For a long time, Saudi Arabia was a country that puzzled the world because some things there felt as if the Middle Ages were still present. But the kingdom wants to open up, and while it was previously only possible for tourists to obtain a visa in the care of a group, this is now also possible for individual travellers. The restrictions that have been in place so far will also be eased in Saudi Arabia as part of the “Vision 2013” project. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to make his country fit for the future, and by the way, this also included the lifting of the driving ban for women. On a trip through Saudi Arabia, tourists will be able to visit the testimonies from the time of the ancient Nabataean empire. This beautiful country is opening its veil, even if the holy cities of Mecca and Medina will continue to be open only to people of the Islamic faith.
The fortress Qasr Za’abel, Image: Gimas / shutterstock
But some things are still very different with the Saudis than in the Arab neighborhood. And so the old port city of Jeddah is something of an exception to the rule. It is fun-loving and cosmopolitan and has blossomed into a modern metropolis years ago. Saudi Arabia is said to be a “fearful giant”. Anxious probably because the all-powerful house of the king finds it difficult to assess how his subjects assess the everyday things of their lives. When a few years ago the consumption of alcoholic beverages was to be banned as well as the consumption of smoking, there was a loud outcry of protest – by Arab standards. As a result, the request to also put nicotine on the list of bans was not pursued.
Now, it would be an exaggeration to claim that Saudi Arabia will join Western customs in the foreseeable future. Rather, this is the land of the Prophet, where millions of pilgrims crowd around the Kaaba of Mecca and where traditions are still cherished and cultivated. However, the visual differences in Saudi Arabia range from the picturesque Bedouin villages in the mountains of the south to the skyscrapers of the modern capital Riyadh.
The Mecca Royal Clock Tower Hotel, Image: MAbdullah / shutterstock
Al-Ahsa is one of the most historic regions in the country. This is an area where the infinity of the desert merges into an agricultural idyll. With the metropolis of Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is considered the “largest oasis in the world”. Here, 2.5 million palm trees were planted and a sophisticated irrigation system was devised. The Mada ́in Salih excavation site is also on the UNESCO list. The place is about four hundred kilometers from Medina and is basically a huge cemetery. 111 monumental tombs have been discovered here, and they are said to be almost two thousand years old. The decorations carved into the red rock and the inscriptions in Aramaic and Thamudic are impressive.
In Mada ́in Salih you can also visit an old station building and its locomotive. These are the remains of the former Hejaz railway, which, according to the ideas of the royal family more than a hundred years ago, was supposed to connect Syrian Damascus with Mecca. However, it was never completed. Old Jeddah, on the other hand, has retained its reputation as the “gateway to Mecca” for centuries. A tribe of Yemenis founded the town more than two and a half millennia ago. In the early Middle Ages, Old Jeddah received a city wall worth seeing.
Interview with Mihael Djukic about his trip to Saudi Arabia
Even the minister responsible for tourism development, a prince of the royal family, raves about Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking natural beauty. He refers to his country as a “treasury”, but also pointed out that Saudi Arabia will never give up its cultural values as the homeland of the Prophet. This also includes the ban on alcoholic beverages, to which holidaymakers must also submit.
It is not only the famous “White Nights” that make St. Petersburg an extraordinary city with a relatively young history. Built by a despotic tsar who wanted to make the city a second Moscow, St. Petersburg is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its more than 2300 castles, palaces and magnificent buildings. Even today, the Church of the Resurrection with its colorful onion domes is reminiscent of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral.
St. Petersburg – Nature and an impressive city culture
St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 on a swampy island in the Neva river delta in the middle of an inaccessible area without paths and roads. The numerous river arms run through the city today and more than 580 bridges give the city of millions a very special flair. The center of St. Petersburg is spread over four larger islands and is connected to each other by many bridges. The land is so flat that the bridges often have to be folded up to allow ships to pass. It is not for nothing that St. Petersburg is also known as the “Venice of the North”. The Neva itself is the outflow of Lake Ladoga and is about 74 km long.
