simply called “Schandau” until 1920, also offers the “Historic Passenger Elevator”. The Art Nouveau building takes visitors to a platform at a height of a good 50 metres, from which they can enjoy a picturesque view of the “Lilienstein”, the symbol of the “Saxon Switzerland National Park”. Young people and children in particular are happy about another animal attraction up here on the “Ostrava Disc”: a lynx enclosure with elegant inhabitants. Wild lynxes would be more than welcome in the Elbe region, so far the shy wildcat has already left one or two tracks in the forest.
View of Königstein in Saxon Switzerland, Image: German Egert
If you still have some time for a tour on the next day of your holiday, you can, for example, go on a hike to the Papststein, Gohrisch and Kleinhennersdorfer Stein. The way up can also be followed quite effortlessly here, and younger elementary school kids should also enjoy the adventurously winding paths. Occasional fireplaces and highly rugged, wildly romantic boulders and formations offer an unforgettable experience for the whole family! Even sprightly pensioners are by no means overwhelmed here, as long as they are generally good on their feet. The three friendly table mountains mentioned can be walked in loose succession, and there may be a little chat with other excursionists along the way. Fortunately, you don’t have to hurry here – even in the sunset, the peaks always provide new and magical impressions. Alternatively, the hike from Cunnersdorf to the Katzstein, Rotstein and Spitzer Stein could be mentioned. Or a trip to the rock labyrinth Langenhennersdorf, a popular classic for all those who are traveling with children.
If you still can’t get enough of the attractions of Saxon Switzerland, you may want to venture deep into the bowels of the earth in Berggießhübel. In front of the entrance gate of the Marie Louise Stollen, mine guide Norbert is already waiting for the guests in full gear. After a hearty “Good luck!”, the nice Saxon hands out a work helmet or a safety helmet to the waiting people. Then we bravely enter the narrow maw behind the entrance grille. For centuries, miners carved the rock here under adventurous conditions in order to finally wrest the coveted iron and copper from it. An underground lake, mysteriously illuminated from below, awaits visitors in the tunnel.
“Watch out, it’s over a small bridge!” shouts Norbert, who is particularly concerned about the well-being of everyone. Sturdy shoes are essential here, occasionally a trickle crosses the path. And then a real surprise: Norbert sings the famous Steigerlied to the tourists in the middle of the rock, whose roots go back to the 16th century. He performs the melody simply and modestly, with a full, pleasant voice. A reverent moment, then the local expert finally leads the participants back into the daylight – which is now perceived all the more gratefully. From Gottleuba, it takes about 20 minutes from the region’s only visitor mine back to Königstein. Where the Elbe ferry will once again cause joyful excitement among young and old. The navigable vessel calmly starts moving; without haste it goes dignified across the Elbe.
Impressionen, Bild: German Egert
Impressionen, Bild: German Egert
Impressionen, Bild: German Egert
Saxon Switzerland is guaranteed to be remembered for a long time with its natural beauty. And it also offers a wide range of other exciting highlights that make a stay here simply unforgettable. For us it is clear that we will soon make a detour to this part of Saxony and Germany again. To an area that was still mainly shaped by Mother Nature: picturesque, varied and simply beautiful.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is greatly underestimated as an attractive holiday destination. When people hear Bosnia and Herzegovina, many still think of the Balkan War, which brought a lot of destruction, and also a lot of suffering, especially in the picturesque city of Mostar, and in the capital Sarajevo. But more than 20 years after the end of the war, much damage was repaired. In the meantime, Bosnia-Herzegovina attracts visitors with a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, warm people and delicious Balkan cuisine. Which cities and sights you should not miss in Bosnia-Herzegovina can be found here.
Trebević cable car in Sarajevo, Image: Babok Natallia / shutterstock
With just under 300,000 inhabitants, Sarajevo is manageable and easy to manage on foot. Travelers no longer have to worry about safety here: since the end of the Balkan war in 1995, the city has been no more dangerous than other European capitals. Walking through the historic city center, you quickly feel like you’re in a fairy tale from 1001 nights. The Baščaršija, the historic bazaar whose entrance is the Sebilj Fountain – the city’s landmark – could also be located in Turkey .
The Ottoman heritage can still be felt so strongly here today. The bazaar is lined with cafés where traditionally strong Turkish coffee with lokum can be enjoyed. In addition, hand-cut copper souvenirs can be purchased. The Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque, built in 1530, is one of the oldest of the city’s 200 mosques, and definitely worth a visit. We continue to the nearby Lateinerbrücke. In 1914, the assassination attempt on the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the First World War, was carried out here. A museum at this point provides information about the details of the attack. You should also plan enough time to enjoy the beautiful nature outside the city center.
