People have been gripped by wanderlust. Travel to the Asian continent is currently very popular. And above all, the exotic island paradise of Thailand attracts a stream of tourists year after year with sun, beach and sea as well as spectacular cultural assets and its culinary specialties.
Individual tourism is becoming more and more prevalent. Holidaymakers avoid mass tourism and prefer to get to know the country and its people up close and on their own. An authentic insight into the everyday life of the people and their traditions is especially possible on individual trips to Thailand .
Today, thanks to cheap travel offers from the Internet, it is easier than ever to book a flight quickly, strap on your backpack and discover the fascinating culture of the Southeast Asian island kingdom. The travel offer is constantly expanding and cheap flights such as Thai Airways flights make the dream vacation possible.
The Southeast Asian island kingdom impresses not only with its spectacular scenic diversity, but also with its warm hospitality. Since the 1970s, tourism in Thailand has been an important economic factor for the country. The main destinations include the capital Bangkok, the mountainous northwest, and the coastal region.
Beach trips to Thailand to well-known seaside resorts such as Khao Lak or to one of the numerous islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan are particularly popular. Here, sun worshippers will find beautiful sandy beaches and secluded bays, divers a colorful underwater world.
Trend Adventure Tour Thailand
In addition to recreational trips, active and cultural trips are also very popular. Away from the tourist strongholds, there is a lot to discover. The unique and fascinating nature, old temples and ruins, impressive handicrafts but also the diversity of Thai cuisine. The possibilities in the sports sector are also very versatile. In addition to the golf and diving experiences, which are very popular with Europeans and Americans in particular, trekking, mountain biking and rafting are also being offered more and more often.
The trend in Thailand travel is clearly towards event trips, i.e. trips that are subject to a special theme. The so-called theme trips include Thailand wine tours, or city trips to Bangkok, spa trips with massages and wellness or yoga trips.
Thailand trip for the big and small purse
The tourism industry has not slept through the development of the market and has recognized the potential for the different forms of travel some time ago. With suitable offers, regarding flights and accommodation, in different price segments, the needs of its visitors are catered for. While a trip to exclusive beach resorts appeals primarily to the upper middle class of holidaymakers, round trips with a backpack are very popular with students and young people.
For those who want to see a lot of the Land of Smiles with its rich culture and impressive sights, the trip starts with an inexpensive flight and uses the accommodation in one of the many hostels. A popular starting point for the trip is usually Bangkok, from where you continue north into the mountainous regions and then down to the south to the beautiful sandy beaches.
Thailand exudes a magical attraction for travelers from all over the world. Not only is travel affordable, the tropical climate and the fantastic coastal region also invite you to a wonderful beach holiday. It is not for nothing that the excellent Thai food is also very popular in its own homeland. And the warm-hearted hosts always give holidaymakers a smile.
Once you start listing the many sights of Rome , you quickly get lost. This is no wonder, after all, Rome is still considered the eternal city today. The center of the former European empire, which traveled from Africa to the deepest steppes of Asia. Although Rome lost more and less importance over the centuries, many of the testimonies of the historical period can still be found today. Rome entices with the Italian joie de vivre surrounded by ancient products and a wonderful culture. Which sights of the eternal city should you definitely have seen? What are the most beautiful places in the city where you can hardly walk ten meters without admiring a historic building?
View of St. Peter’s Basilica, Image: cge2010 / shutterstock
Actually, the Vatican State is not part of Rome at all, but it should be planned for a visit to the city in any case. It can be well worth taking a whole day to explore the wonder of the Papal States in the heart of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The tours offered here take you into the inner workings of the holy city. With the right tour guide, you can discover many more of the treasures that have been collected over the course of almost 2000 years and make up the unique magic of this place.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon, Image: Phant / shutterstock
As one of the best-preserved structures in the city’s ancient history, the Pantheon actually takes the visitor back to the time when Rome was the center of the civilized world. Apart from the impressive history that the building has just passed in Rome, it is also architecturally of a special beauty. The Friday domed building was revolutionary for the time and has posed many a mystery to researchers even in modern times. The interior seems a little bare at first glance, but holds its own secrets and treasures, which are explained and can be discovered by visitors in a tour.
Even in the time of the Caesars, the Roman Forum was the social center of the city. Parties, tournaments, notices and discussions took place here. Not much has changed since the times of Caesar, Marcus Aurelius and Nero. Since the Romanum has been largely excavated, the historic center has shifted back here. In addition to the countless tourists, it is also the locals who take the opportunity to advertise their goods here or simply come together. People discover the true and vibrant Rome here, while at the same time providing an impressive look at the city’s former history. Similar to the Spanish Steps, however, it should always be taken into account that many people want to see this place.
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Image: Andrea Izzotti / shutterstock
Admittedly, the beauty of the former arena for gladiators and spectacle is not always apparent at first glance. If you didn’t know any better, you would suspect that this is just another ruin of Rome, of which there are now really enough in the city. But the opportunity to walk through the historic tunnels and have it explained to you how the many – for those times – modern techniques worked, gives a good insight into how far the Romans had already come back then. The spectacle can be felt here as well as the story. An insider tip: Visit the Colosseum at night. Not only are there exclusive events around the Colosseum, but the beauty of the building becomes even more evident in the evening sun or when lit up at night.
Fonte di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain in Piazza Trevi, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock
The Trevi Fountain should be familiar to most people from film and television. Not only is it a cultural center of the city and perhaps the place where most people can be found over the course of an entire day, but it’s also fraught with a superstition or two. It is said to bring good luck to throw coins into the fountain in the right way. Above all, however, it is a beauty that is located right in the center of the city. So if you are on your way to explore the evening life in the city anyway, you should definitely make the little detour. The wonderful sculptures and the spectacle of light and water make the Fonte di Trevi one of the most beautiful fountains in the world for a reason.