St. Petersburg is the northernmost city in the world and accordingly has to contend with Arctic weather conditions in winter. And even in summer, the daytime temperatures are only +20 °C on average. The world-famous “White Nights” can be experienced for yourself on the summer solstice on June 21 every year. Then it doesn’t get completely dark at night and life goes on at night.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, Image: FOTOGRIN / shutterstock
But despite all the adverse circumstances, the city has developed over time into a city worth living in and a destination for holidaymakers from all over the world. The wonderful historic buildings have survived both the Soviet era and the concrete sins of the post-war period unscathed. It is not for nothing that St. Petersburg, with its large number of museums and palaces, is today “Russia’s Capital of Culture” and, with its historic center, one of the most beautiful witnesses of the Tsarist era. Numerous cathedrals, the Peterhof and the Winter Palace of the Tsars with today’s art museum “Hermitage” are among the most popular sights of the city. The former Tsar’s Palace was built in 1754 by the architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Today, important works of art are housed in a total of five historic palaces.
Strolling, shopping and marveling in St. Petersburg
The old boulevard of the city is the more than 4.5 km long Nevsky Prospekt with its magnificent buildings and exclusive shops, whereby the Nevsky Prospekt is often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris . The stroll along the avenue leads along impressive magnificent buildings of rich aristocrats over numerous bridges from the Alexander Nevsky Monastery to the Admiralty. Within the city center there are also other sights such as the Bolshoi Prospekt and the surroundings of the Tauride Garden. The magnificent buildings were executed by such well-known master builders as Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Carlo Rossi or Giacomo Quarenghi.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Image: iryna1 / shutterstock
The former tsar’s residence outside the city is also a reminder of times long past. About 30 km from St. Petersburg is the palace complex and the former summer residence of the Russian tsars. In addition to the Winter Palace in the center of St. Petersburg, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its churches, halls and the wonderful park.
Cyprus – This island has always aroused desires. For centuries it was not good intentions that came with the foreigners, but since vacationers have populated the sunny shores, the Cypriots are happy to be “conquered”. Income from tourism is an important source of well-being in the still divided country. The Republic of Cyprus comprises the southern part – the rest is under the Turkish flag. And there are no signs of a solution to the conflict. A United Nations buffer zone is a restricted military area and may not be entered, but there has been a kind of standstill agreement between the warring powers for years. As a result, Cyprus is largely pacified and an ideal travel destination. It is the island where, according to legend, the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the waters of the Mediterranean and where there is now an “Adonis Trail”.
The Kyrenia Fortress in Northern Cyprus, Image: Nejdet Duzen / shutterstock
On the southern shores, the so-called “Rock of Aphrodite” rises from the shallow waters of the sea. It is always the destination of young couples in summer temperatures, because those who swim around the rock tower three times are said to secure eternal love. A nice idea, and those who have managed the triple circumnavigation make a pilgrimage to the temple of Aphrodite near Kouklia, even if there are only a few ruins left. The goddess of love and beauty has enchanted entire regions of Cyprus with her charm.
A citadel protected the port of Famagusta for a considerable period of history. It is part of the historic city wall and has been called “Othello” since the British colonial era. This was and is to be understood as a bow to William Shakespeare, because the English playwright let his “Moor of Venice” wreak havoc in the harbour fortifications of Famagusta. Cyprus is full of stories and legends. This is an island where tradition and hope for a common political future mingle, and where Nicosia presents itself as the last divided capital of the world.
A beautiful harbour promenade in Limassol, Image: f8grapher / shutterstock
But the brothers, who have been estranged for a long time, have recently become closer, and the “green line”, the line between north and south, has become passable again for the people of Cyprus. Ledrastraße, which used to be the most beautiful boulevard in the city, is now the transit point for pedestrians. If you visit Nicosia , you should visit the Cyprus Museum with its archaeological finds. The old town is still surrounded by a Venetian wall, and the most beautiful panorama is from the upper floor of the observatory. The Greek part of the old town is dominated by the façade of the Archbishop’s Palace.
If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, you are spoilt for choice. In the south there are extensive sandy beaches, while the bays in the north are rather rocky. Almost all areas suitable for swimming have been awarded a Blue Flag as a sign of cleanliness and service. It is said that there is a suitable bay for every type on this island.
In addition to water sports, golf is the number one holiday activity in Cyprus. Especially in the south, between Limassol and Paphos, sympathizers of this sport will find places close to the sea and among orchids and fruit trees. With good visibility, you can even see the Taurus Mountains on the Turkish mainland from here. A holiday in Cyprus is synonymous with a wealth of impressions. There is the silence of the monasteries, the humming of the cicadas in the trees, the olive groves on the slopes of the mountains, the ruins of former temples, the picturesque alleys of the wine villages in the Troodos Mountains and, last but not least, the kindness and hospitality of the people who live here.
