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Washington – American West Coast between Olympic Mountains and Seattle

George Washington’s face was not only immortalized in Mount Rushmore and his name not only in the US capital: In the far northwest of the USA, one of the most fascinating natural regions in the United States awaits with the state of the same name. Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are just two reminders of the region’s breathtaking natural forces, which have their own monuments and parks dedicated to them. Puget Sound, Olympic National Park and the North Cascades National Park complete the natural panorama of Washington. But the state in the northwest of the USA does not only consist of nature – over seven million people have a home here. About half of them in the Seattle metropolitan area: The Emerald City forms an urban highlight of Washington that unfolds in front of the face of Mount Rainier.

Seattle and co. – Urban and regional Washington

If you count the mere number of inhabitants of the US metropolises, Seattle (730,000) is not even one of the fifteen largest cities. But the bustling metropolitan area of over 3 million people and an exposed location on the route between Canada, Oregon and California make Seattle an absolute hotspot on the American West Coast. The city also stands out as a tourist gateway to the region’s natural attractions – not far from Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and Olympic National Park. A world-famous landmark is the Space Needle, the more than 180-meter-high observation tower in the heart of the Seattle skyline – once built for the 1962 World’s Fair. As the home of the grunge sound from Nirvana to Pearl Jam to Soundgarden, the city has long been an influential source of creativity. Today, institutions such as the Seattle Art Museum with important North American and international works of art or the extremely fascinating Museum of Pop Culture including the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame remind us of Seattle’s importance as a modern cultural center. In terms of tourism, the city between Puget Sound and Lake Washington is at the top of the list of sights worth visiting in Washington.

But the state in the northwest of the USA has much more to offer from an urban perspective than just Seattle. About 50 km south of the metropolis unfolds the urban Tacoma. Here, cultural highlights such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass await. Downtown Tacoma is known for its Museum District, which boasts cultural institutions of national and international standing. The second largest city in Washington, even ahead of Tacoma, is Spokane, located in the east of the state. Here you can discover Spokane Falls and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Spokane is also known for regional breweries and well-visited golf courses in the region. And at the gates of Olympic National Park, the city of Port Angeles awaits, which forms an important starting point for the natural region of Washington. Not far from the city, the natural panorama of Hurricane Ridge unfolds, known for its bombastic mountain scenery.

Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier – Nature and National Parks of Washington

Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park, Image: kan_khampanya / shutterstock

Urban Washington, especially Seattle, has a few highlights to offer for fans of high-quality sightseeing. But Washington’s nature brings an incomparable tourist splendour to the region. State parks, national monuments and national parks characterize Washington’s natural formations. Of the three national parks, Olympic National Park is one of the most visited, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. On the coast of Washington lies the eponymous Olympic Peninsula, which is mainly characterized by the Olympic Mountains, glaciers and rainforest. Here rises the 2432-meter-high Mount Olympus, the largest mountain in the region. The largely untouched natural world of the Olympic Mountains spans about 4,000 km² – in which a wide variety of animal species feel at home, from the rare spotted owl to golden eagles and gray whales, which present themselves on the coast of the park in the appropriate season. Not only the mountains, scenic hiking routes and a breathtaking coastline characterize the park, which is one of the highlights of Washington.

In the middle of the national park of the same name rises Mount Rainier, which is considered the highest volcano in Washington at 4,392 meters. The history of the national park dates back to 1899, which, like the Olympic National Park, lives from its untamed wilderness. In addition to the volcano, the many waterfalls are characteristic, including the famous Myrtle Falls in front of the panorama of Mount Rainier. The region is also home to North Cascades National Park, which is characterized by the same cascade chain that includes Mount Rainier. Washington’s three national parks alone prove the natural wealth that lies dormant in the northwestern US state. At the same time, natural formations such as the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are located here. Waterfalls like Snoqalmie Falls show that you don’t have to travel deep into a national park to see such natural sights in Washington. Snoqualmie Falls was once immortalized in the famous TV series Twin Peaks. And if you want to see the scenic and natural Washington far away from mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls, you can also discover the San Juan Islands, which are a paradise for whale watching in the right season. Whether Seattle or the national parks on Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains – Washington is the best proof that a very special tourist adventure awaits between California and Canada on the American west coast.

Discover the most beautiful national parks in the world

National parks are a very special destination because they offer unique insights into life and nature. Making the right selection is anything but easy, because in the USA and Canada alone there are impressive national parks that are worth several weeks of travel at a time. The following places are worthwhile for all those who have always wanted to spend an enchanting holiday in harmony with nature and be carried away into foreign spheres.

Kakadu National Park in Australia

Kakadu National Park is a place in Australia that becomes a real paradise for wildlife watchers and anglers. The billabongs in the Australian countryside are populated by birds and are also considered the largest habitat for saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory. Mystical landscapes and unique wildlife fascinate Kakadu National Park.

The Northern Territory itself is well worth a visit, as there are incredible and breathtaking experiences here. The Red Centre and the tropical north of the Northern Territory offer the ultimate contrasts. With the Litchfield National Park, another nature park invites you to visit. Here, it is mainly termite mounds that attract attention.

