Mumbai – like no other, the name of this city in India stands for hope, confidence and greatness. Although it cannot keep up with the old age of some other Indian cities such as Varanasi, nor with the faded royal charm of old Delhi, it is at the forefront of joie de vivre, diversity and sheer dynamism. Mumbai is a miniature cosmos of the entire huge country of India and in many ways always one step ahead of the rest of the country.
Mumbai was founded in the early sixteenth century by Portuguese sailors, whose scattered churches still characterize the cityscape of some neighborhoods. But it was not until the British in the seventeenth century that the seeds of today’s big city were planted. With elaborate projects, they developed Bombay into the unsurpassed main port of North and West India. This rise attracted numerous immigrants from India and overseas, with the Zoroastrian Parsees, Hindu and Muslim merchant castes from Gujarat, and Mesopotamian Jews noting themselves as successful co-founders of today’s cultural mosaic of Mumbai. The cosmopolitanism and internationality of the city, which is due to its special location, have repeatedly provided it with important creative impulses in the fields of art, culture, architecture and business.
Mumbai Today
Mumbai has remained as young as it has always been. Although there have been one or two challenges to overcome in its history, it can be clearly stated that Mumbai was and continues to be the undisputed pioneer among all Indian cities. It is no coincidence that the Bollywood film industry is based here, making the city the focal point of hopes, fantasies and emotions of half the world. Furthermore, there is a multicultural and religious diversity here, which is enthusiastically celebrated with a high level of tolerance and joy.
For the avid traveler, Mumbai offers a sensational array of sights, delights, and diversions. Mumbai is cosmopolitan, uncomplicated and safe. Even as a newcomer to the country, you get along surprisingly well there. Almost everyone can speak English and tourists still fit wonderfully into the multi-ethnic mosaic. By the way – the term Bombay, if it should pass your lips there, is by no means outdated or politically incorrect. In Hindi, the lingua franca of Bombay, the city continues to be called Hindi, even though the official name Mumbai follows the Marathi language, which is particularly common in the rest of the state of Maharashtra.
Culture for the palate
With Mumbai’s high diversity, it is no wonder that there is a lot to discover in terms of culinary delights. Each ethnic group brings its own recipes to the table and inspires others to perform at their best in the kitchen. To name just a small selection:
Gujarati cuisine offers delicate, subtly spiced mostly vegetarian dishes. Often these are slightly sweet and fruity in taste and stand out from the mainstream in a highly pleasant way. Found throughout the city, but especially authentic in the Bazaar district.
The cuisine of the so-called Goans, mostly Catholic descendants of Portuguese and Indians, is characterized by hearty meat and fish dishes, sometimes refined with vinegar or coconut. Often difficult to find in the rest of India, you should not miss this cuisine. Individual restaurants of this style can be found especially in southern Mumbai, in the districts of Colaba and Fort.
Muslim food is often characterized by generous amounts of meat, although several styles can be found here. On the one hand, the more grilled meat-oriented, milder food of the Afghan immigrants, and on the other hand, the highly aromatic sauce dishes of classic North India. Widespread, found in particularly high density in the eastern Bazaar district.
Furthermore, there are many other cuisine styles in Mumbai, such as South Indian, Punjabi or special fish restaurants. Gastronomy guides available locally are available everywhere and are very helpful.
See, experience and marvel – the highlights in Mumbai
Image: Vignesh Kamath / shutterstock
As a dynamic, forward-looking city, Mumbai offers a variety of highly interesting, extremely diverse and easily accessible sights and cultural offerings.
Splendor and wealth
The first thing that strikes us is the magnificent architecture, which produced magnificent buildings in the second half of the nineteenth century. Outstanding here are the main train station Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus as well as the university and the Taj Mahal Hotel. Even if you want to stay a little more modest: A short visit to the Taj Mahal, at least for coffee, is a real must! Mumbai is also home to one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the world. The Churchgate and Marine Drive districts are defined by this beautifully elegant style. These areas are also home to some of the city’s best museums and art galleries.
The Bazaar – Living and trading in a confined space
Once you’ve had enough of the magnificent boulevards of southern Mumbai, you’ll turn to the cheerful and chaotic bustle of the Bazaar district. Now a little adventurousness is required, after all, you share the space here with wholesale and retail trade, donkey carts, cattle and thousands and thousands of people. In the old alleys you will come across mysterious gates, colorful temples, and a colorful display of goods that you have never seen anywhere else. The spiritual heart of Hindu Mumbai is located here, in the form of the temple of the goddess Mumba, who gave the city its name.
The Sacred Island
The skyline of Mumbai, Image: Towering Goals / shutterstock
In the evening, when the sun slowly begins to sink over the Indian Ocean, is the best time to visit the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. This is located on a small island in front of the city and is visited daily by thousands of pilgrims of all religions. According to legend, Haji Ali was a miraculous preacher of the fifteenth century. On the way back from the pilgrimage to Mecca, his ship crashed in a storm far out in the ocean and only his body was miraculously washed up at this site off today’s Mumbai. The mausoleum is connected to the land by a narrow footbridge and is only accessible during low tide. In the midst of the spiritual atmosphere of the place, just with a step in the ocean and in the midst of the breeze blowing from the sea, the soul of Mumbai can best be felt: a city of seafarers and adventurers, located in the Orient, facing the world.
The magic of Corsica was already known to the ancient Greeks, who gave the fourth largest Mediterranean island its name “Kallisté” – the beautiful. Mass tourism still does not exist on the island today. Most holidaymakers come to swim, hike or ski. High mountains, which rise up to 2,500 meters into the air, characterize the interior of the island. The approximately 325,000 inhabitants of Corsica speak the traditional island language Corsican. However, French is the official language in Corsica.
Wide boulevards reminiscent of the Cote d’Azur, a palm-lined waterfront promenade and Mediterranean flair characterize Ajaccio, the administrative center of Corsica and, with around 60,000 inhabitants, also the largest city on the island. The cosmopolitan island metropolis is the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. The island’s most famous son is still omnipresent today. Napoleon Museum, Napoleon Grotto, Napoleon’s Birthplace and three heroic monuments commemorate the Corsica-born emperor and general. One of the most beautiful sights of the port city is the Notre-Dame-de-la-Misericorde Cathedral, built between 1587 and 1593, whose mighty dome and cruciform ground plan resemble the Byzantine architectural style. The Musée Fesch, the central art museum, houses a collection of important works of Italian painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Coastal towns with a romantic old town
Image: Naeblys / shutterstock
In the north of the island lies the coastal town of Saint-Florent with its romantic old town. The fine, long sandy beaches made the small village a popular holiday resort. Bonifacio is the southernmost city in Corsica and is located on a narrow promontory. On a high plateau above white limestone cliffs is the old town of Bonifacio. Located below the old town, the vantage point offers a breathtaking view on a clear day, reaching far across the Mediterranean Sea to the neighbouring island of Sardinia. The secret capital of Corsica is the small town of Corte, located in the heart of the island. The old town with the citadel is enthroned 400 meters high on a mighty rock. In the old town alleys with their small shops, boutiques and cozy restaurants, there is lively life, because Corte has the only university in Corsica and numerous students live in the cozy town.
Climbing and mountaineering in Corsica
View of Santa Giulia beach, Image: Samuel Borges Photography / shutterstock
Corsica is an island with a rich variety of vegetation. The island consists of almost 86 percent mountains. The Mediterranean island is therefore considered an insider tip for short mountain trips and extended hiking tours. Climbers, mountaineers and hikers will find overnight accommodation in hostels and holiday apartments in the small mountain villages. There are also more than 200 campsites in Corsica.
