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Stralsund, a new old Hanseatic city

PatrickJullien
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Stralsund, a new old Hanseatic city

Stralsund looks back on a long, rich history, which today has left numerous traces – especially in the form of historic buildings. Stralsund is a recreational, bathing and holiday resort as well as a World Heritage Site. Stralsund combines the old with the modern. Stralsund pulsates with life, architecture and culture are at home here. The surroundings are also worth experiencing.

The gateway to the island of Rügen

Stralsund has been allowed to call itself a Hanseatic city since 1990. It is a beautiful place in the northeast of Germany, more precisely in the coastal area of the southern Baltic Sea in Western Pomerania. The Strelasund strait separates the city from Germany’s largest island of Rügen by only a few kilometers. You can get there either via the approximately 4-kilometre-long cable-stayed bridge, over the Rügen dam or by ferry. Between Stralsund and the Rügen is the island of Dänholm, which belongs to Stralsund.

A city with a long history

As early as the 10th century, there was a settlement here called “Strale”, but the current name of the city was not mentioned in a document until 1240. Wizlaw I, Prince of the Principality of Rügen, is considered the founder of the city. In 1234 he ensured exemption from customs duties as well as fishing rights and granted Stralsund city rights. Because the Stralsund people were once supported by the Swedes in the fight against Wallenstein, they were subject to the Swedish crown for almost 200 years. In 1815, Stralsund finally became part of the Prussian Kingdom.

Through international trade, the city became prosperous, which is still noticeable in the cityscape today. In 2002, the Hanseatic city was awarded the title of “UNESCO World Heritage Site” because of its historic old town.

Sights in Stralsund

Port of Stralsund
Port of Stralsund, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

The town’s landmark is the old town hall with its striking façade. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Nikolaikirche from 1276 and other interesting buildings. Stralsund is also defined by its colourful town houses from the Hanseatic era with their characteristic gables, which shine in new splendour. This special shape embodied the power and wealth of the former merchants.

In addition to St. Nicholas’ Church, there are numerous other new and old places of worship. Particularly worth mentioning are St. Mary’s Church, once the tallest building in the world, and St. Jakobi’s Church. All three city churches impress with their brick facades.

Stralsund also has some monasteries, but today they have different purposes: The St. Catherine’s Monastery houses the Cultural History Museum and the German Oceanographic Museum, the St. John’s Monastery houses the city archive, the St. Jürgen am Strande monastery serves as accommodation for students and the Heilggeistkloster has also been converted into a residence. Finally, a number of green and park areas invite both two-legged and four-legged friends to take a walk.

Stralsund, city of the most interesting museums

Stralsund
Stralsund, Image: Stefan Dinse / shutterstock

It is not only in bad weather that you should visit one or more museums. The most popular are the museums of the German Oceanographic Museum Foundation, which are spread over four different locations. The former St. Catherine’s Monastery is home to the German Oceanographic Museum with Germany’s largest aquarium for sea turtles and over 30 other tanks with sea creatures from the Mediterranean and the tropics. On the harbour island, you can visit the Ozeaneum with a gigantic shoal fish tank. Here, the underwater worlds of the North Sea and Baltic Sea as well as the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean are impressive. The island of Kleiner Dänholm is home to the third museum: the Nautineum. This is about marine research and fisheries. The open-air museum Natureum is located outside Stralsund in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, at the northern tip of the Darß.

Another kind of “museum”, the Gorch Fock, is located in Stralsund harbour and can be visited.
Finally, the Cultural History Museum, as the oldest museum in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, should be mentioned. Exhibitions from the history of Pomerania are shown.

Stralsund, a city with a harbour

As early as the Middle Ages, Stralsund was one of the most important transshipment points and long-distance trading cities for fish, cloth, salt, grain and more. Today, the port area consists of the city harbor as well as the south and north harbors. The latter two are transshipment points, while the city harbour is a popular meeting place for guests and locals alike with a real maritime flair. Ferries and passenger ships depart from here from time to time. The harbor tours are recommended. Numerous events, cosy bars and good restaurants invite you to linger.

At the north pier you can go far into the water. As a side effect, there is a fantastic view of yachts, the white-green lighthouse, the Rügen dam as well as the Rügen Bridge and finally the silhouette of Stralsund.

Stralsund, a city for relaxation and bathing pleasures

Stralsund Town Hall
The town hall of Stralsund, Image: Nina Alizada / shutterstock

With numerous green spaces and the immediate proximity to the sea, Stralsund ensures that guests can breathe in healthy air and enjoy a high recreational value.
Even though Stralsund is not the fashionable seaside resort par excellence, it does have a large beach with fine sand, where you can enjoy sun, sand and sea almost like on the Mediterranean. So let’s go to the seaside resort on the Strelasund!

Stralsund, a city for active people

There are numerous opportunities to get active in and around the city. In addition to forays through the city and along the water, a number of well-developed cycle paths offer the opportunity for day trips or multi-day trips. A breathtaking landscape is a constant companion.
Walks through one of the many parks or along the Sund promenade offer relaxation and fantastic views for people who like to walk and/or with their dog.
If you want to take it a little easier and are interested in fishing, you will encounter great biodiversity both on the Strelasund and in the Bodden waters off Rügen: zander, sea trout, pike, eels and co. are waiting to be fished.

Water rats can let off steam both in the north of the city – at the lido – and in the south – at Devin Beach. You can expect a wide sandy beach next to good water quality. Leisure fun in different theme worlds is offered by the HanseDom, an amusement park with sauna and water adventure world.

During the city tours, visitors get to know the historic old town as well as interesting stories about Stralsund.

A city with special events

Actually, there is always something going on in and around Stralsund, but the following events are particularly worth mentioning:

  • The Harbour Festival in June
  • The Wallenstein Days in the summer in memory of the resistance during the siege by the general
  • The Rügen Bridge Run in October
  • The Christmas market on the Old and New Market is the oldest of its kind in the Baltic Sea region

City of culinary delights

Stralsund is considered the cradle of the original Bismarck herring. In 1871, the merchant and fishmonger Johann Wiechmann gave his freshly caught, bone-freed herring from the Baltic Sea, which was soaked in a sour broth and shipped in small wooden barrels, to the then Chancellor Otto von Bismarck as a birthday present. Since then, this specialty, which is sold on almost every corner of Stralsund, has been called “Bismarck herring”.

In addition to numerous other fish dishes, the beer of the Stralsund brewery is considered a local specialty. The brewery was founded in 1827, received numerous awards and has been operating under the name “Störtebeker Braumanufaktur” since 2012.

