This article is a paid ad Hakuna Matata – Everything is fine. The famous saying from the movie “The Lion King” is the motto of life in Kenya. Everything is a little more relaxed there and without the pressure and hectic pace that we know all too well from Germany . But that’s not the only thing that makes Kenya a true holiday paradise in East Africa. In the endless savannahs of the country you can meet the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. And on the endless white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, you completely forget all the worries and stress from Germany.
The majority of tourists who come to Kenya every year are of course looking forward to a safari. And quite rightly so. Because having seen lions, elephants and rhinos up close once in your life is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. In Kenya, you can meet the wild animals in untouched nature today in the national parks. The most famous park is Maasai Mara, which borders directly on the Serengeti. Every year, you can see a huge migration of wild animals as they cross the Mara River in search of better grazing grounds. Another, completely different highlight of the country is the coastal city of Mombasa directly on the Indian Ocean. Strongly influenced by the Swahili culture, the coastal region of Kenya is very different from the rest of the country. Endless white sandy beaches invite you to take walks along the turquoise sea. Of course, you can also swim or even dive wonderfully in the lukewarm ocean. Afterwards, the delicious, freshly caught seafood found in the city’s excellent restaurants is the perfect way to end a wonderful day.
If you don’t want it to go so far away: Alternatives within Europe
But maybe you don’t want to travel to another continent this year after all. We understand this and have therefore provided some great alternatives to a holiday in Kenya.
Holidays in Denmark
Relaxing in peace on Denmark’sbeaches, Image: Ioana Catalina E/shutterstock A holiday home holiday on Denmark’s Baltic or North Sea coast is a real classic. And quite rightly so. After all, a holiday in a holiday home in Denmark promises to combine the best of two worlds at once. Firstly, in the holiday home you can enjoy the comfort of your own home without being disturbed by other guests. In addition, you will have the holiday paradise of Denmark right on your doorstep. Long sandy beaches, a pleasantly mild climate and the very friendly hosts make a holiday there unforgettable.
Holidays in London
As one of the oldest capitals in Europe, London is still one of the cultural centres of the continent. First-class museums, galleries and historical sights are lined up close together in London. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. The perfect destination for a gourmet holiday full of cultural highlights.
Holidaymakers who tick similarly to me, in that they want to spend their holidays in the same place not only for relaxation, will find an ideal holiday area on the Danish island of Zealand. The approximately 7,000 km² island, which could also be called the “Baltic Sea country”, offers its visitors the advantage of being able to arrange their holiday stay according to individual preferences and needs. I would be happy to share with you some suggestions derived from my previous stays in a holiday home on Zealand to make your holiday more varied.
It is up to you whether you want to reach Zealand by car ferry from Rostock or the island of Fehmarn or choose to get there by land via Flensburg and the bridge over the Great Belt. Since the island has a large number of holiday homes, you also have the option of choosing the holiday accommodation according to your budget and requirements.
South Zealand has proven to be an ideal holiday destination for me, which offers ideal conditions for a family with children. For example, the small island of Enö, which can be reached via a bascule bridge, offers wide sandy beaches that flow into shallow water, especially off Karrebaeksminde, where they form a particularly child-friendly surface. In the evenings, the sunsets offer an additional romantic experience. My family felt quite comfortable on the beaches of Faxe Bay in the eastern area of Zealand.
White sandy beaches run flat into the clear water in a child-friendly way, a bathing bridge inspires the older semesters and amber and smaller fossils trigger unimagined collecting passions. If your holiday takes you to the north coast of Zealand, some beaches on the Danish Riviera, such as the beach off Ebbelökke, which is equipped with children’s waterholes, or the neighbouring, never crowded beach of Sonnerup, are ideal for a few relaxing hours with the family.
Places to visit on Zealand
Frederiksborg Castle in Hilleröd, Image: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock
It is not without reason that Zealand is called the island of castles and manor houses. While Copenhagen or Roskilde are widely known as attractive cities, places such as the medieval port city of Köge on the east coast of Zealand, Lejre near Roskilde or Hilleröd in the northeast of the island are among the insider tips of the excursion destinations. Köge convinces with a historic town centre, which is formed, among other things, by half-timbered houses from the 17th century and the Nicolaikirche from the 14th century. A few kilometres south of the village, the picturesquely situated Vallö Castle invites you to visit. Lejre offers interesting insights into the settlement history of the Vikings and has two worthwhile sights in store with the Land of Legends leisure centre and the Rococo castle of Ledreborg. Hilleröd is best known for its massive Renaissance Frederiksborg Castle, where the Danish National History Museum is an absolute must for museum lovers.
A day at Dyrehavsbakken Amusement Park
Although the Dyrehavsbakken had not been part of the program of my vacation trip to the island of Zealand, my youngest family member was able to convince me of the opposite. So we went to this oldest amusement park in the world, located north of Copenhagen , and in the end we didn’t regret this decision. Equipped with the necessary change – the individual rides charge individual prices – we passed the bust of the juggler Professor Tribini, who worked successfully here for 30 years, and plunged into the fun. The ride on one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in Europe and a visit to the 5D adventure cinema were among the fun highlights, while we were spoiled with culinary delights in one of the park restaurants.
A trip to Jammerland Bay
A holiday on Zealand allows you to get to places that have scenic, cultural or culinary highlights to offer away from the tourist centres in a relatively short distance. For example, I was thrilled by the port city of Kalundborg, which is located in the northern part of the Great Belt and on the northern shore of Jammerland Bay. Here it is worth visiting the brick building of the Frauenkirche, which dates back to the Middle Ages with five towers, and a detour to the tip of the Rösnaes peninsula.
South of Kalundborg and Jammerland Bay, which by the way has a very nice riverside hiking trail, lies the small peninsula of Reersö. With a little luck, you can discover one of the rare tailless cats that live here and take a little journey through time through the historic centre of the town of Reersö. And don’t forget to crown your trip with a visit to the thatched, more than 300-year-old Reersö Kro restaurant, which offers fried eel with white potatoes as a specialty.