Most of the towns and villages in the interior of the island are easily accessible for a day trip. The island is also called the “mountain range in the sea” because more than 50 peaks are higher than 2,000 meters. An extensive network of hiking trails with over 2,000 kilometres of hiking trails runs through the mountainous landscape of the island. The longest hiking route in Corsica is the 220-kilometre-long Grande Randonnée 20. The Corsican long-distance hiking trail connects the villages of Calanzana in the north and Conca in the south. The most famous hiking region in Corsica is the Restonica Valley, located near Corte.
White sand and turquoise waters, the most beautiful beaches on the island of Corsica
Traditional fishing boats in the port of Bastia, Image: Pawel Kazmierczak / shutterstock
The coastal landscape of the island stretches for more than 1,047 kilometers. The most famous sandy beach is Palombaggia Beach in Porto Vecchio, surrounded by red rocks. White sand, turquoise waters as far as the eye can see and green pine forests in the hinterland make Palombaggia beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. Worth seeing is the black beach of Nonza, which is located in the north of the island and is one of the less visited beach sections. The black beach of di Nonza offers a unique spectacle of colours.
On one side, the view is immersed in the deep turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea, while on the shore, the black hue of the sand amazes the observer. Gently sloping beaches can be found in the five-kilometre-long bay of Calvi. Unpaved gravel roads lead to the snow-white sandy bay of Saleccia, which is surrounded by a protected natural landscape. The fine-grained sandy beach can also be reached by water on a boat trip from the resorts of Ile Rousse and Saint Florent in the high season.
Corsican cuisine: rustic and rich
Rustic and hearty – Corsica’s cuisine still has this reputation today. The islanders love it down-to-earth. Sausage specialties such as Sangui (black pudding) are served. Sausages and meat products are usually refined with Corsican mountain herbs. A special flavour is provided by the herbs of the maquis such as basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and myrtle, as well as wild cultivations that give the dishes their typical aroma. Among the meat and sausage specialties of the Mediterranean island are Figatellu, a smoked raw sausage made from liver, the sirloin Lonzu and Coppa, which is reminiscent of a rolled roast. Culinary experiences include the buttery soft ham Prisutu, grilled bacon panzetta, goat ham Caprettu or lamb ham (Agnellu) made according to traditional methods.
All cheese? Popular cheeses from Corsica
Ajaccio, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
Corsica is home to many types of cheese. Brocciu, a sheep’s or goat’s cheese, is also used as a filling for dishes such as ravioli, beignets (doughnuts) and tartes (tartlets) or eaten as a brocciu omelette with peppermint. When matured, the popular cheese is available as the spicy variety Vieux Brocciu. The best goat’s or sheep’s cream cheese is made in Corsica between Easter and All Saints’ Day. During this time, the animals mainly get to eat young grasses and herbs, which ensure that milk and cheese become particularly spicy with their aromas. The national dish of Corsica is pulenta. The porridge made of water and chestnut flour is eaten at any time of the year. Usually wild boar liver or figatellu is served with pulenta.
Cap Corse: a very special aperitif
A delicious aperitif is always part of a good meal in Corsica. More than 100 years ago, the Corsican Louis Napoleon Mattei created the “Cap Corse” from muscat wine and quinquina (cinchona bark). The special herbal recipe contains other plants in addition to cinchona bark. Cap Corse owes its distinctive, tart aroma to the extracts of the cinchona tree. The headquarters of the liquor merchant Mattei is located in the town of Bastia on Place Saint Nicolas and is also worth seeing because of the shop furnishings, which are designed in the style of a colonial goods store. However, the production of the first Corsican beers did not begin until 1995. Pietra beer differs from traditional beers by the addition of chestnut flour, which is added before fermentation.
Mexico – skulls and Madonnas, rainforest and desert, vibrant cities and breathtaking ruins, land of stark contrasts in culture and nature, striding and arguing from crisis to crisis. There is frightening poverty, unfathomable wealth; a country full of rhythm, joie de vivre and the cult of sacrifice; Colorful, fascinating, noisy, unique. Whether diving in the Caribbean, climbing pyramids, shuddering at the human sacrifices of the Aztecs, marveling at the skills of the Mayans, every tourist finds something in the land of the indigenous natives and Spanish conquistadors. Everyone will find their place and will be able to enjoy themselves in the mirror of contrasts.
The El Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City, Image: Vincent St. Thomas / shutterstock
From Frankfurt Airport directly to Mexico City. Time change: -7 hours. Best in the winter months, because in the rainy season from May to October it is an experience for advanced surfers. In August, many American vacationers are to be expected. Alcohol consumption in public is prohibited, some caution is advised, even if people drink on the tourist beaches. The drug laws are also harsh. A valid passport is required, but not a visa. At the border, there is a tourist card (FMM) that is valid for up to 180 days. It does no harm to take note of the information provided by the Federal Foreign Office on the current situation in Mexico and any risks.
Landscapes range from the bright blue coast of Baja California and the legendary cactus deserts of the north to the Mayan villages and palm-lined beaches of the south. Richly decorated colonial churches await visitors everywhere and a sophisticated, varied cuisine tempts visitors with numerous chili varieties and dishes made from the most important basis corn. Would you like a tequila made from fermented agave juice or a fermented juice of the same fruit, called pulque, with a low alcohol content, mixed with melons or dragon fruit? A Mexico vacation has a lot to offer.
Mexico City
The Baja in Mexico, Image: Grey82 / shutterstock
Welcome to one of the largest cities in the world. The main square Zócalo is the second largest in the world, bordered by the Cathedral and the National Palace. In the middle flies a gigantic red-white-green flag, the banner of Mexico with the eagle devouring a snake. The church is the largest in Latin America and was built from 1573 to 1813. Masses take place there incessantly during the day, there is a coming and going in the richly decorated, magnificent church.
In the Palacio National , luminous murals gloss over the pre-Christian life of the indigenous peoples, and in the stairwell, the Marxist worldview is transfigured in dazzling paintings. Contrasts here too. A walk through the old town offers relaxation and diverse impressions. East and south of the square there is a lively market hustle and bustle. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia in the Bosque de Chapultepec park is another highlight in Mexico City.
Mary of Guadalupe and Teotihuacán
Located at an altitude of 2200 m, surrounded by mountain ranges and the twin volcanoes, the surroundings of the capital tempt you to go on excursions. First, a short history.
In 1521, the Spaniard Cortes had conquered the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan and abolished the cruel human sacrifices. The inhabitants of the city were to become Christians. But only a few adopted the religion of the greedy conquerors.
House of Life
It was not until 1531, when the image of Mary of Guadalupe appeared on the cloak of a simple Indian and a church was built in her honor, that millions of Indians were converted in a few years. They recognized the dark-skinned woman as one of their own and accepted her as ruler. Just like the child she is carrying as a pregnant woman. Mexico became Catholic, Our Lady of Guadalupe became the patron saint of the country, and the sanctuary north of Mexico City became the largest pilgrimage site in the world. 20 million come every year. The fusion of very different cultures had begun.
Street of the Dead
Mexico has great beaches to offer, Image: Jess Kraft / shutterstock
The bus continues to Teotihuacan, where the third largest pyramid in the world rises 65 m high in the center of the ruins. The Pyramid of the Sun, built about 100 years AD. At the northern end of the Street of the Dead lies the Pyramid of the Moon, the little sister. A breathtaking scenery in this place, whose name means: ‘Where men become gods’.