Sao Miguel – the largest island in the Azores

PatrickJullien
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Sao Miguel – the largest island in the Azores

The beautiful island of Sao Miguel is located west of the European mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the archipelago of the Azores and is the largest of these 9 islands with about 750 square kilometers.

Sao Miguel, like all Azores islands, belongs to Portuguese territory, but is part of the autonomous region of the Azores. São Miguel is divided into six districts: Lagoa, Nordeste, Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande, Povoacao and Ponta Delgada. The latter district is also the name of the capital of Sao Miguel.

History of Sao Miguel

After this paradisiacal island was discovered between 1427 and 1431, it was opened up by Gonçalo Velho Cabral around 1440. The first settlers all came from Portugal, but they were followed by Jewish settlers, as well as French and English. In the following years, the economy and population of Sao Miguel grew.

But in October 1522, a momentous earthquake destroyed the then capital Vila Franca do Campo, and in 1546 the city rights were handed over to today’s capital Ponta Delgada.

In the centuries that followed, Sao Miguel experienced repeated economic booms, for example through the export of oranges, pineapples, tea, tobacco and African hemp, which is needed for the production of CBD.

Nowadays, many Azorese live mainly from tourism.

Geological features

Sao Miguel
View of Sao Miguel, Image: Homo Cosmicos / shutterstock

Even today, there is active volcanism on Sao Miguel, which manifests itself, for example, in the Furnas Valley in the form of sulphurous and iron-rich thermal springs. About 10,000 years ago, volcanism joined the once 2 divided island together. The western part consists mainly of the collapse crater Sete Cidades, the eastern part of the Serra Agua de Pau massif. This wonderful geology can be explored on various hiking trails in the hinterland.

Special features of Sao Miguel

Culture, food and experiences, Sao Miguel is rich in all of these, so what can’t you miss?
The cuisine is mainly characterized by fish dishes, the Azorese give their fish dishes a special touch through special preparation and exotic spices. Another highlight is the pineapple, it is an export hit of Sao Miguel and therefore always fresh.
Furthermore, the Azores are the optimal place for whale watching, so close to whale watching is hardly possible in any other place. The Azores island is also a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, thanks to warm water temperatures and great waves!

Sights and great places in Sao Miguel

  • Cape Ponte do Arnel, São Miguel
    Cape Ponte do Arnel, Sao Miguel, Image: Ana del Castillo / shutterstock

    Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde: the blue and green lagoons at Sete Cidades are a real feast for the eyes, especially from above! Even if you are a bit comfortable, you can enjoy the great view at the viewpoint Vista do Rei, which is located directly on the road. Between the two lagoons there is also a bridge that you can walk over. The great view is definitely worth it!

  • Cape Ponta do Arnel: south of Nordeste, at a small fishing port, is the beautiful Cape Ponta do Arnel with a lighthouse. From there, the blue sky flows into the steel-blue sea – it’s breathtakingly beautiful. The cute little fishing village also invites you to dream.
  • Old town of Nordeste: The small town of Nordeste is located in the northeast of the island of Sao Miguel. Above all, however, it impresses with its pretty little old town, but also with the Ponte de Sete Arcos. As the name suggests, it consists of seven arches and runs directly towards the central square of the city.
  • Black beach: probably the most beautiful but also the longest beach on the whole island is the Praia de Santa Bárbara. The black beach is not only visually impressive, but the roaring waves also attract surfers. It is not for nothing that international surfing competitions take place here. The great beach is rounded off by a beach bar.
  • Ponta Delgada: the capital of Sao Miguel is really a beautiful town! Walks along the harbour promenade or through the old town or a visit to the Forte de São Brás – Ponta Delgada castle offers many possibilities. The old town offers various sights such as churches, monasteries, squares, gates and the town hall!
    If you want to relax a little while walking through a park, then we recommend the Gentlemen Gardens, which are various gardens and parks.
    There you can find plants from a wide variety of regions and countries, but also ponds, grottos and bridges.
  • Piscina da Boca da Ribeira: in the Ribeira da Guilherme river valley in the north of Sao Miguel lies the seawater swimming pool Piscina da Boca da Ribeira. The pleasant waters of the Atlantic invite you to linger and relax!

Gozo – a magical insider tip in the Mediterranean

PatrickJullien
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Gozo – a magical insider tip in the Mediterranean

Away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the small island of Gozo in the Mediterranean is still considered a real insider tip. The little sister of the island of Malta occupies an area of 67 square kilometers and is located between Sicily and North Africa. The enchanting island is only about 14 kilometers long and up to about seven kilometers wide. The island, which belongs to the Maltese archipelago, impresses above all with tranquil villages in the southern Italian style. Gozo is the perfect destination for those who prefer a quiet yet exciting holiday in beautiful countryside.

Tips for getting to Gozo

The island of Gozo is too small for its own airport. Nevertheless, the journey is no problem. From Germany , it takes about 2.5 hours by plane to the island of Malta. The ferry to Gozo departs from Cirkewwa on Malta’s north coast. From the airport, buses and taxis go to the port. If you want, you can already take a rental car in Malta and use it to cross to Mgarr in Gozo. The crossing takes only about 30 minutes.

Gozo, an idyllic island for nature lovers

As the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo impresses with tranquil places, secret bays, turquoise blue water and bizarre rock formations. The island has 14 villages with a total of about 31,400 inhabitants. Most islanders take the ferry to Malta every day to work there. In Gozo, the clocks seem to tick more slowly. Unlike Malta, it is still original and cozy here. Far away from the “big wide world”, the small Mediterranean island of Gozo still has a lot to offer. Gozo can be explored particularly flexibly and independently by rental car.

Harbour romance in Mgarr

Mgarr, Gozo
Mgarr, Image: Ksenija Toyechkina / shutterstock

The harbour town of Mgarr is the first town visitors see in Gozo when arriving by ferry. The ferry sails past the tiny island of Comino and soon Gozo comes into view. Here a beautiful panorama of the landscape and the island opens up. It is worth spending some time at the idyllic fishing harbour after arrival. Here, the freshly caught fish is unloaded in the morning and brought to the restaurants. Fish cannot be fresher on the table. Visitors should not miss this culinary delight. Well fortified, you can then explore the island’s capital.

