All about travel

Marseille: Port city with charm, culture and delicacies

PatrickJullien

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22. July 2020

Marseille: Port city with charm, culture and delicacies

In the beautiful port city of Marseille, French charm and maritime flair meet. It is one of the oldest cities in France and is located on the Gulf of Lion. In addition to the beautiful landscape, Marseille offers interesting cultural impressions, which even made it the Capital of Culture in 2013. The port metropolis enchants its visitors with many sights and an unmistakable atmosphere, which is particularly noticeable at the Vieux Port, the old port of the city.

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Marseille maritime at the Vieux Port

Old Port, Marseille — The old port in Marseille, Image: Vieux Port / shutterstock

The yachts of the rich and beautiful sail in the water, the salty scent of the sea combines with culinary smells from the surrounding restaurants. A fish market takes place every morning on the harbour quay, where the fishermen’s catch of the day can be admired and, of course, purchased. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. Vieux Port doesn’t just attract tourists. It is also a meeting place for many locals. Here you can enjoy life with a good meal and a glass of wine. It is particularly atmospheric in the evening. Then the area exudes all its charm. The restaurants are decorated with romantic wind lights and candlelight dinners are held on the yachts. For lovers of maritime flair, the Old Harbour is the perfect place to stroll and relax. In addition, you can quickly reach many surrounding sights from here.

Marseille impresses with its variety of museums

More than 20 museums offer rich historical variety. The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, for example, provides an attractive and very lively insight into the city’s history. In addition to historical recreations and films, there are suggestions for special walks, children’s programs or virtual “contemporary witnesses”.

La Vieille Charité, Image: Pani Garmyder / shutterstock

The Vieille Charité was once a hospice for the poor and is now used as a cultural and museum centre. It is home to the Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens, Amérindiens and the archaeological collection of the Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne.
A collection of 850 works of art can be admired in the Musée Regards de Provence . The art objects range from modernism to the present day. Represented artists include Marcel Dyf, Joseph Garibaldi and Adolphe Monticelli. Bikers on holiday in Marseille should definitely visit Le Musée de la Moto. On display are various motorcycles from the 70s and 80s, special prototypes and also posters and newspaper articles.

The Savonnerie du Midi soap factory with its soap museum takes guests to one of the last historic soap factories and brings the production and history of soap closer.

From imposing architecture to historic districts, Marseille is well worth a visit

It is not only the variety of museums that provides plenty of variety. The picturesque port city also has a lot to offer in terms of other sights. The Swiss architect Le Corbusier is responsible for one of them. His residential complex Cité radieuse impresses with its imposing architecture that is visually reminiscent of a passenger ship. Colour accents complete the extraordinary sight.

Inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, there are beautiful mosaics, mobiles with ships and signs of thanks. The church is located on a hill and thus offers not only its own beauty but also a breathtaking panoramic view over the city.

Directly at the Old Port, the view falls on Fort Saint-Jean. The fortress was built in 1660. Its towers allow for a wonderful sea view.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city a little, take a leisurely stroll through Parc Borély. The main attraction here is the Château Borély castle complex. There are also a number of leisure activities and the opportunity to visit the adjacent botanical garden.
Enchanting buildings, beautiful squares, colourful houses and antique signs can be discovered while strolling through the steep streets of Le Panier. In this oldest district, you can experience the everyday life of Marseille.

Bouillabaisse and other delicacies

Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille — Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, Image: Sergey Novikov / shutterstock

France is enjoyment and therefore there are also dishes and specialties in Marseille that you should definitely try on a holiday in the port metropolis. At the top of the list is the bouillabaisse. It is a seafood stew seasoned with garlic. A paste with olive oil, capers and various herbs is particularly popular on fresh baguettes. Its name: Tapenade.

There is also a special speciality from the hearty cuisine in Marseille. The stew Daube consists of beef braised in wine with carrots, onions and tomatoes. Those with a sweet tooth will love Navette de Marseille. The small biscuits taste simply tempting due to the production with orange blossom aroma and good olive oil.

If you are looking for a traditional alcoholic drink, you will always come across Pastis in Marseille. The spirit tastes of liquorice and anise. It is a typical summer drink, but it also tastes good at other times of the year. It is usually served on ice cubes and infused with water.
These and many other delicacies also make Marseille an attractive culinary holiday destination. If you go shopping in the “Comptoire Mathilde” boutique before returning home, you can treat yourself to some culinary delights such as high-quality olive oils, spices or chocolate spreads at home.

Not typical and yet beautiful: Holidays in Paraguay

PatrickJullien

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22. July 2020

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Not typical and yet beautiful: Holidays in Paraguay

Paraguay is certainly not one of the classic holiday destinations. However, only if holidays only mean wind, water and waves. But you will definitely get all the other beauties on a holiday in Paraguay. The South American country is an underrated destination with many beautiful places and sights that we have summarized in this article.

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The Iguazú Falls

Iguazu Falls, Image: sharptoyou / shutterstock

The fact that Paraguay is not overrun by tourists has some advantages. For example, there are still many untouched sections of nature that can be admired. The almost 40 nature reserves alone speak for themselves. Among the most popular sights are the Iguazú Falls. They are located in the triangle between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Right next to the breathtaking natural spectacle is the hydroelectric power plant, which should be worth a visit, especially for those interested in technology.

Jesuit reductions in Paraguay

Jesuit Reductions Paraguay — Jesuit Reductions, Image: RPBaiao / shutterstock

On the Paraná River, the Jesuits created settlements from 1610 onwards, the so-called Jesuit Reductions. In the south of the country, these can be visited by tourists. In the meantime, the ruins of the settlement have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to go to the city, you should pay Asunción a visit. The city centre dates back to the 19th century. It was completely demolished by the dictator Francia and then rebuilt. The architects paid attention to a typical checkerboard pattern. Many churches and museums await visitors here. The city is known worldwide as probably the greenest capital of all.