Pacific Ocean
Bright blue, warm sand, glaring light in Acapulco and the famous cliff divers who plunge headlong from the rocks from a height of 26 m into the gently rolling waves of the Pacific. The extensive sandy beach, the magnificent villas of high society on the hills, the variety of hotels and water sports facilities, the nightlife and the cloudless days attract the tourist. Acapulco is especially beautiful when the bay begins to shine with thousands of lights after sunset. If you stick to a reputable hotel and follow a few basic rules, you can spend nice holidays there despite political turmoil and the drug mafia.
It is quieter 200 km further north in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo. Small beach promenade, family fish restaurants, excursion boats to bird sanctuary islands or Playa las Gatas. Swimming, diving, lazing around is the order of the day.
South of Acapulco, there are also beautiful seaside resorts with quiet bays like around Puerto Angelo or with majestic swells like in Puerto Escondido, which is an El Dorado for surfers.
Where relaxation and culture can be found: Riviera Maya
Idyllic, dreamlike, bright white, palm-fringed, with crystal clear water are the Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán region. At Cancún International Airport, a fascinating Mexico tour can begin with a focus on water, scrub forest and Mayan temples. Cancún is a test-tube city with a gorgeous beach, hotels, shopping, and diverse nightlife. Things are quieter on the small Isla Mujeres, the Fraueninsel. A diver’s paradise is the Isla de Cozumel. The coast to Tulum is called Riviera Maya and scores with turquoise shimmering sea, white, wide beaches and palm bays. At Tulum, there are Mayan ruins right on the sapphire blue sea. A worthwhile detour from there leads to Cobá. Good hotels offer excursions. This ruined city is still located in the bush forest, which is also a nature reserve and is home to a variety of fantastic bird species. It is touristy, but not overcrowded and more atmospheric than the meticulously uncovered temple towns such as the famous Chichén Itzá, 70 km further inland. This has been declared one of the new 7 wonders of the world and the visitor should not be surprised if he sees only the tips of the sophisticated Mayan buildings in front of all the tourists.
Mexico Holiday Packages
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Image: WitR / shutterstock
Mexico is 6 times larger than Germany. Wanting to experience it on your own, for example in a rental car, is certainly an adventure and not without danger. A package tour takes you to the most beautiful places, introduces you to reliable travel guides, saves lengthy journeys in crowded buses, picks you up from the airport and brings you back there safely. The right one for beginners. There is so much to discover:
The Pueblos Magicos, colorful villages and small towns with their colonial churches, social life, museums, festivals, markets and street stalls.
The Pink Lagoon has become an insider tip with its fine white sand and pink-shining water.
Bathing in freshwater holes
Diving with turtles and encounters with gray whales
Music and dancing and eating, eating, eating
Conclusion: A Mexico vacation is always worthwhile.
Seattle is one of the most charming cities in the USA. Located high in the north on the border with Canada, it convinces with maritime charm. With over 700,000 inhabitants, it is the cultural, economic and scientific centre of the metropolitan region around the city. However, a vacation in Seattle is still worthwhile for those who are looking for the perfect symbiosis of urbanity and nature. The city is not called “The Emerald City” for nothing, alluding to the many green spaces within the city area. In Seattle, there is a lot to discover and experience in addition to breathtaking nature. The hometown of rock stars Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain attracts visitors with numerous highlights.
A Washington State Ferry cruise ship in front of the Olympic Mountains on its way to Seattle. Image: Moarly / shutterstock
Seattle is picturesquely located in the northwest of the US state of Washington. As is often assumed, however, the city is not its capital (the seat of government is in Olympia). The city is located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. This creates the special maritime atmosphere. Puget Sound is an inlet that separates Seattle from the Pacific Ocean. Lake Washington, located on the other side, is the second largest natural lake in the state. All friends of the mountains will also find their beloved terrain in the Seattle region. Behind the skyline of the city, the Olympic Mountains can be admired. The highest mountain in Washington is also in the immediate vicinity. Mount Rainer is only about 90 kilometers away from downtown.
A widespread myth about Seattle is that it always rains in the metropolis. However, this belongs to the realm of legends. The average amount of rain lags behind other major cities in the United States. However, due to the influence of the Pacific, the weather is rather cloudy on many days.
Modern city with traditional roots
But this should not be an obstacle to discovering the wonderful city. Seattle, like many other cities on the west coast of the USA, was created in the course of the “Great Trains” of the pioneers in the 19th century. Thus, after the first small settlements, the city was officially founded in 1869. It quickly experienced a boom through the wood industry.
The connection of wooded land and good infrastructure through the port allowed the business to flourish. This prosperity is also recognizable in the cityscape. As early as 1914, the Smith Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi , was inaugurated. The high-rise measures 159 meters. This probably laid the foundation for something for which Seattle is known all over the world today: skyscrapers.
The city’s skyline is largely shaped by its most famous landmark: the Space Needle. The 184-metre-high tower was opened on the occasion of the 1962 World’s Fair. From its top, you can experience the entire city from a breathtaking perspective. There is also a restaurant there, which makes for what is probably the most extraordinary dinner in the city.
Sightseeing
The Amazon Spheres, Image: Rocky Grimes / shutterstock
In addition to these attractions, Seattle has a lot more to offer. The Seattle Center Monorail is a suitable means of transport to admire all kinds of highlights comfortably. The monorail was also built for the 1962 World’s Fair and connects the city centre with the World Expo site. There are many architectural and cultural sights on it.
For example, the Space Needle or the KeyArena, which is a multi-purpose hall that mainly functions as the home of the city’s basketball teams. Sport is very important in the metropolis in general. Seattle is represented by professional teams in almost all major US sports. In Major League Baseball, the Seattle Mariners compete. The Seattle Seahawks football team is particularly well-known. They play their home games at the extraordinary Century Link Field. In 2013, the team even won the legendary Superbowl.
Seattle – Home of Grunge
Music enthusiasts are particularly familiar with Seattle because of the rock stars who come from the city. The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was born here. To this day, he is considered one of the most influential rock musicians of all time. The band Nirvana, founded in the city, became just such icons. The formation around its frontman Kurt Cobain achieved world fame in the 1990s with their rock music known as “grunge”. Hits like “Smells like Teen Spirit” are still played over and over on the radios today. Unfortunately, the band’s story also came to a tragic end in Seattle. On April 5, 1994, Cobain took his own life at his home on Lake Washington.
However, the great importance of music did not end in the city on Puget Sound. Even today, the wide-ranging club scene is a Mecca for all those who like to party. The city’s nightlife is legendary. But also all those who are interested in high cultural music experiences will find something unique in Seattle. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet are among the most extraordinary experts in their field and offer cultural experiences in a class of their own.
High culture and culinary delights
In addition to the great importance of music, the city also has numerous first-class museums. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, which has an excellent collection of Native American art, is dedicated to the eventful history of the city, the surrounding area and its Native American people. Seattle is also known all over the world for the aircraft built here. The Museum of Flight does justice to this and impressively traces the history of aviation. For example, it houses the original production plant of the Seattle-based company Boeing.
View of CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seattle Seahawks, Image: Cascade Creatives / shutterstock
Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean, Seattle has always been a city of fishing and trade. This can be experienced especially in the beautiful market hall at the harbour. Pike Place Market on the Waterfront is the oldest continuously open market in the United States of America. It opened its doors for the first time in 1907. Visitors can pursue culinary experiences to their heart’s content and watch the hustle and bustle of the traders. Fish specialties of all kinds have found their home here and delight every palate.
