All about travel

Zillertal – From Strass to Mayrhofen

PatrickJullien

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8. November 2019

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.

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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

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.

Experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps while winter hiking

PatrickJullien

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2. November 2019

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Experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps while winter hiking

A hike through the snow-covered landscape of the Alps is always a pleasure. On lonely paths, you can hear the snow crunching under your shoes and you can observe one or the other animal. On somewhat busier paths, there are usually inns or snack stations where you can warm up while indulging in culinary delights. But what all hikes have in common is the clear, fresh air, which seems to be a tad fresher in winter.

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Animal hike in the Montafon

The Montafon offers guided hikes with llamas. In Innerberg, hikers meet with the llamas and their owner. The animals, which are native to the South American Andes, are very tame and therefore perfect for long leisurely walks.

At the beginning of the excursion, hikers warm up with a punch while getting acquainted with the animals. With the llamas, you can then leisurely walk along old miners’ paths through the former mining region. The Andean animals slow down the hike and thus also the hikers on their way. The first stop is the Panoramagasthof Kristberg, where holidaymakers can warm up and fortify themselves.

Next we go to the St. Agatha Miners’ Chapel. It is the oldest church in the Montafon. A lot of information about the former mining region is given here. Raw materials such as silver, copper or iron were mined in the Montafon for centuries. After this short excursion into history, it goes back to Innerberg.

Winter hikes in Innsbruck

From Tyrol’s capital Innsbruck there are many opportunities for wonderful hikes in winter. The vast majority of these tours also offer many opportunities for refreshments. To get out of the city and into the winter landscape as quickly as possible, the Hungerburgbahn is a good choice. Here you will find the most popular winter hiking trails to the alpine pastures in the Karwendel mountains. Probably the most frequented path is the one to the Arzler Alm, which is also open in winter. About 150 m above is the Rumer Alm, which is easy to reach and open even in the cold season. This hike to the alpine pastures in the Karwendel offers a magnificent view over the valley with Innsbruck to the Patscherkofel to the south.

On high-altitude hiking trails through wintry Styria

Bad Mitterndorf in Styria, Image: photoflorenzo / shutterstock

The winter high-altitude hiking trails offer an alternative for holidaymakers who do not want to ski up a mountain. The hike from the Tauplitzalm to the Lawinenstein is a wonderful summit hike on groomed slopes for pedestrians.

Via the Tauplitz Alpine Road, the path leads by car or ski bus to the valley station of the gondola lift. This takes you up a few metres in altitude, with a wonderful view of the valley to Bad Mitterndorf, the Grimming and above all over the Tauplitzalm ski area from here. From the mountain station, it then goes on groomed paths to the summit of the Lawinenstein, from which the holidaymaker has a 360-degree panoramic view. The view sweeps over the valley to the Grimming, over the Dachstein to the Totes Gebirge. From the summit it goes back to the mountain station, which takes the hiker back towards the valley. However, if you still want to stop for a leisurely snack, the path leads past the mountain station of the gondola lift to the Krimandlhütte at the Lawinenstein chairlift.

Torchlight hike in the Hohe Tauern

Krimml Waterfalls in winter — The Krimml Waterfalls, Image: Cristian Andriana / shutterstock

The Krimml Waterfalls are located in the Hohe Tauern National Park. With a height of 385 m, they are the largest waterfalls in Europe.

In the period from the end of December to mid-March, torchlight hikes to the Krimml Waterfalls are offered every Wednesday. It starts at the Krimml music pavilion and goes via the village of Krimml to the waterfalls. Since the hike only covers about 30 meters in altitude, it is classified as easy. On the half-hour trail, the hiking guides provide valuable impressions.

At the foot of the waterfalls, the Krimml innkeepers invite hikers to a drink and there is a small supporting programme.

Winter hiking at Lake Wolfgang

At Lake Wolfgang, there is a suitable hike for every taste. A very nice and also flat hike is the Seeweg circuit. On a cleared winter hiking trail, which is suitable for all weather conditions and also for prams, you can walk through a fairytale winter landscape for about an hour. The start and finish point is the Strobel village square. The path leads along Lake Wolfgang on a narrow path through the “Blinklingmoos” nature reserve. From here there is a wonderful view over the lake to St. Wolfgang and the mountains around Lake Wolfgang. At the fork in the road with the signpost “Zum Lipphaus” it goes to the Bahndammweg and back to Strobel.