Gozo’s capital Victoria with the citadel and picturesque alleys

Basilica of Gozo
Basilica of Gozo, Image: Vladimir Zhoga / shutterstock

The island’s capital, Victoria, is enthroned in the heart of the island of Gozo. The town has around 6500 inhabitants and presents itself as the economic and cultural centre of the island. To this day, however, Victoria has been able to retain its tranquillity. The island’s capital is also known as Rabat , because it bore this name for a long time. Many islanders still call it that today. In 1887, Rabat became the capital Victoria. Since the Maltese islands were under English power at the time, the city was named after the English Queen Victoria.

The most important building in the capital is also the landmark. The citadel surrounded by mighty walls with the Cathedral of Santa Marija can be seen from afar. It was designed in 1697 by the Baroque master Lorenzo Gafa in the style of the Roman early Baroque and was not completed until 20 years later due to limited funds. In 1864, the church was finally named a cathedral. Particularly worth seeing are the closed baptismal font, the main altar made of precious marble and the grave slabs in the floor. There is no magnificent dome to admire, because it was completely dispensed with. However, a visit to the “Cathedral Museum” and the “Museum of Archaeology” is definitely worthwhile. If you still have time, you can stroll from the main market square “It-Tokk” through the picturesque alleys to the magnificent Basilica of St. George, browse through the souvenir shops and shops or take a break in one of the cozy street cafés.

Admirable temple “Ggantija” in Xaghra

In the traditional country town of Xaghra, one of the island’s most important attractions is located on an extensive high plateau. The megalithic temple complex of Ggantija is the largest Maltese monumental complex. It was built in the period from 3600 to 3200 BC. In 1980, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Popular holiday resorts and beaches in Gozo

History and culture lovers will get their money’s worth in Gozo, but the attractive resorts and beaches also attract tourists to the island. The largest and yet not overcrowded holiday resort is called Marsalforn. It is located on the north coast of Gozo. Around the bay runs the pretty promenade right along the sea, where there are many bars and restaurants. In the summer months, life pulsates here. Motor and sailing boats bob in the sun at the harbour and if you feel like it, you can admire the island from the water on a boat trip.
In search of the most beautiful beaches, swimming fans cannot miss the red sandy beaches of San Blas Bay and Ramla Bay in the northeast of Gozo. A day at the sea is good for body and soul. Lying in the sun, swimming, snorkelling and diving are part of a dream holiday in Gozo!

Normandy – History, culture and relaxation on France’s Channel coast

PatrickJullien
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Normandy – History, culture and relaxation on France’s Channel coast

The northern French region of Normandy stretches between Picardy in the northeast, Brittany in the southwest and the Loire regions as well as the Paris conurbation (Île-de-France) in the east, an hour and a half away by car.

In the west, Normandy has a long coastline on the Atlantic inlet La Manche (English Channel, English Channel), which separates France and England. Normandy, which is now administratively divided into five departments, has an area of almost 30,000 square kilometers, about the size of North Rhine-Westphalia or Belgium. A little more than three million inhabitants live in the relatively sparsely populated area, mainly in villages and small towns. Apart from the regional capital Rouen (110,000 inhabitants), which is 80 km inland, there are only three other Norman cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants:

They are the coastal cities of Le Havre (175,000), Caen (105,000) and Cherbourg (80,000). In addition to the coast, which is characterised by both rugged chalk cliffs and attractive sandy beaches, Normandy has a varied partly flat, partly hilly landscape in its hinterland. Typical of the landscape of the tourist-friendly region, which is famous for its cider and Calvados traditions, are the many apple tree meadows. Cows often graze here, providing the milk for the third “big C” of Norman cuisine, Camembert cheese.

Normandy – rugged alabaster coast and sophisticated Côte Fleurie

Caen, Normandy
St-Étienne de Caen, Image: AnnDcs / shutterstock

One of the most spectacular natural sights in Normandy is the Côte d’Albâtre. This more than one hundred kilometre long section of cliffs on the English Channel between Le Havre and Picardy is only interrupted in a few places by valley cuts or estuaries. The chalk cliffs of the cliffs have a strikingly bright alabaster colouring. Particularly dramatic and therefore a tourist hotspot is the Alabaster Coast section between Étretat and Fecamp with its 75 to 105 meter high, bizarre rock formations. The 40 km long Côte Fleurie (Flower Coast) between Honfleur and Cabourg also has flatter cliff sections, which, together with many fine sandy beaches and elegant spa towns such as Houlgate or Trouville-sur-Mer, form a special potpourri of elegant seaside resort atmosphere. In particular, the flower coast town of Deauville with its villas, its casino, its beach promenade Les Planches and its racecourse stands for Normandy de luxe.

Abbey island Le Mont-Saint-Michel

At the same time, one of the most famous tourist attractions (2.5 million visitors a year) and one of the smallest municipalities (30 inhabitants) in France is the island of Mont-Saint-Michel, which is about half a square kilometre in size. The small, almost one hundred metre high rocky island is located just under 1000 m off the Normandy coast, close to the border with the Breton peninsula of Cotentin in a mudflat area that dries up at low tide. The combination of a rocky island accessible via a footbridge and a monumental Benedictine abbey surrounded by small alleys, built here in the High Middle Ages, is unique. The sacred building, which is one of the largest preserved building ensembles of the Middle Ages in France , was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Normandy – Historic Ground

Normandy, chalk cliffs
The chalk cliffs near Etretat, Image: Leonid Andronov / shutterstock

In addition to the Saint-Michel-Klosterberg, there are numerous other impressive references to the history of Normandy. These include the world-famous, almost 70-metre-long Tapestry of Queen Mathilde (Bayeux Tapestry) exhibited at the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant in the Bessin town of Bayeux. The artwork, embroidered around 1070, depicts scenes of the conquest of England by the Norman Duke William the Conqueror in 1066. The most important event in connection with Normandy in modern history was the landing of Allied units in the Second World War in the summer of 1944.

With the landing (“Operation Overlord”) and the subsequent liberation of Nazi-occupied France, the final phase of World War II began in Europe. A number of museums and memorials commemorate this historical turning point, which began with D-Day on 6 June 1944. The most important museum on the subject is the Museum Mémorial in Caen, which places the Battle of Normandy in the context of European history before and after 1944. Throughout Normandy, dozens of Allied and German military cemeteries confront visitors with the consequences of the war.

Inspiration for the art world

The graceful natural and cultural landscapes, the picturesque Norman places such as the charming half-timbered village of Beuvron-en-Auge have been and continue to be a great attraction for many artists. The Seine town of Giverny also stands for this charm. In the village of 500 inhabitants, the Normandy vacationer can feel art inspiration in the garden of the painter legend Claude Monet, which has been rededicated to the lovingly maintained Musée des impressionnismes Giverny. It was here in the Département Eure that Monet, who died in 1926, spent the second half of his life, painted his famous water lily paintings and attracted numerous other Impressionist painters, who formed an artists’ colony in Giverny that is still active today.