Seattle – Livable City
All these diverse aspects make Seattle a big city with maritime charm. It is not for nothing that the “Emerald City” has been voted the most livable city in the entire USA several times. This is probably also due to the fact that Seattle is home to many well-known TV series such as Dark Angel, Grey’s Anatomy, Frasier or iCarly. Experiencing the home of these hit series for yourself is highly recommended. Seattle is a true pearl in the northwest of the USA.
Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen are Germany’s city-states. All of them are federal state and municipality at the same time, with Bremen having another special position: Bremerhaven, which is about 60 kilometres away and surrounded by the state of Lower Saxony, also belongs to the Hanseatic city on the Weser. The exclave has a good 117,000 inhabitants, making it the only major city on the German North Sea coast.
Strictly speaking, however, the North Sea only begins north of the city area, but this is hardly noticeable in view of the width that the Weser estuary has at Bremerhaven. The eye perceives it – in the truest sense of the word – as a flowing transition.
Bremerhaven – With a structural change from the past to the future
Thiele’s Garden, Image: Emma Sauer
For a long time, the city, which is just under 200 years old and whose history is the focus of the Historical Museum on the banks of the Geeste, was a stronghold of fishing and shipbuilding. However, the cod wars in the 1970s and the shipyard crisis that began a little later forced the development of new economic mainstays:
Since then, favored by the settlement of the Alfred Wegener Institute and other institutions, there has been an increased focus on research, car handling, the offshore wind and food industry and, last but not least, tourism.
Over 450,800 hotel overnight stays were booked last year by visitors to Bremerhaven who spent an average of two days in the city. Raymond Kiesbye, Managing Director of Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH, puts the volume at “a total of more than 1.81 million guests”. On the other hand, the museums and tourist facilities of Seestadt were not able to enjoy a plus: their balance sheet closed with a slight minus.
Attractions in Bremerhaven’s city centre
The Emigration Center, Image: Emma Sauer
The Emigration House, which was created with the development of the inner city area of Havenwelten, and the Climate House are still high in the favor of interest.
In the former, you can relive the stories of German emigrants who once set off for a new life in the USA by ship at Bremerhaven’s Columbus Quay. Since 2012, the multi-award-winning museum has also focused on immigration to Germany. Only a few steps away, the futuristic-looking Klimahaus opened in June 2009.
On a good 18,800 square meters, visitors can go on a virtual trip around the world along the 8th degree of eastern longitude to be confronted with climatic phenomena and the effects of climate change at the various stations.
Also just a stone’s throw away, the Zoo by the Sea and the Maritime Museum, two other and much more renowned attractions of the seaside city can be explored. However, less time can currently be allowed for the latter, because the main building, which was put into operation over 40 years ago, will be renovated and redesigned by 2021.
Until then, only the Kogge Hall as well as the outdoor area and the museum ships in the Old Harbour can be visited. Even older is the one opened in 1928 as an animal grotto, located at the foot of the Loschen lighthouse Zoo by the sea. Since its last renovation between 2000 and 2004, the facility has been completely redesigned, and the almost 300 mostly Nordic and aquatic animals – including polar bears, seals and penguins – are presented in attractive, near-natural enclosures.
The Sail City observation deck, Image: Emma Sauer
A permanent fixture in the programme of every visitor to Bremerhaven is the Weser. With long benches and flood steps, it invites you to take a look at the ships. If you want to experience Bremerhaven and its surroundings from the air, you can take an elevator directly behind the dike to the 86-metre-high, all-round glazed viewing platform of the Sail City Hotel.
Another nine meters higher is a second platform, which is open to the wind and can be reached via a staircase. From here, the 114-metre radar tower also seems close enough to touch, with its weather-protected, barrier-free viewing platform at a height of 66 metres.
Thinking outside the box
The radar tower in Bremerhaven, Image: Emma Sauer
There is a distance of a good 15 kilometres between Wulsdorf in the south and Weddewarden in the north of Bremerhaven. The topography really doesn’t make it easy for visitors to leave the relevant paths and explore districts outside the centre. But it is also worth getting to know sides of Bremerhaven that existed long before flourishing tourism in the city.
Thiele’s garden in the Leherheide district is one of these places: On about 20,000 square meters, the Thiele family of artists created a sculpture garden that is as impressive as it is bizarre, which has also been open to the public since 1990 and has made a name for itself as a cultural event venue. Lehe’s district of Speckenbüttel is also recommended for a detour: The park of the same name is one of the green lungs of the seaside city, and a visit to the open-air museum with its geest farm and marsh house can provide insights into rural life in past decades.
The open-air museum with geest farm, picture: Emma Sauer
Further south, in the Geestemünde district, greenery also invites you to take a walk: Directly behind the main station is the entrance to the 64-hectare Bürgerpark with meadows and forests, the boat pond and landscaped gardens.
Here you will also encounter the oldest sculpture by Hein Mück, the Bremerhaven symbolic figure, who became famous from 1930 onwards through the hit song “Hein Mück aus Bremerhaven”, which was made popular not least by Lale Andersen, who was born in Bremerhaven-Lehe. Another attraction in the district is the weekly market on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz: Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, up to 70 traders offer their goods for sale at the largest market in the state of Bremen.
Fish and Ships
The 64-hectare Bürgerpark, Image: Emma Sauer
As befits a port city, thick pots can of course also be admired at close range in the fishing port: several times a day, the MS Dorsch departs for one-hour harbor tours . But the majority of people visit the fishing port because of its promenade with many quaint to chic fish restaurants and maritime shops.
If you need some food for your brain after eating and shopping, we recommend the Phänomenta experimental exhibition , whose secrets from science and technology amaze young and old.
The container terminal, Image: Emma Sauer
The ships in the overseas port with the three basins of the Kaiserhafen, the Columbus quay and the container terminal are even larger. At over 4.5 kilometres, the latter is the longest river quay in the world. Superlatives – admittedly not in comparison with Hamburg and Rostock – the Columbus Cruise Center also contributes to Bremerhaven’s image: 111 cruise ship calls were registered here last year.
The best view of the fascinating hustle and bustle at the terminals, shipyards and locks is from the 15-metre-high container observation tower, but the closest you can get to the ships is on one of the one-hour harbour tours that start in the New Harbour. Alternatively, the HafenBus takes you right into the centre of the action.
Sail 2020
Sail 2020, Image: Emma Sauer
A major event, the likes of which only takes place every five years in Bremerhaven, awaits visitors to Seestadt 2020. More than 250 windjammers – led by the barque “Alexander von Humboldt II” – as well as large and small ships from over 20 nations will fill the ports at Sail 2020 from 19 to 23 August. More than 1.2 million guests did not want to miss the last edition of the festival days.
Off the Mediterranean coast, they form a dreamlike island duo – the lively Ibiza and the quiet neighbour Formentera. They do not even cover a fifth of the area of Mallorca. At the warmest time of the year, awakened from its virgin hibernation, Ibiza declares itself the epitome of Sex & Drugs & Alcohol, Sun and Fun and one-night stands. Here they are not stingy with charms: the wildest parties are raging, covers and inhibitions fall and the disco fever rises. Anyone who stays in Ibiza is certainly not looking for contemplative peace and quiet – or is it?
