The seaside resort of Santa Ponsa on Mallorca has become one of the most popular destinations on the island of the Balearic Islands in recent years. In addition to some celebrities who have found their home here on the island, Santa Ponsa is best known for the mix of family-friendly hotels and interesting destinations for excursions. Even away from the strongholds of tourists, you can experience a great holiday here and experience all kinds of amenities that Mallorca has to offer. Especially the direct view of the nature of Mallorca has attracted many holidaymakers in recent years.
Small pearl in the southwest of the island
View of the coast of Santa Ponsa, Image: vulcano / shutterstock
Most holidaymakers still associate Mallorca with the Ballermann and the capital – but the Balearic island has so much more to offer and has adapted to tourism in all parts of the island in recent years. Far away from party and adventure tourism, for example, there are corners such as Santa Ponsa, which especially attract families with a wide range of offers of all kinds. It certainly helped that some of the prominent emigrants from Germany have opened their cafes and restaurants here – from Daniela Katzenberger to Jürgen Drews, some of the locations in the main town have or had a prominent owner.
The beautiful harbour of the regional town also attracts many yacht and boat owners, especially in summer, who settle here in the harbour and enjoy the many advantages of the region. So a walk along the promenade can be a real highlight if you are interested in the yachts and boats, which can easily cost several million euros.
In general, the popularity of Santa Prosa comes from the hospitality and the many opportunities you have here during your stay. Countless restaurants and opportunities for shopping make it easy to stroll through the city after a long day on one of the beaches and buy one or two souvenirs from your holiday or enjoy a good meal in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
What should you experience on a holiday in Santa Ponsa?
Beach in Santa Ponsa, Image: vulcano / shutterstock
Santa Ponsa today is primarily designed for relaxation and recreation. Not only the good opportunities in the city play a role, but of course the two large beaches, with many opportunities for water sports and other activities, attract families and other holidaymakers alike. The Playa del Santa Ponsa stretches around the village and is referred to as the big beach. There is also a small but beautiful sandy beach, the Caló d’en Pallisser. The small beach is a little secluded, but offers just the right flair to just relax a bit and recover in the sun from the stresses of everyday life.
With the rental car, which you can easily get in the city, you can easily go to other parts of the island and explore the nearby Castell de Bellver, for example. An archaeological excavation centre, where one of the first villages on the island is brought back to light piece by piece, is also a great opportunity for an excursion and knows how to delight children and adults alike. Of course, nothing stops holidaymakers from taking a short trip to the capital of the island and discovering the many sights of Mallorca.
However, the stay in Santa Ponsa itself is mainly characterized by the already mentioned relaxation. In addition to the possibility of lying on the beach or spending time in “The Square”, the center of the regional village, some golf courses in the area also invite you to play a round or two. The offer is rounded off with many options for water sports up to its own sailing school, with which you can explore the many intricacies of the waters around Santa Ponsa.
All in all, the holiday here is especially recommended for those who just want to relax a bit – with the options to discover much more on and from the island.
Wyoming is a fascinating destination in the USA. As hundreds of years ago, adventurers are drawn to the Wild West, who still hunt herds of bison on horseback, hike through the canyons or climb bizarre rock formations of the Rocky Mountains, meet bears and moose or push their limits on survival tours.
The fascinating nature of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the top ten sights in the USA. Steaming geysers and bubbling mud holes stretch over an area of over 9,000 square kilometers. Every few minutes, water fountains shoot meters high into the sky and make visitors gasp. The water runs down the rocks and nourishes the algae. The caves shine emerald green. The sulphur turns the stones yellowish and the earth’s crust appears pinkish-red. This creates a special kind of play of colours. At the Mammoth Hot Springsund, on the wooden walkways around Old Faithful, tourists from all over the world jostle. But true connoisseurs put on their trekking shoes and set off for the hinterland of the national park. Lonely hiking trails, fascinating waterfalls and untouched nature await you here.
The breathtaking mountain world of the Grand Tetons
Grand Teton National Park, Image: Bitter Buffalo Photo / shutterstock
History says that the Grand Teton Mountains were formed 9 million years ago because the earth simply broke open and shifted the pointed rocks to the side. What remained were the mountain peaks lined up next to each other with seven three-thousand-metre peaks, one four-thousand-metre peak and a steppe-like valley. The mountains attract with their extraordinary vegetation. Below the massive rocks stretches a lush green area of bushes and lush forests with meter-high conifers. The mountains are also famous for their barren mountain meadows, the icy cold and shimmering blue mountain lakes and the glaciated mountain slopes. Here is actually still the eternal snow and from October onwards loneliness reigns here. In summer you can pitch your tents in the campgrounds. Places are limited and should be reserved in advance, preferably at the beginning of the year.
Encounter moose and bears in Cascade Canyon
Wyoming’s wildlife is one of a kind. The further away you get from the tourist trails, the greater the probability of encountering a bear. As a tourist, you should be aware that these animals may look cute, but they are dangerous. Therefore, it is better to observe them from a safe distance. Bears are omnipresent along the streams of Cascade Canyon. They look for fish here and bathe in the cold water. Many bears have lost their shyness of humans. The principle here is: Leave me alone, then I’ll leave you alone! At Jenny Lake you can experience moose in the wild. After sunrise, they walk among the trees on the south side of the lake. The Discovery Trail leads directly to Lake Jenny and is peppered with boards that provide information about all of the area’s wildlife.
