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Discover nature and culture in Thuringia as a travel destination

PatrickJullien
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Discover nature and culture in Thuringia as a travel destination

In the north of Thuringia, the densely wooded Harz heights enchant nature enthusiasts with a wide network of hiking trails. The vibrant cities of Gera, Weimar and Erfurt attract visitors with a colourful range of exciting sights. And the historic Wartburg Castle invites you to visit as an almost world-famous sight. The Thuringian Forest, a wildly romantic low mountain range and the flat landscape of the Thuringian Basin characterise the varied landscape of Thuringia. The popular holiday region in the heart of Germany is easy to reach from all directions and offers interesting leisure activities for young and old.

Explore attractions in Thuringia

Wartburg, Thuringia
The Wartburg, Image: IURII BURIAK / shutterstock

If you take a stroll through Thuringia, you will discover numerous interesting sights, such as the romantic Hanstein castle ruins, the Kyffhäuser monument or the castle ruins of the legendary Emperor Barbarossa. The Dornburg Castles building ensemble, enthroned on a steep slope above the Saale, houses an interesting museum. And the mighty Ranis Castle in the Saale-Orla district was once the imperial castle of numerous German kings and emperors.

The historically very important Wartburg Castle towers above Lutherstadt Eisenach. Since 1999, the building, in which Martin Luther translated the Old Testament into German in 1551/2, has been a World Heritage Site. During a tour, you will also visit the 40-metre-long ballroom and the Luther Room.

The home of the well-known poet Goethe in Weimar attracts many visitors.
The City Museum houses exciting exhibitions about Weimar’s history. And the DDR Museum Apolda takes you back in time.

Hiking fun in Thuringia – at the pulse of nature

German National Theatre, Weimar
The German National Theatre, Image: canadastock / shutterstock

If you are looking for active recreation or sporting challenges, you will find what you are looking for in Thuringia: The wildly romantic Slate Mountains or the idyllic Thuringian Forest run through a wide, well-signposted network of trails for hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers, regardless of whether you love leisurely walks or challenging routes.

The Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail, which is more than 160 kilometres long, offers hikers magnificent views and leads you through the Thuringian Slate Mountains, the Thuringian Forest and the Bavarian Franconian Forest.

Cyclists like to follow the Hercules-Wartburg Cycle Path, which leads past Eisenach into the Thuringian Forest.

Near Eisenach there is a narrow, partly only 70cm wide gorge, which you can cross on a wildly romantic wooden footbridge. Nature has created a unique scenery here. The quietly rippling Marienbach accompanies you on your hiking adventure through the Dragon Gorge. Afterwards, it is recommended to follow the hiking trail in the direction of the Rennsteig to the Hohe Sonne; because from here it is only a stone’s throw to the Hischstein viewpoint.

Summer, sun and great excursions

Erfurt, Thuringia
View of Erfurt, Image: photo20ast / shutterstock

In the warm season, around 30 clear bathing waters allow young and old holiday guests to have refreshing bathing fun. The Eberswiese mountain lake is surrounded on three sides by rock faces and is a paradise for good swimmers. The Bleiloch Dam is the largest reservoir in Germany. There are idyllic bathing spots here, for example ‘Am Strandbad’ in Saalburg. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy various water sports at the Bleiloch Dam and recreational captains like to sail across the water sparkling in the sun on an excursion boat.

A colourful range of varied excursion destinations provides plenty of holiday fun in Thuringia. In the Thuringian Forest, for example, exciting climbing adventures await you in the high ropes course. Or would you rather take part in a dwarf tour through the stalactite cave? In the fairy grottoes it is ‘Glück auf!’ An experienced cave guide will be happy to show you the fascinating world underground.

A winter holiday in Thuringia

Thuringia is also worth a visit in the cold months and offers the best conditions for a relaxing winter holiday.