The old town of Eivissa, Image: Mariusz Stanosz / shutterstock
Because they do exist, the refuges – rural and tranquil. Only a few minutes separate the common image of the entertainment centre from the peace and originality of the island’s interior. Fertile valleys with almond trees, the dazzling white of the salt flats, the colourful hustle and bustle of Eivissa Town, picturesque, deep bays with beautiful sandy beaches and shady forests – welcome to Ibiza!
Romans, Carthaginians and Moors already felt at home here. The Balearic island operates under the name Pityusic Islands. In 1960, the flower children discovered the Pitiusas. Package tourists, dropouts and profiteers followed. In a military dictatorship, of all places, the flower children took their paradise and settled in one of the most backward societies in Europe. It was time to get out and mystical gathering places were formed. To this day, Ibiza is a region for alternative lifestyles.
Eivissa town – a magical atmosphere
Cala Comte beach, Image: Pawel Kazmierczak / shutterstock
In a small space, Eivissa combines the venerable and the beautiful, the repulsive and the ugly. There can be no unanimous opinion about the city of contradictions. Today, the capital Eivissa has dressed up – decorated with the World Heritage title. The charming island metropolis attracts with a fantastically located old town and shines with a long history. Eivissa should be the first address to explore Ibiza in all its facets. There’s nothing here that doesn’t exist: restaurants, shopping, hotels – the choice is overwhelming. If you like, you can turn night into day here. Leaving the center of the action, the door of the southern beach suburb of Figueretes opens.
Free from booming bass – magical coastal regions
Bays, villages and beautiful places: the north is the most unspoilt region of the island.
The southern coastal strip of the island attracts in a westerly direction with beautiful bays between red steep slopes. On the outer west coast, bays and cliffs are lined up. The extreme southwestern tip is a natural phenomenon.
On the west coast, a trip to Sant Antoni with its beautiful beach suburbs is worthwhile. The second largest city on the island is a lively holiday centre. However, you shouldn’t expect a special flair. As the only holiday resort in the West, Sant Antoni is favoured by British package tourism.
Cala d’Hort, Image: Alex Tihonovs / shutterstock
The northeast attracts with Port de Sant Miquel, Portinatx and Cala de Sant Vicent. In the past, Port de Sant Miquel has suffered particularly from the building sins. While the tranquil church greets you from the hill of the small town of Sant Miquel, Port de Sant Miquel offers itself as a pretty bay with a deep sandy beach, but also with ugly apartment giants on the slopes of the hills.
Portinatx is the largest holiday resort in the north with a beautiful harbour area and child-friendly beaches.
Sant Vincent has little charm as a holiday resort. However, there is a picture-book section of beach with rocks in front of it. Cala Sant Vincent also stands out as a magical beach area.
The south inspires with a varied, predominantly hilly landscape and a number of charming sandy beaches. The region is particularly popular with families with children. In Cala Vadella you can enjoy a family atmosphere in a wooded landscape.
On the other hand, further north in Cala Tarida there is a little more activity. Here, apartment complexes and large club hotels form a sprawling holiday settlement.
The East is characterized by strong contrasts. To the north quiet unspoilt bays, to the south extensive beach settlements with numerous holiday clubs, which are primarily aimed at a very young audience.
Santa Eulária stands out as a family town in the centre of the east coast. Here it is worth taking a stroll along the boulevard, lined with palm trees and flower beds. The most beautiful section stretches from the middle of the promenade up to Placa d’Espanya. On weekdays, a hippie market takes place here.
The most beautiful beaches on the east coast are Cala Lllonga, in the south of the municipality of Santa Eulária. Just before the town is Cala de s’Agá. Right next door, surfers, water sports enthusiasts and water skiers have fun. In the north is the large holiday resort “Es Canar” with the popular sandy beach Cala Pada.
The largest beach settlement stands out as Platja des Figueral.
What would the Island of the Flower Children be without its hippie markets?
The old town of Ibiza Town, Image: Alex Tihonovs / shutterstock
There are hippie markets in Ibiza almost every day in a different place. It’s the atmosphere that counts – original works of art are rarely found. Stands with pretty arts and crafts mass production predominate. With the exception of the street painters, who make portraits of tourists from models or photos in a very short time. Between batik-shirted potters and shaggy-bearded street painters, visitors go on a journey through time.
Tip: Particularly original, the most beautiful of all, is the market in Las Dalias just before Sant Carles. The colorful stalls are spread around the restaurant “Las Dalias” on Saturdays. Under shady arbors and terraces, the juices and mixed drinks at the round bar taste excellent, even if the drinks have a hefty price.
Spanish joie de vivre – El Bigote, the restaurant tip in Ibiza:
East of Sant Cales is a small, hidden fishing cove – Cala Mastella. Here Juan cooks in a cauldron on an open fire. Even the way to Juan is like an adventure. In the direction of Llenya, a sign “Restaurant” hangs on a tree in a forest clearing. Once you arrive, you sit on wooden benches under a self-made roof, nibbling bread and olives.
Important: Please pre-order! Juan only catches as much fish as was ordered.
This is how the day can end: In the middle of the tranquil alleys near the Elivissa town marina, you can get the best mojito on the whole island. Great location and wonderful hosts. Even in the evening hours, you can sit in the sun at “Arte del Mojito” – you like to linger here.
Mallorca – the pearl of the Balearic Islands is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean climate, the diverse landscape, the hospitality of the inhabitants and, last but not least, the very good infrastructure are just some of the reasons why this sunny island has been one of the top travel destinations in Europe for decades.
However, the island has also made a good reputation among pensioners and pensioners. After a busy life, the omnipresent stress of everyday life and suboptimal climatic conditions, many have moved their retirement home to the Balearic island. In addition to the particularly relaxed, positive and unagitated lifestyle, Mallorca also offers an optimally developed network of social facilities and meeting places for Germans due to the high number of emigrants. This means that there is always a piece of home with them, which makes the new start on site less complicated and making friendships easier.
Living in Mallorca in old age – what are the advantages?
Many people dream of living in the south, but only a few actually dare to take this step. Especially after the end of their professional career and retirement, many people ask themselves the question: What still keeps me here and where could I enjoy my well-deserved retirement with a higher quality of life?
Mallorca is ideal as an emigration destination due to its mild climate all year round, among other things. While it can get moderately hot in summer, but the location in the sea rarely causes unpleasant heat, the island also convinces with its warm winters. The climate not only has a positive effect on the mind, but is also good for the body. Especially the small aches and pains of old age, but also one or the other serious illness, have already been greatly alleviated by moving to the Mediterranean climate zone.
Well-developed flight connections, which often connect the island several times a day with all major airports in the German-speaking world, ensure ideal accessibility. This makes it easy to organise personal contact with family at home – as well as visiting friends in Mallorca.
The financial side – How much does it cost to live in Mallorca?
The offer on the real estate market is large: From small city apartments to villas with pool and dream views, practically every wish can be fulfilled. A renowned provider with an extensive range of products is mallorcaresidencia.com. Real estate prices are at a Central European level. Financially, a German pension in Spain is a good way to make ends meet, as the income level is low even on the island of Mallorca, which is very “rich” by Spanish standards. Nevertheless, it is important and always recommended to keep a financial cushion for emergencies. Especially in the case of unforeseeable illnesses or need for care, the “nest egg” should be sufficient for the return trip to Germany in any case.
How does the perfect new start begin?
It is nice if you were able to learn a little Spanish before the move. This not only makes it easier to establish contacts in the neighbourhood, but also reduces the language barrier in everyday life, for example in the supermarket or with authorities.