The Great Gobi National Park in Asia

Along southern Mongolia is the largest national park in Asia, which has a size of 27,000 m² to offer. In this park there is a part of the Gobi Desert, a large proportion of mountain and steppe landscapes, and a large ice area. Hardly any other region in the world offers so much breathtaking beauty in one place.

The approach is possible via the tranquil town of Dalanzadgad, which also invites you to stay for a few days. In the park itself, not only impressive landscapes await, but also completely foreign animal species such as lamb vultures, snow leopards and giant wild sheep. At the same time, a breathtaking panorama with an unforgettable view is offered.

The Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park, Image: ploypemuk / shutterstock

Located in the north of Thailand is the highest mountain in the country, Doi Inthanon. It has a total height of 2,565 meters and is considered the highest point in Thailand. At its height is the most popular Thai national park, which was opened in 1954. As an excursion destination, it offers an impressive view of the natural unfolding of life.

Here you can admire enchanting waterfalls, gibbon monkeys and tigers and an appealing fauna. Thailand , which is otherwise quite dry, literally blossoms in this place. Instead of seeing classic rainforest, visitors come across peat mosses, orchids, oaks, pines, and even ferns. An excursion destination for enthusiastic mountaineers and all those who want to relax in nature.

The fascination of the national park – why it’s so exciting here

A visit to a national park is more than a holiday, because there is a variety to discover here that would otherwise remain hidden. Not every natural region has the chance to be declared an outstanding habitat and national park. Parks can be found all over the world, but America, Australia and Asia offer the most beautiful and greatest variety for travelers from all over the world. For a trip to one of the national parks of the world, a travel time of at least 14 days should be planned.

Lindau – Bavarian Riviera on the Swabian Sea

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The district town of Lindau is located at the eastern end of Lake Constance, the so-called border triangle, and belongs to the Bavarian administrative district of Swabia. The former free imperial city is characterized by its location in Lake Constance and an impressive Alpine panorama.

The Island City

Lindau, Lake Constance
The harbour of Lindau, Image: Sergey Dzyuba / shutterstock

The old town of Lindau rests on an island that is connected to the mainland by a bridge and a railway embankment. The cityscape of the former free imperial city is largely intact and is a listed building.

The famous harbour entrance is considered the city’s landmark. It is dominated on the west side by a striking lighthouse from 1856. On the east side, the six-metre-high statue of the Bavarian lion forms the end of the harbour pier. The marble lion stands on a 3-tiered pedestal and looks towards the Swiss shore. The island city was built in the 12. and 13th century surrounded by a mighty city fortification. The Mangturm from 1200 is one of the oldest defensive towers. The city wall was reinforced by redoubts, such as the Karlsbastion, the Lindenschanze and the Maximiliansschanze.

Maximilianstraße runs through the island as a main street and part of the pedestrian zone. It reflects the medieval character with bourgeois and craftsmen’s houses. In the ensemble from the 16. and In the 17th century, the original arcades, dormers and carved window pillars can be found.

Imposing buildings

The Old Town Hall from 1422 bears witness to its former splendour with its façade paintings made of motifs from the city’s history. The main façade is crowned by a stepped gable and bells at the top. Access is provided by a covered outdoor staircase with bay window.

The 20-metre-high Mangturm from the 12th century marks the end point of the city wall on the lakeside promenade. Until the 19th century, it could only be reached via a drawbridge and served as a lighthouse. The round Thieves’ Tower from 1380 has a pointed cone helmet with four six-sided corner turrets and was used as a prison for a long time.

The Haus zum Cavazzen from 1729 is considered one of the most beautiful town houses on Lake Constance and today houses the city museum. The city station on the island was built in 1853 in Art Nouveau style and is one of the most impressive terminus stations.

Charming and worth seeing

Lindau Town Hall
The town hall of Lindau, Image: by-studio / shutterstock

The Lindavia Fountain was built in 1884. Lindavia – the protector of the city – is enthroned on a pedestal with a lime branch in her hand. It is surrounded by four half-shells made of red marble and four bronze basin figures. These symbolize the original sources of the city’s wealth – shipping, fishing, viticulture and agriculture.

The Bavarian Riviera is the name given to a six-kilometre-long stretch of shore. Here, magnificent villas and manor houses with park-like gardens are lined up. They reflect the glory and power of the former patrician families.

The Bad Schachen lido from the 1920s bears witness to the time of bathing culture. It was built at the height of wooden bathing architecture on Lake Constance , as was the Aeschacher Bad from 1911 – a bathhouse as a pile dwelling.

Churches in Lindau

The historical development of the city goes hand in hand with the creation of the sacred buildings.
The oldest church is considered to be St. Peter’s Church on Schrannenplatz, which originally functioned as a fisherman’s church.

The cathedral of “Our Lady” from 1752 dominates the cityscape around the market square. The Baroque ceiling painting and the Rococo interior decoration are remarkable.

Also located on the market square, the Protestant church of St. Stephen from 1506 invites visitors. The three-aisled Romanesque pillar basilica inspires with its curved façade with a wrought-iron balcony. The 58-metre-high onion dome dominates the surroundings. In addition to the west gable, the former, cracked main bell can be admired as a monument.