Sölden – World Cup location in the heart of the Ötztal

PatrickJullien

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31. October 2019

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Sölden – World Cup location in the heart of the Ötztal

The village of Sölden is located in the municipality of the same name in the heart of the Ötztal in Austria. The municipality includes the villages of Gurgl, Heiligkreuz, Vent, Zwieselstein and Sölden. The main town is located at an altitude of 1368 above sea level and is therefore predestined for holidays in summer and winter. The former character of the village as a mountain farming village was replaced towards the end of the 20th century by an architectural style that is characterized by tourism and alpine.

With its hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, Sölden is the tourist centre of the municipality. From here you can conquer glaciers, peaks, alpine pastures and forests.

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History of Sölden

The history of the rear Innerötztal could be proven once again by the discovery of the glacier corpse Ötzi. Even in the Stone Age, this valley was cultivated by shepherds and hunters. They came from the south over the main ridge of the Alps and increased the usable pasture areas at the tree line through slash-and-burn agriculture. The settlement of the valley began from the south from the Vinschgau Valley.

In 1166, “Seldon” was mentioned for the first time in the chronicle of the Ottobeuren monastery. As a result of the sound conversion, in which the “e” changed to an “ö”, Seldon became Sölden.

The livelihood of the valley inhabitants was mainly livestock breeding and trade until the valley was transformed into a winter sports centre. The first lifts were built in 1948 and about 25 to 30 years later, the development of the Rettenbach and Tiefenbachferner followed.

Sölden in winter

Tiefenbachbahn at an altitude of over 3,000 metres — Tiefenbachbahn at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, Image: Goran Vrhovac / shutterstock

Sölden is a very popular winter sports resort in the Alps. Here, one highlight follows the other. Not only the ski area on the Gaislachkogl and the Giggijoch, but also two glacier ski areas on the Rettenbachfernen and the Tiefenbachferner invite you with a generous range of slopes.

The glacier ski area is located at an altitude of 3340 meters. Here, the season can start as early as September and sometimes lasts until May. This glacier ski area opens up three mountains over 3000 m high. This is a unique selling point of this ski area in Austria and is referred to as the “Big 3”. The longest descent leads over 15 kilometers from the 3340 m high Schwarze Schneide to the valley.

In total, there are 148.3 km of slopes in the ski area. These range from easy beginner slopes to black slopes for the pro. The entire ski resort has 39 cable cars that go up to 3250 m. For a short break during a long day of skiing, 38 huts invite hungry skiers. On the Tiefenbachferner and the Giggijoch there are also 2 fun parks.

The ski area of Sölden opens the Ski World Cup every year, with the women coming out on top. They open the season with their giant slalom. But the glacier spectacle “Hannibal” also attracts spectators every two years. Here, the crossing of the Alps by Hannibal with his army is recreated with modern means.

Sölden in summer

Although Sölden is the winter sports paradise par excellence, it is always worth a visit in summer.

Especially holidaymakers who like to hike are in the perfect place here. On around 300 km of hiking trails, you can explore the mountains from Sölden. Various hiking routes lead through forests, over alpine pastures to the barren landscape of gneiss and granite.

In the numerous snack stations or on the alpine pastures, you can pause and indulge in culinary delights. It goes even higher up to the glaciers, where you hike past sparkling alpine streams and can also see one or the other meltwater lake in its turquoise splendor.

In the Ötztal there are the right tours for everyone. The easy hiking trails are made for families or pleasure hikers and the crisp tours and via ferratas for the experienced alpinist. And if you want to venture onto unfamiliar routes, you will find the perfect companion in the Söldner mountain guides.

Sölden is not only a hiking Eldorado, but also offers cyclists the perfect route. In the valley, a leisurely cycle path leads along the Ötztaler Ache and on the mountains there are one or two trails in the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN.

Other tourist highlights

Ötztal Glacier Road

The glacier road leads from Sölden to the two glaciers Rettenbachferner and Tiefenbachferner. The road was built in 1972 and reaches its highest point at 2829 m above sea level. This is the highest point in the Alps that can be reached on a paved road. This point can be reached by driving through the Rosi-Mittermaier tunnel to the Tiefenbachferner. In the summer months, you can drive on the toll road with your own car, motorcycle and bicycle. But the road can also be climbed on foot.