Rouen and Le Havre

Le Mont Saint Michel, Normandy
Le Mont Saint Michel, Image: canadastock / shutterstock

The two largest cities in Normandy, Rouen and Le Havre, are quite different from each other, but they are both popular tourist destinations. With its picturesque old town streets and its important Gothic church buildings, Rouen offers an excellent atmosphere to remember Joan of Arc, who was imprisoned in the donjon of Rouen. The port city of Le Havre, on the other hand, which was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, impresses with works by the master builders August Perret and Oscar Niemeyer depicting modern architectural history.

San Andrés – a paradise in seven colours

Marleen Langen
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San Andrés – a paradise in seven colours

Fancy more? Then off to San Andrés (span. Isla de San Andrés). Although the coral island is only 12 km long, 3 km wide and has a total area of only 24 km², in this small paradise various influences of English and Spanish, of pirates and the African people, mix to create a place of cultural richness. Only about 2840 inhabitants live on San Andrés itself.

El Acuario, San Andres
El Acuario, Image: ANDHOL / shutterstock

In the high season, however, at least as many visitors are added. The island belongs to the territory of Colombia and is located in the Caribbean Sea about 770 km northwest of the Colombian coast, but only 190 km east of the coast of Nicaragua. San Andrés offers a diverse ecosystem with reefs, geysers, and a mountain range that stretches from north to south, measuring 55 meters above sea level at its highest point. San Andrés used to be an English-speaking island. It was not until the 1970s that the Colombian government decided to make Spanish the official language. In fact, however, you can hear the locals speaking Creole, a special mix of English, Spanish and African dialects.

Seven Color Sea

Visitors from all over the world come to this paradise island in search of perfect sunsets, tall palm trees and crystal clear waters. The sea around the Caribbean island of San Andrés is not called the Seven Color Sea for nothing. The water shines in different shades of blue and there are beautiful sandy beaches all over the island. If that’s not enough, take a boat to the countless small islands around San Andrés.

Spatt Bright

Among the most famous beaches on the island is Spratt Bright, which is located in the commercial area of San Andrés. It is characterized by a waterfront promenade with many restaurants, hotels, bars and shops. A special highlight of this beach – at one point, planes regularly fly past at only a short distance above the visitors, as the airport is located directly behind the last section of the beach.

Rockey Cay

The beach of Rockey Cay is small but nice. A little further out, you can discover the island of the same name, Rocky Cay. This can be reached on foot through the partly chest-deep water. Just a few meters from this island, there is an old shipwreck. The wreck has been providing shelter for various fish species and small sharks for many years.

Johnny Cay

Johnny Cay
Beach on Johnny Cay, Image: Larissa Chilanti / shutterstock

A small island that can only be reached by boat. The beach is full of holidaymakers and under the palm trees there are some small restaurants and bars. The typical sound of the island is reggae and the colors that decorate it are those of the Rastafarian flag. Walking on Johnny Cay means letting yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the music and celebrating together with the islanders.

Acuario

Acuario is a sandy island in the turquoise blue sea. Here it becomes clear why the sea around San Andrés is called the Seven Color Sea: All seven shades of blue are reflected here. On foot, you can easily get through the water to the neighboring sandbank. Acuario is therefore also the absolute (insider) tip for snorkeling. Once around the island and among numerous fish, you also have the chance to see manta rays and sharks. The crystal clear waters are recognized as a natural aquarium, as you can snorkel from the shore even without experience.

West View

In the snorkeling paradise of West View, fish have lost all fear of humans. A ladder leads to a bay on the cliffs. If this is not fast enough for you, you can simply jump in. But beware – the cliffs are higher than you think. It is also home to the Cave of the Mermaid. A unique experience.

Piscinita

La Piscinita is just a few minutes walk right next to West View. This bay also invites you to snorkel and swim. According to a legend, there is still a hidden pirate treasure here. Whoever finds the treasure gets to keep it!

The Pirates of the Caribbean

Poseidon, San Andres
Poseidon underwater statue, Image: pipojackman / shutterstock

The influence of the pirates can be felt everywhere in San Andrès. It is therefore very worthwhile to enter the cave of the pirate Morgan. According to legend, the pirate kept the treasures he stole from the Spaniards hidden in this cave. To this day, it is considered undiscovered. Some even claim that the Pirates of the Caribbean lay over the treasure. A visit to the Botanical Garden, which covers an area of 8 hectares in the centre of the island, offers a break from sunbathing. There you can observe the vegetation that has survived since the time of the dinosaurs, as well as other native plants.

Another highlight is the Ecofiwi, the mangrove forest. A wooden path leads through the shade of the tall trees and you can always watch birds. There are also small geysers on San Andrés. However, these only play a minor role, as lizards live around the geysers, which can grow up to almost 2m tall and are very trusting. Culinary experiences also enrich the impressions of the island. If you like, you can go fishing with the fishermen and in the evening you can choose between lobster, fish, crabs and mussels – all freshly prepared. If the 24km² become too small for you at some point, you have the option of driving to the neighboring island of Providencia, 90km away. The island is one of the 10 most wonderful islands in the world. Divers and snorkelers also get their money’s worth here. Turtles, rays and colorful fish frolic in the water.

Coco Loco

Brown rum, orange juice, Malibu and passion fruit juice, that’s how the Caribbean tastes. The Coco Loco is San Andrés’ most popular cocktail and an absolute must if you want to fully immerse yourself in paradise. Due to San Andrés’ location in the Caribbean, the island’s weather is just right for sun worshippers. Temperatures range from 26 to 29°C all year round. Just keep in mind that tourists traveling to San Andrés have to buy a tourist card at the airport on the day of arrival and this can sometimes take some time.

However, once you arrive on the island, you should just let go and enjoy the rhythm of San Andrés, an authentic Caribbean paradise that will enchant everyone, with or without a Coco Loco.

The most beautiful destinations for a relaxing yoga holiday

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful destinations for a relaxing yoga holiday

Both yoga and a vacation are usually for relaxation, so it makes sense to combine the two elements into a yoga vacation. More and more people around the world are finding their way to yoga and so it is not surprising that yoga should not be dispensed with on holiday. Of course, yoga exercises can basically be done regardless of location. But of course there are places that are particularly beautiful and allow yoga enthusiasts to enjoy yoga in a particularly charming setting, so that it is even easier to consciously relax and leave everyday life behind.