Believe it or not, 16 winter sports areas offer skiing and tobogganing fun.
The most famous among them is the Oberhof ski area, which extends up to 830m above sea level. The 800m long Fallbach slope attracts alpine skiers with sporting challenges. The adjoining snow park is an Eldorado for snowboarders. And various bobsleigh and luge competitions regularly provide variety.
Those who prefer to have fun away from the slopes can also look forward to a wide network of winter hiking trails and cross-country ski trails in the district of Saalfeld. At Lehesten am Wetzstein, there are around 28 groomed trails available for cross-country skiers. And families whiz down the Arnsgereuth toboggan hill with blowing hair, laughing.

Fine and hearty food for connoisseurs

Thuringian cuisine is considered down-to-earth and traditionally spoils gourmets with solid home cooking. The Thuringian grilled sausage is known far beyond the country’s borders.

But Thuringia attracts travelers with a variety of culinary delicacies for every taste.

Hearty roasts with Thuringian dumplings and sauce are among the most popular delicacies in Lutherstadt Eisenstadt.

Since 1828, the Wartburg Brewery has been delighting thirsty throats with its drinks. The ‘Schwarzer Esel’, a quaffable black beer, is considered a special speciality.
Why not take a culinary tour through Thuringian cuisine and try the beer soup with bread cubes, which has been popular since the 16th century.
For dessert in Thuringia, you will be served the seductively sweet sour cream cake with fruit.

Festivals and celebrations throughout the year

  • From the maypole setting in Erfurt to the Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof, Thuringia is the venue for lively festivals and celebrations all year round.
  • The Krämerbrückenfest in Erfurt is the largest old town festival in Thuringia and invites you to join in the celebrations with music, cabaret and culinary delights. The medieval market and the eagerly awaited fireworks display with laser show every year are among the highlights of the Krämerbrückenfest.
  • In 1653, the Weimar Onion Festival was first mentioned in a document. Framed by a multifaceted cultural programme on numerous stages, the Onion Festival today offers colourful entertainment. Be sure to try the spicy bacon or onion tart.
  • During the Advent season, Thuringia is transformed into a magical winter fairy tale. Romantic Christmas markets make Thuringia’s towns and cities shine in special splendour.
  • More than 200 wooden stalls with handicrafts and delicious goods stretch out at the Weimar Christmas Market between Wenigemarkt and the Cathedral Square. At the Goethe-Schiller Monument, an ice rink provides great fun for young and old skaters every year.
  • In front of the impressive backdrop of the cathedral, the Erfurt Christmas market has been taking place for well over 150 years. This is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

Kenya – Giraffes, Lions and Co

PatrickJullien
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Kenya – Giraffes, Lions and Co

Kenya as a travel destination embodies everything you imagine Africa to be: wide steppes, giraffes eating the treetops and herds of zebras galloping through the country dragging a long cloud of dust behind them.

Kenya’s varied and unique wildlife is just one of the highlights that awaits visitors to this East African country. For example, there are also beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant cities.

Kenya has been independent from Great Britain since 1963 and is now home to just over 47 million people. Most international flights arrive in Kenya in the capital Nairobi, a flight from Germany takes about 11 hours.

Highlights in Kenya

Kenya’s capital Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya
View of Nairobi, Image: Sopotnicki / shutterstock

Most visitors come to Kenya to see the diverse wildlife and impressive nature and therefore often travel on from Nairobi the next day after arrival. Nevertheless, this city has a surprising amount to offer its visitors. For those interested in culture and history, a visit to the National Museum of Nairobi is particularly worthwhile. The recently renovated museum displays a large number of natural history and cultural exhibits, including a large beetle and butterfly exhibit as well as contemporary Kenyan art. There is also an exhibition that presents the various Kenyan natural areas with their animals and plants and thus provides a good overview of the regions of the country.

Just 7 kilometres from the city centre is Nairobi National Park, which is home to many rare wild animals, separated from the rest of the city by a fence. Here, lions, hippos, ostriches and leopards can be found in the wild and can be observed. The park specialises in the endangered black rhinos and is one of the last habitats for the animals. In the immediate vicinity is the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for rhino and elephant orphans. The animals are cared for here and prepared for a life in the wild. Visitors can be present at the feeding, bathing and walking with the animals.