In the footsteps of 007

Sölden James Bond — Cocktail a la James Bond, Image: DucMityagov / shutterstock

In 2015, Sölden became the secret star of the James Bond film SPECTRE when some scenes of the film were filmed here. This event is kept alive in 007 ELEMENTS, an installation in a newly constructed building on the Gaislachkogl. Although this exhibition focuses on the film SPECTRE, chapters from the 24 films of the series shot up to that point are also considered.

You’ll find interactive high-tech galleries, dramatic soundscapes and gadgets. This is where every fan of the British agent’s heart swells.

Tibet – the home of the Dalai Lama

Asia
China

PatrickJullien

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20. October 2019

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Thanks to its remote location in Central Asia due to the Himalayan Mountains, a unique culture has been able to develop in Tibet. With an impressive history, breathtaking scenery and cultural features, Tibet is considered one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world.

As the highest region in the world, Tibet is often referred to as “the roof of the world”. Both due to cultural treasures, Mount Everest, the seemingly endless steppes and as the center of Buddhism, the Tibet region is a truly dreamlike destination for globetrotters.

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Special features of Tibet

Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Image: Jixin YU / shutterstock

Tibet’s history is marked by oppression, and uprisings in the country have repeatedly ensured that the world looked to the Tibet region. The history of the country began with the founding of the Kingdom of Tibet at the beginning of the 7th century. This status was followed by the conquest by the Mongols in 1240. In the 18th century, Tibet was in the Manchu sphere of influence.

As a result, there was an occupation by the British from November 1903. In 1913, Tibet gained state independence, but this ended in 1951 with its incorporation into the People’s Republic of China . To this day, the situation in Tibet is to be viewed critically and there is still a Tibetan government in exile around the Dalai Lama, whose name and picture (at the behest of the Chinese government) may not be mentioned or shown publicly in Tibet. Today, the area with the capital Lhasa is considered an “autonomous region”. For travelers, however, this also means that China issues visas to enter Tibet, which repeatedly leads to foreign tourists being prohibited from entering Tibet. Accordingly, good and early travel planning is a must.

Lhasa – the capital of Tibet

Potala Palace – the former residence of the Dalai Lama

Potala Palace, Tibet — The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Image: Tapasr / shutterstock

The enchanting capital of Tibet is located in the south of the region, almost hidden behind the largest mountains in the world. As the Buddhist center of the country, the city is still characterized by the monks who live here. The Potala Palace in particular is considered a tourist attraction. It is enthroned on Mount Maori and is thus 130 m above the city. The palace was once the seat of government of the Dalai Lama and is now one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. During the construction of the palace alone, 3,700 kg of gold were processed. With 999 rooms spread over 13 floors, the Potala Palace is one of the most impressive buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Only 2,300 visitors are admitted to the palace every day, so waiting times must be expected here.

The Jokhang Temple

As a central sanctuary of the Tibetans, the Jokhang Temple is a very important place, which is also considered an outstanding example of Tibetan architecture. At least once in their lives, every Tibetan should make a pilgrimage to the Jokhang Temple, which is located in the west of the city and was once the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. In addition to the palace itself, which has 374 rooms, the large park that surrounds the temple is also impressive, and there is even a zoo here.

Places worth seeing in Tibet that touch

The Sera Monastery

The Sera monastery complex is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” and is located north of the capital Lhasa. All three monasteries belong to the Gelug order, from which the Dalai Lama also came. It is interesting to start all three monasteries. It is recommended to start with the Sera Monastery, because it is only 3 kilometers away from Lhasa. Afterwards, we recommend a visit to the nearby Drepung Monastery before heading to Ganden Monastery, which is located on the Drog Riboche mountain about 50 kilometers from the capital. Especially those interested in Buddhism should not miss the opportunity, because the monasteries mentioned can be visited for a small donation and paint a clear picture of how Buddhism is deeply rooted in the life of the monks.

Der Mount Everest

If you visit the Rongpu Valley, you can not only visit the Rongpu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, but also enjoy a unique view of the north face of Mount Everest. At the foot of the highest mountain on earth is also Mount Everest Base Camp, from which experienced mountaineers set out to climb the summit. The Sherpas, who live in Nepal , often accompany the expeditions to Mount Everest and are blessed for the ascent at Rongpu Monastery, as the mountain is the home of the spirits.