Cordillera-Caacupe

If you drive about 50 kilometers east from the capital, you will come across Caacupé, the capital of the Cordillera. Here visitors encounter one of the few mountainous landscapes in the area. The place is one of the most famous and is the scene of the Madonna de los Milagros festival every December. In addition, locals and people from neighboring countries come every year. In the heart of the city is also the largest church in the country, which was canonized by the Pope in 1988. The pilgrimage church Basilica San Francisco shines in a neo-romantic style and should definitely be visited. The huge dome of the church in particular invites you to take a good photo.

The Franciscan Monastery in Atyrá

Paraguay also has a lot of insider tips in store. One of them is located near Atyrá. The Franciscan Monastery is a new building in the classical style with strong elements from South America. Many handicraft subtleties and a cheerful architectural style land here to admire. The monastery has made it its goal to enable encounters and not to seal itself off completely. Therefore, events often take place in the monastery. Even guest rooms are offered there. For an overnight stay or a day trip, the holy Kloister is definitely a good choice.

Ciudad del Este

As the name suggests, Ciudad del Este is located in the east of the country. More precisely, in the border triangle together with Argentina and Brazil. Even though Asunición is actually the economic main point of the country, Ciudad del Este generates by far the most sales. Although not always completely legal, the proximity to neighboring countries allows many shops. The town is connected to Brazil via the so-called “Bridge of Friendship”. A river forms the border here. In the middle of the river lies an island that has not yet been awarded to either country. Especially for us Western Europeans, the enormous chaos on the streets there is exciting and imposing. The place is popular as a starting point for visits to the ITAIPU power plant.

Other exciting places in Paraguay

If you are in the country, you should visit the Plaza Juan de Salazar. The city’s cathedral dates back to 1845. Directly in front of the building is an exciting monument to the first governor of Paraguay. There is also an archiepiscopal museum in the area. Here you can find paintings. relics and historically valuable objects of sacred art. In the city center is the seat of Congress – the Palacio Legislativo. In addition, you will find the Government Palace, which is modeled on the Louvre in Paris. In the Jardin Botanvio, animal and nature lovers in particular feel at home – there the entire biodiversity of Paraguayan flora and fauna can be observed and admired. In the centre of the country, on the other hand, tourists appreciate the shopping streets of Palma, Olivia and Estrella.

You should also definitely pay a visit to the gigantic Mercado Cuatro market. Here you can find food of all kinds in fresh quality at enormously low prices. Delicious fruits, vegetables and various types of meat are available for purchase. It is precisely thanks to the cattle market in the state that there is a particularly large supply of beef. If you can’t make it home to the hotel or caravan, you can also taste the delicious dishes from local suppliers directly on site. The regional food can hardly be tasted more authentically.

San Bernardino

The city was built by German settlers as early as 1881. It is located on the beautiful Ypacarai Lake and is one of the most important tourist centers for the local population. In addition, this place with around 5000 inhabitants is the place of death of the anti-Semitic agitator Bernhard Förster, who emigrated to Paraguay in 1886. The city is about 40 kilometers away from Asunción.

Excursion to Easter Island

PatrickJullien

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20. July 2020

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The stone giants of Easter Island are a household name for many people. To this day, it is not clear what the iconic figures are all about, which are made of stone weighing tons and have made the island in Polynesia famous. In addition to the famous stone figures, the island, which officially belongs to Chile , has even more to offer for travelers. In recent years, the infrastructure for tourists has been expanded, taking care not to disturb the unique charm of the island. Even today, holidaymakers will find an almost completely natural paradise with secrets, myths and the opportunity to experience a holiday that is certainly unique.

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A holiday on Easter Island as a special highlight

Anakena Beach on Easter Island, Image: Olga Danylenko / shutterstock

In general, most tourists travel to the island for one to three days. In the end, the island is only 179 square kilometers in size and if you don’t want to take one of the guided tours to discover nature on the island, you will eventually be done with the sights. However, this is also a great advantage for the visitors. Since Easter Island has not adapted to long stays of tourists, it is still preserved in many parts exactly as it was before the boom of cruise ships.

Easter Island belongs to Polynesia and is therefore officially part of the territory of Chile. This does not change even though a trip to the island by plane from Santiago de Chile takes around five hours. The island has always been remote and has mainly adapted to self-sufficiency. In recent years, it has become more popular with tourists, mainly due to the booming cruise industry . Many of the major shipping companies stop on the island for a day as part of the trip and offer various tours around the island and to the main attractions.

If you decide to travel to Easter Island as an individual tourist, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions of the island beforehand. Although there are some hotels on the island, they have limited capacities. You should also have informed yourself beforehand about which tours are possible at which time of year. Nature lovers and hikers in particular are drawn to the island in the cool months of July and August to explore the island’s volcano on foot or walk through the beautiful landscape.

A cultural gem in the middle of the ocean

The history of Easter Island is eventful and to this day “Rapa Nui” is of special importance not only for tourists, but also for scientists. This is also due to the fact that the people here have lived completely autonomously for a very long time and thus many developments of the Western world only arrived on the island in the 20th century. After Chile claimed the island for itself, a long struggle began with the government in Santiago of Chile to get rights on the island that were close to the other inhabitants of the country.

In many travel guides, Easter Island is described as a huge open-air museum and that seems to be the case indeed. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday or a party, you will certainly be disappointed. The island has some bars and discos in the Hcapital Hanga Roa , but these are more for the locals than for the tourists. It should be mentioned that the island is comparatively expensive. Due to their remote location, many foods are expensive and this is also reflected in the visits to the restaurants. This should also be taken into account when planning your own trip.

In any case, most people come here because of the many traces of the former inhabitants of Easter Island. After all, the island has an eventful history and it is above all the traces of the former inhabitants that have made the island so famous. The huge rock heads, the moai, can be found in various places on the island. As a rule, they are part of larger places of worship and can be visited in conjunction with a museum. In addition, archaeologists have uncovered many parts of the former cult sites in recent years and are still puzzling over the religion associated with them. The only thing that is certain is that the island probably had its first contact with Europeans in the 18th century and the corresponding cultures must have emerged completely free of external influences.