Outside the city

Masai Mara National Park

Parliament
The Kenyan parliament in Nairobi, Image: Sopotnicki / shutterstock

The 1500 square kilometre Masai Mara National Park in the south of the country is considered one of the most scenic and animal-rich regions in Kenya. The savannah of the park is occasionally broken up by so-called inselbergs and changes from a grass savannah to a tree savannah from north to south. The park is home to a variety of well-known African animal species, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. A visit is particularly worthwhile between July and September, when the animals of the savannah embark on a gigantic migration from south to north in search of water and there is a good chance of encountering a large number of the otherwise quite hidden animals at one of the waterholes.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Flamingos, Lake Nakuru
Flamingos at Lake Nakuru, Image: FOTOGRIN / shutterstock

Lake Nakuru National Park is the second most visited national park in Kenya after the Masai Mara. It stretches around Lake Nakuru over an area of 188 square kilometers and offers its visitors a large number of wild animals and a breathtaking landscape.

The center of the park is Nakuru Lake, which is one of the very shallow lakes with an average depth of 4 meters and whose size varies greatly depending on the season. A special visitor magnet are the more than 4 million flamingos that populate the shore areas around the lake and offer a colourful natural spectacle. In addition, this park is one of the last refuges for the endangered black rhinos, which are protected here 24 hours a day by rangers.

Bamburi Beach

In addition to the species-rich and unique national parks, Kenya’s beaches also attract countless visitors from all over the world year after year. One of the most beautiful beaches in the East African country is Bamburi Beach.

It is located 12 kilometers north of the port city of Mombasa and impresses with its white sandy beach and turquoise blue, clear water. Here, too, nature lovers get their money’s worth, because the true jewel of the beach lies underwater: while diving or snorkeling, visitors can discover the colorful and varied underwater world with numerous tropical fish, colorful corals and starfish.

Not far from Bamburi Beach, Nyali Beach is also home to the largest crocodile farm in the country.

Amboseli National Park

Samburu Women
Traditional Samburu women, Image: hecke61 / shutterstock

With an area of 390 square kilometers, Amboseli National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country, and is also the oldest protected area in Kenya. It is located in the far south on the border with Tanzania and from some places in the park the Kilimanjaro massif with its namesake and Kibo, the highest mountain on the continent, is very visible and provides a fantastic backdrop.

Thanks to the commitment of the Maasai living here, this region was largely spared from poachers and an incomparable wildlife was able to develop here. A special highlight of the park is its gigantic elephant population, as Amboseli National Park is home to over 800 of the giant animals.

Tsavo East National Park

The Tsavo East National Park is the largest national park in Kenya with its gigantic area of over 11,700 square kilometers and consists largely of desert-like steppes and tree- and grass-covered savannah landscapes.

Despite the relative barrenness, the park is home to countless animal species, including an endemic lion species, in which the males have almost no mane. Another highlight of the park are the so-called Red Elephants, which cover themselves with the red sand of the park and therefore appear in a bright rust red.

The most important questions about Kenya

What is the capital of Kenya called?

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya.

How long does it take to fly to Kenya?

A flight from Frankfurt to Mombasa, for example, takes eight and a half hours. A direct flight from Frankfurt to Nairobi takes ten and a half hours.

How much does a flight to Kenya cost?

According to records by swoodoo.com, a flight to Kenya costs an average of just under 670 euros.

How safe is Kenya?

Kenya is considered a safe travel destination. Tourism is very important and tourists are treated very kindly by the locals.

What is the best time to travel to Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October and December to March. This is how you avoid the rainy season with sometimes very heavy rainfall.

What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?

Pay attention to current vaccinations against tetanus (tetanus), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), measles and poliomyelitis/polio.

Latest reports on Kenya

St. Barts – colorful mosaic in the Caribbean

PatrickJullien
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St. Barts – colorful mosaic in the Caribbean

Also known as Saint Barthélemy, the island is part of the overseas department and a little bit of France in the middle of the Lesser Antilles. The island of volcanic origin is considered an insider tip for relaxing holidays away from large crowds. It occupies an area of only about 21 square kilometers and is the smallest island in the French Antilles, but captivates with a great variety of landscapes. St. Barts has endless fine white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, dazzling coral reefs, winding inland hiking trails, exotic flowers and picturesque towns.