A trip to Borneo is the realization of an absolute vacation dream for every nature lover with a little thirst for adventure. Dense, tropical rainforests, colorful plants and rare animal species such as orangutans, macaques, proboscis monkeys and Irawadi dolphins await travelers.
Borneo is more than twice the size of Germany and is located in the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the South China Sea, the Java Sea and the Strait of Makassar, it is the third largest island in the world and covers a length of about 1366 km and a width of 1026 km.
Geographically, it belongs to the large Sunda Islands and is politically divided into three states: Indonesia in the south and Malaysia with the Sultanate of Brunei in the north. A mountain range, in which the highest elevation in Borneo is located, the 4095 m high Kinabalu, stretches from the northeast to the southwest.
Borneo is crossed by the equator approximately in the middle and thus belongs to the tropical climate zone with high humidity and relatively constant temperatures between an average of 27.7° C in May and 26.7° C in December. The rainiest months are March and October. However, since it rains frequently during the rest of the year, there is no so-called “best time to travel”. Borneo is a year-round destination and precipitation is part of a stay here.
The National Parks
Those who travel to Borneo usually want to get as big an impression as possible of the indescribable flora and fauna of the region. There are numerous national parks on the island, which correspond to the idea of untouched nature with exotic animals, colorful birds and flowering orchids to a great extent.
Bako National Park
The city of Kuching in the state of Sarawak is a very good starting point for trips to several of the region’s fantastic national parks. The Bako National Park is only about 40 km away. However, the trip to this peninsula is only possible by boat. It is recommended to stay there for at least two days in order to hike through the pure rainforest wilderness on different routes. A night safari with a good guide is a unique experience. There are some simple lodges in the park for overnight stays, but they should be reserved in good time.
Orangutans in Semenggoh National Park khamkhor / Pixabay
National park
Semenggoh National Park is also easily accessible from Kuching. One of the attractions here is the orangutan rehabilitation station, where animals found injured and freed from captivity are prepared for their life in the wild. For the once-daily feeding, they come close to the visitor center and can thus be observed up close.
Gungung Mulu National Park
The Gungung Mulu National Park should not be missing on any excursion program of a Borneo vacation. The most impressive sights here are the gigantic caves of a huge, partly unexplored system.
Deer Cave
One of the most beautiful caves open to visitors is the “Deer Cave”. Here, with the help of a local guide, you can spot millions of bats. If you choose the “Clearwater Cave”, which is believed to be more than 60 km long, you can refresh yourself before or after the tour in the natural swimming pool with crystal clear water, which is located in front of the entrance to the cave.
The Gungung Mulu National Park offers such a variety of natural wonders that tourists should definitely take part in a multi-day trekking tour. So you can experience the fascinating rainforest with all its images, sounds and smells “around the clock”. One of the most popular activities is climbing the pointed limestone cliffs, the so-called Pinnacles. However, you should already have a good level of fitness to master this challenge without any problems.
Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia, Image: KBaucherel / Pixabay
If you decide to climb the 4095 m high Kinabalus, you should plan 2 to 3 days, depending on your physical condition. This activity is particularly worthwhile for plant, bird and butterfly lovers to experience the flora and fauna of the mountains in this region up close. If you are lucky, you will get to see the largest flower in the world here – the Rafflesia.
Since the weather on Kinabalu is often unpredictable, hikers should inform themselves well in advance about the prevailing conditions. On a clear day, a fantastic view from above compensates for the efforts of the ascent. You can also get a spectacular impression of the rainforest on the Conopy Skywalk. Here you walk at a height of 41 m over swaying suspension bridges through the treetops of the national park.
The Danum Valley
This very remote area in the state of Sabah is one of the few areas in Borneo where the primeval, dense forest still prevails. This is also where the last specimens of the extremely rare Borneo pygmy elephants and Borneo rhinos are hidden. The probability of seeing the shy animals is very low, but since the valley is also one of the regions with a very high plant and animal diversity, it is of great interest to zoologists and botanists.
In the Crocker Range Mountains in the north of Sabah, the legendary cloud forests are located at an altitude of 2000 m. In certain weather conditions, when clouds cover the mountain peaks, the observer is presented with a fairytale sight. In these extremely humid conditions, the legendary carnivorous pitcher plants also thrive very well.
Connecting stays in Borneo
Many travellers relax after the eventful but also strenuous tours through the national parks on one of Borneo’s magnificent dream coasts.
On the islands off Kota Kinabalu, wonderful sandy beaches await the beach vacationers. The 50-hectare Tunuk Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Sipadan Island are among the best diving areas on earth with their fascinating and diverse underwater world.
If you feel like going to a real city again after several weeks in untouched nature, you can visit the lively port town of Sandakan, for example. Here, it’s worth taking a leisurely shopping spree at the colourful markets or stopping off at local or western restaurants. Not far from the city, in Sepilok, are the last almost untouched primary rainforests in northern Borneo.
Less strenuous than a trekking tour, but at least as interesting is a river safari. For example, the Kinabatangan River, which is over 600 km long, offers boat trips with local guides that offer a completely different perspective on the tropical landscape.
Food and Drink in Borneo
The cuisine in Borneo is influenced by numerous different countries and cultures and is therefore extremely diverse. Freshly caught fish in many variations is on the menu in most restaurants here. Another speciality are the small satay meat skewers, which are served with sweet-spicy peanut sauce.
THE national dish in Indonesia“>Indonesia and Malaysia is, of course, nasi goreng (fried rice). Rice in combination with vegetables and meat is eaten by the locals at any time of the day, even for breakfast, and is available everywhere.
A vegetarian dish is roti canai, which consists of a flat flatbread with several different curry sauces. When it comes to the ubiquitous curry dishes, Europeans should rather try the milder variants first, because the spicy versions are almost impossible to enjoy even for people who like to eat well-seasoned dishes.
For nature lovers and adventurous travelers, there is hardly a more interesting and diverse destination in Asia than Borneo. Untouched nature, friendly locals and exciting activities await them.