In addition to the special sites that are spread over the island, the island’s three volcanoes are also worth mentioning. They are probably the reason for the formation of Easter Island and have ensured that the fertile island was formed over the course of millions of years. Today, various tours lead along the volcanoes and to the peaks. Here, too, there used to be a place of worship, which has been rebuilt in recent years with elaborate work. Of particular beauty is the extinct volcanic crater of Rano Kau, which is offered by various guides on the island for hikes all year round.

Finally, there is also the South Sea beach Anakena. It is the only place on the island where bathing is allowed. On the other hand, there is wonderful water and a great beach that stretches for a few kilometers and also makes the impressive underwater world of the island accessible with diving courses.

Is it worth visiting Easter Island?

Rano Kau, Easter Island Volcano — The volcano Rano Kau, Image: IURII BURIAK / shutterstock

Easter Island is of a special beauty. If you know what you expect from your holiday, you will be able to have a good time here. While the islands are not intended for recreation and package tourists, they offer a beautiful landscape and a unique culture that eludes Western influences to this day and thus offers a world of its own. Especially in connection with a general visit to South America, a trip to the island is worthwhile.

Must-haves for your next destination

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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17. July 2020

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This year, traveling is a little different for all of us. Nevertheless, we want to treat ourselves to a nice break from everyday life and go into the must-haves that should not be missing in any suitcase in 2020:

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All-rounder bag

The bag is not only an important companion in everyday life, but also when traveling. It is therefore best to choose a model that is suitable for staying at the beach and for traveling by plane, as luggage is of course always very limited. When traveling, tote bags or shoppers are particularly suitable for storing all important utensils, such as travel documents, a book or the beach towel. A great it-piece when traveling are, for example, these practical Michael Kors bags, which can be combined with different outfits at the same time and become the perfect companion on vacation as well as on the beach!

The dress

The dress is, like every summer, the it-piece par excellence. The summer dresses of 2020 are made of light fabrics and preferably for wrapping – whether midi or mini length, they are available in almost every color and they exude pure summer feeling! You should pay attention to the right material, then they are not only comfortable to wear, but they also fit well in the suitcase and, depending on the look, can be worn on the beach, for a stroll through the city or for a night out. Particularly trendy this year: especially light pastel shades and playful floral patterns are very popular.

The sneakers

A pair of sneakers also belong in every luggage – or even better: wear to the flight/journey. Of course, the most important thing is that they are comfortable – for any hikes, long walks or even rainy days – a pair of sneakers is a must. In addition, you can now also dress them up by combining them with a beautiful dress, rather more elegant!

The Fabric Mask

This year, the mask should not be missing in our luggage, as masks are still compulsory in almost every country, especially in shops. So why not match the mask to the outfits and use it specifically as an accessory. Especially self-sewn masks made of fabric are very practical, as they can be chosen to match the outfit. In addition, the masks are more sustainable and can be easily washed after wearing.

The hat

The hat is a trendy sun protection, especially on the beach, which also enhances the outfit. Of course, both important as head and sun protection, but it can also look really elegant – Caribbean feeling included, so this year the hat in the color white is a great alternative to the boring straw hat. You can spice it up with the matching oversized sunglasses and a scarf that is casually tied around it – matching the bikini, of course – a real diva look for the beach!

The most beautiful boat routes along the Croatian island paradise

PatrickJullien

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14. July 2020

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The most beautiful boat routes along the Croatian island paradise

Croatia was neglected as a holiday destination for a long time and was known at best as an insider tip. This has changed significantly recently and Croatia has long since welcomed numerous tourists year after year. In 2018 , for example, there were around 19.7 million tourists. Croatia also offers many islands that can be worth a visit. Many of them are almost untouched and can be discovered on a boat tour. Where you can find the right boat, how the booking works and more are described in more detail below.

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On tour with the right boat

When it comes to choosing the right boat for the boat tour to the Croatian islands, tourists have a free choice. It plays a role what comfort is desired or whether you want to go on a discovery tour in Croatia as a couple or as a group. Zizoo, the world’s largest booking platform for boating holidays, offers a correspondingly large selection of different boat types:

Sailboats
Powerful motorboats
Lightning-fast catamarans
Houseboats

The bottom line is that nothing is left to be desired. Each tour group will find the vehicle for their own boat tour in Croatia. A small addendum: Charter boats in Croatia are cheapest when booked from Saturday to Saturday.

Beautiful boat routes in Croatia

1. Visit Krk by boat

One way to experience the beauty of the islands in Croatia by boat is to take a boat tour from Split towards Krk. The island is already very popular with tourists, but still offers many beautiful and secluded corners. Ideal for getting away from it all and enjoying nature.

2. Discover Brac, Hvar and Co.

Brač, Zlatni Rat, Golden Horn — The beach Zlatni Rat / Golden Horn on #Brac, Image: artem evdokimov / shutterstock

But the island of Brac also invites you to visit Croatia by boat. From Sukosan you can reach the island, for example. Brac is the third largest Croatian island and a whole 40 kilometers long. Here, too, you have enough freedom to find untouched corners and dedicate yourself to the secrets of the island in all togetherness.

In general, however, Croatia offers a whole range of other islands that can be reached by chartered boat. From the larger cities, this is usually not a problem and therefore Rab, Hvar or Susak are often popular destinations for holidaymakers.

Conclusion: The Croatian islands are easy to discover by boat

Boat tours are among the highlights that Croatia has to offer for its visitors. Here you can get to know the island diversity of the Central European state wonderfully and fall in love with many spots. But individual boat trips are also possible in Croatia without any problems and offer many a paradisiacal spot. So if you want to enjoy a slightly different holiday with a special view, this is the right place for you.