The most beautiful destinations for yogis in Germany

North Sea – Yoga and Water Sports

The North Sea beaches have long been an attraction for nature lovers, but yoga fans are also increasingly drawn to the North Sea to spend their yoga holidays there. The endless expanse, wonderful beaches and the sea breeze make it easy to relax here. It is especially nice to start the day with some yoga exercises in the early morning hours on the almost empty beach. One of the most beautiful yoga retreats in the region can be found in Sankt Peter-Ording. A yoga trip to the North Sea is particularly appealing for all those who love the beach and would like to do water sports on holiday.

Allgäu – Yoga, Hiking, Sights

Yoga by the lake
Pure relaxation, yoga by the lake, Image: Gergely Zsolnai / shutterstock

A breathtaking mountain backdrop, wonderful mountain lakes and dreamlike royal castles attract tourists from all over the world. But the Allgäu also offers many quiet places where every yogi feels comfortable. The clear mountain air and forest and meadow landscapes crisscrossed by streams are ideal for relaxing and yoga exercises can be enjoyed particularly well in this dreamlike setting. The Alpine scenery invites you to hike and explore and the most beautiful castle complexes in Germany also attract visitors in the Allgäu. There are several yoga retreats in the region, but many hotels also offer yoga classes. Among other places, there are accommodations in Schwangau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen that have special offers for yogis.

Baltic Sea – Yoga and pure nature

A special peace and quiet can be enjoyed on the Baltic Sea . The beautiful Baltic Sea beaches surrounded by dunes mean pure relaxation for many guests of the Baltic Sea region. Here, however, you can not only enjoy a day in a beach chair, but the quiet and natural coast is also ideal for indulging in your yoga exercises. There is always a quiet place here and so more and more yoga enthusiasts are drawn to the Baltic Sea. Some wellness hotels also offer active yoga classes here and so the Baltic Sea coast is also a beautiful destination for all those who want to gain their first experience with yoga. Information about the yoga holiday can also be found under
meinyogaretreat.de

The most beautiful yoga destinations in the world

Practicing Yoga Holidays in Goa

Goa Yoga Retreat
Yoga at sunset in Goa, Image: GlebSStock / shutterstock

Choosing the motherland of yoga as a destination for a yoga journey is a dream for many yogis. It is particularly recommended to choose Goa as a travel destination. Wonderful beaches beckon here and the paradise on the west coast of India has always attracted spiritual people. Here, yoga can not only be enjoyed on the beach under palm trees, but the region clearly stands out from the rest of India as a former Portuguese colony. Goa is known for wonderful colonial buildings, hippie markets and extravagant parties, as well as quiet beaches that invite you to relax. Along the beaches there are some yoga schools here, so that one or the other workshop can be taken here.

Yoga classes in Tel Aviv

Israel, Tel Aviv
The beach of Tel Aviv, Image: Dance60 / shutterstock

If you are flirting with a yoga trip, you usually don’t immediately think of Israel and certainly not of the lively city of Tel Aviv, but the city has more to offer than just the well-known tourist areas. Rather, there are wonderful quiet corners on the coast that are very charming. Numerous hotels on the Mediterranean coast offer yoga classes or even yoga courses for beginners and advanced students, and a private teacher can also be used here without any problems to refine your own yoga knowledge. The special atmosphere of the city, the fantastic landscape and the opportunity to meditate on the salt water on a trip to the Dead Sea clearly speaks for Tel Aviv as a destination for yoga enthusiasts.

Yoga on Maui & O’ahu

Yoga fans who are looking for a very special place for their yoga trip should also take a look at America, because the Hawaiian islands of Maui & O’ahu offer a dreamlike environment for training. The islands’ yoga resorts enjoy a good reputation and the unique island landscapes with their lush fauna inspire nature-loving yogis from all over the world.

Yoga retreat on the Indonesian island of Bali

Bali is one of the destinations that are ideal for a yoga trip. The dreamlike island not only inspires with its unique flora and fauna, but here beginners and advanced students can learn from experienced yoga teachers and not only deepen their yoga skills, but also get to know other meditation techniques. In addition, there are the mystical temples of the island, beautiful beaches and a particularly spiritual atmosphere.

10 round trip tips for the beautiful Mayan Peninsula Yucatan

Carolin Prall
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10 round trip tips for the beautiful Mayan Peninsula Yucatan

Would you like to shorten the cold season and enjoy pure sun in winter? The Yucatan Peninsula, which is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, offers the perfect destination to combine culture, history, beach and nature in the German winter months. A round trip followed by a bathing extension at Playa del Carmen is the most popular form of vacation.

Explore the most famous Mayan site “Chichén Itzá”

Tips for the most famous Mayan site Chichén Itzá on Yucatan can be found in every travel guide. Nevertheless, there is a reason why this place rich in history should definitely be visited, because here you can follow the traces of the Mayans most intensively and collect impressions from that time and take them with you. The 30-metre-high imposing step pyramid “Castillo” is the biggest attraction in the heart of the complex.

You can’t climb them, but it is incredibly impressive to marvel at them up close and to guess how such buildings could be built without many technical aids at that time. An important tip for the visit: Be sure to be at the entrance when the complex opens, because during the main visiting hours the complex is full of tourists. It is really worth it to be able to walk through the ruins in a more relaxed way for the first two hours after opening.

Stroll through the yellow town of “Izamal”

Izamal, the yellow city
The yellow city of Izamal, Image: javarman / shutterstock

Izamal is called “the yellow city” because the important small town consists almost exclusively of yellow house facades. This is particularly beautiful to look at and a wonderful photo opportunity, because the partly very pompous buildings are built in Spanish colonial style. There are also several Mayan temples in the city area. Typical of the city are the “Calesas” – horse-drawn carriages that offer romantic city tours.

Stop at a typical Mexican cemetery

At first, a stop at a cemetery as a tourist may sound macabre. However, this is a typical European way of thinking. For Mexicans, death is a reason to celebrate. This is visibly shown in the graves. They are usually in the form of small houses with several floors and are individually painted in all the cheerful colors of the rainbow. For Mexicans, death is part of life and for many it is the thought of redemption that is in the foreground. November 2 is one of the most important holidays of the year. Here, the dead are remembered, candles are lit and even festivals are celebrated in cemeteries.