In Malay, orangutan means “forest man” – an apt name for the orange shaggy fur animals of Indonesia. Hardly any animal is as similar to us as the clever apes. They are the thinkers of the jungle and the largest animals living on trees. They use self-made tools, they kiss each other and they lovingly take care of their offspring. And: They are extremely threatened!
Due to a dramatic development, an overwhelming project was created: Many responsible people, Benni Over, probably the best friend of the forest people, and “Henry saves the rainforest” give hope and appeal to human reason.
If the rainforest dies, then the orangutan dies too!
In the wild, orangutans live worldwide only on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. In recent years, countless palm oil plantations have sprung up on the islands. The animals are robbed of their habitat. The bitter result: orangutans are endangered and threatened with extinction. The orangutans play an important role in the rainforest. Based on their food selection and subsequent excretion, they ensure the continued existence of healthy forests. These forests produce the oxygen that the world so desperately needs in times of climate change. Due to the destruction of the rainforest, the great apes are displaced and banished. They often starve to death in search of food. About 54,000 animals are highly endangered in Borneo .
An unforgettable encounter
Great apes are intelligent, that is no longer a secret. Researchers have found that when orangutans are not painting pictures, they practice speaking or imitate human sounds.
There are countless wonderful experiences with the red shaggy animals. It is a privilege to observe the animals at close range. For a brief moment – very close to an orangutan: a massive patriarch snuggles up to a tree trunk as if it were his sofa. Next to it, the teenager sits, emphatically bored, his head resting on his arm. However, he guards his surroundings from his branch with alert eyes. Meanwhile, a friend of the teenager makes himself big and sticks out his chest. Clever: He lingers in this posture until the guides give him a piece of melon. Not far away, the little orangutan child with fluffy hair steals his mother’s banana and catches one for this impudence. Each of these animals has its own personality. A look into the deep brown eyes looks incredibly familiar. In a world without bars and fences, in great peace, humans and animals obviously feel a deep connection. A fleeting touch feels like a small miracle. Orangutans are simply human.
On the one hand, this wonderful encounter, on the other hand, the dramatic development: the habitat of the great apes is becoming increasingly narrow. Many animals have already fallen victim to the saw or fire. This is also worrying: Orangutans are strictly protected in Borneo. Nevertheless, they often sit in cramped cages, frightened and imprisoned – trapped by poachers. It is a sad sight that often presents itself to the police and gamekeepers. Irresponsible people offer the great apes for sale for the equivalent of 250 euros.
It’s time – time for a change!
One-year-old Mona on Bennis’ lap, picture: Klaus Over
It is very important to me to report on Benni Over and his great orangutan project at this point. His mission is enlightenment!
Benni Over from Rhineland-Palatinate is probably the best friend of our red brothers in Indonesia“>Indonesia.
And then there is “Henry”, the little orangutan, who has bad nightmares. Depressing experiences become present in his dreams. Desperately, Henry searches for his mother and finally finds her motionless on the floor. ‘When he wakes up, his surrogate mother, Mary, gently strokes his head. Mary accompanies orphaned apes in a camp. It is difficult for her to answer Henry’s recurring question: “Why are our moms killed”?
Benni is curiously sniffed by orangutan cub Boy, Picture: Klaus Over
Henry is the little orangutan, invented by Benni Over, probably the person with the biggest heart for the red-haired forest people. On 34 colourfully designed pages, his character (Henry) goes through many stations that make you sad, make you think and at the same time make you concerned. Readers follow this journey with excitement. Henry can’t believe it: people are cutting down the rainforest to create palm oil plantations. He learns that many animals have been deprived of their dwelling, that they are simply killed or kept as pets. The habitat of the lovable animals is visibly dwindling. It’s time to do something. Finally, Henry meets the Pope, the German Chancellor, the President of the USA and, last but not least, the Dalai Lama. The most famous people in the world occupy an important place in the project.
The picture book “Henry saves the rainforest” can be obtained from Papierfresserchens MTM-Verlag, bookstores or Amazon, ISBN: 978-3-86196-673-9
The motto on the back of the book cover is: “A movement must get going”. For someone who has only been able to move his fingers for several years, this is not an easy thing. Benni Over, now 28, suffers from muscle atrophy (DMD) and has been in a wheelchair since he was 10 years old. He also suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2016. After a life-saving tracheotomy, he is mainly ventilated by a machine. Despite his limited resources and handicaps, he is committed to the red-haired forest people with all his strength. He was named “Ambassador for Orangutans” by the local organizations. He is always accompanied by his father, who supports the project extensively and also with great passion.
This is particularly close to Benni Over’s heart
The fact that the extraction of palm oil kills life is based on our culinary delights. Living creatures lose their homes – orangutans die. The fatal thing is that the demand for palm oil is increasing.
Benni Over sends an appeal to people and hopes for a rethink in consumer behavior. When buying, you should pay attention to what is in the food. The consumer has the power to shape supply through demand.
Christina Schott – In a Wheelchair to the Orangutans can be obtained from the publisher, bookstore or Amazon, ISBN: 978-3-86196-760-6
The adventure takes its course. Despite his illness, Benni Over is touring Germany. He is a popular guest at the schools. The arc of suspense rises when he reports in kindergartens and public institutions about the palm oil industry, the rainforest and, above all, about the life of orangutans. It is his mission and he pursues it with admirable strength. Benni Over receives literary support from the German journalist, Christina Schott, who lives in Indonesia>Indonesia . With her travel and non-fiction book “Im Rollstuhl zu den Oran-Utans” (In a wheelchair to the orangutans), she addresses young people, parents and teachers.
It should be the concern of all of us to support Benni Over’s project.
The Harz Mountains are a low mountain range and include parts of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. It is the highest mountain range in all of northern Germany. The Harz Mountains have a length of over 100 kilometers and a width of 30 to 40 kilometers. Over 8,000 kilometres of hiking trails and a number of sights attract countless tourists all year round. We have summarized some of the highlights.