The most beautiful beaches on St. Barts

The tropical island paradise has numerous picture-book beaches that invite you to enjoy the pleasures of swimming. At Flamands Bay, the longest beach on the island, visitors can expect the unique contrast of snow-white beach and blue-green water. The secluded beach of Colombier can only be reached by boat or hiking trails and offers breathtaking views over the entire island. On the beach of Grand Cul de Sac, water sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth – whether diving, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. The beach of Anse de Marigot, the only gray sand beach on St.Barts, offers shelter from the sun with its extensive coconut grove. While the bay of Cayes, lined with rubber trees with its high waves, is an Eldorado for windsurfers.

Gustavia – capital of St. Barts

Gustavia, St. Barts
Gustavia, the island’s capital, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

The island’s capital, Gustavia, captivates with its mixture of charming French flair and sparkling Caribbean lifestyle. Colourful wooden houses with red roofs alternate with luxurious properties and visitors can shop duty-free in noble boutiques. Gustavia is also a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of select restaurants serving French and Caribbean cuisine, often a mix of both. A popular destination for hikers is the 61-metre-high, white-red lighthouse, which offers a perfect view of the harbour of Gustavia with its noble yachts. Around the lighthouse run the remains of the walls of Fort Gustav, built in 1787, and some cannons have also been preserved. The construction of the fortification dates back to the time when the Caribbean island was under Swedish rule.

Culture and museums

Holidaymakers interested in culture can embark on an exciting journey through time into the history of the Caribbean island at the Musée Municipal de Saint Barthélemy . Starting from the time as a colony to the present. The museum in Gustavia also has an exhibition of historical documents, clothes and tools that is well worth seeing.

The International Shell Museum in Corossol is worth a visit, whose collection includes over 9000 of the most beautiful specimens from different countries and offers valuable information. In the museum’s boutique, shells can be purchased as a souvenir of a dream island holiday.

Sights on St. Barts

Beaches St. Barts
In addition to beautiful beaches, St. Barts has a lot more to offer, Image: Edd Lange / shutterstock

In addition to French flair and fantastic Caribbean beaches, the small island also offers other sights.

Corossol

The original fishing village of Corossol, located northwest of Gustavia, captivates with its small houses that line a slope like pearls. Here, the inhabitants still wear traditional costumes and speak Norman. From the bay, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of Gustavia in addition to magnificent sunsets.

Morne de Vitet

With the 286-metre-high Morne de Vitet, the Caribbean island also offers a highlight for sporty active holidaymakers. On the way to the summit, hikers pass picturesque huts and experience a magnificent view of the island and the sea.

Ile Fourchu

Swim together with turtles in a natural environment – the unique diving spot Ile Fourchu off St. Barts makes it possible. The nature reserve also includes numerous species of fish and corals as well as other sea creatures.

Ilet de Coco

Located in the south of the island, the Ilet de Coco invites experienced divers to exciting dives with its caves and steep walls. A special experience is the variety of sea creatures, which include sharks and turtles as well as humpback whales.

Excursions by catamaran

One of the most beautiful holiday experiences in the holiday paradise of St. Barts is a trip on a catamaran around the island. The bays of the island offer space for anchoring, swimming and diving, and the catamaran can be rented with or without a crew.

Saint Barth Gourmet Festival

Visitors can experience culinary delights at the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival, which takes place every autumn. In addition to fine wines, delicious creations of Caribbean cuisine are offered here – enjoyment at its finest.

Climate on St. Barts

The weather on the Caribbean island is characterized by a tropical climate with lots of sun and pleasant trade winds. The period from December to May is the dry season on St. Barts, while rainfall can be expected in the months from July to November.

Tips for getting to St. Barts

There are no direct flights between Europe and St. Barts. Shuttle flights to St. Barts are offered from the surrounding islands of Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Saint Thomas. In addition, fast ferries run regularly between St. Martin and St. Barts.

