Wide beach with the finest sand and a large cruise port, where the famous kissing mouth ships spread a touch of wanderlust. No, we’re not talking about some Mediterranean metropolis or even a place in the Caribbean. It is the university and Hanseatic city of Rostock. These and many other aspects make the Baltic Sea city a perfect holiday destination in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
In 1323, the city of Rostock bought the fishing village of Warnemünde. Since then, it has belonged to the city and is one of the most beautiful districts. The cruise port, which is considered the largest port for cruise ships in Germany , brought him fame far beyond the country’s borders. Around 180 cruise ship calls take place every year. Numerous Baltic Sea cruises start and end in Warnemünde. Including, of course, many trips on the famous kissing mouth ships of AIDA Cruises, whose headquarters are located in Rostock. If you don’t want to set sail yourself, you can see the huge ships at close range as they set sail.
But this district is not only worth a visit for cruise fans during a stay in Rostock. Here, for example, you can spend a wonderful day at the beach. The more than two-kilometre-long beach of Warnemünde is characterised by white fine-grained sand. In addition to many sports opportunities, culinary delights are of course not neglected. During a stroll along the beach promenade, you will encounter the old lighthouse and experience pure harbour flair. The east and west piers offer a great nature experience and convey the Baltic Sea up close. In the “Seebad”, visitors can swim in seawater all year round and the swimming pool also has a lot to offer for sauna and wellness enthusiasts.
From culture to sports to art – Rostock’s sights for everyone
Apart from the maritime leisure activities, many other varied sights and excursion options await holidaymakers in Rostock. Of course, they include exploring the beautiful old town. A walk through the rose garden is particularly worthwhile from June until autumn. Then the roses shine in their full bloom. Beautiful benches and green areas also invite you to linger and relax. Not far from the rose garden, the next attraction awaits: St. Michael’s Monastery. The building, which used to be a combination of monastery, residence and workplace, now houses special collections from the university library, among other things. If you love the neo-Gothic style, make a detour to Wallstraße.
There is the Ständehaus. The impressive brick building is the seat of the Rostock Higher Regional Court. At that time, the Kunsthalle Rostock was not only the first, but also the only new building of an art museum in the GDR. Guests can see graphic sheets, paintings and sculptures, mainly by regional artists. A guided tour of the Ostseestadion, on the other hand, is about ball artists. This is where the football history of Hansa Rostock comes to life. There are facts, but also funny anecdotes, while stadium visitors can visit the VIP and press area or the players’ tunnel.
Active recreation in nature is possible on the Rostock Heath. As one of the largest contiguous forest areas, which runs along the German Baltic Sea coast, it invites you to cycle, hike or horseback ride.
Rostock with children
The beach of Warnemünde, Image: Tsuguliev / shutterstock
While the sights mentioned so far tend to delight adult holidaymakers, Rostock also has great excursion destinations for young guests. A highlight is certainly the zoo. Voted the best zoo in Europe several times, more than 4000 animals live here. Among them are penguins, polar bears and orangutans. Experience stations, playgrounds and numerous events round off a day at Rostock Zoo . There is another animal experience at the Hohe Düne seal research station. In addition to an exciting insight into the work of the scientists, children from the age of 12 have the opportunity to swim with the seals. The Hohe Düne district also has an exciting climbing park. On six courses, swaying planks and net bridges have to be overcome. Visitors of all ages can also work out at Flip Out Rostock. On over 3000 square meters there are trampoline landscapes and many attractions for climbing and jumping. Extra areas for children allow for age-appropriate fun.
Culinary Rostock
Of course, Rostock’s cuisine is dominated by fish from the Warnemünde fish market in all variations. A special tip here is the restaurant “Zur Kogge”. An original décor, tasty fish soup and a special recipe of boiled fish make it the place to go for fish gourmets.
Sea buckthorn products are also very common. The “lemon of the north” can be used to make delicious liqueurs, spreads, jams or even mustard. In Rostock there are numerous beautiful restaurants, pubs and cafés that are owner-managed. A culinary tour of the city offers a good insight into the local gastronomy scene. Participants will stop off at interesting locations in Rostock and enjoy up to seven delicious samples. And where it tastes particularly good, you can simply stop by for a hearty meal during your stay in Rostock.
Located in the southwest of Germany , Saarland is not only known for its wonderful natural landscape and charming towns, but also for a wide range of culture, leisure activities, milestones of industrial culture and thermal baths.
Those who spend their holidays here can visit monuments that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore hiking trails that are among the most beautiful in Germany and thanks to the numerous theme parks, zoos and swimming pools, children will never get bored!
Saarland is the smallest federal state in Germany and offers gigantic highlights for young and old. Mass tourism has not yet penetrated here and thus holidaymakers and individualists have room for their urge to explore.
Nature lovers can visit the freely accessible national and nature parks in Saarland. A walk through the Hausrück High Forest, the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is particularly recommended.
An unforgettable experience is the treetop walk of the Saarschleife, from which there is a breathtaking view over the magnificent natural landscape.
A hike through the jungle inspires nature lovers just as much as a visit to the German-French garden.
In summer, holidaymakers can relax at the Bostalsee or visit the Losheim reservoir.
The treetop walk at the Saarschleife, Image: Patrick Herzberg / shutterstock
The absolute highlight of the Saarland is the Saarschleife, which is a true natural wonder. Both the treetop walk and the Cloef viewpoint offer the best views of this natural wonder.
Also worth seeing is the landscape garden Paradies, where an extraordinary plant world meets urban art.
Interesting industrial culture
The Völklingen Ironworks has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts holidaymakers with modern exhibitions, the science of iron and concerts.
There is no chance of boredom in ScienceCenter Ferrodrom, where more than 100 stations invite you to experiment.
Thermal baths and baths in Saarland to relax
Wellness is the order of the day in one of the numerous thermal baths. The Saarland Therme offers several thermal pools, which are fed by the local brine spring. In addition, holidaymakers can relax in the SPA area or in the sauna area.
Fun and relaxation are the order of the day in the numerous adventure pools. While the young crowd can let off steam on slides, adults can relax in the whirlpool, on spacious sunbathing areas or massage loungers.
Saarland – Wide-ranging cultural offerings
History buffs get their money’s worth in Saarland as well as art lovers. In addition to the Saar Historical Museum, the Saarland Museum with its modern gallery also invites culture enthusiasts to visit. Cultural highlights include not only the Saarland State Theatre, but also the Roman Villa Borg. During a stay in Saarland, a visit to the European cultural park Bliesbruck-Reinheim and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History is also a good idea. Those interested in culture can pass the time in the Museum Schloss Fellenberg, the German Newspaper Museum or the Roman Museum Schwarzenacker.