Take a bike tour through the historic “Coba”

Mayan Ruins Coba
The Mayan ruin of Coba, Image: Joke van Eeghem / shutterstock

The Mayan ruin “Coba” is located in the middle of the jungle and has fewer visitors than Chichén Itzá, which does not make it any less worth seeing. The temples seem partly overgrown and enchanted by the many trees and plants. A special feature of this complex is that you can still climb the 42-metre-high pyramid. From up there you have a dizzying but beautiful view over the jungle and the entire Mayan ruins. Since the site is very spacious, it makes sense to rent a bike here to be able to discover each area.

Taste typical Mexican food in “Mérida”

Mérida with its small cozy streets and colonial flair is definitely worth a visit. On all corners you will find typical Mexican restaurants where you should definitely stop off. Surely you already know the famous “Quesadillas” from Mexican restaurants in Germany. In Mexico , however, you don’t eat them filled with vegetables and meat like here, but only with cheese – mainly as an appetizer or with the main course. Accompanied by a delicious guacamole with tortillas or a delicious rice dish with black beans? Mexican cuisine is very versatile and leaves nothing to be desired!

Swimming in one of the mysterious cenotes

Attention nature fans, snorkelers and divers – here comes their absolute highlight! The partly underground lake and river systems are adventurous, enchanted and romantic at the same time. There are both tourist cenotes (the most famous is the Cenote Ik ́kil), with changing rooms and lockers that also cost admission. But also a lot of small, unknown cenotes, where only one or the other local stays.

The lakes are connected underground by rivers, making it an absolute paradise for divers . Here, however, you should definitely take a guided tour, because the corridors are sometimes very narrow and confusing, so that exploring without a guide could end life-threatening. The various stalactite caves that are part of the cave system are an incredible sight and should definitely be discovered by you. So always have your swimsuit with you on your round trip for a spontaneous cenote stop!

Boat tour through the “Sian Ka ́an”

Sian Ka'an, Yucatan
The Sian Ka’an Laguna in Yucatan, Image: Gimas / shutterstock

The national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and offers the most diverse flora and fauna in all of Yucatan. It is the natural habitat of many creatures such as turtles, starfish, dolphins and various rare bird and fish species. The crystal clear waters and the beautiful white sandy beaches are unique. A snorkeling trip in this absolutely paradisiacal environment is a highlight of every Mexico vacation. As an excursion from Tulum in combination with a boat tour lasting several hours, the national park is best explored.

Swimming with turtles in the Yucatan

25km south of “Tulum” is the town of “Akumal”, where snorkeling tours with giant tortoises are offered. The fascination of being able to observe these elegant animals in their natural environment is a very special experience. The chance of seeing several turtles at the same time is very high, because the water in the bay near Akumal is only about three meters deep and the habitat of the animals. Species protection is the top priority here, so that the turtles are of course not allowed to be touched and only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the water at the same time.

As a combination to this excursion, the famous Mayan site “Tulum” is worthwhile, which is located directly on the sea and forms an insanely beautiful contrast with the white sandy beach and the ancient ruins by the sea.

Soak up the sun at the famous “Playa del Carmen”

The well-known beach and holiday resort of Playa del Carmen offers a Caribbean white sandy beach, a crystal clear sea, many water sports and entertainment facilities. The further you stroll towards the town centre, the more nightlife options await you. If you prefer to spend your holiday more quietly, the “Playacar” section with its many residential houses, resorts and hotels is a good choice. Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to end your vacation after an interesting and exciting round trip through Yucatan.

Exploration of the offshore island “Cozumel”

The island of Cozumel is located directly off the coast of Yucatan at the level of Playa del Carmen. It is regularly visited by cruise ships and offers famous diving sections for all underwater fans. The island can be explored very well with a day trip from Playa del Carmen. When planning your excursion, make sure that you avoid cruise tourism, because then the island is very original and quiet.

Centre of wine, connoisseurs and Italian joie de vivre

Carolin Prall
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Centre of wine, connoisseurs and Italian joie de vivre

One of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans is Italy. The boot-shaped country on the Mediterranean Sea offers a thousand good reasons for an unforgettable holiday. On the longest coast in Europe you can enjoy pure sun, beach and sea. But also the rich history of Italy and beautiful regions, such as Tuscany , promise an unforgettable holiday for every taste. Experience “La Dolce Vita” (sweet life) – with a delicious pizza or a typical pasta dish accompanied by a good drop of wine from the region. The hospitality and joie de vivre for which the Italians are known will win you over in every way.

The best means of transport to explore the country is by car. The resulting flexibility allows you to drive to many small towns, villages and wineries and combine them with each other. The nature you will discover during the trip is breathtaking! You will have to plan many photo stops.

Agriturismo – Original farms, extensively renovated

Fields in Tuscany
Dreamlike fields in Tuscany, Image: Jaroslaw Pawlak / shutterstock

Maybe you’ve heard of “agriturismo”? These are holiday apartments or houses on original farms, which have usually been very extensively renovated. Often the owners of the accommodations live on the property and there is a farm that allows you to buy regional products, watch the production or enjoy a wine tasting. Many accommodations have a pool and a large garden surrounded by nature. The Agiturismo is especially recommended for families with children or larger groups. This is probably the most authentic way to get to know the country and experience it with all your senses.

Great places to visit in Tuscany

If you are interested in a holiday in Tuscany where wine and regional products are particularly important, there are of course many excursion options such as Florence and Pisa , which offer a number of sights and are definitely worthwhile. However, you will be particularly enchanted by the small, less touristy villages and towns of the region, which have their very own charm.

Lucca, Tuscany
Italian flair in Lucca, Image: Catarina Belova / shutterstock

Typical for Tuscany are the extensive cypress hills on which old manor houses or renovated farms stand – a real feast for the eyes! On the hills, far away from mass tourism, you will always find smaller villages that convince with their originality. In the well-known wine-growing region “Chianti” you will find, for example, the small village of Montefioralle. It is located about 1 hour away from Florence and is therefore very easy to organize as a day trip. Stroll through the quaint, typical Tuscan alleys, drink a good Italian coffee in a small café and take the time to observe the visitors and locals of the village. Very interesting encounters and good conversations often take place here.

Another very worthwhile destination is the small municipality of Ciuffenna. It is located in the province of Arezzo and is still very original. The small river “Loro”, which flows through the city, particularly characterizes the cityscape. Small bridges, cafés and old houses make the village a place of peace. In good weather, be sure to take the time to swim in the river and let the small village work its magic on you!