Culture

The Lindau City Theatre offers performances of play, opera and ballet. The events of the Lindau Marionette Opera are considered attractions.
The Inselhalle as an event centre became famous through the annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Away from the hall runs the Nobel Laureate footbridge, on the railing of which the names of all the laureates are published.

In addition to the City Museum, the Imperial City Library, the New Art Museum and the Peace Museum enrich the cultural offerings. Known beyond the city limits are the traditional children’s festival with flag and garland parade as well as the Swabian-Alemannic carnival with the legendary Narrensprung parade.

What to do in your free time in Lindau?

The magnificent pedestrian zone welcomes you to shop in small exclusive shops with high-quality fashion, books, pictures and handicrafts. On the mainland, the Lindaupark shopping centre with more than 40 shops and cafés awaits its guests. The Lindenhof Park, the Stadtgarten and the harbour promenade with their Mediterranean flair offer rest and relaxation.

Numerous swimming pools such as the Limare leisure pool, the Lindenhofbad or the Oberreitnau outdoor pool promise bathing fun. Active holidaymakers will be happy about the many opportunities for sporting activities. The area around Lindau can be explored on marked hiking trails. For bicycle and mountain bike tours, there are well-signposted cycle paths, some of which are connected to the Lake Constance Cycle Path. Friends of water sports can draw from the full range in Lindau.

In the winter months, there are ideal conditions for cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. The ice sports arena and the Lindau thermal spa provide variety and relaxation.

Excursions

The piers of the scheduled shipping are located at the harbour. From here, the boats of the White Fleet and the Lake Constance shipping companies regularly head for the cities of Rohrschach, Constance and Bregenz . Passengers have the opportunity to get to know Lake Constance in all its grandeur and beauty.

Lindau’s central location in the border triangle creates the ideal starting point for sensational day trips. Worthwhile destinations include the Pfänder panoramic mountain, the island of Mainau and the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen.

Tennessee – The Volunteer State

According to their own statement, Tennessee is not only the home of RockNRoll, but also the home of bourbon. The latter would probably be objected to at least by Kentucky. Either way, a visit to Tennessee is a dive into an absolute heartland of American culture. With a long history, a variety of historical sites and exciting metropolises like Nashville , Tennessee offers a remarkably varied vacation. If you’re looking for the roots of country music, you’ll find it here, as well as if you’re looking for some of the best food in the United States.

The Volunteer State – between nature and culture

Tennessee has the nickname Volunteer State from the times of the British-American War, when a large part of the population voluntarily went to war against the British. As one of the cradles of the American population – Native Americans probably settled here around 12,000 years ago – Tennessee is proud of the long history of the state and knows how to celebrate this in a variety of ways. As one of the core southern states, it is also closely linked to the history around the Civil War and even today the state is considered rather conservative, but that doesn’t stop people from being known for lavish parties in Nashville.

Tennessee is also a bit of a state of contradictions. Although they are proud to be a rather conservative southern state, Tennessee has also been one of the nuclei of the American civil rights movement. From here, some of the most important currents in the struggle for equality solved. So it’s quite fitting that the American Civil Rights Museum is a place where you can experience the remarkable history for yourself through presentations and reports from contemporary witnesses and perhaps understand it better.

Vacationers who decide to take a trip to Tennessee usually not only want to see Nashville, but also enjoy the great nature in the state. With national parks and some beautiful landscapes, the state also invites you to discover nature off the beaten track.

The most beautiful natural spectacles in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

The shared heritage of Americans and Native Americans can be seen on every corner in Tennessee. So it’s quite fitting that one of the most impressive places in the state is without question the Appalachian Trail. The long-distance hiking trail, which runs 3,500 kilometers through the United States, has a good part of it here in the state and offers great nature, interesting experiences and, last but not least, a deep impression of how diverse the landscape in the USA can actually be.

Together with North Carolina , it shares the Great Smoky Mountains. The most visited national park in the USA is not only known for its many opportunities for activities, but also for many small villages and attractions that lie in the area. Here you can not only go mountain biking or explore the mountains by bike, but of course also hike, climb or canoe through one of the streams. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities and the places that have adapted to tourism offer corresponding opportunities for easy access to these attractions.

The many forests and rivers, meadows and valleys are often home to their own small towns, which, unlike Nashville, do not enjoy worldwide fame. On the other hand, you will find the hospitality of the South, which is known throughout the country, and often the best barbecue you could wish for in the USA. It is not for nothing that Tennessee is considered one of the birthplaces of this national cuisine among the foodies of the USA.

Discover the impressive cities of Tennessee

Nashville skyline on the Cumberland River
Skyline of Nashville on the Cumberland River, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

With Nashville and Memphis , there are two cities in Tennessee that you should definitely have seen during a visit. The advantage, however, is clearly the capital of the state, Nashville, which is considered a highlight of culture in the USA and is also often visited by the inhabitants of the country for a short vacation. While the metropolis has developed into a Mecca for party tourism in recent years, many origins of American culture can be found here. Apart from a large number of the finest and best restaurants with a wide variety of dishes, the Country Music Hall of Fame can be found here – a must visit for anyone who can get something out of this music genre.

However, the “Music City” is often the place for many other concerts and especially rock is of course lived here. Fittingly, you can quickly get to Graceland from Tennessee and visit the home of Elvis, who has probably shaped this music genre like no other artist. The city’s live stages feature well-known and unknown artists who want to start their own careers with the spirit of Nashville and give the city’s bars their very own flair.