Hike along the cliffs of Zealand
The collapsed Hojerup Church at Stevn Klints Bridge, Image: kimson / shutterstock
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cliffs known as Stevns Klint in the southeast of Zealand. The coastal section, which consists of steep chalk cliffs and is up to 40 metres high, rises from the sea for about 15 kilometres. You can hike it on a kind of trail, which, however, requires sure-footed shoes. At the Stevns lighthouse, the highest point of the cliff, you can expect an inspiring view. In addition to Højerup Church, built in the 13th century, you can discover a wide variety of visible and underground buildings from the Cold War era. Next to the church, a path leads down to the beach of the cliff coast. In the visitor centre, which was built in a chalk quarry, you can take an informative break accompanied by a lot of information.
It took less than 150 years from the founding of a lonely penal colony on the Brisbane River to the present day: Brisbane is a modern city that is considered a tourist hotspot in Australia because of its fantastically beautiful, sunlit location by the sea and the numerous holiday paradises all around.
What’s more, the entire eastern part of Australia is a popular hub for visitors from all over the world. First and foremost, it is the popular states of Queensland and New South Wales that make up Australia’s east. Quite the opposite to the Australian “Wild West”, which is so sparsely populated that a journey from one place to another can sometimes take day trips. On the east coast, on the other hand, things are much livelier – and one attraction follows the other.
There are also some climatic differences to other parts of the country: For example, the pronounced subtropical climate in Australia’s east ensures very pleasant temperatures – all year round. Mountain ranges rise up to 2,200 meters in height.
So: Full marks for Brisbane! While the cosmopolitan city of Sydney scores with its wealth of sights, visitors to Brisbane are also attracted to cultural highlights en masse.
Brisbane City Hall, Image: SchnepfDesign / shutterstock
Brisbane, with its approximately 2.2 million inhabitants, is the capital of the particularly popular state of Queensland. Brisbane became popular due to its comprehensive range of cultural attractions: Especially as a concert lover or theater lover, you will appreciate the rich offers of Brisbane’s cultural sites.
As the third largest city behind the metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne , Brisbane is a particularly popular destination for tourists from all parts of the world. Brisbane’s internationality is just as characteristic as the cityscape, which is characterized by many subcultures. In addition, a strong, important cultural scene has been established, which is a magnet for artists from all parts of the world.
Brisbane’s nightlife is also lively and colourful. CBD, Brisbane’s Central Business District, is located on a peninsula in a bend of the Brisbane River. The city center is quite manageable in terms of area with only about 2.2 square kilometers, but the oversupply of sightseeing highlights and shopping offers fascinates all visitors so much that the individual time budget quickly becomes insignificant for some visitors. All streets in the CBD are named after members of the British royal family, such as the famous Queen Street with the huge Queen Street Mall. Queen Street stretches from northeast to southwest and is considered Brisbane’s most prestigious boulevard.
Lots of leisure fun
Shopping in the city, visiting art exhibitions, galleries and theatre performances, boat trips with many other people or a romantic holiday for two on a summer night: Brisbane overwhelms its visitors with interesting offers for big and small leisure fun:
The shipwreck of the Maheno in Fraser Island, Image: karegg / shutterstock
Culture lovers and art lovers will find numerous galleries, theatres and museums of various genres in the renowned Queensland Cultural Centre. While the South Bank Parklands offer wonderful opportunities for swimming, lots of sports fun, walks and bike rides or simply relaxing, visits to the Fraser Islands are a “must” for visitors to Brisbane:
The Fraser Islands are located off Queensland and are considered the largest sand island in the world with a longitudinal extension of over 120 km. There, holidaymakers can expect sandstone cliffs with great vantage points, a shipwreck, fascinating flora and fauna and unique dream beaches.
Brisbane’s dream beaches
Measured from Brisbane’s city centre, it’s less than 20 kilometres to the Pacific coast and the beautiful beaches around the city. Although Streets Beach in the South Bank Parklands offers beautiful beach life, visits to the sea beaches in Brisbane’s north and south are highly recommended: The Sunshine Coast is particularly beautiful and very popular. Along the way, visitors pass through Moreton Bay and Bribie Island, as well as the Gold Coast’s swimming beaches. The Gold Coast is considered a prime hotspot for the surfing community. There are also many shopping opportunities and a nightlife that is as amusing as it is exciting.
Great climate
A mild south-easterly trade wind is considered characteristic of the mild, warm climate in eastern Australia. Further inland, mountain ranges rise up to 2,200 metres high, which is why there is also uphill rain in the region from time to time. There are no pronounced temperature fluctuations between day and night. While there are temperature fluctuations behind the mountains near Canberra , Brisbane has a slightly humid, subtropical east-side climate. While the summer months from November to April are characterized by precipitation and warmth, in winter from May to October, as everywhere else in the southern hemisphere of the world, there is a dry climate with mild temperatures. On average, there is rain on 125 days a year and the sun shines for an average of 3,000 hours a year.
Overall, January is considered the warmest month and July the coldest month. The average annual high temperature is 26.4 °C. The lowest temperature is still a wonderfully mild 16.2 °C. The average water temperature of the sea is 24 °C. These are all the best conditions for an unforgettable holiday in and around Brisbane
Holidays in Mallorca in 2020 – We dared to do it despite Corona and were not disappointed. We have summarized what preparations were necessary for this and what experiences we have gained on the island.
Of course, face masks are part of the hand luggage on this year’s trip, like the passport and the first-aid kit. However, before you are allowed to enter Mallorca, you must first register with the Spanish health authority, provide your contact details at home and at your holiday destination and answer a few short health questions. These health questions can be answered from 48 hours before arrival. Registration can be made a few days earlier. All you need is your identity card or passport. The form is easy to understand and comprehensible. However, it is a bit annoying that as a family of four, you have to create and fill out the form completely four times, as there is no option for a group of several people.
Airport and flight
Nothing going on at Frankfurt Airport, Image: Reisemagazin Online
Anyone flying out of Frankfurt these days will experience the airport as empty as rarely before. Hardly any take-offs and landings and therefore only a few passengers. The check-in went absolutely smoothly with little waiting time at the baggage check-in. At the gate, the usual suspects, who are already afraid at the first boarding call that the plane could take off without them and therefore have no consideration for small children when jostling. At least something normal in these crazy days. To protect our children, we booked “Business Class” on our Condor flight for an extra charge. So the rows around us were free and of course the middle seat remained empty.