Travel information Cyprus
Capital
Nicosia
Form of government
Republic
Presidential system
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Area
de facto 5,896 km²
de jure 9.2511 km²
Population
848,300 (2015, de facto)
1,179,551 (2017, Cyprus)
Languages
Greek and Turkish
Electricity grid
240 volts, 50 Hz
Area code
+357
Time zone
UTC+2 Eastern European Time
UTC+3 Eastern European Summer Time
The sun of summer has baked the old walls of the village warm. It is the region where swallows feel very comfortable and where the bees buzz around the fig trees. Here, in the south of Hungary, the soil is fertile, and it allows a good wine to flourish. We are talking about Transdanubia, one of the most romantic regions in Hungary. There, where Danube Swabians, Romanians, Serbs and Croats once followed the call of Empress Maria Theresa and settled with the Magyars. With the patience of an angel and great perseverance, they urbanized this country, which in the meantime also took a liking to the Ottoman Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent. He was buried in the village of Szigetvar after his troops lost an important battle. Hungary enjoys many faces and a trip there is a journey to nature, enjoyment and culture.
In the Hungarian capital Budapest , the chains of the historic suspension bridge over the Danube are given a golden coat of paint in the dark. They shine as a symbol of regained freedom. Within sight of the bridge rises the parliament – a hundred meters high and two hundred and fifty meters long. Some Hungarians think that this defiant building is also something of a symbol. This for the megalomania of an era. The gigantic Heroes’ Memorial Square in Budapest also has something symbolic, because there kings and princes are illuminated on their stone pedestals. None of them were granted the privilege of preventing this country from falling under the thumb of foreign powers.
Hungary is no longer Marx and Engels. And it is no longer the home of the charming “Piroschka” from the film with Liselotte Pulver. Hungary is a lively present, blessed with wide steppes and an almost melancholic landscape. As a holidaymaker, you can even live here behind lock and key. In castles and manor houses that have been converted into posh hotels. Of course, with a park around it and all this at prices that holidaymakers in many other countries can only dream of. The “Palota” is one of the most elegant hotel addresses in this country – located in the middle of the Bükki-Nemzeti National Park. Where formerly deserving workers of the people and trade union officials were pampered, a waterfall still rushes into Lake Hámori next to the old splendour.
The hilly land between the Danube and Drava is lovely, where the Celts and Romans planted vines and pressed grapes. The Mediterranean climate of the region in southwestern Hungary not only delights the numerous holidaymakers who spend the most beautiful days of their year here, but also the winegrowers. The composer Franz Liszt once worked in the small town of Szekszárd, who is now commemorated by a music school. Traces of the Habsburg era can be found in the county house, which was built on the ruins of an old Benedictine abbey, and in the beautiful church.
A beautiful view of Budapest, Image: ZGPhotography / shutterstock
The Eldorado for nature lovers is the Gemenc Forest Nature Reserve, which is located in the floodplain of the Danube and where one of the most beautiful alluvial forests in Europe has developed. It is an area that is easy to hike and that you can also enjoy while cycling. Wild boars and deer live in the forests, and white-tailed eagles and black storks circle above everything.
All Hungarians are probably familiar with Mohácz, because this name is synonymous with the memory of a historic defeat of the Magyars at the hands of the Ottomans. However, all this happened as early as 1526. After all, a park in Mohácz commemorates the battle that strengthened the Habsburgs’ sphere of influence and led to the Ottoman conquest of large parts of Hungary and Croatia. Traces of the multicultural heritage of this country can also be found in the dialect of many inhabitants. This is the case in Nagynyárád, where not only old customs and old crafts are cultivated, but also a dialect that sounds old-fashioned southern German and is interwoven with Hungarian rags. Hungary – that is also the breath of history and a pinch of yesterday’s dream.
It is with great horror that we see the sad images from Ukraine. We have decided to leave the following article from 2018 unchanged for the time being in order to present the beauty of Ukraine before the outbreak of the war. Our thoughts are with the families on site.