Charming towns in Saarland
The Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken, Image: Sergey Dzyuba / shutterstock
Saarland offers charming cities that combine historical flair with a modern atmosphere.
The war-torn state capital of Saarbrücken has many faces and inspires with traditional buildings of the 50s and 60s, heart, character and brittle beauty.
Saarlois is the secret state capital that is worth a visit.
Merzing is one of the most interesting cities in Saarland and the small town of St. Wendel is also ideal for an excursion.
Other worthwhile cities are Neunkirchen an der Saar, the idyllic Mettlach as well as the scientific and economic centre of Homburg, which has a high recreational value. If you are looking for a city in the countryside with cultural highlights, you should go to St. Ingbert and also Ottweiler with its historic buildings and blooming gardens combines culture and nature.
A tourist magnet is the charming baroque residential town of Blieskastel.
A wide range of leisure and sports activities:
If you want to get to know the wonderful natural landscape of the Saarland while hiking, you should pay a visit to the Black Forest Hochwald. This region offers a wide range of leisure activities.
In 2009, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig was named the most beautiful German hiking trail. Sports enthusiasts can explore either the entire hiking trail or parts of it, hike along wonderful stream valleys and enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent natural landscape.
Those who prefer to explore Saarland by bike can choose between tours of different levels of difficulty. The most popular cycling routes include the Saar Cycle Path, the Bostalsee Circuit, the Seven Ponds Tour, the Niedtal Cycle Path and the Adebar Circuit.
Historical buildings:
During a stay in Saarland, stone testimonies can be admired either in their original or restored state from almost every era.
The most famous buildings steeped in history are Montclair Castle, the Orangery as well as Saarbrücken Castle. Among the most interesting buildings are also the Celtic ring wall Otzenhausen and the Saarbrücken casemates.
Scattered throughout Saarland are magnificent sacred buildings, contemplative chapels and abbeys worth seeing.
Wildlife parks and zoos:
Animal lovers will get their money’s worth in the numerous wildlife parks and zoos. These family-friendly destinations delight with native and exotic animals.
Children and animal lovers can spend an unforgettable time in the Freisen Nature Wildlife Park, the Neunkirchen Zoo and the Weiskirchen Wildlife and Hiking Park.
Other highlights include the Differten Wildlife Park, the Werner Freund Wolf Park and Saarbrücken Zoo .
Leisure fun and parks:
If you are on a family holiday, you can choose between several amusement parks. In addition to the Saar Adventure Park, Saarland also offers a Fun Forest Adventure Park. Children’s eyes will light up when visiting the Finkenrech or Peterberg leisure centre, and adults will also get their money’s worth here.
Fun for the whole family is the order of the day with football golf at Bostalsee and in Beckingen.
The Bous indoor kart track provides variety and those who want to go high can climb dizzying heights in the Merzig or Weiskirchen climbing harbour.
Hearts of young and old alike jump higher in the Trampoline Fun Park.
Culinary specialties:
The regional cuisine is a combination of culinary sophistication and hearty home cooking. Connoisseurs of upscale gastronomy get their money’s worth in Saarland, as star restaurants such as the Barrique Hämmerle Restaurant in Blieskastel, Victor’s FINE DINING in Perl-Nenning and the Restaurant Kunz in St. Wendel spoil culinary delights at the highest level. Culinary delights are also the order of the day in Saarbrücken in the star restaurants Jens Jakob and Gäste-Haus Klaus Erfort.
One of the typical dishes of the Saarland is the potato dish Dibbelabbes, which is prepared in a cast-iron pot. Tourists should not miss the traditional dish Gefillde or Geheirade with the hearty bacon and cream sauce.
Other culinary delicacies are Schwenkbraten, Hoorische and, of course, the local apple wine Merzinger Viezsuppchen.
If you are going on a picnic, you should pack the traditional Saarland beef salad and treat yourself to a plum cake for dessert.
You are looking for a suitable holiday destination in Germany. How about an eventful holiday between the Baltic Sea and the Mecklenburg Lake District? Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania borders the Baltic Sea in the north and the Mecklenburg Lake District in the south, a 600-kilometre-long network of rivers, canals and more than 2,000 lakes. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can boast 3 national parks, 8 nature parks, more than 100 different nature reserves and numerous old towns, palaces, castles and many other architectural monuments. In the holiday region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, holidaymakers will find relaxation, lots of nature and also cultural activities.
Among the numerous sights in the country, there are some that you should definitely have seen. In addition to cities such as Rostock, Wismar and Greifswald, the most famous excursion destinations include the Baltic Sea island of Rügen.
University city of Rostock
Hanseatic City of Rostock, Image: Oleksiy Mark / shutterstock
The university city of Rostock on the Baltic Sea offers its visitors numerous architectural monuments and sights. The St. Mary’s Church from 1230, which dominates the cityscape, is Rostock’s most beautiful church building. From the outside, the three-aisled basilica with transept and the west building with its mighty tower substructure can be admired. The 86.32-metre-high tower can be seen from afar. A special attraction inside the church is the large 11-metre-high astronomical clock with an apostolic ambulatory. The movement from 1472, which still runs precisely today, is a unique technical masterpiece of medieval watchmaking. Other works of art worth seeing inside are the bronze baptismal font, the late Gothic Rochus altar, the pulpit, the main altar, the baroque organ and, last but not least, unique, colourful windows with lead-framed mosaics and stained glass. Another worthwhile sight is the Alter Strom in Rostock-Warnemünde.
The promenade, which is popular with the locals with many souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafés, is definitely worth a detour. Here, guests can enjoy Rostock’s gastronomy and watch fishing cutters, passenger ships, yachts and sailing boats coming in and out. Other sights in Rostock are the seaport, the university square, the town hall, the Old Mint and the Rostock maritim e.V. In the latter, visitors can expect fascinating exhibitions with many ship models from Rostock’s maritime history. For families with children, a visit to Rostock Zoo is suitable. Around 4,200 wild animals live on the 56-hectare site. There are about 430 different species, including cheetahs, gorillas, orangutans, sloths and polar bears. The public show feedings that are presented here are particularly popular with children.
Wismar
Wismar, Image: Oleksiy Mark / shutterstock
The Hanseatic city of Wismar on the Baltic Sea offers a variety of culturally and historically important buildings and sights as well as first-class gastronomy. Fish lovers in particular will get their money’s worth here. In numerous fish restaurants, such as the Seeperle fish smokehouse or the traditional To’n Zägenkrog inn, hungry guests are spoiled with delicious fish dishes. The annual Wismar Herring Days are also recommended. On 2 weeks a year, tasty herring dishes are offered in the relevant localities. As a special highlight, a large herring roast will take place on the market square in the middle of the old town of Wismar . The historic market square impresses not only with its size of one hectare (10,000 sqm), but also with many buildings worth seeing.