The Boeing 737 itself did not seem to be fully occupied in economy class either, so I did not notice any hygiene deficiencies here either. No open drinks were allowed to be served during the flight. Instead, the stewardesses and stewards distributed a mix of packaged sweets, snacks, yoghurt and moistening wipes in a bag. Included in Business Class, the offered mix of standard seats cost 6.50 euros.
Arrival in Palma de Mallorca
There is also little going on at the airport in Palma de Mallorca , Image: Reisemagazin Online
Contrary to the widespread reports, we did not have any large passenger volume at the airport at 10 o’clock in the morning, so that we got through the security checks quickly and without queuing. It was a bit more crowded at the baggage claim, but all holidaymakers kept the necessary minimum distance from each other. At the rental car counters you had to bring a little patience. Apparently, many travelers here rely more on self-organized hotel transport. This can also be seen when you leave the airport building. Where one transport bus usually stands next to the other, there were large gaps this year.
Procedure in the hotel
This year’s choice fell on the Protur Biomar Gran Hotel in Sa Coma. Since we already know the hotel from previous trips to Mallorca, we can compare the situation during Covid-19 times particularly well with previous stays.
If you move around the hotel grounds, e.g. from the room to the pool, masks are compulsory from the age of 6. This is certainly a little annoying for small children, but as an adult you are already used to the mask from home. At the pool as well as at the table in the restaurant, the mask can of course be taken off.
Procedure at the buffet
In the restaurant – as usual … will present a large live cooking offer. In terms of content, the restaurant strives to provide the same scope and quality as in previous years. The buffet is set up in a classic way. The only but clear difference: service staff put the food on the guests’ plates after the choice. So you can’t portion the food yourself as usual. This limits the culinary feeling of happiness a little, as you don’t dare to try a little bit of everything. In addition, the hotel serves portioned starters and desserts in a glass or bowl, which you can take yourself. Overall, it can be said that a restaurant concept has been worked out, which nevertheless provides the guest with a special experience.
The situation in the village and on the beach
It is not quite as empty on the beach of Sa Coma as in this photo, even in Corona times, Image: Diego Blanco / shutterstock
One thing in advance: If you move around the village, there is a strict mask requirement in Mallorca (as of July 30, 2020). In Sa Coma, located in the southeast of the island , the Corona consequences are very clearly felt. Many shops are closed. Open shops are only lightly frequented. So far, we have always been on the road here in the pre-season and have found a lively holiday resort. This is absolutely not the case this year. On the one hand, this provides a certain security, but it also makes you a little sad because it is foreseeable how hard the Covid crisis will hit the people of Mallorca. Especially those who depend on tourism.
A few vacationers gather on the beach, but the clear majority of the official beach chairs remain empty. However, the minimum distances are observed by all beach visitors, so that a safe holiday is also possible here.
Is a holiday in Mallorca possible in 2020?
Our experience shows that a holiday in Mallorca is possible even during Corona. the Mallorcans are very keen to ensure that the restrictions are not significant and that guests can enjoy their holiday as carefree as possible. The security measures in the shops (especially in large supermarkets) are at least as strict as in Germany. We do not regret our decision to fly and would book again at any time.
The stone giants of Easter Island are a household name for many people. To this day, it is not clear what the iconic figures are all about, which are made of stone weighing tons and have made the island in Polynesia famous. In addition to the famous stone figures, the island, which officially belongs to Chile , has even more to offer for travelers. In recent years, the infrastructure for tourists has been expanded, taking care not to disturb the unique charm of the island. Even today, holidaymakers will find an almost completely natural paradise with secrets, myths and the opportunity to experience a holiday that is certainly unique.
Anakena Beach on Easter Island, Image: Olga Danylenko / shutterstock
In general, most tourists travel to the island for one to three days. In the end, the island is only 179 square kilometers in size and if you don’t want to take one of the guided tours to discover nature on the island, you will eventually be done with the sights. However, this is also a great advantage for the visitors. Since Easter Island has not adapted to long stays of tourists, it is still preserved in many parts exactly as it was before the boom of cruise ships.
Easter Island belongs to Polynesia and is therefore officially part of the territory of Chile. This does not change even though a trip to the island by plane from Santiago de Chile takes around five hours. The island has always been remote and has mainly adapted to self-sufficiency. In recent years, it has become more popular with tourists, mainly due to the booming cruise industry . Many of the major shipping companies stop on the island for a day as part of the trip and offer various tours around the island and to the main attractions.
If you decide to travel to Easter Island as an individual tourist, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions of the island beforehand. Although there are some hotels on the island, they have limited capacities. You should also have informed yourself beforehand about which tours are possible at which time of year. Nature lovers and hikers in particular are drawn to the island in the cool months of July and August to explore the island’s volcano on foot or walk through the beautiful landscape.
A cultural gem in the middle of the ocean
The history of Easter Island is eventful and to this day “Rapa Nui” is of special importance not only for tourists, but also for scientists. This is also due to the fact that the people here have lived completely autonomously for a very long time and thus many developments of the Western world only arrived on the island in the 20th century. After Chile claimed the island for itself, a long struggle began with the government in Santiago of Chile to get rights on the island that were close to the other inhabitants of the country.
In many travel guides, Easter Island is described as a huge open-air museum and that seems to be the case indeed. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday or a party, you will certainly be disappointed. The island has some bars and discos in the Hcapital Hanga Roa , but these are more for the locals than for the tourists. It should be mentioned that the island is comparatively expensive. Due to their remote location, many foods are expensive and this is also reflected in the visits to the restaurants. This should also be taken into account when planning your own trip.
In any case, most people come here because of the many traces of the former inhabitants of Easter Island. After all, the island has an eventful history and it is above all the traces of the former inhabitants that have made the island so famous. The huge rock heads, the moai, can be found in various places on the island. As a rule, they are part of larger places of worship and can be visited in conjunction with a museum. In addition, archaeologists have uncovered many parts of the former cult sites in recent years and are still puzzling over the religion associated with them. The only thing that is certain is that the island probably had its first contact with Europeans in the 18th century and the corresponding cultures must have emerged completely free of external influences.