Holidays in Baden-Württemberg are always an experience

PatrickJullien

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13. July 2020

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Holidays in Baden-Württemberg are always an experience

Baden-Württemberg is located in the southwest of the Federal Republic of Germany and borders France and Switzerland. Baden-Württemberg is one of the most popular travel destinations in Germany. Every year, an average of 49 million people stay overnight in the charming state. It scores with its diverse cultural landscapes and lively cities. Popular holiday destinations are above all the Black Forest, Lake Constance, the Odenwald, the Swabian Alb, the Electoral Palatinate and the Stuttgart region.

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Enjoy the beauty of Baden-Württemberg in the Black Forest

Münctertal, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg — View of Münstertal in the Black Forest, Image: Funny Solution Studio / shutterstock

One of the most important recreational areas in Baden-Württemberg is undoubtedly the Black Forest. It is one of the most visited German low mountain ranges. It is also known as the home of the cuckoo clock. The Black Forest has a length of 200 kilometers and a width of 60 kilometers. It borders on Lake Constance, the Swabian Alb and the Kraichgau, among others.

The northern Black Forest comprises the region between Karlsruhe, Pforzheim and Baden-Baden. Hikers in particular get their money’s worth in the area. There they will find hiking trails with a total length of 2000 kilometers. In addition, 600 kilometres of groomed ski trails are available for winter sports enthusiasts.

Popular in both the summer and winter months is the Black Forest High Road, which lies between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. It enchants with its wonderful view, which reaches as far as the plain of the Upper Rhine and the Vosges.

But the central and southern Black Forest are also worth a visit. The Central Black Forest with the areas of Villingen-Schwenningen, Rottweil, Lahr and Offenburg presents a variety of landscapes worth seeing. The southern Black Forest extends to the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland. There, the towns of Freiburg, Titisee-Neustadt, Lörrach and Breisach invite you to take a trip. With Feldberg, Blauen, Kandel, Belchen and Schauinsland, visitors will also find the highest elevations in the Black Forest. Hotzenwald and Hochschwarzwald are suitable for skiing.

Lake Constance

Another popular recreation center in Baden-Württemberg is Lake Constance. It is located between the Alps and the Jura and covers an area of 538 square kilometres. 236 streams and rivers supply water to Lake Constance. In addition, the inland waters are rich in fish.

The most popular excursion destinations around Lake Constance include the cities of Meersburg and Constance as well as the flower island of Mainau on the Upper Swabian Baroque Road. A wide variety of flower species can be admired on Mainau. There are also regular exhibitions and concerts.

Numerous places on Lake Constance have boat connections. In many communities, buildings from the Middle Ages can be visited. But the unique landscape of the region is also worth a look. It also offers countless opportunities for water sports, cycling and hiking.

The Swabian Alb

From the High Rhine to the state border between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria lie the Swabian Alb and its foothills. Typical features of the Alb include the castles and palaces, which offer an interesting foray into history.

But some museums such as the Limes Museum in Aalen are also worth a detour. Thus, important finds from the Roman era can be admired in the museum. In addition, knights’ games are held in Aalen every year, which are well worth seeing.

Other recommended destinations in the Swabian Alb are the towns of Heidenheim with Hellenstein Castle, Braubeuren with its famous monastery complex, the old imperial city of Ulm with the world’s highest church tower and Schwäbisch Gmünd with its architectural monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods.

In addition, the Swabian Alb is a paradise for hiking. There are 13,000 kilometres of hiking trails available. There are also opportunities for cycling, horse riding, kayaking, hang-gliding and golf. In winter, cross-country skiing can be practiced, among other things.

A visit to Baden-Württemberg’s capital Stuttgart

Stuttgart, Porsche Museum — The Porsche Museum at night, Image: Markus Mainka / shutterstock

Stuttgart is the state capital of Baden-Württemberg. With about 2.8 million inhabitants, it is the sixth largest city in Germany. The Stuttgart Region is one of the largest conurbations in the Federal Republic of Germany and is always worth a visit.

The image of the city is characterized by numerous hills, valleys such as the Neckar Valley or the Stuttgart Valley Basin, the Palace Garden, the Rosenstein Park and many green spaces. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the TV Tower. Finally, there are several castles and palaces to admire.

In the Stuttgart region, a large number of historic castles and fortifications can be visited. The area scores with its charming landscape and picturesque lakes. In the Remstal and Stromberg area, wine lovers and gourmets get their money’s worth. Numerous inns invite you to visit there.

The Odenwald

A popular low mountain range in Baden-Württemberg is the Odenwald, which stretches as far as Hesse and Bavaria. It is one of the most important local recreation areas in the Rhine-Main region. The towns of the Odenwald do not radiate any hustle and bustle and are considered ideal for a relaxing trip. The Odenwald is also known for its viticulture, which was already practiced by the ancient Romans. Winegrowers’ festivals take place annually in Bensheim, Groß-Umstadt and Heppenheim. Of course, there are also many wine bars there that invite you to stop for a bite to eat.

Typical of the Odenwald communities are their idyllic half-timbered houses and medieval alleys. A particularly good opportunity to admire the fantastic landscape is offered by boat trips on the Neckar. They lead past beautiful towns, palaces and castles.

The Electoral Palatinate

The Electoral Palatinate refers to the Baden region of the Rhine-Neckar area, which is located in Baden-Württemberg’s northwest. In part, the Electoral Palatinate also belongs to Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Mannheim and Heidelberg are among the best-known cities in the region. Other places worth seeing are Hockenheim, Weinheim, Schwetzingen, Eppelheim and Reilingen.

The area of the Electoral Palatinate was already appreciated and settled by the ancient Romans, who planted the first vines there. The mild climate allows the cultivation of various vegetables and fruits.

The border with the Odenwald is formed by the Bergstraße, which is characterized by its many hills and villages. Numerous castles and castle ruins are among the sights of the area. One of the biggest visitor attractions is Heidelberg Castle, the former residence of the Counts Palatine.