In addition to the magnificent town houses around the square, the town hall, the Old Swede (the oldest town house in the city of Wismar), the former city guard, the Reuterhaus and above all the famous Wismar waterworks are more than worth a look. Visitors to the city of Wismar should also visit the St. Nikolai Church, built in the late Gothic style from 1381. The nave of the church, with a height of 37 meters, is only topped by Cologne Cathedral in Germany . Another attraction of the city of Wismar is the old harbour with its maritime flair. Many surrounding restaurants and quaint pubs invite you to linger here. Fresh fish or delicious fish sandwiches can be bought directly at one of the cutters located on the pier. A special tourist attraction in the harbour is a replica of the Poel cog “Wissemara”. A wreck find from the 14th century was the inspiration for this. During the Wismar Harbour Festival, which takes place annually in June, a trip to the Wismar Bay is also possible with the Poeler Kogge. In addition, harbour tours with a passenger ship are also offered.
Greifswald
The university and Hanseatic city of Greifswald was founded in the 13th century by the monastery of Eldena. It is located in the east of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the Greifswald Bodden. This 514 km² national park is located between the mainland and the island of Rügen. It consists of shallow waters and lonely islands and is considered a true bird paradise. Every year, thousands of migratory birds rest here on their way to their summer quarters. The unique coastal landscape, characterized by shallow bays and narrow strips of sand, will delight every nature lover. Parts of the nave and the convent buildings of the former Cistercian abbey in the Eldena district of Greifswald have been preserved as ruins. They still give an impression of the once mighty monastery complex.
The landmark of Greifswald, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, is a must for every visitor to the Hanseatic city. The imposing church building has the shape of a basilica. The main structure consists of 3 naves, with the middle one towering over the two outer ones. The copper-roofed central nave has a length of approx. 80 metres and a width of approx. 30 metres inside. The 99.97-metre-high west tower of the church can be climbed via 264 steps. At a height of 60 meters, you finally reach a viewing platform, from which a magnificent view over the city is possible. A visit to the Pomeranian State Museum in Greifswald is also recommended. In the museum hangs the unique Croÿ carpet, a tapestry almost 7 meters long and over 4 meters high. The museum also displays many exhibits on the history of the earth and historical cultural assets, as well as numerous paintings, including works by the famous German painter Caspar David Friedrich.
Rebuke
There are also beautiful beaches in Germany. Here in Binz on the island of Rügen
The final word goes to the island of Rügen. On Germany’s largest island, a popular destination is the legendary Königsstuhl. This fascinating chalk rock formation in the Jasmund National Park has been a tourist magnet for many years. From a height of 118 m above sea level. NN. offers the visitor a wide view of the Baltic Sea and the chalk cliffs in the area. Other sights include the Cape Arkona area monument, the Jaromarsburg temple fortress, the Sellin pier (the longest bridge on the island), the Granitz hunting lodge, the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway Rasenren Roland, the 1,250-metre-long and 4-17-metre-high treetop walk and the Prora, also known as the Colossus of Rügen.
Ilha Grande, the 193 km² island off the Brazilian coast and about 108 km west of the city of Rio de Janeiro as the crow flies, has an eventful history behind it. In its dark past, the island was a refuge for pirates, a transshipment point for slaves, a colony for lepers and was later also used as a prison island. Today it is a nature reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site and an attractive destination for holidaymakers from all over the world all year round. Ilha Grande is blessed with beautiful beaches and unique, partly untouched nature. Whether beach holidaymakers, nature lovers, active holidaymakers or families, everyone will find their own personal holiday experience here.
There are 86 beaches on Ilha Grande, but Lopes Mendes Beach is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches. Almost 2.5 km long, infinitely wide and bright white. In addition to bathers, there are also many surfers here. Since the beach faces the ocean, the strong surf coming from the Atlantic Ocean is a real challenge for surfers. The beach is easily accessible via a hiking trail that leads from the main town of the island of Vila do Abraão, first through a forest for a long time and then via 2 other beaches (Praia Palmas and Praia Pouso). About 2 hours should be planned for the entire hike. This is not everyone’s cup of tea in the tropical heat. For those who prefer more comfort, Lopes Mendes beach can also be reached by boat. The excursion boats depart regularly from Vila do Abraão (provided the sea is calm).
Aventureiro Beach
Aventureiro beach on Ilha Grande, Image: wtondossantos / shutterstock
Another beautiful beach is Aventureiro Beach. On this paradisiacal 500-metre-long sandy beach, there is a small rustic fishing village that has retained much of the traditional local culture. In Aventureiro there are no hotels, inns or shops. Overnight stays are only possible in rented rooms of the villagers or on campsites. There you will also find some restaurants. However, access to the beach is regulated for environmental reasons. Visitors should register with the tourist office in good time. In the high season, a maximum of 560 visitors are allowed at the same time. The beach can be reached by boat by sea or via a footpath from the village of Provetá.
Praia da Parnaioca
A few words should also be dedicated to the beach Praia da Parnaioca. The approximately 1,000 m long beach is as good as deserted. Only a handful of locals live in a small village. At the western end of Praia da Parnaioca flows the Parnaioca River of the same name, which forms a small lagoon on the beach. Apart from some ruins of old buildings built by the former slaves and the small church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, there is not much to see. However, if you love solitude in the midst of untouched nature, you are in good hands here.
Abraru on Ilha Grande
If you are on holiday on Ilha Grande, you should not miss a visit to the town of Abraru. Numerous colourful music festivals take place here throughout the year, which alone is worth a visit. Particularly noteworthy and a sight to see is the snow-white lighthouse Farol de Castelhanos, surrounded by magnificent trees. It is one of the oldest in Brazil. Abraru beach is also very popular with families with children, as it has little swell and no undercurrent.
The Lagoa Azul Lagoon
Lagua Azul, Image: vitormarigo / shutterstock
One of the biggest attractions of Ilha Grande, however, is the lagoon Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), which is located between the 3 islands, Ilha dos Macacos, Ilha Redonda and the actual Ilha Grande. It is wonderful to swim in the crystal clear, turquoise blue water of the lagoon or to observe the underwater world of the lagoon with its colorful fish, starfish, corals and many other sea creatures while snorkeling and diving. This is pure relaxation. A special attraction in the lagoon are the many black and yellow striped Sargentinhos fish, also known as bread eaters on the island. The fish are used to being fed breadcrumbs by the tourists. Lagoa Azul can be reached from Vila do Abraão by boat in about 45 minutes. In the high season, so-called bar ships also dock in the lagoon to offer drinks and snacks.