In addition to the special sites that are spread over the island, the island’s three volcanoes are also worth mentioning. They are probably the reason for the formation of Easter Island and have ensured that the fertile island was formed over the course of millions of years. Today, various tours lead along the volcanoes and to the peaks. Here, too, there used to be a place of worship, which has been rebuilt in recent years with elaborate work. Of particular beauty is the extinct volcanic crater of Rano Kau, which is offered by various guides on the island for hikes all year round.
Finally, there is also the South Sea beach Anakena. It is the only place on the island where bathing is allowed. On the other hand, there is wonderful water and a great beach that stretches for a few kilometers and also makes the impressive underwater world of the island accessible with diving courses.
Is it worth visiting Easter Island?
The volcano Rano Kau, Image: IURII BURIAK / shutterstock
Easter Island is of a special beauty. If you know what you expect from your holiday, you will be able to have a good time here. While the islands are not intended for recreation and package tourists, they offer a beautiful landscape and a unique culture that eludes Western influences to this day and thus offers a world of its own. Especially in connection with a general visit to South America, a trip to the island is worthwhile.
The famous Franconian wine, wonderful hiking opportunities, historic cities and pure nature make Franconia a multifaceted holiday destination in Germany. Cities such as Nuremberg or Bamberg invite you to take a city trip and the different Franconian areas have the right travel landscape for every taste.
Nuremberg’s Old Town, Image: mitchFOTO / shutterstock For a city trip, it doesn’t always have to be the giant metropolises! Holidaymakers who attach great importance to cultural, architectural and culinary offerings are in good hands in the Franconian cities. Nuremberg is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cities in Franconia. Especially the medieval architecture of the old town with the magnificent imperial castle characterizes the cityscape. The city has an excellent reputation as a trade fair city and is on everyone’s lips even outside Germany due to its famous Nuremberg Christmas market and tasty bratwurst. Albrecht Dürer already enjoyed the latter. In addition to visiting the many museums, a walk through the Tiergarten is also worthwhile. In idyllic surroundings, visitors can experience sea lions and dolphins in the dolphin lagoon or enjoy the tropical atmosphere in the manatee house.
Würzburg
In Würzburg, the Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But not only that. It is also one of the most important castles in Europe. A mixture of culture, architecture and baroque gives the old city on the Main a special charm and pure joie de vivre. Würzburg’s “Stein” or the vineyards create a picturesque picture that attracts not only wine lovers.
Bamberg
Romantics are drawn to Bamberg. Here, holidaymakers stroll through winding alleys past baroque and medieval facades or stroll through small specialist and antique shops in the old town. The famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra shapes the culture just as much as a large number of cabaret stages or the shadow theatre. In the traditional beer city, a freshly tapped beer is of course not to be missed. Another Franconian city that city lovers should visit is Bayreuth. The Festspielhaus on the green hill is just as much a part of the international cultural city as the Richard Wagner Museum or the Margravial Opera House. https://youtu.be/s1PyAktZogM
Popular areas for a holiday in Franconia
Many different areas create a varied travel landscape for Franconian holidays. Franconian Switzerland ranks high on the popularity scale. Travel writers from the 19th century gave the area its current name, as they felt reminded of Switzerland by the rocks, valleys and mountains. Franconian Switzerland is one of the oldest holiday regions in Germany and is located between Bayreuth, Bamberg and Nuremberg. More than 30 castles and medieval castles can be discovered here. In addition, a large nature park and more than 1000 caves await. The leisure activities here are also varied and include excursions to climbing parks, themed hikes or canoe tours. Gentle tourism, forests, friendly villages or even dark moors characterize the Rhön. The volcanic low mountain range of the Rhön is criss-crossed by an extensive network of hiking trails. The paths of the “border triangle” (Thuringia, Hesse, Franconia) lead up to the Kreuzberg or the “Black Moor”. Visitors have a fantastic view from the Wasserkuppe. This is the highest mountain in the Rhön. The Wasserkuppe in the early morning, Image: Lapping Pictures / shutterstock The Fichtel Mountains are the perfect holiday area for athletes. It is located in the northeast of Bavaria and rises to up to 1000 meters. In Germany , the Fichtel Mountains are one of the snowiest landscapes. At the appropriate time of year, there are the best conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or skiing. But there are also numerous opportunities for sporting activity outside the winter season. A winch run in the zipline park on the southern slope of the Ochsenkopf leads rapidly down into the valley. Nature can be explored on wonderful cycling and hiking trails. Another focus is on health and wellness. In Bad Berneck, for example, the focus is on Kneipp and in Bad Alexandersbad, guests can have a good time in the smallest Bavarian spa. Holiday guests with a preference for water should consider the Franconian Lake District for a stay. Its seven lakes make it the centre of Franconian water sports and a perfect holiday destination for families. Here you can sail, swim, dive or cast a rod. Excursion boats also sail at the Großer Brombachsee and the Altmühlsee, with which the landscape can be enjoyed from the water. Away from the water, there are of course also hiking and walking opportunities.
Franconia culinary
Viticulture plays an important role in Franconia, Image: Gerhard Roethlinger / shutterstock Nuremberg bratwurst and Franconian wine are just two of many Franconian specialties. If you love culinary delights, you will not be disappointed on a holiday in Franconia. For the famous bratwurst, there has been a regulation since the Middle Ages, which ensures consistent quality. The grilled sausages grilled over beech logs were added to the register of culinary specialities protected by the EU in 2003. Since meat dishes are very important in Franconian cuisine, not only the sausages are a specialty. For example, the Schäufele (shoulder blade of the pig) is also very well-known. It is prepared whole with fat rind and bone in the oven. Served with potato dumplings, gravy and red cabbage, it is an absolute treat for the palate. At least as popular as the Nuremberg grilled sausage is the Franconian Sauerbraten. The roast, marinated and then braised for several days, is also served with dumplings and red cabbage. Franconia is known for the breeding of char, trout and carp. These are also not missing from any good menu and are served baked. The Franconian also has no objection to a hearty snack. Such a meal includes homemade sausage specialties, smoked ham, bread and plucked meat. Plucked is comparable to Bavarian Obazda. In addition to the hearty delights, there are of course also Franconian desserts to enjoy. The Kissinger is a croissant made of butter pastry dough, which is covered with cooked icing and consists of a jam or hazelnut filling on the inside. By the way, the sweet particle comes from the district of Bad Kissingen. Fruit varieties from orchards are also used in the sweet cuisine. They are used to make delicacies such as apple mustard or apple bratwurst. About 80% of the well-known Franconian wine is white wine. Franconian wines have a high mineral content and taste particularly spicy. One of the typical Franconian wines is Silvaner. In the end, it remains to be said: A holiday in Franconia is a good choice in terms of landscape and culture as well as culinary.