In addition, Nashville is home to many museums that deal with the upheavals of the history of the USA. So if you are looking for a bit of culture in addition to the party, you will certainly find it in the city.

Cancun – a fusion of culture and adventure in the heart of the Caribbean

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If you travel to Cancun, it is best to do so between January and May or November and December. Then you have the best travel weather to explore the Yucatan Peninsula and the city of Cancun. Whether you want to relax on the beautiful beaches with crystal clear Caribbean waters or follow in the footsteps of the Maya, it won’t be boring.

Below are the most important sights in and around Cancun.

sights near Cancun

  • Chichen Itza, Mexico
    Chichen Itza, Image: Aleksandar Todorovic / shutterstock

    The Mayan site in Tulum , 130 km south of Cancun, shows breathtaking ruins including views. It is located on 15-meter-high hills above the Caribbean Sea. There is a lower and upper gallery, the latter was used in Mayan times as an observation tower to study the movements of the sun.

  • The Mayan city of Chichen Itza is an active archaeological site that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. It is located 75 km from Cancun.
  • The El Meco archaeological site is located just 6 km from Cancun’s city centre. It is home to the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula.
  • The Mayan Museum of Cancun is perfect for anyone who needs a break from the beach and is interested in local culture. Exhibits from Mexico’s ancient past are exhibited here.
  • The Mexican Folk Museum houses crafts and creations by Mexican artisans. The sculptures and figurines on display here tell the story of the local people and their Mayan heritage. The most famous artifacts are the dolls of Los Dias De Los Muertos. The museum is located in the eco-archaeological park Xcaret.

The most interesting beaches and islands near Cancun

  • Isla Mujeres
    Aerial view of Isla Mujeres, Image: Darren Tierney / shutterstock

    Playa del Carmen is considered the most popular holiday destination because of its fine, white sand and blue-green waters. There is a wide range of water activities here.

  • Playa Delfines is considered a change from the crowded beaches just behind the well-known beaches and shines with its untouched nature.
  • Isla Holbox is a completely car-free island just a few hours from Cancun. You can leave the rental car in Chiquila for about 100 Pesos a day, otherwise you can get here with a 3-hour bus ride. There are many nice, small beach bars, delicious food and margaritas as well as hammocks to relax. With a golf buggy or bicycle you can explore the 42 km long island wonderfully. You can also observe many flamingos here.
  • Isla Mujeres, also known as Women’s Island, is located 13 km from Cancun’s coast and is known for snorkeling and diving trips due to the many coral reefs. On the southern side, there is a lighthouse, a sea turtle sanctuary and the remains of a Mayan temple to visit.
  • The cenotes are natural swimming pools with fresh water from the nearby rivers, but underground in sinkholes or pits. Experienced divers can dive through tunnels and get into the cenotes that way. Non-divers can reach the cenotes by abseiling or descending stairs. The most notable are the Cenote Manatî, Cristalino, Xkeken and Samula.
  • The Underwater Museum is not a conventional museum, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to the art of conservation. More than 500 sculptures lie between three and six meters deep in the Cancun National Marine Park. Originally, it was intended as an alternative for divers to protect coral reefs while creating artificial reefs. You can visit it by diving or take a boat there and marvel at it from above while snorkeling.
  • If you want to snorkel with sea turtles, Akumal is the place to be. Translated, the name means “place of the turtle”, because if you snorkel here, you are very likely to be lucky enough to have sea turtles next to you. But be careful: do not touch! This tranquil ocean area is about an hour from Cancun.

Points of interest within the city

The La Isla shopping center is considered the most beautiful and best in Cancun with an interactive aquarium, cinema and everything a shopper’s heart desires. It is located in the open air in the hotel zone.

  • The Torre Escenica is a lookout tower that goes up to 80m. Enjoy a wonderful view of the massive Xcaret complex and all the beaches all the way to Cozumel.
  • If you want to get in touch with the local people, El Parque de Ias Palapas in the middle of the city is recommended. This is where local families come together in the evening.
  • Avenida Kukulkan is a vibrant thoroughfare that leads to all resorts. It is full of shops, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs.

Wide range of theme parks

  • Xcaret Amusement Park is a water, theme, amusement and eco-archaeological park. With its location in the middle of the Mayan jungle between underground cenotes and rivers and at the same time overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this park is particularly popular.
  • The Xel-Há amusement park is considered a natural aquarium due to its great variety of flora and fauna including zip line, water slides and much more.
  • The Xplor Adventure Park offers a vibrant jungle with underground paths, rivers and caves. You can also fly over the rainforest with a zipline here.

In summary, it should be emphasized that there are a large number of activities in Cuncun and you should plan enough time to explore everything in peace and still spend a relaxing holiday.

Bison, pioneer, Native American and Scandinavian heritage in North Dakota

The US state of North Dakota is located in the far north of the USA on the Canadian border. Due to its geographical location, this state has a rather cool climate. North Dakota was named after a Native American tribe. The Dakota tribe, which has lived in the area of present-day North Dakota since time immemorial, and served as the namesake for the US state, belongs to the Sioux Indians. North Dakota is considered very sparsely populated, but this does not detract from the state’s attractiveness for tourists. Rather the opposite. Because if you long for peace and solitude, want to find out about the history and culture of the North American natives or experience endless expanses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this is the place for you.