No less worth seeing is Mannheim Castle, which served as the successor residence of the Counts Palatine. Schwetzingen Castle, on the other hand, was used by the electors as a summer residence. Another attraction in Mannheim is the Luisenpark as a botanical garden, zoo and leisure facility at the same time.

City trips in Baden-Württemberg

Schlossplatz Stuttgart — The Schloßplatz in Stuttgart, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

In addition to the state capital Stuttgart, there are several cities in Baden-Württemberg that invite you to visit. These include above all the spa and spa town of Baden-Baden in the western part of the state. Baden-Baden also gained fame as a city of art and an international festival city. Another attraction is the city’s famous casino.

Freiburg im Breisgau scores with its cathedral, the city’s most important landmark, as well as the Freiburger Bächle, the Schlossberg on the edge of the old town, the local mountain Schauinsland and the Mundenhof animal enclosure.

The university town of Tübingen enchants with its historic old town. A visit to Hohentübingen Castle is also recommended. From there, an impressive overview of Tübingen’s old town can be obtained.

The Baden-Württemberg cities of Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Ravensburg, Hohenheim, Reutlingen and Esslingen am Neckar are also worth a visit.

Europa-Park in Rust

Europa-Park, Rust — Europa-Park in Rust, Image: Eva Bocek / shutterstock

Of course, Baden-Württemberg also has some amusement parks to offer its visitors. The most famous of these is the Europa-Park in Rust. No amusement park in Germany is visited as often as Europa-Park, which can be found between Freiburg and Karlsruhe.

It is divided into 17 different subject areas. 13 of them are dedicated to European countries such as France, Spain, Greece and Russia .
There are also themed areas such as the world of children, the kingdom of the Minimoys, the adventure land or Grimm’s fairytale forest. Among the many attractions are the Silver Star, the second highest roller coaster in Europe, the Matterhorn Blitz, Euro Mir, the witches’ swing “Curse of Cassandra” or the water roller coaster Poseidon.

But there are even more amusement parks in Baden-Württemberg such as the Traumland amusement park on the Swabian Alb, the Tripsdrill adventure park near Cleebronn and the Ravensburger Spieleland on Lake Constance.

Kazakhstan sees its future in tourism

PatrickJullien

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11. July 2020

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When in 2006 the US mockumentary “Borat – Cultural Learning from America to Make Benefit for the Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” by the British comedian and actor Sacha Noam Baron Cohen celebrated international cinema successes, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry initially threatened to sue for the obvious, albeit clearly satirically exaggerated degradation of the world’s largest landlocked country with an area of over 2.7 million km².

However, the government of the sparsely populated Central Asian country with only 18.3 million inhabitants quickly recognized the immense advertising potential of the film character for its own tourism and after the number of tourist visas applied for by foreign guests had increased tenfold in a very short time after the cinema release of “Borat”, they even thanked its actor for the unexpected help.

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State subsidies to significantly expand tourism in the future

Sharyn National Park, Kazakhstan — Sharyn National Park, Image: Andrey Bocharov / shutterstock

In fact, tourism has evolved from a niche to a significant economic factor in Kazakhstan over the past two decades. In 2000, for example, less than 1.5 million visitors came to the country, in 2012 there were already over 4.8 million, and in 2016 there were already a good 6.5 million guests. In 2014, the Kazakh cabinet adopted the so-called “Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020” with an investment volume of 4 billion US dollars for the extensive expansion of tourism infrastructure and the creation of about 300,000 new jobs in the industry. In the course of this, the visa requirements for entry were also significantly simplified in the same year, so that EU citizens and German citizens now only need a passport, but no longer a visa for their stay in Kazakhstan of up to 30 days.

An English prince has helped an old Soviet ski resort to new glory

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan — The winter sports resort of Shymbulak, Image: remizovka / shutterstock

Experts and connoisseurs unanimously welcomed this initiative of the Kazakh government as a long overdue step in the right direction to finally bring the country, which is so interesting in terms of landscape and culture, a little closer to the international public. Kazakhstan also gained a certain fame through the skiing holiday that the member of the English royal family Prince Harry spent there in the winter of 2014 with his now former girlfriend Cressida Bonas. The traditional winter sports resort of Shymbulak, a good 25 kilometers south of the city of Almaty in the far southeast of the country, was already the venue for various ski competitions and training camps of the Olympic team when it belonged to the USSR. As part of the above-mentioned tourism plan, Shymbulak is to be increasingly promoted as a destination for wealthy winter vacationers from countries such as China and India in the future.

Almaty – The historic city on the Silk Road

This project seems to make quite sense due to the proximity to the venerable Kazakh capital Almaty, which is the largest and former Kazakh capital with over 1.8 million. According to archaeological finds, today’s almost 700 km² urban area was permanently settled over 2,000 years ago. Almaty was also known in Europe until the 16th century due to its geographical location on the legendary Silk Road, in the “City of Apples or Apple Trees”, which has been renamed since 1993, there are still many buildings and museums worth seeing as well as sacred buildings and theaters. These include the 371-metre-high television tower built in 1983 on the 1,130-metre-high local mountain Kök-Töbe, the Ascension Cathedral from 1907 and the St. Nicholas Cathedral from 1908. Guests of the city also like to visit the “Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan” with over 300,000 exhibits, the “State Museum of the Arts” founded in 1979 with 22,000 works of art, and the “Museum of Folk Music Instruments”, which reopened in 2013 with currently over 1,200 instruments from Kazakhstan and around 40 other countries.