Today, however, around 35,000 residents (foreigners with residence) live in Mallorca, a large proportion of whom come from German-speaking countries. German-speaking doctors, pharmacists or service providers can be found throughout the island. Products from Central Europe are also readily available in grocery stores, so culinary homesickness rarely arises.
From a legal point of view, moving to Spain is hassle-free. Thanks to the EU’s freedom of movement, residence can be chosen freely. The recipients also receive their pension abroad without any problems, while health and long-term care insurance continues in Spain . However, there are some hurdles: In addition to buying or renting a property, Spanish tax laws are sometimes a challenge. But even the biggest problem is only half as big when it is compensated by the breathtaking landscape, the view of the blue sea and the golden sandy beach almost on the doorstep.
Bem vindo a Moçambique! In Southeast Africa, south of Tanzania and north of South Africa, lies the fascinating state of Mozambique. It stretches over an almost 3,000 km long coast of the Indian Ocean and is considered one of the last paradises on earth. As a travel destination, the diverse coastal state is still unknown and therefore offers a fantastic backdrop, especially for travel enthusiasts who want to travel far away from major tourist flows.
Mozambique is about twice the size of Germany and, with its almost 30 million inhabitants, is one of the most populous countries in Africa. Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is a port city and is located south of the coast. The locals also call the capital the “cement city”, because this is where the modern houses of the wealthy population are located.
Mozambique – Endless sandy beaches
In addition to the capital Maputo, with its more than 1.1 million inhabitants, Mozambique has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. The coast of Mozambique offers space for endless, dreamlike sandy beaches and is a paradise for sun worshippers and relaxation vacationers. Off the coast, spectacular water worlds and unique coral reefs are waiting to be explored and diving enthusiasts get their money’s worth. Inland, on the other hand, there are beautiful nature reserves with a rich fauna and small, lively towns. However, this part of the country is still little developed for tourism.
The best time to visit Mozambique
Mozambique can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. Mozambique has a savannah climate. Between November and April, 80% of the annual precipitation falls. Temperatures range from 25 °C to 30 °C all year round. In the coastal regions it is tropical and humid, whereas it gets a little cooler inland.
More than 40 languages are spoken in the country. The official language is Portuguese, but many locals consider it only a second language. After Mozambique, weakened by years of civil war, was long one of the poorest countries in the world, the economic situation has improved in recent years and the country is experiencing a slight upswing. By the way: Germany and the rest of the world can still learn a lot from the African state. Mozambique is one of the few countries in which environmental protection is enshrined in the constitution.
Fresh fish – deliciously prepared
Mozambique is also a paradise for gourmet travellers with a penchant for fish and seafood. Fish that has been bought fresh at the market or directly from one of the fishing boats can be brought and handed in at many restaurants. There it is then deliciously prepared for little money.
Mozambique is still one of the non-touristy places on earth, but it is worth discovering! The Leipzig-based tour operator AT REISEN recently expanded its Africa offering and added Mozambique to its portfolio as a travel destination. The tours take travel enthusiasts to the town of Tofo – one of the world’s best diving areas. In this place, huge whale sharks, impressive manta rays, turtles and huge schools of colorful fish are waiting to be observed up close. There is hardly any other place where the offshore coral reefs can be admired in such an untouched state.
Even guests who have no previous experience in diving should not miss such a trip. Directly on site there is the opportunity to take a diving course or discover the underwater world while snorkeling.
By the way, a diving and bathing holiday in Mozambique is also an ideal complement to a safari in the Kruger National Park in neighbouring South Africa. There, in addition to the famous “Big Five”, you can marvel at a wide variety of animals and plants and experience nature up close during game drives in a safari vehicle. The dry season between April and October is particularly suitable for this.
The new tours take guests to untouched Africa. They offer a fascinating mix of culture, beautiful beaches, spectacular underwater worlds and exciting safaris.
Image: AT-Reisen
The “Mozambique Discovery Tour” takes guests on a 14-day journey between beach and safari in a German-speaking guided small group. On this two-country tour, you will first go to the Kruger National Park in South Africa, where unique wildlife observations are on the program. In the Mlilwani Game Reserve, guests also experience special encounters with the Esajeni people and get an insight into the everyday life of the locals. Afterwards, they can look forward to paradisiacal days on dream beaches in Mozambique, ride a traditional dhow canoe and discover the cultural diversity of the country.
Also new to the programme is “Mozambique on your own”. This 10-day self-drive tour takes you along the southeast coast of Mozambique with a rental car to the hotspots of water sports and the absolute dream beaches of the country. After a spectacular snorkeling safari and a trip to the diving town of Tofo, travelers gain fascinating insight into the country’s cultural and architectural influences. You will experience the way of life of the locals up close. Such a trip is perfect for individualists and offers a flexible and unforgettable time, according to one’s own preferences.
But not only Mozambique, but also the entire rest of the continent of Africa offers travel enthusiasts a spectacular backdrop. Whether untouched landscapes, wide savannahs and grasslands or dry deserts – this spot on earth has a wide range of activities that nature lovers should not miss. A species-rich wildlife, tropical rainforests, imposing mountain ranges, roaring rivers and dreamlike coastal landscapes are waiting to be discovered. AT REISEN offers numerous travel options to this dream destination and has a multifaceted range of tours to the various spots of the seething continent.
The world-famous winter sports resort of Garmisch Partenkirchen is a regional centre in Bavaria with about 27,000 inhabitants. Nestled in the enchanting alpine world, Garmisch Partenkrichen offers optimal conditions for winter sports at an altitude of 708 m. For this reason, this top travel destination has been a valued tourist hotspot of the international winter sports scene for many years.
Snow crystal and sun, rural idyll and Bavarian customs, mountain railways, lifts, slopes, cross-country ski trails – in the valley between the Zugspitze, the and the Kramer, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has developed into an alpine metropolis.
The summit of the Zugspitze, Image: Marc Gilsdorf / Markt Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Hardly any other spa town can boast such an impressive mountain panorama.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen owes its rise to the leading German winter sports resort to its unique location in the south of Upper Bavaria.
And there is something else that makes the double village so special: the area inspires with an ancient history and exciting anecdotes.
“Schau moi her do” – about the ups and downs of the Middle Ages, of famous writers and visitors from Hollywood
A lot happens in the valley before the merger of the two places comes – less beautiful and enjoyable. The area keeps falling into other hands.
Garmisch was first mentioned as a settlement in 802 and lived from rafting on the Loisach. Partenkirchen goes back to a Roman station on the Via Claudia. The settlement of Partenkirchen, the Roman “Parthanum”, which was elevated to a market in 1361, was the most important resting place on the trade route from Augsburg via Mittenwald to Italy, from which Garmisch also benefited.
It was not until the 1936 Olympic Games that Garmisch and Partenkirchen “welded” together into one place and made it an international winter sports resort.
By the way: There is still a pronounced rivalry between the districts today. In the run-up to the Olympic Games in 1935, the Nazis enforced the forced marriage in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Numerous writers were drawn to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Erich Kästner, Heinrich Mann and Kurt Tucholsky worked here and settled in artists’ boarding houses. Richard Burton and Liz Taylor also stayed in Garmisch for a short time. They represented Hollywood and danced in the legendary nightclub “Casa Carioca”. Last but not least, the composer Richard Strauss spent a large part of his life in the Alpine town and died there in 1949.
Today, things are less sophisticated. Visitors stroll leisurely through the tranquil pedestrian zone, browse through a well-stocked bookstore and enjoy the beautiful farmhouses that line the city center.