Mount Kailash

Kailash, Tibet — The Kailash, Image: Almazoff / shutterstock

As the holiest place of the Tibetans, Kailash Mountain is known far beyond the borders of Tibet. The mountain was once considered one of the most inaccessible mountains in the world, but this changed with the opening of Ngari-Günsa Airport, 200 km away. Anyone who once wanted to reach the holy place from Lhasa had to be prepared for hardships, so that once very few tourists took on the ordeal. Every year, however, several thousand Tibetans took the journey to reach the most holy place. Thanks to the improved infrastructure, the number of pilgrims has increased and the tour to Kailash Mountain is also recommended for tourists, which carries a blanket of snow all year round, because this place has a very special magic.

Specialties of the country

Tibet is a special destination and this is also reflected in the Tibetan cuisine. Since the climatic conditions are quite harsh, the cultivation of grains, vegetables and the like is only possible to a limited extent. Nevertheless, Tibetan cuisine has some highlights in store. The national drink is butter tea, which is made from salted yak butter, but yoghurt and sour milk drinks as well as Indian chai are also very popular. Simple dishes such as tsampa, a porridge or a dough made from roasted barley flour and eaten with honey, jerky or curd, depending on the meal. The country’s specialties include momos (Tibetan dumplings), which can be prepared in different ways. Soups and stews and meat dishes are also popular, with offal also being processed. Basically, the dishes are very much dominated by grains, meat and cheese, although vegetables such as green beans, garlic, spinach, peas, onions, broccoli, carrots and mushrooms also have a firm place in Tibetan cuisine.

Emigrating to Paraguay – What is there to consider?

Paraguay

PatrickJullien

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19. October 2019

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Emigrating to Paraguay – What is there to consider?

There are plenty of good reasons to emigrate to Paraguay. Even though the comparatively small country in South America is rarely in the spotlight in this country, it offers exactly those advantages that emigrants usually want when they want to live outside Europe. In Paraguay, it is not only very easy to obtain permanent residency. After only three years in Paraguay , one can also obtain citizenship. And the taxes are lower than almost anywhere else, and the mentality of the people really invites you to think about emigrating to Paraguay. Last but not least, the great climate should be pointed out, which guarantees many sunny days and certainly increases the joy of life.

So why not emigrate to Paraguay? How does it work? What do you have to consider if you want to emigrate to Paraguay? Here is an overview of the most important information.

Documents and applications required for a visa in Paraguay

First of all, all you need for a single entry into Paraguay is a valid passport, which every German can easily obtain, unless he or she is in possession of one anyway. As soon as you are in Paraguay, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. At least that’s how most immigrants to Paraguay proceed.

What do you need locally to obtain such a permanent residence permit? By the way, this is called Cedula or Migraciones. This is what you need:

a certified police clearance certificate
This can be applied for at the citizen’s office in your place of residence, and it is required in Paraguay for people aged 12 and over.

It is important that it is not older than 3 months when applying for the permanent visa.
Health certificate
In this way, Paraguay protects itself against the fact that the entrant does not carry any serious illnesses. You can get it in a German hospital, but you can also have one made locally in Paraguay.
Certified copy of passport
Alternatively, the original passport with a copy is sufficient, but you should be on the safe side here.
Certified copy of the international birth certificate
You can apply for one at your responsible registration office in Germany. The costs for this are usually around 10 euros. It must not be older than 12 months.
Marriage or divorce certificate
A certified copy of this must also be submitted, which must not be older than 5 years. Of course, this point only applies to those immigrants to Paraguay who are married or divorced.

If all the necessary documents or certified copies are available, they must be sent to the Paraguayan embassy in Germany. The following processing costs around 70 euros, although prices may change here. Once the embassy has given permission, you can enter Paraguay. There they then take care of the permanent residence permit, which is usually easy to obtain – especially for immigrants from European countries. And the initial effort for the general entry into Paraguay is also manageable, as the above list demonstrates.

Conclusion on emigrating to Paraguay

In summary, it can be said that compared to most other countries, it is very easy to emigrate to Paraguay and gain a foothold here. This applies in particular to the official regulations, but also to the way of life of the people. As an immigrant to Paraguay, you are rarely perceived as an intruder. Rather, the Paraguayos perceive new fellow citizens as an enrichment. Which is why it is always worthwhile to think about Paraguay as your new, permanent domicile. Which, as you read, is also supported by the fact that it is child’s play to obtain citizenship – as long as you behave, which, as is well known, applies in all states.