At 1,141 metres above sea level, the Brocken, also known as the Blocksberg , is not only the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains, but also in the whole of northern Germany. It is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Harz Mountains and attracts more than two million visitors every year.
There are many different hiking trails that lead to the highest point of the mountain, such as the well-known eight-kilometer Goetheweg. It got its name because it was once assumed that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe chose this route in 1777 for his ascent to the Brocken. The almost twelve-kilometre-long Heinrich Heine Trail was named after the well-known German poet who visited the Harz Mountains in 1824.
Visitors who are not quite so good on foot can also easily reach the summit of the Brocken with the Brocken cable car. The passenger trains are pulled up the mountain by historic steam locomotives in about an hour and 30 minutes.
In good weather, the visitor is rewarded with a breathtaking view over the impressive mountain landscape. On the summit is also the Brocken Museum, which brings the visitor closer to the history of the Brocken and its surroundings. The Brocken Garden, which has existed since 1890, is also worth a visit. On over 1,000 square meters there are over 1,500 plant species from all over the world that only grow in the high mountains.
Tip: If you have a smaller budget, renting a holiday home or apartment in the Harz Mountains is particularly recommended.
The Harz National Park
Another great destination for hiking in the great outdoors and wilderness is the Harz National Park. It is one of the largest forest national parks in the whole of Germany. In 2006, the national park in Saxony-Anhalt with an area of about 8,900 hectares and the Lower Saxony National Park with an area of about 15,800 hectares became the transnational Harz National Park with a total area of 24,700 hectares.
About 95 percent are overgrown with spruce and beech forests and more than 7,000 plant and animal species have become native to the national park. This is largely due to the fact that nature is still left to its own devices here. Over 600 kilometres of hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and, with a bit of luck, observe deer, deer, wild boar and raccoons in their wild. The black stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, boreal owl, pygmy owl and capercaillie have also been spotted many times. Visitors are somewhat less likely to see the raccoon dog and the European lynx, as these animals are considered extremely shy and therefore pose no danger to humans at all.
The European lynx was even considered almost extinct since the 19th century. After it was decided in 1999 to reintroduce the European lynx, around twenty lynxes were released into the wild in the national park between 2000 and 2004. As early as 2002, the park was able to look forward to the first proven offspring. The Harz National Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sankt Andreasberg high ropes course
If you are also looking for adrenaline and adventure while hiking , the Sankt Andreasberg high ropes course is the place to be. With an area of over 6,000 square meters, more than 120 varied obstacles and over 100 stations in the great outdoors, the park is one of the largest high ropes courses in the whole of Germany.
The garden is suitable for beginners and advanced hikers, as the obstacles are freely selectable and have a height between 0.8 and 18 meters. It consists of nets, ropes, climbing walls, suspension bridges and beams. The visitor is secured twice or three times and trained specialist staff is available everywhere.
The absolute highlight of the park is the Flying Fox, a 300-metre-long zip line that whizzes down into the valley at high speed over the Help of God Pond.
The Hexentanzplatz Zoo in Thale
Fun for the whole family is offered by the zoo at Hexentanzplatz. It has been in existence since 1973 and offers a protected home to more than 70 species of animals and trees over 200 years old. Inhabitants such as otters, martens, peregrine falcons, kestrels, wild boars, red foxes, eagle owls, golden eagles and storks can be observed in the wild.
The special highlights of the park are the large and natural wildlife enclosures. On 5,200 square meters, the bears have enough space and can perform their usual activities such as climbing, digging and bathing. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the brown bears over a higher bridge. The wolf territory is located on an area of about 3,200 square meters. Visitors can overlook the entire complex from a suspension bridge. The lynx hill has an area of about 1,100 square meters and offers the lynx areas to hide and climb. The enclosure is separated by fences and glass walls and visitors can observe the animals at ground level.
The zoo also offers a 4,000-square-metre golf course with a total of 18 holes on two courses, each with nine holes. Particularly interesting for children is the petting enclosure with goats, sheep and rabbits.
The island of Iceland has only developed into a real hotspot for tourists in recent years. It received special attention at the beginning of the new millennium. This is also due to the fact that the island offers a real change from the cities on the mainland flooded with tourists. Iceland can be explored in a few days and yet offers the adventure of discovering untamed nature with the comfort of a modern European city. All tourists who visit the island first land in Reykjavik. Since this is the highest density of hotels and there are only a few tourist offers outside the capital, you should first take a look at the sights of the Icelandic capital before the trip to the geysers and volcanoes.
Hardly any other building has caused as much discussion in Reykjavik as the construction of this special church, which began in 1940. Hallgrimskirkja is a masterpiece of modern architecture and characterises the cityscape as perhaps the most important landmark in the entire country. It is a mixture of modern architecture with the traditional architecture of the churches in the north and is available to visitors all year round. If you want to enjoy a unique view over the capital, you should invest around 5 euros for a ticket up to the observation tower. The elevator takes you to a 70-meter-high gallery, which allows a view over the entire coastal city. From here, the special architecture of the capital of Iceland becomes clear once again.
2. Reykjavik Harbor with Harpa Concert Hall
The Harpa Concert Hall, Image: SahatchaiS / shutterstock
You have to get used to the fact that Reykjavik is mainly defined by modern architecture. For a long time, the Icelandic island was in a self-imposed isolation. Apart from fishing, there was little reason for the inhabitants to make contact with other countries in Europe. This only changed in the late 20th century, when service providers also came to the island. The wonderful harbour is still the highlight of a visit today. In combination with the modern Harpa concert hall, there are plenty of opportunities for a great day out and an excursion on the island.