Among bison, mustangs and coyotes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is named after the 26th President of the United States. He loved the region in which today’s park is located so much that he owned a ranch there, the Elkhorn Ranch, which he often visited to relax. Remains of the ranch can still be visited today. It seems a little unusual for a national park that Theodore Roosevelt National Park is not a contiguous area, but three parks that have been merged into one, so to speak.

Visually and scenically, you feel like you’ve been transported to a Wild West movie, because the national park consists primarily of wasteland and badlands. These landscapes are ultimately what Westerns refer to as the wide prairie. If you want, you can explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park extensively on foot, because there are no less than 150 kilometers of well-signposted hiking trails to explore here. However, the park is still home to American wild horses, also known as mustangs. If you want to get particularly close to them, you can take part in a guided excursion on horseback.

Another highlight are the bison, once extinct here, but reintroduced in the 1950s, which were hunted by the Indians in earlier times and served as their diet and clothing. The best way to soak up the atmosphere of the park is to spend a night under the stars. Spending the night in the park is no problem, because there are a variety of campsites.

Fargo: The secret capital of the US state of North Dakota

Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck, capital of North Dakota, Image: Ace Diamond / shutterstock

Fargo is not the capital of the state of North Dakota, that would be Bismarck, but with around 120,000 inhabitants it is the largest city in the state. In addition, the cultural heart of North Dakota beats here, which is why a visit to Fargo should not be missed if you are ever in North Dakota. Among locals, Fargo is considered the secret capital of North Dakota. The city is particularly known for its lively art scene.

The Plains Art Museum exhibits about 3,000 works of art, mainly by contemporary artists. Many of them are of Indian origin. In addition, there are also artistic highlights by European art greats, such as Salvador Dali’s, to see. However, the often breathtaking works of art are not only on display in the premises of the museum itself. Many of them also hang in chic craft beer bars, shops or restaurants in downtown Fargo. If you want to get an idea of the life of the pioneers in the North of America, Bonanzaville is the right place for you. This is a pioneer village true to the original, in which there is also a thematically appropriate museum.

Unique, the National Buffalo Museum

The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown is one of those kinds of museums that you won’t find on every corner. Of course, this has to do with his exhibition focus, the bison. For the Native Americans of North Dakota, the bison, and also the hunting of them, were of utmost importance. The museum explains all the details about the importance and history of bison in the region. In addition, stuffed bison and original exhibits from the times of bison hunting can be seen. The National Buffalo Museum is housed on the grounds of an open-air museum. In the Frontier Village open-air museum, you can travel back in time to the 19th century, because all the buildings there date back to this time. They are the remains of a village with residential and administrative buildings as well as shops.

In the footsteps of Scandinavian immigrants

Stave church in the Scandinavian Heritage Park
Stave church in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, Image: Yosoyana / shutterstock

In the American state of North Dakota, the Scandinavian community is still strongly represented today. Once upon a time, many Scandinavians came to this area as pioneers. Among other things, they have brought with them the tradition of Scandinavian stave churches. The most famous specimen in North Dakota can be seen in the Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minota. In addition, several statues of famous Scandinavians are gathered here. The park’s walking paths also lead past Danish windmills, a museum where you can learn about the tradition of immigrants from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, as well as a 27-metre-high Swedish wooden Dala horse.

Sibenik in Croatia

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If you look at aerial photos of Sibenik, you might think you have a map section of Norway in front of you. Like the well-known archipelago islands, the rocks rise out of the Adriatic Sea. The city itself is located on a bay that is only connected to the Adriatic Sea by a strait. A fjord, that’s how the strait can be associated. And yet, Sibenik is located in Croatia in the Dalmatia region.

Location of Sibenik

Sibenik is located between the major cities of Zadar in the north and Split in the south. The town nestles against a bay that also forms the mouth of the Krka River. The Sveti Ante canal connects the bay with the Adriatic Sea. There are numerous inhabited and uninhabited islands just off the coast, foothills of the so-called Kornati Islands, a national park.

History

First mentioned in a document in 1066, Sibenik looks back on an eventful history. The Croatian King Petar Kresimir IV stayed in the fortress of St. Michael at that time. Today the castle bears the name of Saint Anne.

For a long time, Sibenik was under Venetian, later Austro-Hungarian rule. From 1918 to 1991, it belonged first to the Kingdom and later to the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. After a momentous war, however, Croatia became an independent state again with the capital Zagreb. Today, Sibenik belongs to Croatia again. Since the end of the 1990s, the Adriatic coast of Croatia has become increasingly popular with tourists, which is due to both the beaches and the medieval towns.

Sights in Sibenik

The Cathedral of St. James
The Cathedral of St. James, Image: xbrchx / shutterstock

It is worth spending a lot of time walking through the old town. It is noticeable that Sibenik is a hilly city. Countless stairs connect the old town alleys with each other. The house facades in the medieval streets give an idea of how medieval life took place here. Again and again, views of the bay and the Adriatic Sea behind it open up.