Behind the slightly pale windows of the train, the meadows glide by, and the rays of the early sun of the day sparkle in the dew on the grass. Carriages can be seen on the narrow paths that lead to the old villages and, of course, the many nests of storks on the electricity pylons at the edge of the railway line. A trip on one of the last narrow-gauge railways on the continent is like a trip back in time. This is possible in Ukraine, and this country is not really as medieval as the fleeting images of a train ride convey. After all, Ukraine was once considered a pioneer in Europe. The people of the country fondly remember it as their Princess Anna, who was once married by her father, Grand Duke Yaroslav, to the royal court in France . And it is precisely this Princess Anna who is said to have complained about “backward Paris” after her trip from Kiev . Charles de Gaulle also raved about the metropolis: “I have seen many parks in cities, but never a city that is located in a park…”
The Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life in Lviv, Image: Ruslan Kalnitsky / shutterstock
Kiev’s golden era is still evident today in the impressive Art Nouveau facades in the city. The city was a cultural and economic center at the interface between East and West. The city on the murky waters of the Dnieper cherishes and cultivates its nimbus as a worthwhile destination for holidaymakers who are not only enterprising but also thirsty for knowledge. Because there is a lot to see in Kiev, although Ukraine as a modern state has basically only existed since 1991. At that time, 91 percent of citizens pleaded in a referendum for the independence of their country.
If you look around Kyiv’s surroundings, you will discover amazing things. For example, the Mezhyhirya Palace, the former residence of President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia in 2014. Today, this house is also open to visitors, and during tours you will even be shown the golden toilet bowl of the ex-dictator.
A frozen lake in Ukraine, Image: Standret / shutterstock
The Sophia Cathedral and the Lavra Cave Monastery are world-famous. Both can now be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once upon a time, the caves on a hill on the west bank of the Dnieper served as a domicile for hermits. Later, the monks were buried here. Those God-fearing people who are revered as saints by Ukrainians today. Incidentally, the memory of Grand Duke Volodymyr, who made Kiev a Christian city, is also cherished as a saint. He is said to have given the order for the construction of four hundred churches. However, many of them disappeared during the Soviet occupation.
As for Odessa, the port city on the Black Sea, the residents of Kiev claim that it is a little “crazy”. Odessa certainly reflects the somewhat different Ukraine. It is casual here and not a few see this city as a pearl of the south. With the famous Potemkin Staircase, which leads over exactly 192 steps from the Old Town to the harbor and has become the visual symbol and landmark of Odessa. This is a city on the move, where the colors of the legendary tsar’s daughters dominate the streets: Russian green, lilac blue and yellow like the butterflies in the park.
The city of Lviv with its extraordinary cultural program is also recommended.
The crises and wars after the secession of Crimea have cast a shadow over Ukraine as a travel destination. Although some precautions are useful for round trips and you should also be prepared for one or the other pothole on the roads, tourist stays in this interesting country are recommended to all those who are interested in culture and lifestyle. And regardless of whether you are travelling by intercity bus or train, almost everyone can easily get into conversation with the hospitable people in Ukraine.
This backdrop would also do honor to a feature film. A caravan of tourists moves along the edge of the El Hofra dunes not far from the Tunisian oasis of Douz. It is the “gateway to the Sahara”, and those who leave the periphery of the small desert town behind and have become accustomed to the rocking gait of the camels will very soon be trapped by sand, sun and an incredible silence. The largest dry desert on earth extends over enormous dimensions – from the Moroccan Atlantic coast to the Red Sea.
And Tunisia is one of the countries where life in the desert determines the everyday life of the people who live there. A trip through this region of North Africa gives the holidaymaker an exciting mixture of a diverse landscape with countless historical treasures and an amazingly modern culture. Tunisia has much more to offer than just spending time on the beaches of the Mediterranean. The country is also recommended for trekking tours to shady oases, to the testimonies of the Roman era or to wondrous rock gardens. They are all tourist highlights in Tunisia.
Medina of Sousse, Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock
Between the 12th and 16th centuries, the capital Tunis was one of the most important metropolises in the Islamic world. Its history is closely linked to the rise and fall of the ancient trading republic of Carthage, which finally had to recognize Roman hegemony in the Mediterranean region after Hannibal’s defeat in the Battle of Zama. There, as once Carthage’s center of power was located, today are the villas of a suburb of Tunis. Only the ruins of history remain, and the people of this area are convinced that every stone that can be found there is like a book and every pillar bears witness to history. In its heyday, Carthage was the North African hub of literature and art.