3. The Laugavegur
The Laugavegur district, Image: Nella / shutterstock
Even though Reykjavik doesn’t really have an old town to offer, the capital knows how to convince with other special districts. Laugavegur is something like the heart of the city. This is where most of the shops and restaurants can be found, and tourists and locals can be found in the shops and cafes all year round. In addition, the shopping street offers a great view of the church tower, which can always be seen on the horizon. When darkness comes – and it sometimes does very early in Iceland – the shops pack up and instead an active and popular nightlife develops in the capital. This is probably the best way to get in touch with the locals. By the way, many of them speak excellent English – so there should be no language barrier for experienced tourists.
4. The Blue Lagoon
Bláa Lónið, The Blue Lagoon, Image: Puripat Lertpunyaroj / shutterstcok
In a neighboring town of Reykjavik you will find what the island has been famous for many tourists for many years: a completely natural thermal bath. The hot springs are something like the trademark of the island. Powered by the volcanic energy that can be found everywhere, the hot springs are a very popular place for locals and tourists alike to relax and meet new people. Most of these baths have very strict guidelines and especially for newcomers to sauna culture, some of the traditions could cause a bit of confusion. However, the local lifeguards are happy to explain the procedure and point out how to behave or what to consider during a visit so that it becomes a relaxation for everyone involved.
5. The Art Museums of Reykjavik
A picturesque and impressive sight of Iceland’s capital, Image: KeongDaGreat / shutterstock
For the small capital of a small island, Reykjavik has a variety of interesting museums to offer. It seems that the focus here was mainly on modern art. In the different parts of the city, you will not only find interesting offers for every art movement, but also current exhibitions by artists from all over the world. If you are interested in the world of museums, you will also find an opportunity to learn a little more about the life of Icelanders in earlier times in the local history museums along the harbor. The modern buildings are not only visually splendourful, they also offer great entertainment and are a popular destination for tourists who come to the island.
On both sides of the Nieuwe Maas stretches the second largest city in the Netherlands – Rotterdam.
The skyline of Rotterdam is spectacular. Buildings such as the Erasmus Bridge shape the image of the city. Without a doubt, the city is one of the most exciting architectural squares in the world.
In a place where space is constantly being created for new development, the scene is alive. The atmosphere and character of the city are shaped above all by its harbour. For over 40 years, people have built this city from nothing and are still changing the cityscape.
Imposing buildings, idyllic as well as green squares and a hip atmosphere – the port city inspires with an endless variety.
The Kobuswoningen in Rotterdam, Image: cla78 / shutterstock
Rotterdam, the city that was completely destroyed by German air raids in 1940 and was on the verge of total devastation, has fought back with all its might.
“Rotterodamum” was built around 1240 and received town rights in 1340. As early as the 17th century, it developed into the second most important trading city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam . The beginning of the actual ascent was marked by the canal connections to the Meuse and Rhine and the construction of the “Nieuw-Waterweg” in 1866.
After the destruction of the Second World War, a modern and industry-free city centre with wide shopping streets and imposing buildings was created as part of the reconstruction.
In Rotterdam, creative people change the cityscape day by day. Architecturally, almost everything is allowed. The architecture capital of the Netherlands is full of surprises. Excellent examples of the special architecture are the Café de Unie in avant-garde garb and the picturesque harbour district Delf, which embodies the style of the early 20th century. Meanwhile, the Willems Bridge impresses with its striking similarity to the Golden Gate Bridge.
The oldest district of the city is Delémont. It invites you to linger with rustic places. If you like it modern, visit Koopgoot, the famous shopping street – dominated by the tower of Rotterdam’s World Trade Centre.
In addition to the university and college, Rotterdam has numerous research institutes, picture galleries, important museums and a modern congress centre.
Treasures of an art and cultural stronghold – when works of art grow from ruins
The Erasmus Bridge, Image: DR Travel Photo and Video / shutterstock
The Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge), which characterises the cityscape in particular, is affectionately called “de Zwaan” (Swan) by the inhabitants. It was opened in 1996.
The best view of the city and the harbour is undoubtedly from the Euromast. The 185-metre-high observation tower was erected in 1960 in just 23 days. From up here, it becomes clear how diverse the architecture of Rotterdam is. On a clear day, you can even see the North Sea . On nice days, the tower falls into the firm hands of adventurers. If you like, you can view the city from the air. From the visitor platform, it then goes 100 meters into the depths. The exciting abseiling is possible from May to September.
Once at the bottom, visitors board so-called Spido boats. With the yellow-and-black speedsters, visitors discover all the important places in the harbour on a round trip. The small taxis share the waterway with freighters and mighty cruise ships. Soon it becomes romantic, because the historic ferry port is extremely idyllic. Time seems to have stood still here. Once upon a time, the port barons, rich shipowners and well-heeled merchants were at home here.
The port of Rotterdam has always been the starting point for trips all over the world. The industrial port has moved further and further towards the North Sea. It stretches over 40 kilometers. This makes it the largest port in Europe and the third largest in the world.
With its skyscrapers, the Wilheminapier peninsula stands for modern, modern-day Rotterdam. Well-known architects have created groundbreaking buildings here.
The historic district of Delfshaven, Image: Travel Addicts / shutterstock
An impressive contrast to this is the Witte de Withstraat with its historic houses, quaint cafés and alternative shops. The district was hardly destroyed in the devastating bombing raid by the Germans, in contrast to the rest of the city center. In the Witte de Withstraat you will meet cultures from very different countries. Living together always brings culinary surprises.
The small shipyard in the oldest harbour area is worth seeing. In the middle of the city, ships are still being repaired. Just opposite are the award-winning cube houses, which stand like treetops on their concrete trunks. The fascinating building from the 70s inspires all along the line.
Much of Rotterdam can be reached on foot. The city centre is manageable, especially where old and new combine. This becomes clear with the town hall, which survived the bombing, and the futuristic building by Rem Koolhaas. He skilfully planned the extension to the town hall and at the same time integrated attractive apartments.