The island of Juist: Deceleration on the North Sea

Rosa Koppelmann

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10. October 2019

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The island of Juist: Deceleration on the North Sea

by Rosa Koppelmann (www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com)

A place where no cars are allowed to drive, horse-drawn carriages set the pace and the nearest beach is never more than 500 meters away – that’s the North Sea island of Juist! The island is located in the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony and, with a length of 17 kilometres, is the longest of the East Frisian islands. At its widest point, the island measures 900 meters, at its narrowest just 500 meters.

There are two villages on Juist: the main town, which is divided into Westdorf and Ostdorf, and the smaller Loog. The harbour and most of the hotels are located in the main town. Here you will also find supermarkets and other shopping facilities. Loog, on the other hand, offers more peace and even more individual holidays.

Everyday life on Juist is determined by the tides: because passenger and transport ships can only sail at high tide. As a result, many things on the island run a little slower than on the mainland. This is exactly what makes Juist so charming, because nowhere else can you slow down as well as here!

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Discover Juist by bike and on foot

Juist hike — Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

With a length of 17 kilometres, Juist is a fairly manageable island – and yet you can experience a lot here! The island is very easy to discover by bike and since there are no cars on the island, you can drive freely and relaxed here. But even if you don’t want to rent a bike, there is a lot to see and experience here!

Everyone who visits Juist sooner or later goes to the wide, white sandy beach that stretches along the entire length of the island. Here you can rent a beach chair and watch the hustle and bustle of the visitors, take a long walk, or make yourself comfortable on one of the less visited beach sections.

From the beach you go directly into the dunes, where you can go on beautiful hikes on wooden paths. A popular route is the Otto-Leege-Pfad. In the 1920s, the biologist Otto Leege had over 50,000 wind-resistant trees planted on the island and in his memory a nature and art trail was created that brings visitors closer to nature in a very vivid way. The flora and fauna on Juist is incredibly diverse: yes, in fact, you can find around a quarter of the German flora and a fifth of the German fauna on the East Frisian Islands! With a share of 0.03 percent, measured against the total area of Germany, this is quite impressive!

The most beautiful excursion destinations on Juist

Domain Bill — With the horse-drawn carriage to Domöne Bill, Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

Both on the island and on the sea there are some fascinating excursion destinations. As soon as you arrive on the island, you will see the Memmertfeuer lighthouse. In the summer months, you can climb to a small viewing platform on top of the lighthouse. From here you are directly on the main street, where there are shops, cafes and restaurants. The Juist town hall with tourist information can also be found here.

If you are in the Wadden Sea for the first time, you should not miss a mudflat hike on Juist. The experience is as unique as the Wadden Sea itself! Another must-see is the Bill, which is located at the west end of the island; where the North Sea and the Wadden Sea meet. Domäne Bill, which is located just before the large sandbanks, serves the world-famous raisin mares and delicious coffee specialties, which can be enjoyed either in the café or on the green dike overlooking the mudflats. The best way to get to the domain is by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Tickets for the approximately one-hour carriage ride can be easily purchased at the travel agency on the main street.

A bike tour to the Hammersee is also a nice excursion by bike or on foot; the largest freshwater lake in the East Frisian Islands was created in 1932 when the dune dike was built. Here, too, there is a paved hiking trail that allows you to walk around the lake without upsetting the flora and fauna.

Seal Bank North Sea — The seal banks are a great destination for young and old, Picture: Picture: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

If you like to be on the water, you should definitely book a boat trip to the seal banks. A small ferry takes you from the harbour across the sea. After about an hour, you will reach the seal banks and can watch from the ship as the fascinating, strong animals crawl into the water, emerge from the sea and roll comfortably back and forth on the beach.

Holidays with children on the island

The North Sea island of Juist is the ideal holiday destination for families, because there is hardly a place that is safer: there are no cars here and the children can move freely. The wide sandy beach is probably the most beautiful sandpit in the world and there are large well-equipped playgrounds both directly on the beach and at the harbour. There is also a seawater wave pool on Juist for rainy days and an informative exhibition about the Wadden Sea in the National Park House in the old train station. In summer, there are theatre performances, beach parties or football tournaments specially designed for children between 4 and 15 years old. In addition, the island hosts the children’s university “Sustainable Living” from the end of June to the beginning of September. Here, topics such as climate change, climate protection and sustainability are dealt with in a playful way. The events are designed so that the children can participate independently.