Gruta do Acaiá
The Gruta do Acaiá is a cave where seawater enters and which, when sunlight enters, reveals a unique play of colours. About 8 m below sea level is a hole in the coastal rock, through which seawater can penetrate into an underground cave. The cave, which is about 30 meters wide and on average 1 meter high, can be accessed from land through a narrow entrance. Inside the cave, visitors are presented with a unique fluorescence phenomenon. The interplay of sunlight and seawater creates a magic of turquoise green mist, interspersed with many flashing and shiny dots, like diamonds. You feel like you’re in a fairytale world. The cave can be reached from Araçatiba in a five-hour walk. It is faster and more comfortable to take a boat trip from Araçatiba or Vila do Abraão.
Pico do Papagaio
View from Pico do Papagaio, Image: vitormarigo / shutterstock
The Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak) is a 982 m high mountain in the interior of Ilha Grande. It was given the significant name because it looks like a parrot’s head from a distance. Among active holidaymakers, Pico do Papagaio is very popular as a hiking destination. The hike from Vila do Abraão, through dense Atlantic rainforest up to the summit, is challenging and takes about 3 hours. However, those who have made it will be rewarded with a sensational view over large parts of the Baía da Ilha Grande (weather permitting).
The beautiful state of Hesse is located in the heart of Germany and offers numerous sights, culinary delights, art, culture and history but also a lot of nature. Holidays in Hesse promise a varied time. Here you can go hiking, do water sports, indulge in wellness, plan city tours, visit small half-timbered towns, visit various museums, shop, eat and drink well and much more.
The Fountain of Justice at the Römer, Image: Pigprox / shutterstock
Frankfurt, the largest city in the state of Hesse, is known for its skyline. Again and again, however, visitors are surprised by the beauty of the historic old town on the Römerberg. In addition to the numerous half-timbered buildings, the cathedral – coronation site of German emperors – the town hall – of the Romans – and of course the many different museums are worth seeing in Goethe’s birthplace. In recent years, the banks of the Main have been transformed into an oasis of well-being.
The typical Äppelwoi pubs – mainly found in Sachsenhausen – are very popular, as is a city tour on the Äppelwoi Express.
Wiesbaden
The Biebrich Castle in Wiesbaden, Image: mese.berg / shutterstock
Wiesbaden is the second largest city in Hesse and, with its 15 mineral and thermal springs, is considered one of the oldest spas in Europe. Worth seeing are the Kurhaus and the Kurpark, the city centre with its historic buildings and of course the city castle. Almost everything here in the Hessian state capital, which is located on the Rhine, revolves around wine.
Kassel
The city of Kassel , located in the north of Hesse, is best known as a Documenta city. Even from afar, you can see the copper Hercules enthroned above the city in the Wilhelmshöhe mountain park. Another attraction is the Orangery in the Karlsaue city park.
Everywhere you can find traces of the fairy tale writers Grimm, who spent part of their early youth here.
Darmstadt
In Darmstadt, a lot revolves around art and culture. A visit to the Universalmuseum, the Hessian State Museum, where numerous exhibits by the well-known artist Joseph Beuys can be seen, among other things, is a must. The ESOC – European Space Operation Centre – is also located in the city, where you can be carried away into the fantastic world of satellites and space.
Archaeological finds can be admired in the nearby Messel pit. Here the visitor can play archaeologist himself.
Hesse & its half-timbered buildings
Typical for Hesse are the numerous, often well-restored half-timbered buildings. They can be found in idyllic villages, but also in the narrow streets of numerous old towns. There is an extraordinary amount of half-timbered houses in the Vogelsberg, the largest contiguous volcanic area in Central Europe.
The old towns of Alsfeld, Limburg, Marburg and the Goethe and Optics city of Wetzlar impress with beautiful half-timbered buildings. In the Rheingau, the sparkling wine and rose town of Eltville scores in this respect, and in the Taunus, the idyllic old town of Idstein.
Palaces, Castles & Parks
The Hercules in Kassel, Image: Angela Rohde / shutterstock
The fairytale land of the Brothers Grimm also has numerous castles, of course. Many of them are surrounded by a large park and are popular excursion destinations.
In the north, near Kassel, is the well-known Wilhelmshöhe Palace in the mountain park of the same name. It houses a large museum. A true fairytale castle is Braunfels Castle. And if you want to get a little scared, visit Frankenstein Castle in the Odenwald. The list of castles and palaces could go on for a long time.
A very special park is the Palmengarten, in the middle of the city of Frankfurt. Here you can find palm trees that are over 100 years old, but also other exotic and native plants.
Hesse’s museum landscape
There are well over 300 museums in Hesse, many of which can be found in Frankfurt alone. Almost every community also has its local history museums, where interesting facts about Hessian history can be learned.
The Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt, Image: nbuehler / shutterstock
Among the most famous art museums are the Schirn and the Städel in Frankfurt as well as the museum in Schloss Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel. By the way, the world-famous Documenta takes place every five years at various locations in the city of Kassel. Families with children like to visit the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt with gigantic dinosaurs as an attraction. The little visitors also feel particularly at home in the Children’s Academy in Fulda. Here you can take part and discover the world of art, culture, science and technology. The Mathematikum in Giessen also invites you to participate. The fact that mathematics can be fun is something every guest learns here through games and experiments. The Bad Hersfeld “Wortreich”, on the other hand, is a hands-on museum based on the humanities.
You can follow in the footsteps of the Romans in the Roman fort of Saalburg near Bad Homburg. In the nearby Hessenpark there are numerous original buildings of Hessian history and you can learn a lot about old professions.
Those interested in technology will enjoy the Konrad Zuse Museum in Hünfeld, which commemorates the forefather of the computer, or in Wetzlar at the Leica Gallery, which immerses itself in the world of photography.
Goethe meets Hesse’s visitors in many places, for example in Wetzlar, where he found his lover and his work “The Sorrows of Young Werther” was written, or in Frankfurt, where he was born. You can also walk in the footsteps of the two Grimm brothers in some places in Hesse. In Steinau, for example, their former home was turned into a museum dedicated to them.
This is how Hesse eats
A traditional drink in Hesse: apple wine, Image: Pavel Metluk / shutterstock
In addition to international cuisine, Hesse naturally offers a lot of regional dishes. The most typical drink is the “Äppelwoi”, in German apple wine. It originally comes from the Frankfurt area, where it is served in numerous restaurants. It is drunk pure, sweetly spritzed (with lemonade) or sour spritzed (with water). The “Handkäs mit Musik” tastes good with the Äppelwoi, a dish made of hand cheese, pickled in vinegar, cider and oil as well as with lots of onions. Another speciality of Frankfurt is the Green Sauce – “Grie Soß” in Frankfurt – which consists of seven finely chopped herbs and is traditionally eaten with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. This, by the way, was Goethe’s favourite dish. The Frankfurt sausages are known far beyond the borders.