Anyone who visits the remains of Carthage as a holidaymaker today will be amazed at the numerous luxury cars in front of the magnificent white houses on the way to the old castle hill. They bear witness to the considerable prosperity of their owners and are in stark contrast to the poor districts of Tunis and the rest of the country. Around thirty years ago, the capital began the restoration of its medina, which is now one of the best-preserved historic districts in North Africa. In the throng of people beyond the Bab-el-Bahr city gate, the imposing Djamaa Ez-Zitouna mosque cannot be overlooked. In the neighboring Souk El Attarine, perfume merchants have always settled, offering essences and incense, among other things. The entire old town of Tunis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
A waterfall in the mountain oasis of Chibika, Image: Sergii Nagornyi / shutterstock
It is about 130 kilometers from Tunis to the port city of Sousse, which is surrounded by a medieval city wall. It was founded by the Phoenicians and largely destroyed by the Arabs in the 7th century. With its modern hotels and 40,000 guest beds, Sousse is a tourist heavyweight in Tunisia. UNESCO also ennobled the old town there with an entry in the World Heritage List.
Douz is a good starting point for activities in the Sahara. The area around the city is inhabited by the semi-nomadic tribe of the Mrazig, who offer their products at the weekly market of Douz. They range from the traditional jewellery of the Berbers to chickens, camels and the Slougis, a dog breed that originated in Morocco and is now valued as an oriental greyhound breed all over North Africa. If you are a holidaymaker lucky enough to be in Douz at the end of December, you can enjoy the international Sahara Festival. It enchants for four days with dances, music, dog races and the traditional camel wrestling.
Trekking tours through Tunisia are the encounter with the silence and solitude of the Sahara. And if you leave the infinity of the desert regions and enter one of the shady oases, you will be almost paralyzed after days under the blazing sun and enduring heat and dust under the palm roofs. Some people are then inclined to greet each of these palms individually and joyfully.
The island of Djerba also invites sun-seekers to relax.
Wait and see and drink beer! This comes very close to the philosophy of life of the people in the Czech Republic. They had to exercise patience and humility for a long time before the tender buds of the “Prague Spring” developed into a blossom of freedom. At that time, in the spring of 1968, a “socialism with a human face” was supposed to emerge, but with the so-called “Manifesto of Two Thousand Words” the hope for an end to Soviet influence sank. The troops of the Eastern Bloc destroyed all dreams. This period of history has long been a thing of the past – Czechoslovakia gave rise to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. And this, in contrast to the armed conflicts in Yugoslavia, was done peacefully. Today, peace has returned to Prague, the historic heart of the Czech Republic. Wait and drink beer – the latter can be enjoyed in the capital’s cosy pubs.
Trdelník – A traditional Czech pastry, Image: LALS STOCK / shutterstock
Many holidaymakers say goodbye to the beautiful and old city on the Vltava after their stay with the feeling that this metropolis is still allowing itself a breather after the time of political turmoil and oppression. A certain melancholy has settled over Prague, and the familiar silhouette with the pointed towers and the aging bridges over the wide river are by no means a contradiction to the architectural playground of the “Dancing House”, which has become one of the city’s greatest attractions. The builders got their inspiration from the legendary dance couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The glass Ginger snuggles up to her dance partner Fred and his “hat” is a tubular construction borrowed from Greek mythology and the head of Medusa.
At the foot of the “Dancing House” the tram still twitches. If you want to explore Prague at a leisurely pace, you should buy a ticket for the “tram”. Its route length is more than 140 kilometres. Of course, as a holidaymaker, you should stroll through the famous Wenceslas Square, which is now lined with restaurants, hotels and boutiques and is basically more of a boulevard than a square. It got its name from the Czech national saint, Wenceslas of Bohemia. Wenceslas Square is the epitome of historical events in this country, not only for the Czechs.
The castle in Český Krumlov, Image: Veronika Galkina / shutterstock
The Old Town Square with the Týn Church, the Kinsky Palace, the House of the Stone Bell and the Town Hall is the traditional meeting place of the inhabitants of Prague, and it is here, in addition to the Baroque Hussite Church of St. Nicholas, that the birthplace of the writer Franz Kafka is also located. There is really no shortage of sights in Prague , but if you want to fortify yourself after an extensive visit, you will also get your money’s worth in this metropolis. For example, in the Deminka restaurant, where you can take a seat at wooden tables and be served everything that makes up Bohemian cuisine under the stucco-decorated ceilings: garlic soup, goulash and dumplings. In the pubs, by the way, you shouldn’t be surprised if you get a glass of beer without having ordered it. This is so common – even in the evening restaurant with the strange name “Zum ausschussenen Auge”, which resembles a witch’s house from the outside.