Sarajevo is located in a depression. The surrounding mountains are not only scenic: from there you also have a wonderful view down to the city center. The Trebević cable car leads up to the local mountain Trebević. Lost Places fans hike from here on signposted paths to the 1984 Olympic bobsleigh run, which is now sprayed over with graffiti and connects more and more with the surrounding nature.
Mostar: the divided city
The landmark of the city of Mostar is without question the Stari Most, i.e. the Old Bridge. Built in 1566, it is a true masterpiece of the architecture of the time, spanning the two districts divided by the Neretva River. Already during the construction period, this bridge was called a symbolic connecting element between the eastern and western hemispheres. It still connects the Christian with the Muslim world, the Croatian-influenced western part with the Bosniak-influenced eastern part of the city. During the Balkan crisis, the historic building was destroyed, then rebuilt according to the original model and reopened in 2004. Since 2005, the bridge has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone bridge is home to small shops, cafes and Ćevapčići roasters. Connoisseurs say that you can eat the best ćevapčići in the country here. Those who come in the summer months can also work as bridge jumpers together with the local youth. Only those who dare to jump from Stari Most into the Neretva are considered a real guy here: the male youth prefers to jump in front of an audience of local girls and amazed tourists.
The Buna spring in Blagaj
Blagaj, source of the Buna, Image: Vadym Lavra / shutterstock
Only ten kilometers from Mostar is the village of Blagaj. Here, the Buna River rises from a karst spring. This natural spectacle alone is very impressive. A Turkish sultan was also very enthusiastic about this spot: so much so that he had the dervish monastery Tekija built here in the 17th century. It is located directly on the shore of the spring lake. Behind it is a cave that can be explored with a rented boat. Afterwards, it is worth climbing to the medieval fortress of Stjepan grad. Since an earthquake in 1835, there are only ruins to see here, but the view down to the spring is very beautiful. About a kilometer away is the center of Blagaj with a bazaar and a mosque complex, which used to house a harem. Many of the stone houses in the village were built between 1500 and 1760, which is why a walk through the village is quite impressive.
The dramatic waterfalls of Kravica
Kravica Waterfalls, Image: Leonid Andronov / shutterstock
Very close to the village of Studenci, the Kravica waterfalls, which are under nature conservation, plunge no less than 28 meters into the depths. Swimming is allowed in the wide outlet pool. However, the water there is very cool: it hardly reaches more than 15 degrees. This is because the water cannot heat up any further due to the constant falling movement. If you don’t want to swim, you can rent a kayak. The waterfalls extend over an area of 120 meters wide, which looks quite dramatic. Around the waterfalls, the vegetation is very rich.
Pearl on the Adriatic: Neum
In the very south of the country lies the small town of Neum, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s only access to the sea. The so-called Neum Corridor leads to the Adriatic Sea. To the left and right you are surrounded by Croatian territory. On the gently sloping 20-kilometre-long coastline, there are breathtaking pebble beaches in front of crystal clear water. There are a lot of restaurants in the city that offer a view out to the sea. Here you can enjoy fish and Balkan specialties such as burek, a dough roll filled with meat, cheese or spinach, and sarma, vine leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice or fish.
Recommendations
Discover Sarajevo’s best cafes, artisan workshops, and quaint streets on a walking tour of the capital.
Visit the Unesco heritage and bird sanctuary of Hutovo Blato – the largest of its kind in southeastern Europe and a permanent home for owls, Greek partridges and herons.
Hike along the Rakitnica Gorge, south of Sarejevo, and enjoy spectacular views of mountain streams, waterfalls, and the Dinaric Alps.
Be enchanted by the turquoise river that flows under the elegant Stari Most (Old Bridge) of the Mostra.
Take a dip and have a picnic lunch at the stunning Kravica waterfall.
Tips
Bosnians tend to be very friendly, but if you’re having a conversation about politics or history, be aware of who you’re talking to – tensions can always be present. In Herzegovina, you shouldn’t just refer to Bosnia and Herzegovina as Bosnia. When you enter a church or mosque, make sure that you are dressed respectfully. Women should cover their heads with scarves when visiting mosques, and both men and women must take off their shoes.
The most important facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina in brief
Population: 4.6 million Languages: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbian, Croatian Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 in summer) Visas: Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina International airports: Sarajevo (SIJ), Banja Luka (BNX) and Mostar (OMO). Money: Bosnia & Herzegovina Convertible Mark (KM/ BAM)
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you usually pay in cash. There are plenty of ATMs in the big cities where you can withdraw cash if you need to, but don’t expect restaurants and shops to accept credit cards, and in small towns, you’ll struggle to find ATMs on your own. Euros and US dollars are useful. Waiters are paid very low salaries, so a tip of 10% or more is highly appreciated. The same applies to taxi drivers.