Lower Saxony, Germany’s second-largest state in terms of area, impresses with its diversity. Between the peaks of the Harz Mountains and the coasts of East Frisia, both those who are active in sports and those interested in culture will find a suitable environment. The charming landscape between the Elbe, Ems and Leine offers all leisure opportunities. In addition, there are numerous other sights: From the picturesque half-timbered town to the modern “Autostadt”, each of them is worth a visit.
“At the top” in Lower Saxony: East Frisia and its islands
Relaxing on the beach of Borkum, Image: WalterWeiss / shutterstock
Wide white beaches and always a fresh breeze characterize the seven islands of East Frisia. Borkum, Baltrum, Juist, Norderney, Wangerooge, Spiekeroog and Langeoog lie lined up like pearls off the coast of the mainland. Not only allergy sufferers appreciate the clear, pollen-free air and the wind that blows around their noses. Guided hikes are the best way to explore the unique, strictly protected flora and fauna of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families in particular experience special holiday moments here. The “Land behind the dike” captivates visitors with its maritime flair. Picturesque fishing villages and port towns such as Emden or Cuxhaven convey a touch of seafaring romance.
The region has a lot in store for connoisseurs. Fans of fresh fish will get their money’s worth. If you spend your holidays here, you should not miss out on participating in the famous “tea ceremony”. This epitome of East Frisian cosiness and hospitality has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets since 2016. The northernmost region of Lower Saxony is not only an attractive holiday destination in summer.
Dark moors and idyll by the river – the Emsland
Papenburg, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography
Romantic canals with wooden bascule bridges and numerous replicas of ships – Papenburg presents itself to its guests almost Dutch. In the Meyer Werft shipyard located here, luxurious cruise ships are built that later turn holiday wishes into reality on all the world’s oceans. The adjoining visitor centre provides interesting insights into the construction and construction of future “dream ships”. In addition to this technical highlight, the Emsland stands for intact nature and green expanses. Cyclists choose the right one for them from routes of all levels of difficulty. Quiet waterways and canals invite canoeists. Mysterious moors want to be discovered as well as megalithic graves from the early days of man.
In the cuisine of the Emsland, North German, Westphalian and some Dutch influences are mixed. A typical speciality is “Beschüte”, a kind of rusk in several variations.
Nature worthy of protection and a “blooming” cultural landscape: the Lüneburg Heath
The Lüneburg Heath, Image: Thorsten Link / shutterstock
The Lüneburg Heath is one of the oldest of the more than one hundred nature parks in Germany. On an area of over 107,000 hectares, it covers the largest contiguous heath area in Central Europe. Heidschnucken, the native sheep breed, help as animal “landscape gardeners” in the care and preservation of the area. From the beginning of August until September, the small purple flowers of the heather dominate the picture and make a stay an unforgettable experience. Locals and their guests enjoy this natural spectacle by bike, on foot or during one of the popular carriage rides.
The region is also worth a visit outside the heather blossom. Amusement parks such as the well-known Heide Park Soltau or the colourful Weltvogelpark Walsrode await young and old visitors. The historic cities of Lüneburg or Celle invite you to take an enjoyable stroll with their picturesque alleys, shops and cafés. Heidschnuckenbraten or buckwheat dishes and other culinary specialties are not to be missed. As a souvenir, for example, the delicious heather honey at the breakfast table at home reminds you of the relaxing days.
Of dancing witches and the “roof of northern Germany” – the magical Harz Mountains
The Brocken, Image: K I Photography / shutterstock
With its mountainous landscape, the Harz National Park is a paradise for hikers . Deep forests, clear streams and rugged rocks are home to rare animal and plant species. The Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany at 1,141 metres, is surrounded by countless myths and legends. The famous “Dance of the Witches” on Walpurgis Night is just one of them. Due to its exposed location, its summit is rough and windy at any time of the year. This climatic peculiarity allows plants to grow there that are otherwise only found in Scandinavia. The Brocken can be hiked or “experienced” by mountain bike.
However, many visitors appreciate the popular and comfortable Brocken cable car for the ascent. The Bad Harzburg treetop walk opens up a whole new forest perspective. Under no circumstances should a visit to the thousand-year-old town of Goslar be missed during a holiday in the Harz Mountains. Rich history and culture make the imperial city a sight for all ages. The old core with its more than 1,500 half-timbered houses has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those interested in history and technology like to visit the Rammelsberg ore mine here. There you will get a deep insight into the mining history of the region. Enjoyment is not neglected in the Harz Mountains. The palette ranges from the “Harzer Roller”, a sour milk cheese, to hearty sausage specialities and the famous “Schierker Feuerstein”, a spicy herbal liqueur made according to a secret recipe.
Two economic centres: Wolfsburg and Hanover
The “New Town Hall”, Image: Mapics / shutterstock
The capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover , gained international fame above all as a trade fair city and today has the largest exhibition grounds in the world. Around 60 events of national importance take place here every year, including the Hannover Messe. In recent years, the city on the Leine has gained a tourist profile. Its parks, cultural events and museums make it an up-and-coming destination. Extensive green and open spaces create a relaxed atmosphere.
A worthwhile destination is the Steinhuder Meer, the largest lake in Lower Saxony. This body of water is located about 30 kilometers northwest of the city and offers a lot of recreation for water sports enthusiasts and cyclists.