And if you leave the slightly dusty charm of the city of Prague here and there, you will soon find yourself in an idyllic nature with hills that turn into mountains here and there, with green valleys, dense forests and pointed rocks. If you hike there, you can’t really get lost, because the Czech Republic can rightly boast of having one of the best hiking systems in the world. In the Giant Mountains, the source of the Elbe beckons, in the west, holidaymakers walk in the footsteps of former precious metal miners and in the wonderful landscape of South Moravia, fine wines mature.
Historic towns, picturesque villages and well-preserved castles line the tourist routes of the Czech Republic. They are all worth staying there for more than just a flying visit.
Many tourists choose Amsterdam as their vacation spot. But before the trip, they always get good information about the city.
The city on the Amstel River was first mentioned in 1275. In 1317, Amsterdam joined the County of Holland and received privileges – the right to duty-free trade. In less than two centuries, a small fishing village has become an important port and an important economic center. At the end of the 15th century, the city received the right to free trade in the Baltic Sea from the Hanseatic League and carried out up to 70% of all transports via the Baltic Sea.
Picturesque houses in Amsterdam, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock
After Amsterdam’s main competitor Antwerp was conquered and destroyed by the Spanish in 1585, the city’s wealth and power doubled. Fleeing from the riots of the Inquisition, Antwerp merchants and craftsmen flocked here, especially Jews. They brought the diamond cutting technique to the capital of the Netherlands, which led to the growth of jewelry and gemstones.
By 1658, the area of Amsterdam had been enlarged fourfold. A well-thought-out development opportunity – the “Three-Channel Plan” – ensured the construction of an adequate infrastructure and brought the city the fame of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Since the second half of the 18th century, Amsterdam’s well-being began to deteriorate due to the French occupation and the continental blockade. In the years 1810-1814, the Netherlands was part of the French Empire and the city temporarily lost its capital status. Nevertheless, Napoleon considered Amsterdam to be the third largest city in Europe after Paris and Rome.
In 1900, the number of inhabitants of Amsterdam exceeded half a million people. The rapid industrialization and the revival of the trading port led to overpopulation. The housing problem was solved with great difficulty.
The First World War, in which the Netherlands remained neutral, did not have a significant impact on the life of the city. During the Second World War, the population of the capital suffered greatly.
In the post-war years, Amsterdam’s economy was reoriented from unprofitable industries to trade, tourism and services. Today it is home to the headquarters of major international corporations as well as the headquarters of Greenpeace.
Amsterdam is a real cycling city. Explore the city on two wheels, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock
There is only one airport in Amsterdam, which is about 15 km from the city center. You can get there by train, bus or taxi. Of course, it’s much cheaper by train. Trains depart every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Station, which is located right inside the airport building. To get to the city center, you need to reach Amsterdam Centraal station. The journey time is only 20 minutes. The ticket price is €4.10.
The exact train timetable can be found on the website of the Dutch Railways . There you can buy a ticket online. The hotels in Amsterdam are not cheap, you have to accept this as a fact. Even small hotels like B&B Level 2-3 stars can cost €100. But there are several Trevelhaks that you can use to save money in Amsterdam. First, it is traditional to recommend booking accommodation in advance, as the most profitable offers are quickly gone.
Secondly, it is advisable not to visit the city on weekends, as many Dutch, Belgians and Germans often spend a weekend in Amsterdam. This immediately leads to higher prices compared to working days.
From November to mid-December and from mid-January to March, prices in Amsterdam are reduced by 30-50%.
Water in Holland is one of the purest in Europe, and that’s why locals almost always drink from the tap. While walking through the city, you will find free drinking fountains.
If you want to see how local people live, just look through the window. Most Dutch people don’t draw the curtains in the living room (or don’t have any at all) and don’t mind if someone looks at them through the window. If they notice you, smile and wave your hand. If you’re in the suburbs, you’re in luck. The windows are larger and they are lower, so you can better see everything.
In the western part of the center is the Jordaan area. In the past, poor people and workers settled here. There are a large number of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Narrow labyrinths of streets, cozy courtyards attract tourists. Just 20 km from the capital, you will find idyllic landscapes, old houses and mills of the Zaanse-Schans ethnographic complex, as well as the authentic atmosphere of the fishing village of Voledam. Cheese lovers will be delighted by the tasting of the famous Dutch cheeses. And the fishermen will spoil you with freshly caught herring and smoked eel.