The pretty town centre invites you to stroll
The start is Marienplatz. Attention: In house no. 10 there is a pharmacy from 1790.
In the districts of Garmisch and Partenkirchen you can find the shingle-roofed mountain houses everywhere.
Some of them are decorated with so-called Lüftl paintings, religious façade decorations. There are a few things that you should definitely take a look at. First, you linger at Richard-Strauss-Platz and admire the Kongresshaus. Right next to it is the spa park.
Polznkasparhaus, Image: Marc Gilsdorf / Markt Garmisch-Partenkirchen
It is also worth visiting the Old Parish Church of St. Martin, which has remains of Gothic wall paintings, and the New Parish Church of St. Martin, built around 1730. The local history museum, which is housed in the Wackerle House, provides a glimpse into history.
Tip:
Every year in spring, the Richard Strauss Days take place with concerts in honour of the famous resident.
Authentic, small and delicious – possibly an insider tip? The “Schloderer Bierstüberl” attracts with regional dishes in a rustic atmosphere.
When mountain and gorge call
From the summit of the Zugspitze there is a magnificent panoramic view. In the Werdenfelser Land, the mountain is called the “heavenly center”. From the 50-million-year-old natural monument at an altitude of 2961 meters, the view extends over the mountains to Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
If you choose the Eibsee cable car on the way back, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque Eibsee.
In addition to the famous panoramic view, a visit to the, which is often circled by hang-gliders, is worthwhile. Right on the outskirts of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the valley station of the Wankbahn. The is considered the “Sonnenberg” of the Werdenfelser Land.
Excursions into the varied nature of the alpine mountains of Hausberg, Osterfelder, Alpspitze and Kreuzeck are recommended. The Eckbauer can be hiked on romantic high-altitude trails. One of the most beautiful hikes leads from the Olympic Ski Stadium to the Partnach Gorge area. Part of the trail can be comfortably covered by horse-drawn sleigh in winter and by carriage in summer.
Even more bizarre than the Partnach Gorge is the Höllentalklamm to the south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Wildly romantic, captivating, magical – the surroundings:
Without a doubt, a literally drastic nature experience: the Höllentalklamm. The gorge can only be reached by walking for several hours. Over a kilometre long, the hiker is accompanied by foaming water falling over rocks with a dull murmur and wild roar. The natural wonder has to be “earned” by a three-hour walk.
The Zugspitze, which is within sight, to which a cogwheel and cable car lead up, is different. This is mainly used by winter sports enthusiasts, who can strap on their skis in the Werdenfelser Land, but also on many other slopes.
The ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Image: Marc Gilsdorf / Markt Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Below the rugged Karwendel chain in the Isar valley, about 25 kilometres east of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, lies the climatic health resort of Mittenwald. In the mountain town, “the sky is full of violins” since Matthias Klotz, a student of the famous violin maker Nicola Amati, used this craft to save his village from an economic catastrophe in 1684.
Today there is a violin making museum, a violin school and a monument to Matthias Klotz. In addition, all the houses with Lüftlmalerei confirm the 1786 verdict of
Goethe: “Mittenwald is a living picture book”.
Relaxation with the Lord God carvers can be found in Oberammergau. Not only is there carving and theatre played here, there is also bathing. In the “WellenBerg” you can fight waves, jump into the warm outdoor pool, bask in the whirlpool or accompany the children into the indoor paddling pool. And that’s not all: You can also sweat or get a tan here.
A Bavarian mountain resort under the sign of sport
International reporting made the place of the Bavarian Alps famous. The Olympic Ski Stadium is still the venue for the New Year’s ski jumping of the International Four Hills Tournament. The Olympic Ice Sports Centre acts as a popular training facility.
The new 14 million euro Olympic ski jump can be visited. If you like, you can climb the 332 steps of the “Himmelsleiter”. It’s also convenient: an elevator leads to the 62-meter-high tower. From the top, there is a magnificent view of the Loisach Valley.
Today, all winter sports can be practiced in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The glacier area of the Zugspitze allows descents of 118 kilometres of different levels of difficulty until well into spring.
In addition, the beautiful mountain nature can be enjoyed on leisurely alpine hikes, climbing or mountain bike tours even in the warm season.
Garmisch Partenkirchen: Location and special features
Garmisch Partenkirchen is surrounded by various mountain landscapes: In the southwest it is the Wettestein Mountains with the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze, to the east is the Ester Mountains and in the northwest the Ammer Mountains.
In Garmisch Partenkirchen itself is the 870 m high Kochelberg with the Kochelbergalm. The Hausbergbahn cable car takes you to the 1334 m high summit of the nearby Hausberg, whose sensational ski area is a real magnet for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders.
Garmisch Partenkirchen is the legendary venue for numerous international winter sports competitions, such as the Winter Olympics and Alpine Ski World Championships. Brilliant slalom slopes and the famous Olympic ski jump are special highlights in this highly esteemed winter sports resort. The New Year’s competition of the Four Hills Tournament takes place every year on the large Olympic hill on the Gudiberg.
Even in summer, Garmisch Partenkirchen is considered a fascinating holiday destination for the perfect active holiday. Hikes, excursions, bike rides and exciting discovery tours will delight young and old visitors alike. More than 300 km of well-signposted hiking trails lead through the idyllic alpine landscape around Garmisch Partenkirchen. At the same time, the natural paradise is the starting point for Transalp tours, which take mountain bikers towards Lake Garda .
Garmisch Partenkirchen in winter – Activities and highlights
Optimal weather conditions and a first-class infrastructure have made this exclusive winter sports resort a popular meeting place for ski sports fans. The alpine mountains around Garmisch Partenkirchen are a paradise for winter sports activities of all kinds.
At an altitude of up to 860 m, cross-country skiers can enjoy the silence of the picturesque snowy landscape on the approx. 28 km of classic and skating cross-country ski trails. The network of cross-country ski trails, which is accessible free of charge, is freshly groomed every day. The easy cross-country skiing trails include the 8 km long, easy-to-master Hausberg – Hammersbach trail and the Hausberg – Olympia Ski Stadium trail (length: 4 km). Definitely a thing for professionals is the 10 km long cross-country ski course from Garmisch Partenkirchen via Kaltenbrunn to Klais, which is a real challenge in places with its numerous descents and heights. For fantastic skiing experiences even after dark, the 5 km long floodlit trail at the Kaltenbrunn cross-country skiing centre offers optimal conditions.
Garmisch Partenkirchen is a stronghold of alpine skiing and can boast 60 km of perfectly groomed downhill slopes with guaranteed snow, which are available to alpinists and snowboarders from an altitude of 700 m in the months of November to April.
The ski area attracts experienced skiers to the 20 km long natural snow slopes, which are located up to 2050 m above sea level. But not only the ski area of Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze as well as Garmisch Classic with their valley runs and more than 40 kilometres of slopes are wonderful highlights of the ski world of Partenkirchen. The children’s area next to the mountain station on the Hausberg also offers little ski enthusiasts endless skiing and snowboarding experiences and carefree snow adventures.
Families with children will be thrilled by the O.30 km long toboggan run directly on the Kramerplateauweg ! The easy toboggan run is located on a gently sloping slope next to the residential area “Im Leitle” and is the ideal area for lots of fun and enjoyment in the snow.