What culinary speciality do you associate with Italy besides pizza and pasta? That’s right – ice cream! But where can you find the best ice cream in the region? The town of San Gimignano is particularly known for the sweet temptation – especially the ice cream parlour “Gelateria Dondoli”. The shop was not crowned “Gelato World Champion” for nothing. A little tip: Try to avoid Thursday during the peak holiday season. On this day there is a weekly market and it is a bit more difficult to find a parking space there. Of course, it is also worth taking a walk through the alleys of the medieval town centre in San Gimignano, which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Compared to other towns, San Gimignano still has some medieval towers that shape the cityscape in a very special way.

Ponte Sospeso – Great photo opportunity over the Lima River

Ponte Sospeso
Ponte Sospeso, Image: Silever / shutterstock

For all those who are still looking for a very special photo motif on holiday, a stop at the 220-metre-long suspension bridge “Ponte Sospeso” near the village of Mammiano is a good idea. At the highest point, you stand 35 meters above the small Lima River. The bridge is located in the middle of a forest and at that time gave workers the opportunity to take a shortcut on their way to work. Not everyone dares to cross the suspension bridge to the other side. It is a small dizzying adventure when the bridge starts to shake a little in the wind. But even if you don’t dare to pass the bridge, you should definitely take a look!

Would you like to combine your round trip in Tuscany with a stay at the beach? That’s no problem at all either! The port city of Livorno, an Italian province on the west coast below Pisa, offers the ideal conditions for a bathing extension. Directly on the northern city limits there are several worthwhile sandy beaches. They offer tourists fine sandy, spacious bays, many entertainment options and pure holiday feeling. Good to know: Unlike in most European countries, many beaches in Italy are privately owned. Often these beach sections are connected to a restaurant or beach club, so you can use them with admission. Umbrellas and deck chairs are often already included in the price. Here you should inform yourself in detail beforehand.

 

Zillertal – From Strass to Mayrhofen

PatrickJullien
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Zillertal – From Strass to Mayrhofen

The Zillertal belongs to the side valleys of the Inn Valley and is south of it. It is located in Austria, more precisely in the province of Tyrol, about 40 kilometers east of Innsbruck. The name refers to the river Ziller. This runs from south to north through almost the entire Zillertal and finally flows into the Inn.

The larger settlements in the Zillertal include Strass in the Zillertal, Zell am Ziller, Aschau in the Zillertal and Mayrhofen. Over the Gerlos Pass, you can reach Salzburg’s Oberpinzgau through the mountains. West of the Zillertal are the Tux Alps, to the east the Kitzbühel Alps and to the south the Zillertal Alps, which mark the border with South Tyrol / Italy . With this fantastic location – surrounded by mountains – it stands to reason that the Zillertal is a tourist attraction. Both in summer and in winter there are excellent opportunities for sporting leisure activities.

The history of the Zillertal

Already in the Middle Stone Age, the Zillertal with its passes and crossings in different directions was probably a central hub. The first permanent settlement in the Zillertal took place in the Late Bronze Age (in about 1,000 BC). Through the ages, the population groups living here changed several times. The Zillertal as such was first mentioned in a document in 889. The great tourist rise took place in the 19th century. when more and more shelters were built and alpine hiking enjoyed increasing popularity, as did winter sports.

The Zillertal from spring to autumn

Zillertal
Image: marako85 / shutterstock

Along the entire Zillertal the mountains beckon. Whether shorter, comfortable walks or multi-day mountain tours with overnight stays in the mountain huts – in the Zillertal you will find maintained and signposted trails in all levels of difficulty. Green, lush alpine meadows and steep peaks with fantastic views are just waiting to be visited. To get even easier, even higher, a total of ten summer mountain railways can be used. But the Zillertal also has a lot to offer away from the mountains. Numerous routes – both flat and off-road – can be explored by bike. Golf is also not neglected in the Zillertal. And of course, you can always take a trip to the large Zillertal Glacier in summer.

Even though the Zillertal basically offers everything your heart desires, day trips outside the valley can of course also be undertaken. On the one hand, a shopping trip to the provincial capital Innsbruck, which is only 40 km away, is certainly a good idea. On the other hand, a train journey could be made to Lake Achensee – first with the Zillertalbahn to Jenbach, where it then continues with the rustic Achensee Railway, which is still operated by steam locomotives.

The Zillertal in winter

Mayrhofen, Zillertal
Mayrhofen in the Zillertal, Image: Roman Babakin / shutterstock

Four large ski areas in the Zillertal attract visitors with over 500 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes. More than 180 lifts ensure that even with the highest tourist occupancy, skiing can take place quickly and pleasantly. To guarantee variety, the Zillertal Super Ski Pass can be purchased, which is valid for all these lifts in the four ski areas.

Of course, numerous ski huts in the mountains are waiting for a visit, where both Zillertal specialties and modern and light cuisine can be enjoyed. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, other sports can of course also be enjoyed in the Zillertal in winter. For cross-country skiers, over 125 km of trails are prepared in various levels of difficulty. Tobogganers can choose from fourteen different routes with a total length of about 45 km. Hiking trails are also cleared for hikers even in heavy snowfall – from short walks to challenging day tours, everything is possible. And the list of possible activities is still not over. Whether ice skating, curling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing or ski tours – the Zillertal offers endless variety.

Sights in the Zillertal

No matter what time of year the Zillertal is visited – there is always a wide range of possibilities for leisure activities. However, some sights stand out in particular that are always worth a visit:

  • The high mountain nature park in the Zillertal Alps is a large, protected and very natural area that invites you to hike and linger.
  • The Schlegeisspeicher is one of the largest reservoirs in Tyrol. In addition, the Zillergründl, the Stillupspeicher and the Gerlosstausee attract other reservoirs, which visually integrate perfectly into the landscape.
  • At 3509 metres, the Hochfeiler is the highest mountain in the Zillertal Alps and can now be reached relatively easily within a few hours.
  • Several waterfalls (Schlitters, Hart, Laimach, Talbach, etc.) as well as breathtaking bridges (e.g. the Devil’s Bridge near Finkenberg) can also be visited.
  • In terms of traffic, the Zillertaler Höhenstraße in particular, but also the nostalgic railway on the Zillertal railway line should be mentioned.
  • Finally, a bird nature trail has also been set up near Hart.

Typical Ruhr area? – Between the colliery and the Capital of Culture

Marleen Langen
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Typical Ruhr area? – Between the colliery and the Capital of Culture

What exactly is hidden behind the term Ruhrpott? Many secrets and prejudices are closely related to this term. But it’s actually quite simple, the Ruhr area, also called Revier, Pott, Metropole Ruhr, Ruhrstadt or Rhenish-Westphalian Industrial Area, is with around 5.3 million inhabitants and an area of about 4,435 square kilometers, the largest conurbation in Germany and the fifth largest in Europe.