The huge rocky gorge is made for rapid rides on the long river

In the surrounding, 224,000 km² province of Almaty, there is also a lot to see and discover for visitors to Kazakhstan who are interested in nature and culture. The official administrative seat of Taldyqorghan currently has a good 145,000 inhabitants, and the local history museum and the neighboring Shansgurov Museum are frequently visited here. The rock carvings in Tamgaly, which are up to over 4,500 years old, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The small border town of Dostyk can be used for travel to China. The mountains around the town of Talghar, which are up to over 3,000 metres high, are popular among hikers. Architecturally more strongly influenced by Chinese than Russian or Kazakh, the mosque in the city of Sharkent is built between 1887 and 1892. The most famous natural monument in the Almaty region is the almost 90-kilometre-long “Charyn Canyon”, which is often compared to the US “Grand Canyon” because of its appearance and has also been increasingly used for whitewater rafting with rubber dinghies in recent years.

Where the legendary warlord Genghis Khan had his meal cooked

The rough and rugged rocky gorge, which glows red in the sun, is also part of the 127,000-hectare national park named after it. There are currently a total of 13 national parks in Kaschhastan, of which the areas of Altyn-Emel, Chonghar-Alatau, Ile-Alatau, Kolsai Lakes, Sairam-Ugam and Tarbaghatai are equally located in the southwest of the country. In the north, on the other hand, there are the national parks of Bajanaul, Bujratau and Burabai as well as Kökschetau and Qarqaraly, and in the far east is the country’s largest national park, Katon-Karagai, with an area of almost 644,000 hectares. Well-known attractions in the Altyn-Emel National Park are the so-called red and white mountains Aktau and Katutau as well as a historic cooking place of the mythically glorified former Mongol leader Genghis Khan. In the Bajanaul National Park there are three lakes that are much visited in the summer months, north of the Dschongghar-Alatau National Park the 2,650 km² Alaköl Lake, which is designated as a bird sanctuary. In the 112,000-hectare Qarqaraly National Park in central Kazakhstan, the two lakes Baceen and Shaitankol are popular destinations for locals.

Holidays in Franconia – Between culture, nature and Franconian wine

PatrickJullien

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8. July 2020

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Holidays in Franconia – Between culture, nature and Franconian wine

The famous Franconian wine, wonderful hiking opportunities, historic cities and pure nature make Franconia a multifaceted holiday destination in Germany. Cities such as Nuremberg or Bamberg invite you to take a city trip and the different Franconian areas have the right travel landscape for every taste.

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Franconia for city lovers

Nuremberg

For a city trip, it doesn’t always have to be the giant metropolises! Holidaymakers who attach great importance to cultural, architectural and culinary offerings are in good hands in the Franconian cities. Nuremberg is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cities in Franconia. Especially the medieval architecture of the old town with the magnificent imperial castle characterizes the cityscape. The city has an excellent reputation as a trade fair city and is on everyone’s lips even outside Germany due to its famous Nuremberg Christmas market and tasty bratwurst. Albrecht Dürer already enjoyed the latter. In addition to visiting the many museums, a walk through the Tiergarten is also worthwhile. In idyllic surroundings, visitors can experience sea lions and dolphins in the dolphin lagoon or enjoy the tropical atmosphere in the manatee house.

Würzburg

In Würzburg, the Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But not only that. It is also one of the most important castles in Europe. A mixture of culture, architecture and baroque gives the old city on the Main a special charm and pure joie de vivre. Würzburg’s “Stein” or the vineyards create a picturesque picture that attracts not only wine lovers.

Bamberg

Romantics are drawn to Bamberg. Here, holidaymakers stroll through winding alleys past baroque and medieval facades or stroll through small specialist and antique shops in the old town. The famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra shapes the culture just as much as a large number of cabaret stages or the shadow theatre. In the traditional beer city, a freshly tapped beer is of course not to be missed. Another Franconian city that city lovers should visit is Bayreuth. The Festspielhaus on the green hill is just as much a part of the international cultural city as the Richard Wagner Museum or the Margravial Opera House. https://youtu.be/s1PyAktZogM

Popular areas for a holiday in Franconia

Many different areas create a varied travel landscape for Franconian holidays. Franconian Switzerland ranks high on the popularity scale. Travel writers from the 19th century gave the area its current name, as they felt reminded of Switzerland by the rocks, valleys and mountains. Franconian Switzerland is one of the oldest holiday regions in Germany and is located between Bayreuth, Bamberg and Nuremberg. More than 30 castles and medieval castles can be discovered here. In addition, a large nature park and more than 1000 caves await. The leisure activities here are also varied and include excursions to climbing parks, themed hikes or canoe tours. Gentle tourism, forests, friendly villages or even dark moors characterize the Rhön. The volcanic low mountain range of the Rhön is criss-crossed by an extensive network of hiking trails. The paths of the “border triangle” (Thuringia, Hesse, Franconia) lead up to the Kreuzberg or the “Black Moor”. Visitors have a fantastic view from the Wasserkuppe. This is the highest mountain in the Rhön.

The Wasserkuppe in the early morning, Image: Lapping Pictures / shutterstock

The Fichtel Mountains are the perfect holiday area for athletes. It is located in the northeast of Bavaria and rises to up to 1000 meters. In Germany , the Fichtel Mountains are one of the snowiest landscapes. At the appropriate time of year, there are the best conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or skiing. But there are also numerous opportunities for sporting activity outside the winter season. A winch run in the zipline park on the southern slope of the Ochsenkopf leads rapidly down into the valley. Nature can be explored on wonderful cycling and hiking trails. Another focus is on health and wellness. In Bad Berneck, for example, the focus is on Kneipp and in Bad Alexandersbad, guests can have a good time in the smallest Bavarian spa. Holiday guests with a preference for water should consider the Franconian Lake District for a stay. Its seven lakes make it the centre of Franconian water sports and a perfect holiday destination for families. Here you can sail, swim, dive or cast a rod. Excursion boats also sail at the Großer Brombachsee and the Altmühlsee, with which the landscape can be enjoyed from the water. Away from the water, there are of course also hiking and walking opportunities.