But the numerous architectural monuments are also worth a targeted visit. A fortification with four forts surrounds the town: St Michael (St. Anna), St. John, St. Nicholas and the Baron Fortress. While St. Michael is already mentioned under the Croatian King Petar Kresimir IV, the other fortifications date from the time of Venetian rule (15th to 18th century). The ensemble of the four fortresses is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The late Gothic Cathedral of St. James is also a World Heritage Site. It was built in over 100 years in the 15th century. The dome was severely damaged in the Croatian war, but it has since been restored.

In addition to numerous other churches – the Franciscan monastery with monument to Petar Kresimir IV is also worth seeing, for example – a visit to the Old Town Hall is worthwhile. The Town Hall Square is surrounded by arcades that give it an unmistakable appearance. The Renaissance building was built in the 16th century.

The Sibenik Bridge crosses the Krka River. The arch bridge offers a unique view of the city, the Krka Valley and the Adriatic Sea.

Excursion destinations in the area

Krka National Park
The Winnetou films were filmed in the Krka National Park, Image: Seumas Christie-Johnston / shutterstock

Sibenik is located in the immediate vicinity of two national parks. The Krka National Park leads into the Krka Valley with several gorges and waterfalls. The biodiversity of plants and animals led to the establishment of the protected area in 1985, which is now also developed for tourism.

The Kornati National Park was established as early as 1980. The archipelago, consisting of 89 rocky islands, is located north of Sibenik. Boat trips are offered, so the protected area can be explored. The islands are mostly made up of limestone cliffs. There is hardly any vegetation. However, the Kornati Islands are known for their species-rich bird population.

Lake Prukljan is located off the coast of the city of Sibenik and is fed by the Krka River, among others. It is the fourth largest lake in Croatia.

The Dalmatia region also includes neighboring cities such as Split and Zadar, which are worth visiting.

Tips

If you spend your holiday in Sibenik and keep thinking that some places look familiar to you, you probably used to watch the Winnetou films with Pierre Brice. Kornati Islands, Krka National Park, the karst mountains in the surrounding area are filming locations for the film adaptations of the Karl May classics. In the cities of Dalmatia, numerous tours are offered that are informative and nostalgic at the same time. Maybe the upcoming vacation in Sibenik is an occasion to watch “The Treasure in Silver Lake” again.

If you need a break after the strenuous sightseeing, you can fall back on several beaches in Sibenik.

In Sibenik, there are some open-air performances and festivals in the summer. Among other things, a children’s and youth festival will take place in August, which is particularly aimed at young people. It is worth taking a look at the tourist information office’s calendar of events

Holidays in Camp de Mar

Camp de Mar is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca. The small community is only a few minutes drive from the holiday resort of Andratx. Due to its quiet location and the exclusive ambience, Camp de Mar differs greatly from other popular holiday resorts such as Cala Millor, Alcúdia or El Arenal. The seaside resort was deliberately planned as a holiday resort, equipped with many romantic hotels and exclusive restaurants. Large hotel complexes, noisy discotheques or modern beach bars are not to be found in this holiday paradise.

A holiday in Mallorca in Camp de Mar offers a lot of peace and relaxation. The beach is located directly between two rocky headlands. It is not as crowded as most other beaches in Mallorca. The resort is particularly appreciated by travelers for the fact that the stalls are relatively unvisited and clean. This is partly due to the fact that there are no tourist highlights on the beach. The beach is equipped with a romantic wooden jetty. At the end is the Restaurante Illeta. In addition to seafood and fish, it offers a variety of Spanish and European Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is divided into small beach huts that offer a direct view of the crystal clear water and pine trees.

History of Camp de Mar

Promenade Camp de Mar
The promenade of Camp de Mar, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

In Camp de Mar, the first hotel was built in 1932. In the past, the stretch of coast between Peguera and Port d’Andratx was the target of many pirate attacks. The ships of the North African buccaneers found sufficient shelter in the rugged coast with its cliffs and bays to prepare for a raid. Around the coast from further attacks, many watchtowers and fortifications were built on the coast. The history of the place as a holiday area began with the construction of the first hotel. The holiday resort became famous through the British secret agency Thomas Harris, who bought a house in Camp de Mar in 1949. Until he died of unexplained circumstances in a car accident, he devoted himself to painting. It was not until years later that the place developed into a popular travel destination and more and more small hotels were built.

Why is Camp de Mar so popular?

The resort of Camp de Mar is something for the upscale life destination. For this purpose, many exclusive hotels and villas have been built near the beach. Some of the villas are inhabited by well-known TV stars, movie stars or rich industrialists. In Camp de Mar you will find everything you need for a stay on holiday. For shopping tours or larger purchases, the neighboring town of Port Andratx is ideal. Here you will find numerous cafés, restaurants and shops. Port Andratx is only about 10 minutes away by car. If you like to stroll and shop, you should not miss the Mercadet Nocturno night market on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight.