Sumatra – island with unique landscapes

PatrickJullien
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Sumatra – island with unique landscapes

Sumatra is part of Indonesia and is the second largest island in the state. It belongs to the large Sunda Islands and has several offshore islands. In the middle of the primeval island runs the equator. Sumatra is also known for the Sunda Strait, which has a length of 40 kilometers and separates it from the neighboring island of Java , and the Strait of Malacca.

The breathtaking scenery of Sumatra

Lake Toba, Sumatra
View of Lake Toba, Image: GlebSStock / shutterstock

Sumatra enchants its visitors above all with its fantastic landscape, which consists of rainforests, swamps and volcanoes. The beautiful lakes, the imposing mountains and the extensive beaches are also fascinating.

In contrast to many islands that are characterized by tourism, Sumatra still has a high level of originality. There are only a few conurbations and plenty of untouched jungle. The beaches look idyllic and overcrowded metropolises are rarely found on the island.

Sumatra is particularly suitable for people who love nature and adventure and are willing to give up some comfort. Instead, they will get an insight into the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Indonesian island.

Best time to visit Sumatra

The climate on Sumatra is characterized by its proximity to the equator. It is tropical and humid, so there is rainfall throughout the year.

The best time to visit Sumatra is from late April to mid-October. The hottest temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius are reached between April and July. The time between the end of October and the beginning of March is less suitable for a trip, because it rains the most then.

How to get to Sumatra?

The best way to reach Sumatra is by plane via Kuala Namu International Airport, which is located in the capital Medan. However, there are no direct flights from Europe to Medan, so a flight must be via other Asian cities such as Jakarta, Bangkok or Singapore . From there, you will take an Indonesian airline to Sumatra.

From Java, Sumatra can also be reached by boat via the ferry port of Merak, which heads for the port of Bakauheni. The boat trip takes about two hours. There is also a bus line that runs from Java by ferry between Jakarta and Bandar Lamung in the south of Sumatra.

Getting around Sumatra

To bridge long distances on the Indonesian island, a plane is recommended. From Medan Airport, other cities such as Banda Aceh or Padang can be reached. There are also local bus lines that can be used to reach any tourist destination on the island. There are also some minibuses or coaches.

However, larger buses only run on a few routes. The cheapest travel option for a trip through Sumatra is regional minibuses, but they are sometimes overcrowded.

Some tourists also hire a private driver, which is both convenient and cost-effective, especially for couples, families or smaller groups.

Medan and its interesting sights

On Sumatra, a visit to the island’s capital Medan is worthwhile. Located in the northern part of the island, the city is the cultural and historical centre of the island and was built at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Maimun Palace, built between 1887 and 1891, is particularly worth seeing. It was built by order of the Sultan of Deli and served as a residence for a time.

Other attractions in the capital include the Moroccan-style Grand Mosque, built in 1906 by an architect from the Netherlands, as well as various Dutch-style buildings. These include the Tirtanadi Water Tower, which is also Medan’s landmark, the post office and the town hall.

Explore Sumatra’s nature in Gunung Leuser National Park

Sumatra, Gunung Leuser
Elephants in Gunung Leuser National Park, Image: Sertan Yaman / shutterstock

One of the most fascinating attractions of North Sumatra is the Gunung Leuser National Park. It is one of the largest nature reserves in Indonesia and can be found in the provinces of Aceh and Sumatra Utara.

Many animal species have found a way to retreat in the national park. While hiking, numerous species can be discovered, such as tigers, Sumatran rhinos or wild bulls. The park is also home to the Sumatran orangutan as well as some species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The Gunung Leuser National Park is not the only attraction of this kind. Sumatra is home to around a dozen parks spread across the island. Its diverse flora and fauna is worth a detour. The landscape, which is located in the middle of crater lakes and primeval forests, remains unforgettable. Animal lovers will get their money’s worth.

A fantastic natural setting

Sumatra scores with its magnificent landscapes. The 30 or so volcanoes such as the Kerinci dominate. It is also Sumatra’s largest elevation. At its foot are the tea plantations worth seeing. Other natural spectacles include Lake Maninjau and Lake Toba. They were once formed by powerful eruptions of a supervolcano.