Since 2000, Lower Saxony has had a special kind of amusement park in the form of the “Autostadt” Wolfsburg. Between the city centre and the Volkswagen plant, there is a 28-hectare site on the Mittelland Canal, which also functions as a showroom, collection centre for new cars and event arena. There is a luxury hotel, over a dozen restaurants and numerous events throughout the year. A tour of this area is not only an experience for buyers of new cars.
Lower Saxony – travel destination at any time of the year
Lower Saxony as a travel destination thrives on its contrasts and diversity. Relaxing beach holidays in East Frisia, cycling in the Lüneburg Heath and hiking tours in the Harz Mountains leave no room for boredom. Various amusement parks and museums want to be discovered, especially on rainy days. The cities worth seeing contribute a considerable part to the attractiveness of the region. From maritime Wilhelmshaven to the “fairytale-like” Pied Piper town of Hamelin to the venerable university town of Göttingen, each has its own magic. As varied as the landscape and places, the culture and cuisine in this state between the far north and the center of Germany are
The Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is the tourist center of the country. Every year, millions of visitors from all parts of Europe flock here to experience the sun, the beaches and the Bulgarian hospitality. The Black Sea is great for swimming and is considered one of the cleanest seas in the world. In addition, the salt content of the water is comparatively low. This, in combination with the Mediterranean climate and a variety of fine sandy beaches, developed holiday centres and dreamy bays, makes the Bulgarian Black Sea coast a popular destination for young and old.
From Germany , the most common way to travel is by plane to one of the two airports on the Black Sea coast, Burgas or Varna. There are direct flights from most German commercial airports and the flight time is usually about two to two and a half hours. The official language is Bulgarian, but English and often even German are spoken very well almost everywhere.
Golden Sands on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Image: Alina G / shutterstock
The party stronghold of Golden Sands is one of the most famous holiday resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and is often described as the “Ballermann of the East”. Golden Sands has an area of over 1800 hectares, making it the largest seaside resort on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The beach itself has a length of over 3 kilometers and reaches a width of over 100 meters in places. However, Golden Sands has gained its reputation not only because of its beautiful beach, but above all because of the rich offer of bars, clubs and discos that visitors will find here. The nightlife is intense and extends almost every night until the early hours of the morning. Every conceivable type of water sport as well as countless leisure activities are also offered here. Nevertheless, Golden Sands still has some quiet and partly undiscovered corners and bays. The water temperature here reaches up to 26 degrees in summer and rarely falls below 20 degrees all year round.
Konstantin and Elena (Sveti Konstantin) – healing rest by the sea
Only about 10 kilometers northeast of Varna is Konstantin and Elena, the oldest seaside resort in Bulgaria. The first facilities for visitors were built here at the beginning of the 20th century. It is no coincidence that this place in particular became a magnet for visitors so early on, because Konstantin and Elena welcomes its guests with a magical combination of sunny sandy beaches, deep blue sea waves, healing mineral springs and restorative mountain air. Not far from the hotel complexes, you can also visit the monastery that gave this place its name. In Konstantin and Elena there are numerous hotels, bars and restaurants as well as a variety of leisure activities such as boat trips and jeep safaris.
Nessebar – the favourite resort of Bulgarians
View of Nessebar, Image: Michael Dechev / shutterstock
The listed town of Nessebar is considered a favorite of locals on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, and foreign visitors are also falling more and more in love with this picturesque town. Nessebar is located off the coast and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow headland. The city welcomes its visitors with a variety of narrow and winding streets where there are countless shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to discover. The alleys are paved with old cobblestones and the old fishermen’s cottages made of limestone and wood give the place its very special charm. The beach of Nessebar has the finest sand and is therefore particularly popular with beach vacationers, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Albena – an attractive seaside resort for families
Extensive beach in Albena, Image: Michael Dechev / shutterstock
The seaside resort of Albena is one of the younger seaside resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It was not until the 1960s that the first hotels moved into the area, but since then the place has become a favourite, especially for visitors looking for peace and relaxation as well as for families with children. Today, Albena is one of the largest holiday resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The beach of Albena is about five kilometers long and slopes very gently into the sea in most places, so that children can also bathe, play and swim safely and comfortably here. Albena is located on the Baltova River, the banks of which are adorned with rich forests and provide a great place for shady walks. Of course, the tourist infrastructure is not neglected in Albena either, and there are countless shops, bars and restaurants serving both local and intentional cuisine.
Sunny Beach – the famous seaside resort
Another internationally known seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is Sunny Beach. Here, the name says it all and the place welcomes its visitors with a spacious bay surrounded by a fine and well-kept sandy beach. The beach has a length of almost 7 kilometers and offers a wonderful view of the listed city of Nessebar from many places. To the south of Sunny Beach are the famous sand dunes, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunny Beach is one of the oldest Bulgarian seaside resorts, but in recent years it has undergone a great wave of modernizations and improvements, making it an attractive and friendly place to relax, swim and explore.
Sozopol – from fishing village to visitor magnet
Sozopol, Image: Marynka Mandarinka / shutterstock
Similar to the listed city of Nessebar, the town of Sozopol is located off the coast on a rocky peninsula. The idyllic location together with the photogenic fishermen’s cottages have made Sozopol an increasingly popular excursion destination, attracting mainly artists, photographers and visitors in search of culture and authenticity. Despite the increasing number of visitors, Sozopol has managed to retain its original flair and thus gives its guests the chance to take a piece of the Bulgarian attitude to life with them. In Sozopol there are also two beaches that slope very gently into the sea and are ideal for swimming.
Varna – a big city on the coast
Varna is the center of the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast and home to almost 500,000 people. At the same time, Varna is considered the most expensive city in Bulgaria. Originally a port and fishing city, Varna has now become a vibrant centre of art, culture and education. Visitors are particularly interested in the beautiful sea garden, the magnificent old town and the dolphinarium. The beach is also considered an insider tip – it is mainly the locals who come here, while tourists usually visit the beaches of the seaside resorts a little further away.
Japan and its capital, Tokyo, are places with a culture that goes back a long way and a lot of traditions. Games are also particularly important. The state’s approximately 126.8 million inhabitants love little more than to relax with electronic and non-electronic games. Especially from the Meiji period, which lasted until 1919, Japan opened up to intercultural influences, which was also reflected in the entertainment and travel culture. How shogi became pachinko and pachinko arcade halls and why holidaymakers are so fascinated by them.