A dream beach in the southwest of Mallorca

Camp de Mar Beach
Camp de Mar beach, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

Camp de Mar is equipped with a fine, bright sandy beach. It is bordered by the two headlands on the right and left. The quiet, sheltered location ensures that turquoise water is available for swimming. As a rule, there are hardly any waves off the coast. The beach goes very shallow into the water. This makes the beach particularly suitable for families with children. The water is so clear that bathing with diving goggles, flippers and snorkels is great fun. Playa de Camp de Mar has a length of 180 m and a width of 60 m. Overall, the place offers a good infrastructure. Sanitary facilities, showers and pedal boat rental are available for all guests. During the season, a lifeguard ensures the safety of bathers until 6 p.m. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for relaxing. There is barrier-free access for wheelchair users. Thus, they can also get to the beach without any problems.

Whisky, castles, kilts – the Highland capital of Inverness

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Inverness – In this city, all Scotland clichés come true. Visitors don’t have to look far for whisky, castles and kilts. Inverness is called the “Capital of the Highlands” and is even officially an administrative metropolis. The city with its 46,900 inhabitants is located in the mountainous northwest of Great Britain in the Great Glen valley on the River Ness. The river rises in the legendary Loch Ness, where the monster “Nessie” is said to be up to mischief. In Inverness it flows into the Beauly Firth and from there into the Moray Firth. The city name Inverness is derived from the Gaelic word for “mouth of the Ness”.

According to Shakespeare, Macbeth became a murderer in Inverness

In addition to “Nessie”, other “celebrities” have made Inverness famous. There is Macbeth, who is made by Shakespeare in Inverness Castle into the bloodthirsty murderer of his opponent Duncan I. In truth, it shouldn’t have been that bad. Mary Stuart also lived for a short time in Stuart Castle (today’s Castle Stuart Castle Hotel) near Inverness. Last but not least, the courageous Scottish patriot Flora McDonald is worth mentioning. The city has erected a monument to her because she helped the Scottish pretender to the throne Charles Edward Stuart – known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” – to flee from the English to France after the defeat of the Scots on the Culloden Battlefield in 1746.

Pretty buildings next to architectural sins from modern times

Inverness Castle
View of Inverness Castle, Image: Natalia Paklina / shutterstock

By car or bus, visitors can usually reach the city via the A9, which also includes Edinburgh and Glasgow. Inverness has now lost its medieval cityscape. Visitors still find the city attractive: it has pretty parks and idyllic islands in the Ness, which are connected by bridges. Unfortunately, right next to their old churches and buildings there are often soulless concrete boxes. These are the building sins from the 1960s. After all, a stroll through the small pedestrian zone Highstreet and its side streets makes holidaymakers’ hearts beat faster. This is not only due to the Old High Church from 1770 or the former town hall built in the neo-Gothic style with its pointed turrets. It is also due to the traditional shops and their products. The modern Eastgate Shopping Centre stands in stark contrast to this. But in its neighbourhood, the architecturally more beautiful “Old Eastgate” is inviting. Not to be surpassed on a shopping tour is the Wilhelminian market hall “Victorian Market” from 1870 on Academy Street. It attracts visitors with kilt and tweed shops, souvenir shops, cafes and ice cream.

Football fans wear kilts to the game

Here as there, “tartans” are popular souvenirs. These are the colourfully woven tartan patterns of the woollen fabrics from which the kilts are made – those legendary kilts of men. Tourists mainly pounce on checkered scarves and shawls. Initially, certain tartan checks stood for a region, but at the beginning of the 19th century they became the distinguishing mark of the respective Scottish clans. Kilts are hardly seen in everyday life today, but on festive occasions such as weddings. Unusual for German eyes: At the weekend, the male football fans wear kilts when they cheer on their club Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with a beer can in their hands.

Beautiful view of the Lords’ magnificent houses on the banks of the Ness

Greig Street Bridge, Inverness
The Greig Street Bridge pedestrian bridge, Image: Susanne Pommer / shutterstock

Inverness Castle is perched on a hill on the River Ness, near the Greig Street Bridge from 1881 – a beautiful photo opportunity. The castle is not old and venerable, it dates back to the 19th century and is now a courthouse. That’s why visitors are not allowed in at all. However, a tower has been opened for them. Even from the castle garden you can enjoy the view of the Victorian houses of the former Scottish nobles along the banks of the Ness. And in front of the castle, the aforementioned Flora McDonald stands on her pedestal and looks across the river as if she were expecting someone. The most beautiful view is from the nearby observation deck “Castle Viewpoint”. Where the castle stands today, fortresses and castles stood many centuries ago.

Traditional dish haggis is similar to the Palatinate pig’s stomach

Inverness offers a whole range of international restaurants. But if you rely on Scottish cuisine, you should try “haggis”. This is a traditional dish that resembles “our” Palatinate pig’s stomach: A sheep’s stomach is filled with all kinds of sheep innards and oatmeal and stewed. This creates a kind of sausage that is served hot with cooked white cabbage, mashed potatoes and white sauce. In the meantime, there are somewhat more modern variants. By the way, Scottish afternoon tea is sweeter than English tea and consists of three courses: sandwiches, scones with clotted cream – sweet rolls with thick cream – and candied fruit or shortbread for “dessert” – these are cookies made of shortcrust pastry.