For experienced tobogganers, the challenging toboggan run with numerous steep sections at the Esterbergalm is a real highlight. The 4.7 km long, varied toboggan run is quite challenging in places, but on the other hand offers a wonderful panoramic view over the enchanting Loisach Valley and the Wetterstein Mountains. There is a place to stop for refreshments in the cosy Esterbergalm.
Partnach Gorge, Image: Marc Hohenleitner / Markt Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The 2.4 km long toboggan run St. Martin am Grasberg should also be reserved for experienced sledders. From the Bayernhütte it is about 320 m up to the Martinshütte mountain inn, then it goes down again on the well-prepared toboggan run on partly steep sections.
But ice sports are not neglected in Garmisch Partenkirchen either. At the Olympia Ice Sports Centre, skaters can not only skate, but also try their hand at modern sports such as curling – twelve months a year.
Discover Garmisch Partenkirchen in summer
Numerous exciting and eventful activities await summer holidaymakers in Garmisch Partenkirchen and the surrounding area. The hike through the 700 m long and 80 m deep gorge Partnachklamm is a worthwhile excursion for families with children.
The tour over the suspension bridge on the with a stop at the Tannenhütte is definitely a fascinating experience for young and old. Holidaymakers should not miss the Panorama Highlight, the Alpspixplatform, which is also a wonderful experience for families with children. At an altitude of 2000 m, a spectacular view over the endlessly spreading majestic alpine world awaits you.
An absolute must in Garmisch Partenkirchen is the ride on the Bavarian Zugspitzbahn to the Zugspitze. The train ride up to the highest peak in the country at 2969 m takes about 75 minutes. Fantastic glacier hikes, paragliding and mountaineering are also among the most popular summer tourist activities here.
The Garmisch Partenkirchen summer toboggan run promises a lot of fun and enjoyment, because on an 850 m long route full of dynamics, steep curves and mega roundabouts, you can create an incredible difference in altitude of 41 metres. Children will love the great play facilities with climbing and slide tower, sandpit, swings and the super bungee trampoline! A visit to the Alpspitz wave pool is also a unique experience.
The amusement and relaxation pool can offer various indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, wave pools, learning pools as well as sauna and wellness facilities and simply offers perfect facilities for young and old.
Other attractions in Garmisch Partenkirchen and the surrounding area
The charming old town of Garmisch leads visitors on the trail of its history through old alleys and past unique, traditionally decorated wooden buildings. Regional gastronomy and wonderful shopping opportunities await visitors in the famous Ludwigstraße, which is lined with numerous gabled houses in the local style. Holidaymakers should not miss a serene walk from the town hall square to the 17th century Sebastian Chapel , a place of remembrance and reflection.
The much-visited Old Parish Church of St. Martin in Romanesque-Gothic style was the mother church in the Loisach and Isar valleys in the past, while the new South German Baroque St. Martin’s Church was built in the 18th century and fascinates with its beautiful interior design and eight-bell ringing. The pilgrimage church ofSt. Anton in Partenkirchen is undoubtedly worth a visit. The church, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, and the adjoining Stations of the Cross have been listed as historical monuments since 1973.
One of the most popular destinations in Garmisch Partenkirchen is the 12th-century Werdenfels castle ruins, which are located at an altitude of 795 m and can be easily reached on signposted hiking trails.
All year round, Lake Como is a charming destination for those who love nature and still don’t want to miss out on luxury. A pleasant Mediterranean climate, a magnificent mountain backdrop, characteristic villages and luxurious villas characterize the region around Lake Como.
Lake Como in Varenna, Image: Julian Wiskemann / shutterstock
With an area of 146 km², Lake Como presents itself as the third largest lake in Italy. Already in ancient times the Isola Comacina, the only island of the lake, was inhabited. A large number of stately-looking villas date back to the 15th century and provide sophisticated flair in many places. Today, the lake attracts celebrities from all over the world who maintain a holiday home on Lake Como. The region is also known for the numerous health resorts that lie on the northern Italian lake. In addition to wonderful conditions for hikers and climbers, the region is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, golfers and connoisseurs.
Como – the metropolis
If you are planning a holiday on Lake Como, you should definitely visit the city of Como. The picturesque old town is the city’s flagship. During a stroll through the old town, visitors come across the cathedral, which was built from 1396 to 1740. Today it is considered a landmark of the city and impresses not only with its architecture, but also with numerous works of art inside the cathedral. Also worth seeing is the sacred building Basilica of San Fedele, which was built in the 12th century. Of course, Como is also the “shopping city” on Lake Como and invites you to stroll, browse and enjoy with its pedestrian zone. A special highlight is also the Civico Museo Garibaldi, which was dedicated to the national hero and freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi. Other attractions include Villa Olmo, the Silk Museum, the Tempio Voltiano, and the Santissima Annunziata.
Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como
The villas on Lake Como, Image: Julija Sulkovska / shutterstock
The former fishing village of Bellagio is now one of the most beautiful places on the shores of Lake Como. Narrow streets lead through the medieval town centre and are lined with colourful urban canyons. Due to the hillside location of the village, there are also numerous stairways leading away from the lake. The Villa Serbelloni from the 18th century is also particularly worth seeing. It is known for its gardens, which are among the most beautiful in the country and are adorned with exotic plants. Also in Bellagio is the Villa Melzi with its English gardens. If you walk past the famous Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake at the northern tip of the headland.
Lecco – a place with a modern character
Once industrial, the town of Lecco has developed into an attractive holiday destination on Lake Como. The village presents itself with a modern pedestrian zone and is one of the attractions of the lake thanks to its special flair. In the centre of the town there is a cable car that leads to the Piani d’Erna plateau. The plateau offers a magnificent view and is an ideal starting point for hikes. In the village itself, there are numerous shops, restaurants and cafés, so that you can enjoy life here.
Termezzo – in the footsteps of the European nobility
Lake Como in spring, Image: Heinz Beilharz / shutterstock
Termezzo was once part of the defensive ring of the island of Comacina in the Middle Ages and was largely destroyed between 1118 and 1127. The village took off at the end of the 19th century, when the European nobility discovered the place for themselves. Since then, Termezzo has been one of the most famous places on Lake Como and still attracts prominent guests today. A stroll along the lakeside promenade and further along the lakeshore is particularly impressive, as there are magnificent villas with beautiful gardens.
Suitable accommodation for every type of holiday
Varenna at night, Image: Julian Wiskemann / shutterstock
Around Lake Como, you can spend a tailor-made holiday. Active holidaymakers, water sports enthusiasts, those in need of relaxation as well as connoisseurs get their money’s worth in the region. As diverse as the possibilities for holiday planning are, so are the accommodations on Lake Como. Whether you are looking for a small and cosy hotel or a stay in a luxury hotel, a holiday apartment on Lake Como or a holiday home, there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from. However, since a holiday on Lake Como is still very popular, planning should be done in good time in order to enjoy the freest possible choice of accommodation. However, if you are flexible, you can also book suitable accommodation at short notice, but a portion of luck is required, especially in the high season.
The perfect time to visit Lake Como
Basically, many tourists from all over the world are drawn to Lake Como in the summer months, but a stay at the lake also has its charm in the low season. If you don’t necessarily want to spend a beach holiday on the beaches of the lake, you can also spend a wonderful active holiday here all year round. Especially in spring, the northern Italian landscape is extremely worth seeing, because the rich flora provides a sea of flowers, so that hikes through the region are very pleasant. But a holiday on Lake Como is also a good idea in the autumn and winter months, because thanks to the mild temperatures and significantly fewer tourists, the region can be enjoyed to the fullest outside the holiday season.