The island of Somosir, which is located in Lake Toba, is also worth a visit. On it, the Batak culture can be admired. The stone sarcophagi of the Sidabutar royal family, which are about 400 years old, are a popular attraction. Another attraction is Tuk-Tuk beach.

Beaches in Sumatra

There are several attractive beaches on Sumatra. Bintang Island is especially popular with young travelers. There is an optimal beach recreation possible. Numerous resorts offer a quiet location as well as inexpensive hotels. Nightlife enthusiasts will get their money’s worth in the discos and pubs on the coast.

Culinary specialties

If you are interested in local cuisine, you can stop off at one of the regional restaurants. A variety of cheap rice dishes await. Delicacies also include seafood and fish dishes

Davos – The highest city in Europe

PatrickJullien
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Davos – The highest city in Europe

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.

The special healing climate in Davos

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
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
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.

Holidays with your dog – 5 dog-friendly regions in Germany

PatrickJullien
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Holidays with your dog – 5 dog-friendly regions in Germany

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 .

  1. The Baltic Sea Fjord Schlei in Schleswig-Holstein

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 .

In many holiday homes on the Schlei, dogs are allowed, no, even expressly desired.

 

  1. Sankt Peter-Ording in Schleswig-Holstein

Beach chair St. Peter Ording
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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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!

Tajikistan – Central Asia in the High Mountains

PatrickJullien
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Tajikistan – Central Asia in the High Mountains

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

Yak
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

Lake Yashikul in Pamir, Tajikistan
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

Tajikistan Fortress
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.

Creative holiday greetings with your own postcard

PatrickJullien
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Creative holiday greetings with your own postcard

Even if it is not yet foreseeable when we will be able to start our next holiday trip. The next vacation is sure to come. And what could be better than making friends at home happy with a holiday card?

There are now two ways to do this:

The classic way

At some point – usually a few days before the end of your holiday – you pull yourself together and go hunting for suitable card motifs in the local souvenir shop. This is often difficult and you have to visit one or the other shop until you have all the cards together. Now buy the stamps and then hope for two or three hours of rainy weather so that you feel like writing each card by hand and sending it on its way. In most cases, the cards then arrive at friends and relatives with a long time delay. By then, the recovery is often already over.

The Modern Way – The Map Paradise App

An alternative to the classic way shown is to use the free app of the online platform Karten-Paradies. With this app, it is possible to design and send the holiday greeting postcard yourself within a few minutes. The own photos give the card a much more personal touch than the standard cards from the souvenir shop. Even better if you are in the photos yourself. On the beach, in front of a famous attraction or at the top of the mountain.

How does the creation of the postcard work?

In the first step, download the app from Google Play or Apple Store . You then have the option of choosing from a variety of design templates and inserting your own image motifs directly from your smartphone. Of course, don’t forget the classic holiday greetings and enter the address of the recipient.

After the card is finished, you give it on your journey. And here comes one of the great advantages of the offer of Karten-Paradies. The card is printed and shipped within minutes. This way, your friends and relatives will often find the card directly in their mailbox the next day.

After registration, the creation and dispatch of the first holiday card is free of charge – ideal for trying out.

Payment methods

Five convenient solutions are available as payment options:

  • PayPal
    Pay easily and quickly via the PayPal account
  • Invoice
    Conveniently pays within 14 days of invoicing. So that’s still enough if you pay the bill right after your vacation
  • Direct debit
  • Credit card
  • Cash on delivery (which, however, should be a bit difficult on vacation – more suitable for the further card offer, see below)

Paper types for postcard creation

There are five different types of paper available for your holiday cards:

  • 300 g art print
  • 250g Fine Paper Bechamel
  • 246g Art Print Linen
  • 285g Metallic Art Print
  • 270g Art Print Watercolor Oxford

For the classic holiday card, our paper recommendation is 300g art printing. Due to the high stability, smooth surface and a clear, bright white, the paper is perfect for your holiday greetings.