But not only Frankfurt has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Kassel, for example, scores with the “Ahle Worscht”, a long-matured long-life sausage or raw sausage made according to an old recipe.
Potatoes are mainly eaten as side dishes in this country.
In addition to the local beer from various small breweries, the Hessians – especially in the south – drink the red Riesling from Rheinhessen.
Hesse knows how to celebrate
Cultural, culinary and traditional events take place almost all year round, inviting you to marvel and participate. One of the most interesting events is the traditional Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt on the last weekend in August. Visitors can experience the art and culture festival along the banks of the Main at night and visit the museums.
More than 600 wines and sparkling wines from the Rheingau are offered for sale in late summer at the Rheingau Wine Market in Frankfurt’s “Fressgass”. The Rheingau Wine Week also takes place in Wiesbaden every year in August.
The Christmas markets in various villages are particularly beautiful. For example, places such as Alsfeld, Marburg, Limburg, Michelstadt or Bad Sooden-Allendorf offer Christmas delicacies, handicrafts and other things in front of the impressive backdrop of beautiful half-timbered houses.
Let your mind wander…
A total of 30 spas and spas invite you to unwind and experience pure wellness. The popular Bad Karlshafen is located in the Weser Uplands, the spas of Bad Schwalbach and Bad Soden/Taunus in the Taunus and the mineral and moor spa Bad Salzschlirf, idyllically located between the Rhön and Vogelsberg. Bad Nauheim, where the Art Nouveau Sprudelhof can be found, has already hosted numerous celebrities such as Empress Sissi and Richard Strauss. Other well-known health resorts and spas are Bad Vilbel, Bad Homburg or Bad Wildungen.
Get out into nature!
Hesse invites you to various outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or canoeing, because large parts are natural landscapes. And they show very complex: There are fantastic volcanic landscapes, peaceful orchards, picturesque low mountain ranges, dreamy lakes and river landscapes and, of course, a lot of forest.
Among the most interesting landscapes are the UNESCO World Heritage National Park & Nature Park Kellerwald-Edersee, the Vogelsberg volcanic region, the Reinhardswald, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and the Hessian Rhön Nature Park with its moors, the Bergstraße, the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park, the Taunus and the Spessart.
A particularly beautiful region is the Rheingau with the eponymous Rhine, on whose banks you can take a wonderful stroll. Vineyards nestling against the gentle hills, which show a colourful picture, especially in autumn, as well as numerous ostrich farms, idyllic places such as Eltville and the filming location of the well-known film adaptation of the novel “In the Name of the Rose” – Eberbach Monastery – invite you as well as the well-developed cycling and hiking trails.
View of Willingen, Image: FotoStuss / shutterstock
However, Hesse is also a state with numerous bodies of water where you can spend fishing and beach holidays as well as indulge in water sports. The largest lake is the Edersee in northern Hesse. The Twistesee and Diemelsee lakes are in its vicinity. The Borkener See in the Schwalm-Eder district, the Aartalsee in the Lahn-Dill district and numerous quarry ponds are true leisure paradises. The Lahn with its beautiful river landscape is very popular with canoeists. But the Main, Neckar, Fulda and, of course, the Rhine also attract numerous visitors to their banks.
What many people don’t know is that winter sports can be actively practiced in Hesse on over 54 kilometres of slopes with around 70 ski lifts.
The best known and largest ski area is the Willingen – Ettelsberg ski area in the Sauerland, where the fourth largest ski jump in the world – the Mühlenkopfschanze – is located. There are other winter sports opportunities on the Wasserkuppe in the Hessian Rhön, on the Hoher Meißner near Eschwege, on the Hoherodskopf in the Vogelsberg, in the Westerwald or in the Hochtaunuskreis – for example around the Feldberg.
If you want to get to know Switzerland , you should not miss Davos. Because there are a few reasons to visit the popular climatic health resort. Davos is the highest city in Europe, located in the canton of Graubünden and offers its visitors a wide range of sports, leisure and cultural activities. In summer, Davos is a wonderful destination, because the mountain landscape offers many hiking trails through meadows and forests at lofty heights. Many holidaymakers are drawn here especially in winter, which is certainly also due to the city’s winter sports history. In 1883, the first toboggan race took place in Davos, and the first ski lift was inaugurated in 1934. Even the Nobel Prize winner for literature Thomas Mann was enthusiastic about Davos and wrote his well-known novel “The Magic Mountain” here.
Davos is not only known for its beautiful surroundings, but also for its special healing climate. The healthy and healing power of the Davos climate is helpful in therapies against infectious and allergic diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. The longer the duration of the stay, the greater the health-promoting effects. Pollen allergy sufferers also appreciate a holiday in Davos, because the pollen load is reduced to only a few weeks a year due to the altitude.
Davos – the versatile city
Davos developed into a trendsetter early on with a wide range of leisure activities. Theatres, coffee houses, concerts and cinemas entertained guests 100 years ago. Even today, Davos offers a wide variety of sports and culture with galleries and museums, as well as a wide range of nightlife options, including numerous ski huts, snow bars and après-ski.
Sights and tourism in Davos
Davos in winter, Image: Leon Gutierrez / shutterstock
Winter sports are of course very important in Davos, which is also due to the total of five first-class ski resorts. The well-known ski resorts include Parsenn, Schatzalp, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn and Pischa. In total, there are a good 320 kilometres of slopes here. In addition, there are about 60 lifts and gondola lifts. So a great skiing holiday is guaranteed.
In summer, you can explore impressive hiking trails with a total of 700 kilometers. Lake Davos is also worth a visit. With a shore length of a good 4 km, the lake can reach 20° Celsius in the summer months and offers many sports and leisure opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to Lake Davos, the lido also offers the opportunity for refreshment and extensive sunbathing. At the lake and also in the lido you can relax and unwind.
The Winter Sports Museum
The Winter Sports Museum, which opened in 1988, has two rooms. On display is the comprehensive collection of valuable winter sports equipment and documentation from a foundation of the Kaufmann family, as well as the archive of the hockey club. The museum’s numerous exhibits include bobsleighs, sledges, ice skates, skis and ski bindings. They range from the beginnings of winter sports to the present day.
The Medicine Museum at Davos Platz
The ski area in Davos, Image: mezzotin / shutterstock
If you are interested in the history of medicine, the Medical Museum Davos is the right place for you. Historical traces of medicine and the spa town of Davos are explained on display boards. Interesting details about the milestones in the history of tuberculosis and medical equipment of the first Davos sanatoriums can be admired in the museum. The medical-historical collection currently comprises more than 500 medical devices.
A visit to the Kirchner Museum
The unique Kirchner Museum is also worth mentioning. From 1918 until his death, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner lived in Davos. With his extensive oeuvre, he is considered groundbreaking for German Expressionism. In 1992, the Kirchner Museum was opened in an architecturally impressive building in Davos and has since housed the world’s largest collection of his works.