Sustainability on Juist

Juist Beach — Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

Due to its location in the middle of the North Sea, Juist is directly affected by climate change: rising sea levels, heavy stumbling and dune collapse in the west pose a concrete threat to the island. Due to the direct threat, the island has set itself the goal of being climate neutral by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the island has taken various measures. First, in 2016, Juist took part in the world’s first forum for the sustainable development of European islands: the Smart Island Forum. The Smart Islands Forum brings together the expertise of the islands facing similar challenges. Island regions can also be increasingly used as test balloons for technological, economic, social and political innovations.

Juist not only discusses, but also implements! The island is car-free: even goods, goods and entire removals are transported by horse-drawn carriages. Swiss Post only uses an electric vehicle for the distribution of parcels. The police ride their bikes, just like most residents and guests. Only doctors, fire brigades and the German Red Cross are allowed to use motor vehicles.

The island’s water supply is autonomous: under the island there is a freshwater lens, which is tapped alternately through several wells. The freshwater lens rises when it rains. Thus, the island is directly dependent on rainwater. The water enters the waterworks and is treated there. It is subject to the strictest legal regulations, which are continuously reviewed; so the water can be used as drinking water. Guests are asked to bottle the tap water. This means that less bottled water has to be transported from the mainland and resources can be saved.

So you can not only simply experience a wonderful, relaxed holiday on Juist, but you can also be sure that you are not overstretching your CO2 footprint!

Impressions of the North Sea island of Juist

Bild: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

Frankfurt am Main – more than just a cool banking metropolis

PatrickJullien

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9. October 2019

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Frankfurt am Main – more than just a cool banking metropolis

Frankfurt am Main, the largest city in Hesse and the fifth largest in Germany, is a city of contrasts. Tradition meets modernity, culture meets business, cosiness meets busyness. International trade fairs, financial transactions and important cultural events contribute to the cosmopolitan character of the city as well as the convenient and central location in the heart of Germany. Frankfurt Airport is one of the most important aviation hubs in the world, and Frankfurt Central Station is even the most important transport hub in the whole of Germany. This makes Frankfurt one of the most liveable cities in Germany.

Frankfurt is the only city in Germany to have an impressive skyline that is reminiscent of New York . It is characterized by numerous high-rise buildings and modern skyscrapers in the city center. Especially in the glow of the evening sun, when the mirrored facades shine in the sun and are reflected in the Main, this is an impressive sight that is often and gladly photographed.

Fountains of Justice — The Fountain of Justice at the Römer, Image: Pigprox / shutterstock

Frankfurt scores with many unique sights. The Römerberg with the lovingly restored old town is the architectural highlight of the city and an important tourist attraction. Nearby is also St. Paul’s Church, where the German National Assembly was held in 1848. Relaxation and an interesting cultural experience are combined on a stroll along the banks of the Main. 15 museums along the waterfront invite you to visit and explore. Just a short walk away is the Goethe House, the former residence of the family of perhaps the city’s most famous son, which has been converted into a museum.

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Sport and fun

Sports enthusiasts have a wide range of opportunities to pursue their hobby in Frankfurt. The Rebstockbad is the largest indoor pool in the city and one of the most visited pools in Germany. With various slides, whirlpools, sauna areas and numerous other attractions, it is a wellness oasis in the middle of the city.

Zoo Frankfurt — The entrance to Frankfurt Zoo, Image: Rainer Lesniewski / shutterstock

In winter, the ice rink offers winter sports enthusiasts plenty of space to skate and relax at the bar on 9000 m², and numerous events and important sporting events also take place here. The Commerzbank Areana is one of the ten largest football stadiums in the country. In addition to the stadium, the facility includes numerous other sports facilities, including a tennis and beach volleyball facility as well as a swimming pool and much more. Of course, the games of the local football club Eintracht Frankfurt also take place here.

A slightly surreal experience is a game of mini golf in the dark. For most golfers, it’s a new experience to play amidst neon colors and black light. If you are looking for even more action, one of the climbing halls is recommended. Here, active athletes can prove their fitness on climbing walls of different levels of difficulty.

Going out in Frankfurt

Night owls and party-goers will find numerous entertainment and nightlife options for every taste in Frankfurt.

Sachsenhausen is THE nightlife district of the city. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to the district south of the Main and the quaint pubs located here. Here you can get the tasty “Ebbelwoi” (apple wine) and “Handkäs’ mit Musik”. This sour milk cheese, dressed with onions, vinegar and oil, is a typical Frankfurt specialty, as is the “Grie Soß'”, which consists of seven herbs. It is almost always served with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.