An evening walk through the red light district is very popular. Here you will also get a lot of interesting information about the history and traditions of this place.
Facts about Amsterdam
Canals: Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals that stretch for 100 kilometers through the city. These man-made waterways are a distinctive feature of the city and add to the unique atmosphere.
Bicycle capital: Amsterdam is considered the bicycle capital of the world. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes, and bicycles are a popular way to get around. There are more bicycles than inhabitants in Amsterdam.
Tulips: The Netherlands is known for its tulips, and Amsterdam is home to the famous Keukenhof Garden every year, which is considered one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world.
Coffeeshops: Amsterdam is known for its liberal laws regarding the use of cannabis. There are numerous coffee shops in the city where the sale and consumption of cannabis products is allowed.
Royal Palace: The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, also known as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is a magnificent 17th-century building. Although it is no longer constantly used by the royal family, it is an important historical and cultural landmark of the city.
Multiculturalism: Amsterdam is an extremely multicultural city. People from different countries and cultures live together peacefully here, and this is reflected in the variety of restaurants, markets, and cultural events.
Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during the Second World War and where she wrote her famous diary.
Flower markets: Amsterdam not only has the Keukenhof, but also various flower markets, including the famous Floating Flower Market, where you can buy flowers and souvenirs.
Windmills: Although there are no traditional windmills in the city itself, you can find some of the famous Dutch windmills around Amsterdam that you can visit.
Gay-friendliness: Amsterdam has a reputation for being one of the most cosmopolitan and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. The annual Gay Pride Parade attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its rich cultural scene, and there are many museums in the city that cover a wide range of topics and interests. Here are some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam:
Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands and is home to an impressive collection of Dutch artworks from different eras, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.
Van Gogh Museum: This museum is dedicated to Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh and houses an extensive collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters.
Anne Frank House: This museum is located in the former hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. It tells the moving story of Anne Frank and her diary.
Stedelijk Museum: The Stedelijk Museum is the museum of modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam and is home to a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, design objects, and more.
The Rembrandt House: Located in Rembrandt’s former home and studio, this museum offers insight into the life and work of the famous painter.
The Hermitage Amsterdam: This branch museum of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, features rotating exhibitions from the St. Petersburg museum’s extensive collection.
The NEMO Science Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to science and technology, especially suitable for families and children.
The Amsterdam Historical Museum: This museum presents the history of Amsterdam through exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
The Tropenmuseum: This museum is dedicated to the cultures and traditions of the world, especially the countries and peoples of the former colonial empire of the Netherlands.
The Maritime Museum: This is all about the maritime history of the Netherlands, from historic ships to interactive exhibitions.
This landscape is more than just a touch of paradise. For many holidaymakers who are on safari in the savannah in Tanzania, this region with its many animals and natural beauty is without a doubt a piece of this side of Eden. Although this country was also exploited in the colonial era and the population of animals was drastically reduced because they were hunted and killed by poachers, Tanzania’s natural wealth has been preserved. Lake Victoria is one of the sources of life in this African country.
It is the “Mediterranean of East Africa” and its floods also wash the coasts of Kenya and Uganda. Nowhere else in the world can people admire such biodiversity as in Tanzania’s magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. The peoples of the world must help to preserve this paradise on earth – and tourism can also play an important role in this.
On a safari through Tanzania you can probably also see giraffes, Image: Delbars / shutterstock
On safari in the Serengeti and then a beach holiday on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar – that could be a successful mix. The landscapes that a holidaymaker encounters south of the equator in Tanzania are fundamentally different. There are the subtropical zones with lush vegetation in the mountain forests of Gombe and in the Mahale Mountain National Park. This is the refuge of the chimpanzees, who proceed very carefully in their search for the sweet and sour berries, their favorite food. It was the Englishwoman Jane Goodall who studied chimpanzees for three decades. Today, the endangered primates are visited by tourists accompanied by experienced guides.
But the highlight of every stay in Tanzania is undoubtedly the Serengeti with its almost endless expanse and its huge population of animals. All this is Africa in its most original form. The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater present themselves as a wonderland of nature. Seven thousand white-bearded wildebeest live here alone. Bernhard Grzimek has set himself a monument with his appearances on television and let the world look at this pasture of wild animals. “The Serengeti must not die” was the title of a successful film by the legendary zoo director from Frankfurt am Main. Grzimek’s urn was buried somewhere on the edge of the crater – at the side of his son Michael, who died in an accident while filming in Africa.