Alpinum Botanical Garden
The approximately two-hectare Alpine Garden is located in the rear part of the Schatzalp area in a varied terrain. From June to September, over 3500 plant species from all the mountains of the world bloom here, e.g. high mountain flowers from the Pyrenees, New Zealand, Nepal, China or Tibet. Each plant has its own sign listing the most important characteristics. Interested visitors can learn a lot about the botanical history of the various plants in the Alpinum. The Alpinum also offers seminars and guided tours on medicinal plants and gentle gardening.
Reading benches – A nice idea for bookworms
Along walking and hiking trails in Davos and Klosters, so-called reading benches are set up from June to October. On a total of eight benches, which invite you to linger and browse, there is a box with different books for all ages. The offer of the libraries is gladly accepted and finds more and more friends every year.
Aloha is what the Hawaiians say. The island of Maui, where the inhabitants openly show their pride in their homeland, is nicknamed “The Magic Island” or the “Valley Island”. The credo is “Maui is the best”. This island is rich in beautiful beaches, sleepy villages and luxury hotels. Maui offers something for everyone.
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and was named after the demigod Maui. There are flat land bridges between Mauna Kahamawai and Haleakala, which is why Maui is also called the valley island.
Legend has it that the demigod Maui lifted the islands out of the sea, caught the sun with a lasso, and placed both on Haleakala. At the beginning of the 15th century, King Piilani ruled over the kingdom and united the island. At the end of the 18th century, victory over the last king was achieved and Maui became the capital of Hawaii. The island played a major role in whaling and had its heyday from 1840 to 1865. During the 1820s, the sugar industry emerged. It has been of great importance for whaling and has reached its peak: immigrants from numerous countries settled here, which shape the image of the island today.
Lahaina, the capital of Maui, was once a whaling town. There are some bars, restaurants, boutiques, shops and galleries. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet in remote nature or the hustle and bustle of people, there are both. Maui also offers plenty of sports activities on land and water.
The island, which covers around 1,883 square kilometres, offers many discoveries for adventure seekers. The simple life is just as present here as luxury. The West Coast boasts world-class resort hotels, which is particularly convenient for people who want to be pampered on vacation. There are some golf courses created by famous golfers. The east coast, on the other hand, is largely undeveloped and undeveloped. There is a lot of nature, quiet beaches and waterfalls. Hana, a small picturesque village, is worth a visit, because time seems to be irrelevant there.
Geographical location and climate of Maui
Maui, the second largest of Hawaii’s 8 main islands, is home to almost 120,000 inhabitants. The climate is tropical and quite pleasant. The average annual temperatures are 23 and 29 °C. Frequent trade winds often drive the rain to the north coast. Less rain falls on the south coast.
In the period between April and October, there is little rain and temperatures range from 23 to 30 °C. The water temperature of the Pacific Ocean is about 27 °C and offers swimming, diving and surfing fun.
The valley region of Maui connects the two volcanoes on the island, Haleakala and Puu Kukui. The topography is interspersed with flat plains in the interior of the island and volcanic mountains.
At higher altitudes of more than 900 m, temperatures are cooler and the climate is drier than on the coasts. The weather is often changeable due to the topography of the island. On Mount Haleakala alone, there are 7 different climate zones.
Haleakala Crater is the top of the inactive East Maui volcano and rises 3,055 m into the air. The volcano peak offers a great view of the setting sun, which is a breathtaking experience for many people. If you want to explore this volcano, it is better to plan a full day.
Kaanapali
Kaanapali is a sandy beach with a length of 4.8 kilometers that is located in western Maui. This region is steeped in history and culture. Here is a black rock called Puu Kekaa, which is a sacred place in Hawaiian mythology. The souls of deceased people enter the spiritual world from the solid world. In the south of Kaanapali there is the whaling village and a market square with restaurants and shops. From this beach, the sugar cane train runs to Lahaina and offers a beautiful view of the route.
Hana Highway
The Hana Highway, Image: William Powell / shutterstock
The well-known road is 88 kilometers long and is a real attraction. It is quite narrow in places and has 54 bridges that are single-lane and there are more than 600 curves that should not be underestimated. But the adventure is worth it because the landscape is wonderful. On the route you will encounter waterfalls, bamboo forests, cliffs and white beaches. Flowers, tropical fruit plants and a black sand beach also appear. The road leads to the small village of Hana, where there are great sandy beaches, historic buildings and much more. It is worth spending the rest of the day here and visiting the cultural center of the city as well as the Hana Ranch.
Molokini
Molokini is a small island off the south coast of Maui that is shaped like a crescent. The island is a half-submerged volcano that has been inactive for ages. Molokini is a very attractive destination for divers. There are numerous fish in bright colors and a breathtaking underwater world. The island has been declared a nature reserve and whales can be watched in winter.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is worthwhile if you want to learn more about the underwater landscapes of Hawaii and the fish species that live here. There is a large aquarium with a volume of 2.839059 liters, which contains thousands of fish. The giant pool is particularly interesting for children, because here they see many interesting creatures, such as stingrays, turtles and starfish.
Maui is a real surfer’s paradise
Maui is ideal for surfers and windsurfers. There are many places where these sports can be practiced. In the north of Maui are the surfing areas of Lanes, Jaws and Spreckelsville, where windsurfing is allowed from 11:00 in the morning. The previous time belongs to the anglers, divers and swimmers.
On the Road to Hana route, you will discover the diversity of Maui. If you drive along the 103.6 Waikamoi Falls with great swimming ponds or the Twin Falls are on the route and the Waianapanapa and Wailua valleys also offer a lot of nature.
Haleakala National Park
The national park is divided into two sections, the Kipahulu and the Hawaii Volcanois. It was opened in 1916. Numerous hiking trails lead through the volcanic crater. They also own tent sites and accommodation. The view of sunrise and sunset is unique. After a 15-minute drive on the Road to Hana, you will reach Kipahulu. From the visitor center, it’s about an hour’s walk to Waimoku Falls, which is 100 meters high. There are opportunities to cool off in the ponds next door.
ʻĪao Valley
This valley is located 5 kilometers from Wailuku. It goes through a jungle and past a stream. There is a great viewpoint there that offers a fantastic view over Maui.
Sugar cane city of Pāʻia
The former sugar cane city of Pāʻia is a popular area for surfers because there is always a good breeze here. Divers can check out the Spartan Reef.
Beaches and Coasts of Maui
Image: EQRoy / shutterstock
The coast of Māʻalaea Bay is populated by many thousands of visitors every year who enjoy the great beaches and warm water temperatures.