In Frankfurt’s trendy Bornheim district, there is also a multifaceted gastronomic offer. Cozy, typical Frankfurt restaurants can be found here as well as hip burger shops, inexpensive Asian snacks or restaurants with vegan offerings.

Around the main train station, Frankfurt shows its international side. Turkish greengrocers, Moroccan butchers, Chinese restaurants, African hairdressers and Indian tailors live peacefully side by side here, contributing to the city’s typically multicultural flair.

Frankfurt Christmas Market — The traditional Christmas market in Frankfurt, Image: S.Borisov / shutterstock

Near the train station is also the Tanzhaus West, one of the hottest techno clubs in this city. Friends of Latin American music will get their money’s worth in the Chango, which is directly opposite the train station. The largest Latin disco in Hesse is dedicated to the South American attitude to life and its music.
The Batschkapp is a true institution. It was opened in 1976 and is still the right address for rock and alternative music today. The Brotfabrik, located in the Hausen district, still breathes some of the revolutionary spirit of the 68 years, concerts are held here, but also discos, readings and other cultural events.

Shopping in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an excellent shopping address. Along the Zeil, the main shopping street in the city center, there are numerous department stores, boutiques and for all tastes. Goethestraße, not far from the Zeil, is a first-class address for high-priced designer fashion from international luxury labels. But also on Berger Straße or Leipziger Straße you will find a variety of attractive shopping opportunities for every budget and for every taste, from department stores to small owner-managed fashion stores.

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

Marleen Langen

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3. October 2019

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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!

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“Melting Pott”

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.

Happy World Tourism Day 2019 – This logistical masterpiece is behind (air) travel

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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26. September 2019

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Happy World Tourism Day 2019 – This logistical masterpiece is behind (air) travel

The increasingly globalized world is opening up opportunities for societies and individuals that not so long ago were considered a futuristic thought experiment. However, humans have already become accustomed to most of the amenities that an open world brings with it. (Air) travel is one of these comforts. It is enough to be equipped with a mobile phone and a credit card – that’s all it takes to organize a trip, no matter where you go. The flight has been booked via the app, the accommodation has already been reserved for holiday apartments via a community marketplace and the route for the city tour has been marked out on Google Maps. Only a few clicks – or so it feels – separate us from our next trip.

The busiest day since the beginning of air travel

But today, on World Tourism Day 2019, we want to pause for a moment, reflect and appreciate what a logistical masterpiece is actually behind all this. This year’s World Tourism Day is under the motto “Tourism and Jobs”: According to the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, the aim is to focus on the often underestimated role of tourism as a job engine. One in ten jobs worldwide is accounted for by tourism. This manpower is also needed to coordinate 205,468 flights in just one day – that’s how many passenger planes took off last year on the busiest day of the year, July 13, 2018. All passengers who flew on this day fill a total of 36 Olympic stadiums (2.7 million people) – a world record. By 2035, experts predict a total of 40,000 aircraft that will be in the air at the same time – more than twice as many as the current record.

All these approximately 200,000 flights covered a total of over 3 million kilometers. That’s a distance as far as from the Earth to the moon and all the way back again – 4,000 times. The longest flight in 2018 was around 14,000 kilometers – from Los Angeles to Singapore. Our editorial team came across the following infographic, which visualizes these and other figures and provides other exciting, entertaining airport and travel data:

More about travel at Horizn Studios.

The graphic makes it clear that not everything always works as smoothly as passengers might like. There are some delays, flight cancellations, suitcases get lost or other annoying things happen that spoil the holiday mood a bit. However, given the numbers listed here, it is almost a miracle that flying is such a reliable and efficient way to travel. It may help to think about how many flights have already taken off on time in the past when a large “delay” appears in red lettering on the display board at the gate.

Happy World Tourism Day!

Kiev – capital of Ukraine

PatrickJullien

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21. September 2019

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It is with great horror that we see the sad images from Ukraine. We have decided to leave the following article from 2019 unchanged for the time being in order to present the beauty of the city of Kyiv before the outbreak of the war. Our thoughts are with the families on site.

Kiev is the capital and largest city in the northern part of Ukraine. Divided by the wide Dnieper River, it has almost 3 million inhabitants. Kiev has several nicknames, one of which is “City of Trees”. A proverb says that in the summer months you can walk from one end of Kiev to the other without having to leave the shade of the trees once.
Another designation “City of Golden Domes” reflects the architectural splendor of Kiev’s churches.

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What is the climate in Kyiv?