Also worth seeing is the “Luftweg”, a pedestrian bridge made of 17000 wooden planks with the names of the people who made this construction possible. It stretches imposingly over roads and railway tracks.
Rotterdam is exciting everywhere. The area around the new market hall is particularly popular. If you are tired from sightseeing or shopping, you can rest in front of a great backdrop. From the front, the market hall looks like an oversized horseshoe. On the ceiling, a huge painting, including exotic fruits, delicious cheeses and many food, enveloped in pleasant scents. A stroll through the market hall is a real experience. Queen Maxima opened it in 2014.
Rotterdam at night, Image: mihaiulia / shutterstock
All in one: A museum park, the archive and a creative meeting place form the impressive museum landscape with changing exhibitions on industry, science and politics. If you want to experience what increasing age feels like, you can feel it here.
Miraculously, the Laurentius Church survived the bombing of 1940. The neo-Romanesque church building is well worth seeing. In the small harbour at their feet, children can test their seafaring skills.
After the war, Rotterdam was a field of experimentation for architects with high standards.
The people of Rotterdam are proud of their architecture. It can be explored like an open-air museum. One of the new landmarks is the main train station, which is flanked by skyscrapers. The building with its roof over the tracks is one of the most recent sights. The peaks visible in the roof point the way to the city centre. During the design, attention was paid to the preservation of historical elements.
The Kunsthalle of Rem Koohhaas is also an eye-catcher. He designed it over 25 years ago. It is one of his most important projects.
Trendy bars and restaurants in the charm of Rotterdam
An aging high-rise building was actually supposed to be demolished. Alternative groups have occupied it and created a creative center with a bistro and a great roof garden. From “Op het Dak” there is a magnificent view over the city. The restaurant offers only vegetarian dishes with fresh ingredients from its own garden.
Hofpleine: What you wouldn’t suspect at first – there are many surprises hidden under the disused railway tracks. For example, the FG – a 2-star restaurant by François Geurds. The chef of the restaurant surprises with unusual creations, both visually and in terms of taste.
In the evening, we recommend a culinary excursion to the Witte de Withstraat. The countless bars and restaurants are lively and there are delicacies from all over the world.
For many young parents, the question arises from the age of two or three at the latest whether it is already time to take a first trip together with the child. Many are afraid of stress or lack of relaxation on holiday together with the toddler. There are many ways to make a holiday with a baby a great memory.
The birth of a child is a life-changing event and especially in the first two or three years, many parents usually refrain from taking long trips with the toddler.
At some point, however, the distance calls again, the desire for beach and sun, shared relaxation and, above all, shared memories with the child. However, young parents are often reluctant to embark on such an adventure. They are afraid of stress outside their usual four walls and German infrastructure. Many travel providers have now adapted to these needs. They offer specialized trips and thus allow parents a mixture of short vacation with children and one or two private moments.
The destination as a critical point in planning a holiday with a baby
The travel destination with baby
In many cases, choosing the right region is probably the most critical point in planning a holiday with small children. Not every area is suitable and not every region has the necessary infrastructure to give young families a great holiday. In addition, it is important to think about what the activities should be. For example, it may not be advisable to go on a hiking holiday or a city tour in the first few years. On the other hand, parents should not make the mistake of focusing their vacation entirely on the child. After all, adults also want fun and relaxation – often together with the child, but some hours all to themselves.
There are many destinations that can meet the needs of both sides. It is important to have a realistic assessment of your own child’s abilities. Holidays with babies should be fun and not a stressful affair. To guarantee this, it is also a good idea to pay attention to a suitable hotel. It is precisely here that providers have positioned themselves well in recent years.
The children’s hotel as an experience for children and parents
While there are of course hotels where small children are not welcome, on the other hand there are providers who specialize entirely in the well-being of small children. So-called family hotels offer the necessary infrastructure and staff to cope with the needs of all travelers. The advantages of such a hotel are obvious:
Child-friendly approach and many other families who have traveled on vacation with a similar premise.
Special equipment that is completely geared towards the child. This includes appropriate beds, but also the chair for the dining room and, in case of doubt, painting materials for the long dinners.
Childcare services at fixed times. These are different from the Bambino clubs of normal hotels. Professionals can also take over the child for a few hours, as in an after-school care centre or a daycare centre.
Special excursion and wellness offers for parents, which are optimally coordinated with the care for the child and thus allow a few hours without children.
Family hotels are therefore the right choice for a holiday with a baby. They not only bring the necessary equipment and staff, but also the atmosphere you need on a holiday with a small child.
Corresponding offers can now be found in most popular regions. From mountain hotels or ski hotels with a family-friendly atmosphere to children’s hotels on the beaches of Turkey or Spain. So parents also have the opportunity from time to time to break away from their role and treat themselves to a few hours all to themselves. This is good for the child and good for the parents, who of course also need a little rest from time to time.
Holidays with babies – Plan your trip in an organised and structured way
In the end, the success of a holiday with a toddler always depends on the organisation. This includes not only the right regions and the right hotel. The trip itself is also to be planned. These include, for example , appropriate vaccinations. A visit to the pediatrician before the trip is worthwhile, as is a well-stocked first-aid kit for all eventualities. Activities for the hours in the car or plane should be packed and especially when traveling by car, appropriate breaks should be planned. Although it is usually the case that young children in particular sleep through a large part of a long journey anyway, in the end you want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
In addition, early planning is of course worthwhile. By means of comparisons on the Internet and simple bookings, it is not only possible for the holiday to be well organised. Booking in time can also save a lot of money. The savings are then perfect for spending at the holiday destination together with the child.
For many Germans, winter holidays are just the right way to relax during the cold season. Especially around the holidays, the opportunity to travel to the south alone or with your partner and family is used. Winter sports, seclusion or a little relaxation in the middle of the popular ski resorts beckon. But instead of reaching for the hotel, you can also rent a ski hut.