Kihei is a beach where you can enjoy the sound of the sea and relax from everyday life. The landscape is idyllic and ensures good relaxation.
If you are not a risk taker and don’t want to notice much of the rain, it is better to choose accommodation in southern Maui, for example in Wailea. There is the least rainfall and there are fantastic coasts and beaches that are worthwhile.
Why is Maui so unique?
Maui is an ideal destination for people who are adventurous and offers a lot of variety. Nature lovers will find their happiness here just as much as luxury lovers. The top hotels offer massages for relaxation and then you can go on a hike, for example to the Haleakala. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Maui is for people who want it all
Dreamlike landscapes, historic cities and cultural highlights – the travel options in the Free State of Saxony could hardly be more diverse. You can unwind here on a leisurely hiking or cycling tour through picturesque meadows and forests and a picnic in the middle of the countryside. Perhaps you would prefer to experience the history of the region up close or enjoy a city trip – Germany’s easternmost state has something for everyone.
If you want to visit a city in Saxony, you are spoilt for choice: numerous cities offer historical and cultural sights, shopping opportunities or an exciting nightlife.
Dresden
View of the Elbe in Dresden, Image: RastoS / shutterstock
Saxony’s state capital Dresden is particularly popular with tourists and locals. Located in the beautiful Elbe Valley, the baroque city is best known for its interesting, albeit tragic, history: after it was almost completely destroyed in World War II, many of its unique historic buildings were rebuilt. These include, for example, the Royal Palace with one of the largest treasury museums in Europe and the famous Frauenkirche. The city impresses not only with its historical flair, but also with modern elements. These include the waterfront promenade lined with shops and cafés and the countless celebrations for night owls.
Leipzig
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig, Image: Traveller Martin / shutterstock
Leipzig, the largest city in Saxony, also combines the historical and the modern. Leipzig’s landmark is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which commemorates the victory over Napoleon in 1813. The Old Town Hall, built during the Renaissance, as well as numerous shops and restaurants adorn the modern city centre.
Chemnitz
In Chemnitz you can expect a multifaceted architecture, which is expressed, among other things, by residential buildings from the Wilhelminian period, buildings in the Bauhaus style and Art Nouveau villas. The city centre is home to a huge selection of tourist attractions and shopping opportunities, and its modern design contrasts with the buildings of different historical periods.
In addition, the spa town of Bad Düben, the residential town of Altenburg, the traditional Zittau and many other places can serve as wonderful destinations.
Holidays in a natural idyll
Region of Upper Lusatia
Upper Lusatian mountain landscape, Image: Karin Jaehne / shutterstock
The region, located on the Zittau Mountains, is particularly known for its impressive pond and lake landscape. The Moscow Heath and the Lusatian Highlands also attract walkers, cyclists and hiking enthusiasts to the area.
Saxon Switzerland
The Elbe Stone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland fascinate with their unique rock formations and picturesque natural scenery. The Malerweg, one of the most attractive hiking routes in the region, and the Bastei are particularly popular with holidaymakers. With its 194-metre-high viewing platform, the gigantic rock offers an indescribable view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
… and much more
One of the most popular holiday regions is also the Ore Mountains with its idyllic forests, meadows and fields. The Saxon Elbe region between Dresden, Meissen and Torgau and the Vogtland are also always worth a visit. The latter convinces with centuries-old springs, which are said to have healing powers, as well as enchanting hills and river valleys.
Culture and History of Saxony
In addition to the cultural sights already mentioned, Saxony has a lot more to offer.
Castles and palaces
Spread over the entire country, there are a variety of castles and palaces to marvel at. For example, there is the moated castle Klaffenbach, which invites you to travel back in time to the 16th century, the baroque castle Delitzsch with its enchanting garden and the late Gothic Albrechtsburg Meißen.
Music and theatre
In the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and in the Dresden Semperoper you can experience musical masterpieces. If you prefer to see theatre performances, you should plan a visit to the Landesbühnen Sachsen, the Staatsschauspiel Dresden or the Felsenbühne Rathen, a natural stage in Saxon Switzerland.
Dresden Zwinger
The Zwinger, Image: leoks / shutterstock
If you like to visit museums, you should not miss the Dresden Zwinger. The world-famous Baroque building houses unique museums and exhibitions, including the Mathematical and Physical Salon, in which scientific instruments from different eras are exhibited. The Old Masters Picture Gallery and an international porcelain collection are also part of the Zwinger’s equipment.
Family holiday in Saxony
Saxony is also ideal for family holidays. In addition to the activities described above, the Leipzig Zoological Garden, the Belantis amusement park , which is also located there, and the Monte Mare Neustadt adventure pool are also available. In addition, a ride on Saxony’s historic steam locomotives or a boat trip across the Elbe can also become an adventure for young and old.
Culinary specialties
Perhaps you have already been lucky enough to taste a Dresden Christmas stollen or Pulsnitz gingerbread. During a holiday in Saxony, you can also enjoy the four-layer fairground cake and the Saxon Bäbe, also a type of cake. But even those who prefer it hearty will not miss out in Saxony: Typical hearty dishes are the Dresden Sauerbraten, the Saxon potato soup and the Kamenz sausages. You should also try the Sorbian wedding soup, which is considered a Lusatian speciality and – as its name suggests – is traditionally served at wedding celebrations.
If you want to combine the meal with a typical drink, you can choose one of the Saxon beers or an Erzgebirge herbal liqueur. With the traditional Meissen wines, wine lovers will also get their money’s worth.
All in all, a holiday in Saxony offers a lot of variety and can be an unforgettable experience for solo travellers, couples, families and seniors as well as in every season.
A family holiday with a dog is not so easy to organise in Germany. Dogs are not allowed in almost all hotels. And on many campsites or in many holiday homes, dogs are unfortunately not always welcome either.
Reason enough for us to present 5 dog-friendly regions in Germany .
A popular holiday region in Schleswig-Holstein is the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei. With its many idyllic Schlei villages, the region offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday: many opportunities for cycling, walking and swimming. But also tourist attractions are not far away from here, so it is only a stone’s throw to visit the cities of Schleswig, Eckernförde or Kappeln, or to drive to the nearby Baltic Sea .
Beach chair in St. Peter Ording, Image: Jenny Sturm / shutterstock
Wadden hiking is not only for children and adults, dogs also have (animal) fun with it. And if you are afraid of water, you can hike along the magnificent dikes of the North Sea and enjoy a delicious crab sandwich at the snack bar of your choice.
In addition to holiday homes, campsites are particularly popular in St. Peter-Ording.
Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
They still exist, the hotels that allow dogs. One of them, for example, is “The Grand” in the Baltic Sea resort of Ahrenshoop in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In addition to normal guest rooms, the (luxury) hotel also offers special rooms for dogs and their owners. Also in Ahrenshoop is the “Strandhaus Ahrenshoop”, where dogs are also allowed.