Independence Monument of Ukraine, Image: MaxxjaNe / shutterstock

Kiev has a temperate continental climate, with average temperatures of 19 to 26 °C in summer and −5 to −1 °C in winter.

Which sights are interesting?

Kiev impresses with a rich range of sights. When visiting churches and monasteries, please note that believers in Ukraine are very strict about clothing in places of worship, arms and legs must always be covered.

Worth seeing is “The Golden Gate”, a historic city gate. It was built in the years 1017 to 1024 according to the model of the Golden Gate of Constantinople. Today, the gate, which was reconstructed after damage, houses a museum.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral with its huge, golden domes is considered one of the most famous buildings of European-Christian culture. Since 1990, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Lavra Cave Monastery, a huge monastery complex.

The Andreassteig is one of the most famous streets in Kiev. Starting with the beautiful “Andreas Kirche”, it offers numerous galleries and workshops over 750 meters. It is the meeting place of the art scene and is also called the “Montmartre of Kiev”.

The “Vladimirskiy Cathedral”, the “St. Michaels-Platz”, the “St. St. Michael’s Monastery with its sky-blue color and golden domes, the “Bessarabskiy Market” as well as the “Alexander Church” or the “Mariinskiy Park” with the palace are also popular destinations.

The “Pyrohiv Museum” of folk architecture and customs is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Here you can find over 300 examples of traditional folk architecture and more than 40,000 household items and cultural objects.

What sports activities can I do in Kiev?

Kiev, Pechersk Monastery — Kiev Pechersk Monastery, Image: Valentina Photo / shutterstock

In addition to offers for a parachute jump or a balloon ride, Kiev offers countless other opportunities for sporting activities. Golf lovers meet at the “Golfstream” sports centre, friends of mini-golf at the “Cosmo Golf” sports complex.

The “City Entertainment” or “Gulliver” houses a bowling center, billiards is played in the “Promenada Club”.

For climbing enthusiasts, there is the “Ninja House” or a large number of climbing parks.

In the “Need for Speed” Kart Center you can do fast laps, in the “Falcon Paintball Club” you can choose between laser tag or paintball and train your marksmanship in the “Ibis Shooting Club”.

The sports centre “Olmeca Plage”, which offers a beautiful beach and several large swimming pools in summer, or the aquapark “Terminal” with a large swimming pool and a spa centre are very popular.

In summer, the “Hydropark” attracts visitors with sandy beaches, water sports and bars. Here you can play beach volleyball and handball or go on a catamaran and boat.

Ice skating or skating is also no problem in Kiev. The ice arena in the “Bolshevik” shopping center, the “Extreme Zone” ice rink in the “Aladdin” shopping center or the “Katok Skating Rin” offer opportunities for this. Snowboarding is possible in winter at the “Protasov Yar Sports Center”.

What animal parks and zoos are there in Kyiv?

Highlights are the dolphinarium in the aquapark “Terminal” with a daily show or the oceanarium “Morskaya Skazka” (Sea Fairy Tale) with three themed halls.

Horse lovers visit “Butenko Stable” or the “Favorit Equestrian Club”, which, in addition to the possibility of pony riding, also houses a mini zoo. Another mini and petting zoo is located in the “Strana Enotia” (Raccoon Land).

The “Kiev Zoo” is a must for young tourists and the “Four-legged Cafe” with its cats is a café experience of a special kind.

Art and culture in Kiev

Classical music is played in the “National Concert Hall of Organ and Chamber Music” in St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Ballet performances are performed by the world-famous Ukrainian National Ballet in the “Taras Shevchenko Opera House”.

Nightlife in Kiev

Kiev has a lively nightlife, including the hipster club “Closer”, the “Klub D*Lu” or the “Caribbean Club”.

To chill out, you go to the after-work club “Pink Freud Kyiv”.

The “Paradise Cabaret” is a well-known place for dance shows, the disco “Ultramarin” entertains its guests with an excellent musical program.

The “City Entertainment” is a center with very good restaurants and nightclubs as well as a shisha bar with a view of the Dnieper.

There is a cozy pub in the “Docker Pub”.

Interesting concerts in an intimate setting can be experienced in the “Dom Master Class”.

The “VR HUB Club” offers a wide range of games, from board and Playstation games to a virtual reality station.

In the club “Three After Midnight” you can rediscover your senses in complete darkness in five interactive rooms, escape rooms are available in “Vzperti (Locked)” and “Pod Zamkom (Under the Lock)”.