Best time to travel and means of travel
The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina varies dramatically depending on where you are in the country. Herzegovina – the area in the south near the Adriatic Sea enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny, dry weather and mild winters. Bosnia in the north has more continental conditions – warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. However, individual mountains are surrounded by microclimates. Unless you’re planning on skiing, summer is generally the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, and unlike other more established destinations, you don’t have to deal with expensive prices and crowds in the “high season”.
By train: Since the railways have been hit hard by the war and repairs are still pending on many lines, train traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina is restricted. The existing routes are reliable and cheap, albeit very slow. The train journey between Sarejevo and Mostra is particularly scenic. Sarajevo is well served by a tram network.
By road: Every town and village in Bosnia and Herzegovina is served by a private or public bus system. The buses run more frequently than trains, but are less comfortable and about the same price for comparable trips. In the larger cities, a car can be rented. The roads are generally well maintained, but don’t expect fast driving times as there are no highways.
Accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hotels can be found in all major cities. Many of the large hotels built during the socialist era are not very comfortable, so it is worth looking for private rooms and family-owned apartments. Feel free to knock on the door if you see a sign that says sobe/ zimmer/ rooms/ camere. There is a huge potential for ecotourism in Bosnia, but unfortunately only a few campsites. However, there are numerous mountain huts that are good starting points for hikers.
Food and Drink
Meat lovers are in good hands in Bosnia and Herzegovina and can enjoy specialties such as cevapi (a lamb and beef mixture somewhere between kebab and sausage), jagnjetina (lamb roasted on a skewer) and begova corba (veal and vegetable soup). Vegetarians will have a hard time, as even so-called vegetable dishes are often prepared with pieces of bacon or smoked meat. Local wines and beers are very cheap in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkish coffee is very popular.
Vaccinations
There are no legal requirements for vaccinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it makes sense to be up to date with hepatitis A, tetanus, and diphtheria vaccinations.
Switzerland is located in Central Europe, surrounded by Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria. Switzerland has cantons and the capital is Bern. It is said that Switzerland is neutral and independent. Switzerland is one of the most popular holiday destinations and is a wealthy country. There are not only spectacular mountains such as the Matterhorn, the highest mountain in the Alps, to marvel at, but also many other natural sites. In winter, there is a lot of winter sports in the mountains and hiking in summer. Switzerland is also known for excellent chocolate and cheese. But not only holidaymakers, but also business people travel a lot to Switzerland, as many international shops take place here.
It is a good idea to take advantage of https://www.jetapp.at/schweiz’s offer to travel through Switzerland by private jet. You remain flexible and can travel quickly and comfortably. In addition to destinations in Switzerland, Jetapp also flies to other European cities such as Paris or London . The departure point is, for example, the Swiss Genéve Airport, from where you can cross Switzerland in 40 minutes on a charter flight. In addition to the airports in Zurich and Geneva, there are flights to Basel-Mühlhausen and 11 regional airports. In addition, there are 44 airfields and 5 civilian military airfields from where you can take off. The airports most frequently used are Geneva, Zurich, Basel-Mühlhausen, Bern-Belp, St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Sion, Lugano and Engadin the highest airport in Europe.
If you are interested in this offer and would like to book a private jet, you must select the desired aircraft and departure airport online. You then receive offers by e-mail and choose the offer that suits you and complete the booking. At the airport, a quick check-in follows before boarding. Long security and baggage checks are no longer necessary.
View of the historic center of Zurich, Image: canadastock / shutterstock
The greatest advantages arise in the flexibility in terms of time and place and the privacy offered. You are free to determine the departure times and there are no waiting times due to check-in, security and baggage checks as well as boarding and baggage claim. You can freely decide at which airport you want to land. In addition, you can relax in the private atmosphere or prepare for upcoming appointments. In addition, there is first-class catering and on-board service. JetApp offers high security standards and is available around the clock. It is also promised that there are no hidden fees and favorable conditions are offered. The private jet types range from piston, turboprop, light, midsize and heavy jets to ultra long range and VIP airliners.
If you want to change or cancel a booking that has already been confirmed, you can call the 24-hour hotline or contact us by e-mail. In principle, the destination airport can also be changed during the flight, but is weighed up individually. The same applies if you want to add another flight or change the number of passengers. You can pay for the booked flight conveniently by bank transfer and then receive a booking confirmation.