It is not easy to find hotels that allow dogs, but they can still be found in tourist hotspots.
The Black Forest
Long walks in the deep forests of the Black Forest. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few glimpses of marmots. The Black Forest offers an incredible flora and fauna that people and animals enjoy. It is not for nothing that the Black Forest attracts over 22 million visitors every year!
In addition to holiday homes and selected hotels, you will find great campsites here that also accept dogs as guests. But important: although there is no leash requirement in the Black Forest (except in the nature reserves), dogs should always stay closer and closer and not run freely into the depths of the forests.
Camping in the Harz Mountains
If you like it a little more relaxed, we recommend camping in the Harz Mountains. Similar to the Black Forest – only not quite as big and famous – it attracts thousands and thousands of tourists every year. In the meantime, there are several providers who rent out “tent camps”. This saves you the expensive one-time purchase if you just want to try it out first.
Especially for families with children, this is an extraordinary adventure and a great idea, e.g. for just one weekend at first!
Nestled between Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan lies Central Asian Tajikistan. The country is less than half the size of Germany and has only about 9.2 million inhabitants. Tajikistan has hardly been developed for tourism so far, although the country is scenic and also has some cultural highlights to offer due to its location on the historic Silk Road.
Interesting facts and special features about Tajikistan
History and culture
View of a yak at Lake Karakul in Pamir, Image: NOWAK LUKASZ / shutterstockKaakul Lake, Tajikistan
From the sixth century BC, the territory of today’s Tajikistan was alternately under the rule of the Persians and the Saks; from about 330 BC it belonged to the empire of Alexander the Great. Other empires, such as the Mongolian empire, came and went over the centuries. Islam reached the region in the 8th century. In the Middle Ages, Tajikistan belonged to Persia. In 1868 it became a Russian colony and in 1929 it became part of the Soviet Union as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1991, Tajikistan gained its independence as part of the collapse of the Soviet Union and almost immediately plunged into a civil war between the state and Islamic fundamentalists that lasted until 1997.
Due to its affiliation to different rulers and also due to its location on the Silk Road, different religions and cultures have left their mark on Tajikistan over the centuries. These include Buddhism, Christianity, Zorastrism, Manichaeism and, last but not least, Islam.
Today, about 98 percent of Tajiks are Muslims, most of them Sunnis. The remaining two percent are distributed among Christians, Zoroastrians and some Buddhists. The ancient Jewish community has only about 500 members, almost half of whom live in the country’s capital, Dushanbe. Religious freedom is officially guaranteed in Tajikistan, but in fact it is severely restricted.
The vast majority of the population of Tajikistan belongs to the Tajik ethnic group. These are ethnic Persians. The Tajik language is also a Persian dialect. Thus, Tajikistan is the only -stan state in Central Asia that does not belong to the majority of Turkic peoples. In the course of the civil war, numerous ethnic non-Tajiks have left the country.
Tajikistan is also home to a small minority of ethnic Germans, who shrank even further after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Tajikistan has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in Asia.
Geography, climate and economy
Yashikul Lake in Pamir in Tajikistan, Image: NOWAK LUKASZ / shutterstock
Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia. More than two-thirds of the country’s area is high mountain, almost half of the country is over 3,000 meters. To the east are the Pamir Mountains; it is also home to the highest mountain in the country at 7,495 meters, the Ismoil Somoni Peak. To the north is the Alai Mountain Range and to the west are the Fan Mountains and the Serafshan Range. North of the Alai is the only lowland in Tajikistan, which is crossed by the largest river in the country, the Syr Darya, which allows intensive agriculture here.
The largest lake in Tajikistan is the Karakul in the east; other large lakes are Lake Sares and Lake Zorkul.
The Tajik climate is extremely continental with cold winters and hot summers. In the summer months, temperatures reach up to 45 °C. Since the amount of precipitation is also very low, steppe vegetation prevails in the country.
Economically, agriculture is very important. 43 percent of the working population work in agriculture, but only about 7 percent of the country is intensively used for agriculture at all. Cotton is mainly grown. In addition, cattle, sheep and goats are kept and silkworms are bred.
Tajikistan has reserves of oil, natural gas and lignite. In addition, ores such as tin, lead, rare earths, mercury, silver, gold and uranium occur in Tajikistan. The most important export good is aluminum. The country also exports electricity.
Cities and sights
Fortress in Tajikistan, Image: Leonid Andronov / shutterstock
“The one” outstanding attraction of Tajikistan is certainly its magnificent high mountain landscape. The incredible views and wildlife make the country a dream for nature lovers, hikers and climbers.
In the west of Tajikistan lies Dushanbe, the capital and largest city of the country with 780,000 inhabitants. Dushanbe has the most important of the country’s four international airports; So, travelers will almost certainly arrive here.
Dushanbe has numerous universities and educational institutions. The National Archaeological Museum exhibits finds from the history of Tajikistan, including a 14-metre-long reclining Buddha statue found in the south of the country in 1966. It is one of the largest Buddha representations in Asia.
The Gurminj Museum is dedicated to the musical tradition of the country and its typical instruments.
One of the most striking buildings in Dushanbe is the 30-meter-high monument in honor of Ismail Somoni, who ruled the area of today’s Tajikistan 1,000 years ago and is now considered the “Father of the Nation”. The monument is located on Friendship Square.
In 2011, the world’s tallest flagpole at 165 meters was erected in front of the Palace of the Nation at a cost of five million dollars. The occasion was the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of independence. In the meantime, however, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has an even higher mast.
Worth seeing is the Ismaili Center, completed in 2009, a meeting place for Ismaili Shiites and one of only six such places in the world.
The second largest city in Tajikistan with 172,000 inhabitants is Chudchand. It is possible that Khudchand originated from the city of Alexandria Eschatê, founded by Alexander the Great. This is not certain, but nevertheless in 1986 the two thousand five hundredth year of the founding of the city was celebrated. Khudchand was once an important trading hub of the Silk Road. Near the city is the Kairakkum Reservoir, the largest in Tajikistan in terms of area. Khudchand is very isolated, it is surrounded on three sides by Uzbekistan and cut off from the rest of Tajikistan by a mountain range.
Another city worth mentioning is Chorugh. Chorugh has about 28,000 inhabitants and is located directly on the Afghan border. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Pamir Mountains; these are up to 5,300 meters high here. Chorugh has a well-known botanical garden, which enjoys a very good reputation in professional circles.
Finally, Punjikent is a city of 35,000 inhabitants in western Tajikistan. It is located right next to the ruined city of Old Panjakent, which was a trading center of the Silk Road in its heyday in the eighth century and was only about 80 kilometers from Samarkand.