The Ruhr area includes Schimanski, Thyssen, Krupp, coal and booze-happy revelers, as well as many traffic jams, a dense population and a developed infrastructure. A real grab bag!

“Melting Pott”

Dortmunder U
The Dortmunder U – Center for Art and Creativity, Image: Hernan J. Martin / shutterstock

The term Ruhrpott is made up of two words: Ruhrgebiet and Kohlenpott. The Ruhr area, in turn, owes its name to the Ruhr, the river that once runs through the entire Ruhr area. The pot represents a real “melting pot”. In the 50s and 60s, the area in western Germany was considered the home of various guest workers from Turkey and Italy. Due to the cultural fusion of different nations, different miners’ settlements from all over the world were formed – a real melting pot.

Characteristic of the Ruhr area is that it is formed by several large cities that have grown together. The area is based on the borders of the Ruhrkohlenbezirk Settlement Association, founded in 1920, today’s Ruhr Regional Association (RVR). This association includes Bochum, Bottrop, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Hagen, Hamm, Herne, Mühlheim and Oberhausen as well as Recklinghausen, Unna, Wesel and the Ennepe-Ruhr district. However, caution is advised, the cities of the Ruhr area (Dortmund, Essen, Bochum, Bottrop, Hamm, Gelsenkirchen and Duisburg) are all only a few kilometers apart, but the people of Essen, Dortmund, Duisburg etc. do not call themselves Potters.

Between the colliery and the Capital of Culture

Many mines are closed and usually only the coal-black houses remind us of the times when Oppa and Vadder were still working in the mine. Nowadays, excellent universities attract young people with an international background to the Pott. Thus, the German “melting pot” continues to exist to this day.

Zollverein Coal Mine, Ruhr Area
Zollverein colliery, Image: Peeradontax / shutterstock

In 2010, the Ruhr area became the European Capital of Culture under the name RUHR 2010, along with Pécs (Hungary) and Istanbul. Due to the high density of cultural institutions, the Ruhr region successfully applied to be the European Capital of Culture 2010 under the leadership of the city of Essen. However, there is not only a lot to discover in Essen, the whole Ruhr area inspires with its unique culture, extraordinary sights and with its mischievous charm:

First of all, of course, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein (Zeche Zollverein), also known as the “Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr Area”, should be highlighted. Probably the most beautiful colliery in the world is one of the most impressive sights in the Ruhr area. It was an active coal mine in Essen from 1851 to 1986. It was named after the German Customs Union, which was founded in 1834. Today it is a unique architectural and industrial monument.

Gasometer Oberhausen
View of the Gasometer in Oberhausen, Image: Ant Palmer / shutterstock

In the middle of the Zollverein there is a swimming pool. The atmosphere is priceless, but admission is free. Bottrop also has a lot to offer. The tetrahedron is a construction of steel tubes and cast iron nodes. Arranged on a former slag heap, it symbolises the structural change of the region. Skiing in the Pott? Even in summer with 100% snow guarantee? No, this is not a joke! The Alpincenter is located in the middle of Bottrop. The longest indoor ski area in the world. Many other leisure activities can be found around the ski hall.

From high ropes course to summer toboggan runs. Everyone gets their money’s worth here. We continue to Oberhausen. The gasometer can be seen from a distance. Built in 1929 for 1.74 million Reichsmarks, this industrial monument is now the tallest event hall in Europe. Directly in the immediate vicinity is the Centro, probably the most popular shopping center in the area. If you want to get to know a green side of the Ruhr area, the Kaisergarten in Oberhausen is the right place for you. In the approximately 28-hectare park, you will find, among other things, the walk-in bridge sculpture “Slinky Springs to Fame”. The Port of Duisburg is the largest domestic port in the world. And the outdoor sports park in the Duisburg-Nord landscape park is also unique in its form. The walk-in spiral landmark “Tiger&Turtel-Magic Mountain” rounds off a visit to Duisburg. And if that’s not enough, there are of course also the football stadiums at Schalke (Gelsenkirchen) and Dortmund.

Schalke vs. Borussia – Clichés about the Ruhr area

There is hardly any other region in Germany about which there are as many prejudices as about the Pott. But what is the truth of the clichés about the Ruhr area?

Everyone here is a football fan

Schalke Arena
The Schalke 04 arena can be seen well in large parts of the city, Image: Chris Hoff / shutterstock

Football has a very important status in the Ruhr area. The two most famous clubs are FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund. If both clubs play against each other (Revierderby), you have to decide – either Dortmund or Schalke. FC Schalke 04 and BVB are founding members of the Bundesliga together with MSV Duisburg. The oldest professional club, VfL Bochum (founded in 1848), also comes from the Ruhr area. In addition to these clubs, there are a large number of other clubs in all leagues. Many of these clubs have their origins in works teams of mines. Football is therefore part of the history of the Ruhr area and is therefore a must!

Everyone is always so rude

Ruhr potters are real “coddle snouts”. However, anyone who thinks they are rude has misunderstood something. In the Ruhr area, people speak their minds straightforwardly. This can sometimes take some getting used to, but it’s honest. In the Ruhr area, people like to laugh at crude jokes. People live here who have their hearts in the right place.

Carnival? That’s only available in Cologne! Or is it?

Carnival is also celebrated in the Ruhr area. Parades take place in numerous cities. In the archives of the city of Duisburg there is the first city account from 1377, which shows that the councillors and citizens celebrated Carnival extensively.

However, it is not only at carnival time that people like to celebrate in the Ruhr area. From 2006 to 2010, the Love Parade took place here. And the Ruhrpotters are also an open people in other respects, who also like to celebrate outside their clubhouses.

The pot is delicious

“Oa wat have I already spent everything on Bömskes (sweets)!” There is a lot in the pot. Fries – that’s still the best accompaniment to the currywurst and a place setting to go with it – that’s what the Vadder drinks in the pub, pilsner and a schnapps. The beer is also often drunk at the kiosk. The pot is delicious and people also like to eat in the pot. The meatball, known in Berlin as Bulette or in the south as Fleischpflanzerl, is probably one of the favorite dishes of the Ruhrpotters. The Ruhrpott potato salad, with a dash of mayonnaise, is also not to be missed. Just as little as all kinds of culinary craziness such as raisin mares with liver sausage, which are more likely to meet with incomprehension in other areas, are in great demand here and should definitely be tried.

 

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