The Land of the Rising Sun already had a rich entertainment culture over 1,000 years ago. Shogi, for example, is one of the traditional Japanese games imported from China in the 8th century and is considered to be part of the same family as Western chess. With about eight hundred game pieces in the “ultimate” form, it is one of the most complex games ever. Go, a two-player strategy game, has just as long a history as Sugoroku (translated as “A Pair of Sixes”), a Japanese dice game. Games were not only played at court, but also among the general population. Due to Japan’s geographical location as an island nation, the influence of other countries on culture was relatively limited. Only from China were many cultural customs and games adopted. So it’s no wonder that China always attracts tourists .
Opening up to the West
But from the middle of the 19th century, Japan opened up to Western influences in the course of the Meiji restoration, as Monsieur-Becker writes. The combination of tradition and modernity that emerged from this opening is still characteristic of the Land of the Rising Sun today: In Japan, brand-modern influences live alongside millennia-old culture, without the inhabitants being bothered by these contrasts. This is important to understand the impact of technology on the Japanese entertainment industry. Hanafuda was also affected by these influences. Hanafuda are Japanese playing cards, the name can be translated as “flower cards”.
Pachinko boom
From the 20th century onwards, it was pachinko games that dominated the Japanese gaming scene. The first pachinko machines were built as early as the 1920s and were very popular, especially in Tokyo and other major cities. Pachinko is a mixture of a slot machine and an arcade machine. Players buy small metal balls, fill them into the machine and can then use a lever to determine how fast they are transported to the playing field. The aim is to transport the balls through a labyrinth into special holes in order to dust off winnings. Over the decades, the machines became more and more complex and technical and an arcade culture developed around pachinko from the 1980s onwards. In 1994, the Japanese pachinko market was valued at about $300 billion. Tourists in particular are fascinated by the loud and brightly lit pachinko halls. Nowadays, almost every district of Tokyo has the popular arcades, often not far from quiet temples or parks. These contrasts are usually among the reasons why cities like Tokyo or Kyoto are so popular with travelers.
Tradition and modernity in electronic games
After all, it was once again the combination of tradition (pachinko) and modernity (electronic games) that allowed Japanese gaming culture to blossom to new life: Japanese arcade games flourished around 1980. Whether Pac-Man, Donkey Kong or Mario Brothers: They all had their origins in the arcade halls, where they lured customers in droves to the machines to insert yen coins. And this time, the popularity of Japanese games was no longer limited to East Asia: companies like Namco, Nintendo, for example, with the current console Nintendo Switch, which can be bought on Amazon, and later Sony, exported their video games to the West and had an ever-increasing influence on the culture there. Than
And you can see that on every corner and in many areas: Western arcade halls, which still exist sporadically in our country, are strongly inspired by their Japanese counterparts, for example. If you play arcade games today, you will almost certainly enjoy a product from Japan. Whether games from Nintendo, Namco or Sega: arcades are also very Japanese in our country. The principle of arcade gaming, namely offering easy-to-learn games that users want to play again and again in order to get better and have fun, has also become one of the foundations of today’s video game market – all over the world. Video games now generate annual sales of 1.08 billion euros in Germany, according to Statista. Another area is also closely related to the Japanese arcade halls: Online casinos, which now generate more than one billion euros in sales annually in Germany , have already transferred the game principle of the arcade to games such as poker and roulette. A short game round in between, plus a large selection of machines and a modern design. How diverse the offer is due to the high demand can be seen well with providers such as Betway Online Casino. And most recently, it was also the Japanese video games and arcade hits that paved the way for a whole range of other Eastern influences in Europe: manga and anime, for example, became known in Germany.
Vibrant arcade culture for tourists
Image: Alexander Vow / shutterstock
While there are hardly any arcade halls left in the West today, the arcade in Japan is as alive as ever. If you want to marvel at the rich gaming culture in Japan as a vacationer, it is best to visit Tokyo’s Akihabara district: The district is full of arcade halls, pachinko halls and other electronic and non-electronic entertainment options, as Wanderweib writes. The mega-city, which has a total of around 13.92 million inhabitants, also has a lot to offer in other districts. It can be easily reached by train. And Kyoto, the headquarters of the traditional company Nintendo and the cultural center of Japan, also offers a wide selection from Go to pachinko to slot machines.
Result
Japan’s gaming culture is extensive, rooted in tradition and at the same time modern – this also fascinates holidaymakers. It has been a long way from games imported from China such as shogi, to hanafuda cards and pachinko, to modern arcade halls and video games. It is always impressive how Japan has been able to preserve its own identity without closing itself off from foreign influences. Especially the shrill colors, colorful lights and loud money and sound noises of the Japanese arcade halls attract a large number of tourists every year. Our tip for game fans is: Akihabara.
A mountain book to dream about with the most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Alps – From Neuschwanstein to Lake Bled in Slovenia. In the new Mountain Moments book by bestselling author, photographer and mountain lover Marius Schwager from Innsbruck, the reader is presented with 30 different routes in a visually appealing way.
Visual photo treats are combined with the most important information about the tour as well as a classification of the difficulty of the route in 5 levels.
But the book does much more. This gives you tips on photography and important information about hiking in the Alps.
We are pleased that the editor Marius Schwager was available for an interview shortly before the next trip to the Dolomites .
Dear Marius, when you hold your book in your hand for the first time, you immediately notice that great importance has been attached to aesthetics. The beauty of the images harmonizes with the clear layout, matching quotes and clear icons. Would you like to tell us a little bit about the development of the book? How do you approach such a project? Do you first determine the tours and then meet with the art directors or do you design in advance and then pick out the “suitable”?
Thank you very much for the compliment, the graphic designers/designers will also be happy. This was not my first book, but the first without an external publisher. The design or the freedom of design was also the main reason for his own project. The existing publishers often have fixed concepts and the design possibilities are correspondingly limited. A different paper, new concept, or unusual size are almost never feasible like this.