Map Paradise – An app just for holiday greetings?

Of course, you can use this app not only for your holiday cards from the sunny south. The offer includes all topics from wedding invitations, baby cards and birthday invitations to condolence cards. And it goes far beyond pure map creation. For example, you can also create menu cards, labels, church booklets and much more for weddings.

Murals and photo magnets are also included in the range.

If you now feel like using personal greeting cards on your next vacation, and want to make sure that your cards really reach your loved ones, then take a look around www.karten-paradies.de now and familiarize yourself with the app.

(Motive) Tips for your next holiday trip

The app is simple and understandable. But maybe you’re still missing the right travel destination? We have put together a few tips for you:

City trip – Let’s go to Paris

Couple in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Image: Ksana Durand / shutterstock

Is there a more beautiful personalized photo in front of a landmark than the Eiffel Tower in Paris? The all-round large park allows you to find the perfect location for a romantic photo in front of Paris ‘ landmark.

Photo from the honeymoon – Off to the Maldives

Who doesn’t know them. The images of white beaches, blue skies and endless sea. The Maldivian islands are lined up like a string of pearls in the Indian Ocean. Motif tip: Photo in the pool with the blue sea in the background.

The classic – Mallorca

Ideal for the whole family. Even during the summer holidays, the climate is good on Mallorca . For the children, everything important is offered with the pool area and beach. Motif tip: Build a huge sandcastle together with the children and then put the artwork on the postcard. Especially suitable for grandparents who stayed at home.

The most important utensils when camping

PatrickJullien
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The most important utensils when camping

Simply getting out, enjoying nature and being close to the destination in a personal way – all this is possible on a camping holiday. No other way of traveling allows such freedom. Whether on a supervised campsite with running water and electricity or on a remote campsite without mobile phone reception, camping still carries the adventure of travel. But the same applies to camping: a successful trip needs to be well prepared and there is hardly any other type of travel where equipment is as important as when camping. Here is a compilation of the utensils that should not be missing on a camping holiday.

Accommodation

The most important thing about camping is? Of course, the accommodation. This can take very different forms depending on personal taste. If you want to be particularly mobile and well protected from the elements during your holiday, a motorhome is recommended. These are available in a wide variety of sizes and equipment variants, depending on personal preference. As a rule, rental motorhomes have all the necessary cooking and hygiene utensils, so that you only have to worry about personal equipment with this form of travel. For all those who want to get particularly close to nature on holiday or want to set up camp in places that are inaccessible to vehicles, an overnight stay in a tent is unavoidable. Particularly important: if the tent is to be used for multi-day hikes, be sure to use an ultralight tent, as every gram more counts to carry. In addition, it is advisable to “test lie” for at least one night before the camping holiday. This can happen in your own garden or in the living room. This way you get an impression of the size of the tent before the trip and can familiarize yourself with it without being exposed to the true forces of nature.

Nutrition

Cooler
The cooler is an important tool when camping, Image: Monkey Business Images / shutterstock

You are what you eat, even on a camping holiday. Depending on where you ultimately spend the night, your diet must also be prepared accordingly. There is great flexibility in the caravan and with the built-in kitchen, all common dishes can be prepared from home with or less effort. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry a cool box with you. The cooler acts like a refrigerator and keeps perishable food fresh for longer. You can find more information about the cooler here. The situation is different when camping in the wilderness. Here, the diet should be planned before departure and appropriate rations should be purchased. Important: the weight. Stay away from canned chili con carne and other moist foods. Professional camping food is usually dry and thus saves valuable weight. Nevertheless, it should be important that only food that tastes good comes along. A camping gas stove helps to heat up, reusable camping dishes to take the food. A nutrition tip from the professionals: always carry an additional ration of your personal favorite candy with you. This provides a quick boost of energy and motivation when needed.

Clothing

Another important category is clothing. It is advisable to pack particularly weatherproof clothing for a camping holiday. Special outdoor clothing usually scores with rain protection and quick-drying properties. It is recommended to always carry at least a few dry changes of clothes. Underwear made of merino wool keeps you warm and remains odorless for several days. Particularly impregnated hiking boots protect against wet feet and also provide important support on demanding hikes. As an airy alternative, especially in summer, trekking sandals can also be carried. Nature lovers swear by barefoot shoes.