On a whisky tour through the Highlands

If you stay longer in the city, use Inverness as a starting point for excursions. The tour to the scenic Highlands with its castles, forests, waterfalls, deep lakes, rugged cliffs and treeless moors is offered by many tour operators and can be combined with a whisky tour. The Highland distilleries and their spirits are very well known and praised by connoisseurs. In addition to whisky tastings, many distilleries offer their visitors guided tours, souvenirs and appetizers. Visitors can visit the Loch Ness Monster by boat via the Caladonian Canal. A tour of a completely different kind, on the other hand, is a pub tour of Inverness. It should be a must! Scottish folk and pop music can be heard live almost every evening in the old town. Visitors were supposed to take part in a “ceilidh” there. This is a Scottish pub party where people drink, make music, dance and sing – often together.

Aveiro: Between Art Nouveau buildings, Portuguese azulejos and enchanted canals

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The Portuguese city of Aveiro has a romantic feel and is somewhat reminiscent of Venice. This is no wonder, because Aveiro is full of canals over which brightly painted wooden boats, the moliceiros, sail. Aveiro is located directly on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Salt is still mined here today. Salt mining is not only characteristic of Aveiro, it also established the former wealth of the city. In addition, Aveiro captivates with magnificent Art Nouveau buildings, sublime churches and an enchanted-looking fishermen’s quarter that is bursting with originality. In addition, Aveiro is a young city. Founded in 1973, the University of Aveiro has an excellent reputation and attracts many young people to the city. In addition, Aveiro is only a few kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. After extensive sightseeing, a visit to the city can be easily combined with a beach holiday.

Experience Aveiro’s canal landscapes from a traditional moliceiro

Rio Vouga, Aveiro
The Rio Vouga in Aveiro, Image: portumen / shutterstock

If you visit the city of Aveiro, which has a population of around 80,000, you should definitely take a canal tour. This is done in the classic way on one of the traditional fishing boats. This means that it goes over three canals that flow through the entire old town. From the boat you have a wonderful view of the finely decorated and mostly pastel-colored Art Nouveau houses that are lined up along the canals. In addition, the original fishing boats, i.e. the moliceiros, are a sight in themselves. They are all richly decorated and colorfully painted with numerous motifs. So it’s worth taking a look at the other moliceiros passing by during the ride, because each of them is uniquely painted and designed.

A walk through the picturesque old town of Aveiro

But Aveiro can be explored not only by boat, but also on foot. The old town is characterized by an exciting mixture of urban liveliness, fishing tradition with colorful market hustle and bustle and wonderful architecture. In the middle of the city is the Mercado do Peixe fish market, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. It is housed in a permanent building and is not only used for the trade in fish and other marine animals. On the upper floor of the Mercado do Peixe, freshly prepared fish dishes can be enjoyed.

Continue to Praça de Rossio, where Aveiro’s most interesting Art Nouveau buildings are lined up. Worth seeing are, for example, the Coreto do Parque Municipal Infante Dom Pedro and the Edíficio da Casa dos Ovos Moles. By the way, Ovos Moles are a culinary specialty that can only be found in Aveiro and that you should definitely try once in your life. This is not, as the direct translation into German might promise, soft eggs, but a candy. It is mixed with egg yolks and a lot of sugar. The confectioners fill the resulting mass into a kind of shell made of wafer dough, which is usually designed like mussels, fish or other maritime motifs. You can buy the Ovos Moles in Aveiro on every corner.

Aveiro’s diverse museums

Aveiro Cathedral
Aveiro Cathedral, Image: Sergio Gutierrez Getino / shutterstock

Aveiro has several very interesting museums to offer, all of which are worth an extensive visit. You should start with the Museu de Aveiro, where you can see primarily sacred art. It is housed in the former monastery of Mosteiro de Jesus. The premises of the monastery, which dates back to 1458, are worth a visit alone. In addition to paintings, which are mainly from the 17. and Dating back to the 18th century, traditional Portuguese tiles, carvings, robes and jewellery can be seen here. The Museu da Vista Alegre is all about porcelain. The museum is located in the associated porcelain factory Vista Alegre, which is known far beyond the borders of Portugal. On display are early workpieces from the factory, filigree individual pieces made of porcelain as well as tools and machines that have been used over the centuries to produce porcelain. Finally, the Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo is maritime. On display are old moliceiros, maritime navigation apparatus and interesting shell finds from the region.

Aveiro and the white gold

Aveiro has become wealthy mainly through the extraction of sea salt. If you want to find out more about the history of salt mining in Aveiro, visit the Salinas de Aveiro, which can be reached on foot from the old town after a short walk. The way there is well signposted. The Salinas de Aveiro are now primarily an open-air museum. In the past, of course, sea salt was extracted here in large quantities. A tour of the site takes about 45 minutes and you learn a lot about the history and tradition of sea salt production. It is explained in detail which steps are necessary for this, and what sea salt, as well as its degradation, means for the marine ecosystem. By the way, you can buy mined sea salt all over Aveiro.

The magnificent azulejos of Aveiro

In Aveiro there are a number of church buildings worth seeing. The Igreja da Misericórdia, for example, is particularly beautiful. It is located in the middle of the old town and was built at the end of the 16th century. It is known for the furnishings and façade design with the traditional white and blue azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tiles. Visitors can also see similarly beautiful tile work in the church of Nossa Senhora da Apresentação. If you don’t travel by train anyway, you should definitely make a detour to the train station, because there are more breathtaking pictures from azulejos to marvel at.