Franconia culinary

Viticulture in Franconia — Viticulture plays an important role in Franconia, Image: Gerhard Roethlinger / shutterstock

Nuremberg bratwurst and Franconian wine are just two of many Franconian specialties. If you love culinary delights, you will not be disappointed on a holiday in Franconia. For the famous bratwurst, there has been a regulation since the Middle Ages, which ensures consistent quality. The grilled sausages grilled over beech logs were added to the register of culinary specialities protected by the EU in 2003. Since meat dishes are very important in Franconian cuisine, not only the sausages are a specialty. For example, the Schäufele (shoulder blade of the pig) is also very well-known. It is prepared whole with fat rind and bone in the oven. Served with potato dumplings, gravy and red cabbage, it is an absolute treat for the palate. At least as popular as the Nuremberg grilled sausage is the Franconian Sauerbraten. The roast, marinated and then braised for several days, is also served with dumplings and red cabbage. Franconia is known for the breeding of char, trout and carp. These are also not missing from any good menu and are served baked. The Franconian also has no objection to a hearty snack. Such a meal includes homemade sausage specialties, smoked ham, bread and plucked meat. Plucked is comparable to Bavarian Obazda. In addition to the hearty delights, there are of course also Franconian desserts to enjoy. The Kissinger is a croissant made of butter pastry dough, which is covered with cooked icing and consists of a jam or hazelnut filling on the inside. By the way, the sweet particle comes from the district of Bad Kissingen. Fruit varieties from orchards are also used in the sweet cuisine. They are used to make delicacies such as apple mustard or apple bratwurst. About 80% of the well-known Franconian wine is white wine. Franconian wines have a high mineral content and taste particularly spicy. One of the typical Franconian wines is Silvaner. In the end, it remains to be said: A holiday in Franconia is a good choice in terms of landscape and culture as well as culinary.

Esbjerg – What to do in 24 hours?

PatrickJullien

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3. July 2020

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At around 120 kilometres away, the Danish city of Esbjerg is not far from the German city of Flensburg. You can reach Denmark’s fifth-largest city by car quite quickly from Hamburg or Cologne. If you feel like shopping and walking in the city, Esbjerg is the place for you. Because this is where the longest pedestrian zone in Denmark is located. With around 200 shops and boutiques, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

Of course, the Danes enjoy life as much as we do. That’s why there is no shortage of cafés and restaurants in the Kongensgade pedestrian zone. The shopping street ends in a bustling marketplace with an unexpected option for activities. So you can skate here in the middle of the city in winter. Another advantage of arriving by car is free parking. While looking at the sights of Esbjerg, you set the parking disc and leave the car in place. After all, there is more to see than the city’s shopping mile.

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Places of interest in Esbjerg

The Fisheries and Maritime Museum is an interesting stop to learn about the history of the city. Here you will also find the Robbarium, which is a highlight of a Denmark holiday, especially for children. The city, which was only 150 years old, was founded with the harbour and experienced a great heyday. No less than 600 ships docked here in Esbjerg. The gas and oil deposits in the North Sea also played an important role in the city’s development. You should not miss this passage of harbor and museum on your 24-hour trip.

In the present, the city planners have done a great job. Because the shopping mile mentioned was combined with a shore leave and the harbor promenade. The city’s landmark is an oversized sculpture that was given the name “Man by the Sea”. From here you can take the ferry to the holiday island of Fanø, which is certainly worth considering, because the crossing to the island takes only 12 minutes. If you come to Esbjerg in the summer, you are also in close proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer. The Wadden Sea located here is part of the national park and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

24 hours in Esbjerg

Your 24-hour trip begins at the giant sculpture “Man by the Sea”. Here is the gateway to the western part of the world. It has been set up in such a way that visitors to the city are welcomed right here. Take the chance for a breathtaking photo, because you won’t get to see such huge figures so quickly. Afterwards you will soon reach the pedestrian mile and spend the morning here. You can decide whether you want to go to one of the restaurants for lunch or choose the fishing port.

Art is very important in Esbjerg!

Kongensgade, Esbjerg — The pedestrian street Kongensgade in Esbjerg, Image: Eryk Stawinski / shutterstock

Last but not least, Esbjerg is also a city full of culture. You have already got to know the landmark. You can find more sculptures at the small park Heerups Have by the artist Henry Heerup. 20 granite sculptures have been set up here, which are also wonderful photo motifs.

Now the Music Conservatory would be a good opportunity. Here is another work of art: the clock by Thorbjørn Laustens, which combines sound and image. An art museum also belongs to the city of Esbjerg with another sculpture made of iron. The 140-square-metre mural at the University Center is particularly fascinating. Religion and faith play a role for the Danes. The Danish sculptor Robert Jacobsen, for example, decorated the church altar wall with figures made of scrap iron.

Fresh sea air

You should definitely take an hour or two to go to the beach in the suburb of Hjerting. The local bathing hotel rents out bicycles. So you can choose whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the coastline by bike instead. Maybe you are looking for a holiday home for your next holiday in Denmark. Because you will find a lot of them here. The whole district is all the better organised: holidaymakers feel very comfortable here with all the comfort and well-kept beaches including playground, toilets and gastronomic facilities.

Hiking on the coast and the bay

Port of Esbjerg — View of Esbjerg Harbour, Image: Andie_Alpion / shutterstock

Surely you love the sea and the coast. Then don’t miss out on seeing Ho Bay on your 24-hour trip. Here you can hike on well-developed paths. The bay is already in the Wadden Sea National Park and is also home to the Myrthuegård nature experience station. You can easily reach the bay by car and leave your vehicle in the designated parking lot to get to know the part of the city on foot. However, you will have to postpone Esbjerg Golf Club to a later holiday, because there is not enough time to play a round of golf here in 24 hours.

Fish auction in Esbjerg

During the summer months, there are plenty of events taking place in Esbjerg. From the popular flea market to summer fun for children or the impressive fish auction. In July and August, the fish auction takes place every Wednesday between 11 and 11.30 a.m. Auktionsgade in Esbjerg. In just half an hour, hundreds of kilos of fish are auctioned here. An impressive experience that you should not miss in Esbjerg!