A ski hut is usually a classic alpine hut that is located near the ski slopes or ski resorts. It convinces with its rustic furnishings and the direct proximity to the most important infrastructure for winter holidaymakers. In recent years, these alternatives to the classic hotel have become very popular in the winter sports regions . They combine the flair of a holiday apartment with the freedom to plan your own holiday independently of rules and fixed meal times. In addition, the huts attract with different sizes: From the cosy hut for two people to the huge offer for the whole family, all forms of huts can be found in the winter areas. What to look out for on such a holiday? And why is it a great alternative to the hotels in the region?
Holidays at the ski hut – according to your own wishes
Of course, it’s a great thing when you don’t have to pay attention to anything in a well-furnished hotel with friendly staff. Then again, you are always a bit restricted during this time. This starts with the fact that usually the cost of food is also included in the price, so it’s not easy to miss dinner or breakfast at the hotel. The same principle applies to meal times, which provide a relatively rigid plan for daily planning, especially in these regions. However, many holidaymakers today prefer the opportunity to design their own trip as individually as possible. This only works to a limited extent in a hotel.
The ski huts offer the flair of a winter holiday with the greatest possible freedom. Just like in a holiday home or holiday apartment, you can rent a room and decide according to your own taste how you actually want to spend your holiday. As self-caterers, holidaymakers are free to choose whether they want to cook for themselves in the evening or prefer to try one of the local restaurants. In addition, the day can be planned according to your own wishes – there are no opening hours or meal times to which you have to orient yourself. In addition, the ski huts now know how to entice with great comfort.
The right huts in all price ranges
If you want to rent a cabin, you still don’t want to miss out on comfort. Especially the regions that are known for winter sports also attract with a clear picture in front of their eyes. The classic alpine hut, which stands alone on a mountain and offers rustic furnishings and, in the best case, a fireplace, is just one example of the wishes of holidaymakers. In fact, ski huts can be found today in a wide variety of forms. There is the ski hut in the classic design of the alpine hut with a rather simple but incredibly cozy interior, which is so typical for the houses in this region.
In recent years – and with the influx of new visitors to the ski resorts – the comfort level at the alpine huts has also increased. If you have a little room for manoeuvre in terms of price, you can also rent a hut that is furnished with every conceivable comfort. Even on the mountain, there is a connection for powerful Wi-Fi and satellite TV allows you to relax together in the evening. With the help of technically well-equipped kitchens, even being self-sufficient is no problem at all. In addition, there is the central location in the ski resorts, which allows you to be at the most important facilities with a short walk.
Ski holidays: compare offers and book in good time
For many German holidaymakers, winter holidays have long since become a serious alternative to summer holidays. The rush for the ski huts has been correspondingly large in recent years. If you want to rent a ski hut, you should therefore familiarize yourself with the possibilities on the Internet. The travel portals not only offer a good overview and comparison of the offers, they also make booking easier. Similar to all other trips, it is useful if you decide to travel for the long term. There are significant discounts on prices.
It can also make sense to stock up on the ski pass and all other papers for your stay before the trip. This saves you time at your holiday destination and you can start driving directly from the slopes instead.
With an area of only 2,586 km², Luxembourg is a small country in this respect. Nevertheless, it has great and diverse things to offer:
The Grand Duke is multicultural, with almost 50 percent of the approximately 600,000 inhabitants being foreigners. Three languages are spoken: Luxembourgish (Letzebuergisch) as the national language and German, French and Luxembourgish as the official language.
Luxembourg has three direct neighbours: Germany, France and Belgium. Together with its neighbour Belgium and the Netherlands, it forms the Benelux countries.
It is a member of NATO, the UN, as well as the EU, the European Union. The capital of the same name is the venue for the Council of the EU
Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Economic Community (EEC)
Luxembourg City is home to several important European institutions: the administrative headquarters of the EU, the seat of the European Court of Auditors, the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank.
The international agreement for the abolition of stationary border controls in the area of the participating states, the so-called “Schengen Agreement”, was signed in the town of Schengen.
Cultural heritage, traditions and natural beauties
The Philharmonie Luxembourg, Image: Reinhard Tiburzy / shutterstock
Our neighbouring country of Luxembourg is full of sights. Numerous historical places, museums, castles, ruins or monuments bear witness to a rich past, tradition and beauty. It is not for nothing that UNESCO has elevated many places to World Heritage status. The capital itself is particularly worth seeing.
The landscape of Luxembourg is very varied. In particular, there are the rather rugged Luxembourg Ardennes, the famous Mullerthal with its bizarre rock formations or the vineyards in the Moselle Valley.
Industry, agriculture and trade played a major role in the country’s past. Numerous industrial museums still tell of it today. These include the Slate Mining Museum in Haut-Martelange or the Industrial and Railway Park in Differdange/Pétange.
Last but not least, there are numerous traditional and interesting festivals that attract numerous visitors from all over the world in various towns every year. An example would be the jumping procession in Echternach.
Luxembourg City, a capital with charm
The Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes, Image: nito / shutterstock
One of the most important sights of the Grand Duchy is without question the capital. It has twice received the “European Capital of Culture” award and the old town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxembourg City is culturally and historically an unmistakably impressive city where multicultural life pulsates.
A stunning location
Luxembourg is a city with many faces: on the one hand, gigantic, modern buildings and luxurious shops dominate, and on the other hand, the well-preserved remains of the medieval fortifications are enthroned high above as the city’s landmark. Deep gorges are formed by the rivers Alzette and Pétrusse, which seem to encircle the city. An extremely beautiful panorama of this can be obtained from the view from the ramparts down into the valley.
Dive into the underworld
Image: S-F / shutterstock
If you are in the Luxembourg capital, you can’t help but marvel at the fortress known as the “Gibraltar of the North”. You should definitely venture into the “underworld” there. A visit to the gigantic casemates is a must for every visitor. In the Bock casemates, which were used for defence from the 17th century onwards, the visitor enters the caves and passages carved into the rock and experiences a journey through time par excellence. A prison, a dungeon and the city’s birthplace, the archaeological crypt, as well as some fantastic views “outside” offer a breathtaking experience for the whole family.