Pamunda Island, Image: E X P L O R E R / shutterstock
The proud Maasai call this region “Siringet”, which means “Endless Steppe”. If you travel through Tanzania, you won’t want to miss out on comfortable hotels or lodges on your safari. He finds them in an astonishing abundance. And if he’s in the right place at the right time, he’ll be able to watch up close as millions of zebras and wildebeest cross the rivers in search of fresh grass, some of them becoming prey to crocodiles.
Above this spectacle towers a mighty mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises from the green rainforest. Those who dare to do so can climb to the “roof of Africa” in a route lasting several days, to the snow-capped summit of the almost six-thousand-metre-high giant. And after the exertions of this unusual mountain tour, many will look forward to the beaches of Zanzibar. The sea is almost always around 27 degrees warm and the white sand, which looks like it is made of powdered sugar, is perfect for walks and hikes. Tranquil fishing villages stretch along the coast like pearls on a string and their inhabitants are happy to welcome guests from another world. They willingly let themselves and their centuries-old culture look into the cards. The time is over when Zanzibar became a plaything of the powers that be, because the island was an important stop on the historic trade routes between the African continent and the countries of Arabia.
It is a special life experience to submit to the rites of the host Buddhists in a South Korean monastery and to observe the everyday life of the monks. Four hundred kilometers southeast of the metropolis of Seoul also have the chance to achieve the enlightenment of the dawn. And this in the sense of the word, because in the temple Golgulsa in Kyongju there is bed rest at 9 p.m., but the night is already over at three o’clock when the pious men of the monastery gather for the first morning prayers. But when the first rays of the sun unfold their splendor over the picturesque Chungjuho Lake, none of the guests regrets getting up so early. Because this can be one of the visual highlights of a trip through South Korea. A journey across a varied peninsula between two seas.
View of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock
Korea is a country divided into two parts with political, social and societal contrasts that could hardly be greater. The north is ruled by an aging communism, while the south has risen to become an economic world power. Hardly anyone books a trip through the last remaining dictatorship of Stalinist influence, while south of the 38th parallel and the border river Yalu, which separates the north from the south, holidaymakers experience the historic “Land of the Morning Calm” on their round trip by bus or rental car and at the same time a successful product of the so-called “tiger states” in Asia.
In the lively capital Seoul , holidaymakers immerse themselves in the dazzling world of an Asian metropolis. Ten million people live here, but when they leave the canyons under the skyscrapers, they soon find themselves in a landscape of lovely valleys, raging rivers, high mountain ranges and many deep forests. Seoul is a melting pot of surprises, with a neon-lit entertainment district, the historic tombs of past royal dynasties, and the palaces that UNESCO has added to its World Heritage List.
Sacred to the Koreans is their Chongmyo Shrine in Seoul, where people worship their ancestors and are aware that they are very close to their deceased. Chongmyo Shrine is also dedicated to the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea for a long period of history between 1392 and 1910. The capital Seoul is not only a high-tech Eldorado, but also convinces with its gardens at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. They are oases of silence in an often very noisy city.
Busan at night, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock
Holidaymakers should get used to some things during their round trip through South Korea. This is especially true of kimchi, a fermented cabbage that simmers next to the cash register in all restaurants and even fashion stores. This typical Korean dish is something like a culinary matter of course for the people in this country. You have to like kimchi or not. But anyone who has tried the Korean version of German sauerkraut can hardly imagine that it could find its way into European eating habits.
South Korea is framed by the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. In 1946, the country underwent the transformation from a centuries-long kingdom and colony of Japan to a republic. On the island of Jeju with its subtropical climate, the largest lava cave system in the world is fascinating. But also the Cheonjeyeon waterfall, which the Koreans have christened “Pool of the King of Heaven”. Jeju is the typical “wedding island” for the people of the country, and those who spend their holidays there meet numerous young couples during their honeymoon.
Not far from Gyeongju, holidaymakers experience a gem of the history of this country on their round trip. The Buddhist temple Bulguksa has its roots in the 8th century and is the creative and cultural crowning glory of the kingdom of the Silla. The temple with its grotto is considered a natural treasure of Korea, while the Hwasong Fortress with its six-kilometer wall is the highlight of any round trip.