Hygiene

Here, too, personal hygiene can usually be handled almost like at home in the caravan. Large tent pitches also have sanitary areas for showering and toilet use. On rudimentary campsites, the situation is somewhat different. Here the shower sometimes has to wait. Nevertheless, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant if necessary and dry shampoo should be carried along. Toilet paper should also not be forgotten at home. When going to the toilet in the absolute wilderness, please also pack a shovel, because the toilet should be buried at least 20 centimeters deep. Bathing with soap in lakes and streams is also a no-go, because the chemicals can cause great damage to nature.

Personal

Camping is a holiday and of course a few personal items should not be missing. First of all, the most important thing: as with any trip, copies of important documents should be carried with you when camping. These include passports, health cards and driver’s licenses. When traveling to risk areas, a copy of the vaccination certificate cannot hurt either. Tip to save weight: simply carry the copies in digital form on your smartphone. This also protects the environment. For personal comfort, other personal belongings can also be carried. For example, a notebook to record the impressions of the trip on the spot. Or a good book that can be enjoyed in the silence of nature and become a pastime in the accommodation when it rains.

 

Relax on your skiing holiday with the ski roof box

PatrickJullien
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Relax on your skiing holiday with the ski roof box

Skiing holiday. These are sugared mountain peaks, freshly groomed slopes, glittering fresh snow and hot chocolate after powerful turns on the mountain. Whether alpine, in deep snow, on the cross-country ski trail or on the toboggan run – a skiing holiday is winter relaxation in nature. But if you have the appropriate equipment yourself, you first have to get the bulky skis, snowboards, poles and toboggans to their destination. And depending on the car, this can become a real challenge. This is because the popular winter sports equipment is often 1.90m long and, with its bulky bindings, is usually difficult to place in the interior of the car. If several family members want to go on holiday with you, you are quickly faced with the challenge of who to leave at home: skis or family? To avoid exactly this stress, a roof box, e.g. from TEILE-direkt.at , can quickly remedy the situation.

The roof box – space miracle at height

A roof box is a true space miracle at the lofty height of the car roof. Instead of packing bulky winter sports equipment such as skis, snowboards and sleds into the interior of your own car with precise precision work or on a car luggage rack.

They can be conveniently and easily stored in the roof box. There, they do not scratch high-quality leather seats and are also exposed to their natural temperature. This has an advantageous and gentle effect on the material. This leaves enough space in the interior for the essentials – so that the journey to the holiday destination can already count as a holiday.

From foldable to hardshell – the different models

But there are also different versions of the roof box, which are best suited depending on your needs. If you also have a good and generous storage space at home, the traditional hardshell box is a good choice. It is stable, durable and offers plenty of storage space for boards, poles and sledges. It usually has already integrated ski holders that attach the devices. This ensures safety while driving. If you opt for a more common roof box without brackets, you should make sure that the roof load is evenly distributed. For all those whose garage does not have year-round space for a two-metre-long box, a foldable roof box is a good choice. This can be conveniently folded away throughout the year. When unfolded, it still offers just as much space as a traditional hardshell box.

Easy installation for more flexibility on holiday

No matter which roof box you choose. The installation is usually simple and uncomplicated. If the car already has a roof rack, the box can be quickly attached to it using a quick release. If you load them evenly with the popular winter sports equipment and bulky winter clothing in accordance with the regulations, you can start right away. But don’t forget: With the roof box, your own car is a few centimetres higher! This should be particularly important when entering the underground car park of the mountain station. Otherwise, the first day on the slopes will quickly turn into a day in the valley.

Versatile – roof box a real plus even in summer

Of course, the roof box is not only a relief for space and nerves for a skiing holiday, but also in summer. Especially then, bulky items such as hiking poles, air mattresses and sand toys for the little ones often have to be taken along. After two weeks in the sand, you are happy to leave the beach in the resort and the sand in the roof box.

 

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