If you want to soak up a lot of city history, you can entrust yourself to the approximately 5.5 km long “Wenceslas Trail”, a circular route that has casemates, defensive walls and citadels as cornerstones.
Detour into a fairytale world
The Mullerthal, also known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland”, is a breathtaking landscape that you can expect to encounter elves and gnomes at any time when you cross it. Almost like in a fairytale forest…
The Mullerthal, Image: Sabino Parente / shutterstock
But what is special about the Mullerthal? Quite simply: it is an ideal hiking area with gigantic rock formations that leave a lot of room for the imagination, with romantic streams, beautiful small villages with castle ruins such as Larochette or Beaufort, impressive panoramas of the valley of the Sûre and, of course, the landmark of the region, the Schiessentümpel, where water forms a fairytale situation.
Hiking is not only the miller’s delight…
In the Mullerthal, several longer and shorter hiking trails are well signposted. The most famous is the Mullerthal Trail, a hiking route of 112 km consisting of three routes. The tours can also be done independently of each other and, of course, expanded. The starting point of the hike can also be chosen individually. A large red M is pointing the way.
No matter where and how, you will definitely go to some spectacular natural sites such as the Schiessentümpel or the Wolfsschlucht. Truly gigantic rock formations await hikers at almost every corner. But also the castle of Beaufort and Echternach with its lake and excavation site are on the list of the Mullerthal Trail. Once again an experience for the whole family!
Luxembourg – You have to see it!
The European Court of Justice, Image: nitpicker / shutterstock
In principle, the whole of Luxembourg is worth a trip, some destinations have already been mentioned. However, there are certain places that are simply a must. They either originate from the past or are recommended due to special natural beauties or events.
Castles in Luxembourg
Approximately in the middle of Luxembourg is the “Valley of the Seven Castles” – the Eisch Valley – with the 37 km long hiking trail of the same name, which leads past all seven castles and palaces in the region. The cornerstones of the hike are the Fockeschlass in Koerich and the castle in Mersch.
Directly on the border with Germany is the village of Vianden with the almost 1,000-year-old castle with manor house. This is said to have been built on the foundations of a Roman fort and a Carolingian refuge. After the restoration, both can now be visited
Villages
Monument of Grand-Duchess Charlotte, Image: Valentin Ivantsov / shutterstock
Vianden or Veinen, located in the Ardennes and on the Our, has not only the castle but also the Sodality Chapel and the Trinitarian Church as sights to offer.
Clervaux, also known by its French name Clervaux, is located in the heart of Luxembourg’s Ardennes and, despite its small size, is a “great” place. Clervaux, for example, has a castle that houses three interesting visitor magnets: the War Museum, which provides information about the Battle of the Bulge, an exhibition with models of the country’s castles and palaces, as well as the famous UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage, the photo exhibition “The Family of Man” by Edward Steichen, which gave the city the nickname “City of Images”.
In the border triangle of Germany, France and Luxembourg, the small but famous wine-growing village of Schengen on the Moselle can be found. Here, in 1985, the famous Schengen Agreement was signed on the “MS Princesse Marie-Astrid”, which set the milestone for the abolition of controls at the European borders of some countries. Interesting information can be found today in the “Europe Direct” and especially in the “Musée Européen Schengen”. In addition to the historic ship, the remains of a moated castle from the early Middle Ages, a church and a castle as well as the baroque castle garden are the historical sights of the city.
Echternach an der Sauer is the oldest city in Luxembourg and a stone’s throw from Germany. The market square, towers and remains of the former city wall and the narrow, winding streets still bear witness to medieval charm today. Also worth mentioning are the “Denzëlt”, the former court of justice, the Peter and Paul church with its frescoes and the Romanesque basilica, whose crypt houses the tomb of Saint Willibrord. On the outskirts of the city is a leisure centre with a lake and the “Roman Villa”. Here the visitor will find excavations from the 1st to 5th centuries, an exhibition about the life of the “ancient” Romans and much more.
Once a small settlement of boatmen and fishermen, Remich on the Moselle has become a respected wine village to this day. The city’s landmark is the Bacchus Fountain. Surrounded by vineyards and forest, the Battle of Remich against the Vikings took place here in 882. Today it is much more peaceful, today only the tourists storm the place.
Other places worth mentioning are Ettelbruck, where beer is said to flow from a donkey fountain at certain times, and Diekirch with the National Museum of Military History and a Bee and Beer Museum. In the former mining town of Rumelange, you can now learn interesting facts about this industry in the mining museum and drive into the tunnels like the miners once did. Esch-sur-Sûre is particularly impressive. The remains of an old fortress are enthroned on a steeply sloping rockslide. The town itself is almost completely engulfed by the Sûre. In the immediate vicinity is the Sauer dam with lake and leisure facilities.
Luxembourg – festivals, celebrations & traditions
The Christmas market in Luxembourg, Image: FamVeld / shutterstock
Probably the best-known and most spectacular traditional festival is the Echternach Hopping Procession, which takes place on the Tuesday after Pentecost. That’s when the participants jump from the former abbey to the basilica in the archipelago. The purpose is to honour Saint Willibrord, who set off from here to work as a missionary in northern Germany. The procession is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous people from all over the world every year.
Not quite as spectacular, but also worth seeing are the annual medieval festival in Vianden and the nut market in October.
The carnival customs of various municipalities in Luxembourg are also interesting. For example, the carnival parade in Diekirch is one of the most worth seeing. In Remich, the carnival season ends by burning a straw doll on the Moselle bridge on Ash Wednesday. The flames are supposed to drive away the evil winter spirits.
In Wiltz, the Gënzefest, the Broom Festival, is accompanied by a colourful flower parade at Pentecost.