After a day trip to Esbjerg, you will return full of impressive experiences. The Danish coastal city is a successful change for a city trip to Denmark. Here you will find a perfect mix of modern city life and Danish quality of life.

Lake Balaton – pure relaxation

PatrickJullien

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29. June 2020

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Nestled in the western Hungarian landscape, Lake Balaton is considered the second most popular travel destination in Hungary. The pleasant climate, a beautiful landscape, hot springs and numerous sights make every holiday at Lake Balaton an unforgettable experience. While beach resorts and hotels have sprung up in large numbers on the southern shore of the lake, the north side of the lake presents itself with charming towns and historically grown villages worth seeing.

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Natural paradise of Lake Balaton

The varied landscape around Lake Balaton is beautiful. While the swamp zones and reed regions around Lake Balaton are a unique habitat for rare plant, reptile and bird species, the volcanic mountain landscape around the lake presents itself with extensive forests and geological features.

The Balaton Uplands National Park is one of the most fascinating nature reserves in Europe. Both the northern area of the Tihany peninsula and the Kis-Balaton bog are part of the national park area. The wetland of Kis Balaton is a well-known buffalo and bird reserve. Observing the buffalo and grey cattle herds in their natural habitat is one of the impressive experiences that nature lovers can have in the National Park at Lake Balaton.

If you want to explore the nature around Lake Balaton, you will benefit from an extensive network of hiking trails and nature trails. Especially in the national park area, there are numerous signposted routes that lead to the most beautiful natural areas in the region.

Lake Balaton holiday paradise

Lake Balaton, Lake Balaton in Hungary — Boat trip on Lake Balaton, Image: grafxart/ shutterstock

With an area of 600 km² and an average water depth of 3 m, Lake Balaton is a popular destination for families. Lake Balaton is characterized by its shallow water near the shore, so that children can also enjoy the cool water here without any worries. But Lake Balaton also offers ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts, where you can surf, sail, dive and fish. The beautiful bathing meadows and sandy beaches around the lake invite you to sunbathe and relax and around Lake Balaton, tourists also benefit from a very good infrastructure. The region has a lot to offer, especially in terms of cuisine, and so it is worth visiting the restaurants at Lake Balaton. Here you can enjoy typical dishes such as goulash soup, paprikás csirke, lángos, bableves and much more. But also fantastic sausage specialties such as Debrecziner and Kolbász and sweet temptations such as Dobostorte, Esterházy cake and pancakes are part of the typical Hungarian cuisine.

Cures at Lake Balaton

Hungary and especially the region around Lake Balaton is also an ideal destination to enjoy spa and wellness treatments. Over 1,000 hot springs can be found on Hungarian territory and even the Romans knew about the healing powers of Hungary’s hot springs.

Only a few kilometres west of Lake Balaton, the traditional spa town of Héviz inspires with Lake Hévis, which is a very special attraction as the largest natural thermal lake in the world. Idyllically surrounded by forest, the spa facilities of Héviz are among the most famous in Hungary. But there are also numerous health resorts along the shoreline of Lake Balaton, which are known for their wide range of spa and wellness facilities. The Tihany spa is particularly idyllic here, but the spas of Gyenesdias, Balatonfüred, Siofok, Balatonakali and many other health resorts also inspire with their direct waterfront location and their spa and wellness facilities.

The most beautiful towns and villages of Lake Balaton

A special highlight are the enchanting towns that can be found around Lake Balaton. Many of the cities are characterized by their city center that is worth seeing, a fantastic riverside location, historical sights and a wide range of cultural offerings. Especially on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, there are many charming towns worth seeing, so that exploration tours prove to be extremely worthwhile.

Balatonfüred – the romantic spa town

Balatonfüred is known as one of the most romantic cities in Central Europe. The spa town shines with a town centre that is characterised by buildings from the 18. and 19th century. A jetty also gives the city maritime flair. In addition, the spa and health resort is characterized by its attractive cultural life, so it is always worth taking a look at the current calendar of events.

Tihany – the unique place on the Balaton Peninsula

Tihany, Lake Balaton — Tihany, Image: ZGPhotography / shutterstock

The town of Tihany offers a fantastic view of the lake and also shines with numerous listed buildings. The nearby Baroque monastery of Tihany Abbey is probably the most famous building in the city, as it is considered one of the most important historical monuments in Hungary. It is also worth visiting the ruins of the Újlak church. But in the end, it is the particularly cozy atmosphere of the place that inspires visitors.

Keszethely – the capital of Lake Balaton

The town of Keszethely has always occupied a very special position among the places around Lake Balaton. It is not only the largest city on the shores of the lake, but also historically the most interesting. Here you will find sights such as the enchanting castle complex of Feštetić. The list of listed residential buildings in the old town is long and the cityscape is correspondingly worth seeing. Keszethely is also ideal for an extensive shopping spree, because the lively pedestrian zone of the spa and spa town has a lot to offer. But in the end, it is the unique Mediterranean flair of the city that enchants visitors and invites them to linger in the numerous cafés and restaurants.

Siofók – the pearl on the south bank

The town of Siofók is one of the most famous and popular seaside resorts on Lake Balaton. Although the town is often referred to as the “Ballermann am Balaton”, Siofók looks back on a long history and is well worth seeing as a former royal free town. If you walk through the city attentively, you will find numerous sculptures worth seeing, dreamlike old villas, beautiful parks and, of course, the city’s famous water tower.

The most important questions about Lake Balaton

How deep is Lake Balaton?

The maximum depth of Lake Balaton is 12.5 meters. The average depth is 3.3 meters.

How big is Lake Balaton?

Lake Balaton is 77 kilometers long and has a total area of 592 km²

In which country is Lake Balaton located?

Lake Balaton is located in Hungary, about 100 kilometers from Budapest .

Why is Lake Balaton called Lake Balaton?

The name is probably due to the low water level. Even the Romans called the lake “
Lacus Pelso
“, the shallow water.