For your own book, of course, you need a basic idea of the processes and also the necessary capital to pre-finance the printing. Willingness to take risks, take on the uncertainty oneself and openness to problems that arise are probably the biggest obstacles.
The tours are aesthetically sophisticated and interestingly prepared, Image: Marius Schager / Mountain Moments
The whole thing dragged on for about 2 years. First, Mathias and I developed the idea and then played through various concepts and tested something, got opinions and, of course, researched some tours.
After that, I looked for a designer and a cartographer at the same time, who were also willing to take a bit of a risk – and luckily I found them in Leon, Lacy and Conny. I trusted the employees to a large extent, “just let them do it”, and tried to have each team critically questioned. This is some effort, but it is worth it, because you can rethink some points and perhaps find new solutions. Our hiking maps, for example, manage the balancing act between being cartographically correct and at the same time blending harmoniously into the concept. And we can also offer the tours for download, so that you can leave the book at home and still have all the information on your smartphone.
In the foreword you mention that not only the factor “beauty” played a role in the selection of spots and hikes for the book, but also the popularity of the corresponding place. To what extent do you think “Insta-tourism” has arrived in the Alps?
Insta Tourism has definitely arrived in the Alps. If you see a picture online, you have the place directly in front of your nose via GPS coordinates in 2 clicks or via an image search. All you have to do is follow the arrow of your navigation system and get to any place. Basically, this is not a problem, only if places are not made or prepared for masses of visitors. In the Alps, there is a lot about the difficulty of the places to get there. Some places, on the other hand, have been tourist magnets for over 100 years and have already found regulations that work locally. For example, Zermatt, which can only be reached by train, car bans on Lago di Braies and the Alpe di Siusi, or a certain limited number of bus connections and car parking spaces in general.
Many places that I know and that are beautiful might not withstand the rapid development that is possible today, or there would be major problems for the residents. These are intentionally not in the book. The tour at the Schrecksee, for example, was such a borderline case. On the one hand beautiful and already quite well-known, on the other hand it is a very fragile ecosystem. In this case, I decided to take the tour because it is quite far there, and the parking lot at the starting point logically restricts access with it.
In general, I chose some spots because of their popularity, but also took an exciting variant hike that not only covers the “Insta-Spot”, but also allows contact with nature. For example, at Neuschwanstein Castle. If you walk the round, you will be stuck in the tourist hustle and bustle, but most of the time of the long hike you won’t meet very many people.
In your workshops, you attach great importance to sustainability and consideration for animals and nature. You also go into detail about the topic in the book. (How) do you think the behaviour of tourists in the mountains has changed in recent years and what measures would have to be taken to protect the environment?
Most people in our society have an ever-faster life and want quick solutions. At the same time, a kind of longing for nature and simple life and deceleration emerges as a contrast to this and can be seen, for example, in the greater popularity of the topic of hiking and photography. Both are very slow activities that place great emphasis on experiencing nature.
The vast majority of people do not consciously destroy nature, but simply do not think much about what their behavior does.
I think a lot can be achieved with better education. Not every city dweller or every local knows that you shouldn’t jump into a mountain lake smeared with sunscreen, as you might quickly destroy an ecosystem. In my opinion, a lot of positive things would be achieved with more education – e.g. in the form of small signs or software solutions. And especially for mountain sports, better public transport and easier booking and planning would be essential. At the moment, you almost always have to travel by car, so I think there is a lot of room for improvement.
If I want to travel to the Alps for hiking as a young family with two small children. Which hike from your book would you recommend to us?
That depends. Beginners, adults as well as children, should stick to the easy tours. If the kids are fit and can make decisions independently with risk (e.g. risk of falling), they can also tackle the more difficult hikes right away.
Is there a dream place in the Alps that you haven’t been able to explore yet?
This summer I want to go to the Slovenian Alps, where I haven’t really been active yet. The same applies to the other end of the Alps between Briancon and Turin.
Is a holiday in more southern climes an option for you as an alpinist? Or to put it another way: Is a white beach in the Seychelles an attractive motif for you?
A little relaxation rarely hurts, I think. After usually 2-3 days of relaxing, however, I quickly get bored and want to discover or try something or do sports. Seychelles, yes, but then please with diving, snorkeling, surfing or beach runs. Photographically, however, I prefer to stay in the mountains or for a change to something reportage-related with people.
You live in Innsbruck. What does the perfect day in Tyrol’s capital look like for you?
The perfect day for me is a spring day. He starts very early with an Italian coffee and healthy breakfast. It then goes quickly to the first cable car in the morning and 8 o’clock. The first tracks are made in the fresh deep snow as the remaining clouds disappear and the first rays of sunshine appear. Then a small climb to another untouched descent.
At noon, the skis are exchanged for the mountain bike. The last meters of altitude are walked to a summit, the sunset is enjoyed and, of course, photographed. With the mountain bike you go quickly back down into the valley in the headlight of the headlamp and the day ends with a glass of wine reviewing the pictures of the day.
Marius Schwager is a social scientist and economist. When he is not leading photo workshops, he is usually on expeditions in the Alps and tries to capture atmospheric, natural images and the stories behind them. The adventures find their way into best-selling books, magazines and international customers from the outdoor industry. He prefers to share experiences with like-minded people and those willing to learn.
To Mountain Moments
Mountain Moments is a portal for photography and mountain experiences. On www.mountainmoments.de , mountain enthusiasts will find a lot of helpful information about mountain sports and mountain photography. In workshops, seminars and trips, nature lovers learn everything they need to know about photography and experience unique adventures in the mountains. The goal of Mountain Moments is to bring the beauty of the mountains and nature closer to alpine lovers all over the world. Mindful and sustainable behaviour is the means of choice to increase the enjoyment of nature and thus protect and preserve it at the same time. The new book “Mountain Moments – The Most Beautiful Photo Spots and Hikes in the Alps” is the latest medium of this project.
Information
Mountain Moments: The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Alps
Editor: Marius Schwager
1st edition 2020
ISBN: 978-3-948723-00-2
194 pages, 122 colour photos, 30 topographical hiking maps, 30 hikes, 95 photo spots, overview map, complete tour information, GPS coordinates (online)
Format 18*23 cm
Illustrated book quality