Pure nature in the Thunder Basin National Grassland
The forest area in the northeast of the state stretches between the Black Hills and the Big Horn Mountains. Here, visitors can experience Wyoming’s nature up close. There are no campsites, but you are allowed to camp in certain areas. Hikers from all over the world come here to wander through the remote areas for days. The whole area is also a magnet for anglers and hunters. The Thunder Basin National Grassland is very fertile and brings together almost all of the wild plants that are native to Wyoming. As a result, wild animals find the best feeding opportunities here. From muskrats to porcupines to rabbits and marmots, you can observe numerous animals here. The streams are full of trout and eagles make their rounds in the sky. Together with the adjacent Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest , the area has an area of over 12,000 square kilometers and extends across the border into Colorado.
Quaint small towns and warm hospitality
Old trail Town Cody, Image: silky / shutterstock
You won’t find the world-famous metropolises in Wyoming. Cozy small towns such as Buffalo, Lovell or Cody dominate here. Teddy Roosevelt was already drawn to Buffalo. Even today, visitors can stay at the historic Occidental Hotel, where the American president once stayed. The town in western Wyoming is known for its typical restaurants and is a popular destination for skiers in winter. Lovell stands for the famous Wild West. Like a Western film set, the Bighorn Canyon stretches out in front of the city with its deep gorges and herds of wild horses. Visitors experience even more Wild West feeling in Cody. It’s where the state’s most exciting rodeos take place, and in the evening, people dance to traditional cowboy music. In Old Trail Town , Cody shows its original side with an 1890 border building and numerous western attractions for tourists.
When winter arrives in Wyoming
True enthusiasts are drawn to Wyoming in winter. Then entire areas are transformed into snow paradises and the play of lights creates a unique magic. You can discover the loneliest areas by dog sled or explore a dreamlike landscape with a snowmobile. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail is the best trail in the USA for snowmobilers. But skiers and cross-country skiers also get their money’s worth. Powder-covered and steep slopes make Wyoming one of the best ski and snowboard areas in the entire Northwest. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort attracts experienced skiers, and the Snowy Range Ski Resort also offers slopes for beginners. If you prefer to discover the snowy landscape in comfort, you can board a horse-drawn sleigh in Grand Teton Mountain. Adventurers experience the pure thrill of ice climbing along the frozen waterfalls. At the lakes, people meet for traditional ice fishing.
Cusco is located in the southeast of Peru in the impressive highlands of the Andes and is both the name of the region and its capital. The city’s location alone at an altitude of 3,416 meters is breathtaking in every way. Cusco is the center of Peruvian culture. In the steep streets with their cobblestones, the traveller will meet locals with their alpacas and a variety of colourful and decorated houses. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, which was also the builder of Peru’s most famous attraction: the Inca city of Machu Picchu, which was founded in the 15th century.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the “7 Wonders of the Modern World” and is located in the Cusco region on a high plateau at an altitude of 2,430 meters. This fact alone amazes visitors in view of the large, terraced complex with its huge stone blocks, which were installed without mortar in the 216 buildings. Paths meander through the nested area and over its more than 3,000 stairs. The panorama around the mountain above the Urubamba River is no less impressive than the mysticism of the mysterious buildings, whose purpose could never be clarified. Machu Picchu is only 75 kilometers from Cusco and is best reached by Peru Rail train. Here, the journey is already the destination, because it allows you to experience the wild nature of Peru up close. The months between April and October are ideal for travel. Then it is dry season in the region, so that no haze stands in the way of the perfect panoramic view. In summer, it is quite crowded from a tourist point of view, so spring and autumn are the best time to visit.
Incas and colonial times – Cusco’s different sides
Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Image: saiko3p / shutterstock
The capital Cusco captivates with its panorama and, like Machu Picchu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the 11th century, this center of the Incas was built, where ruins still revive the mystery of that time. If you want to learn more, you should not miss a visit to the Inca Museum. The colonial period under Spanish rule has also left clear traces worth seeing. Nevertheless, Cusco is also a city of modernity and progress. At the Plaza de Armas, the square in the heart of the city, two impressive churches dominate. Next to the Jesuit church “La Compania de Jesus”, the famous cathedral of Cusco rises into the sky, for which almost 100 years of construction were necessary from 1560 onwards.
The cathedral impresses with its massive, 33-meter-high towers no less than with its 11 chapels and 24 vaults. The goldsmith’s work from the colonial era and the wood carvings of the altars are unusual eye-catchers. The three-aisled church almost looks like a museum, as there are 365 paintings by different regional artists to marvel at. The most famous picture is undoubtedly “Lord of the Earthquakes”. It is carried once a year in a procession through Cusco. In the imposing choir stalls, visitors will also encounter 40 life-size figures of saints.
Colorful and diverse
Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain near Cusco, Image: emperorcosar / shutterstock
Its markets are as colourful and diverse as the entire capital. In San Blas and San Pedro, the market halls are surrounded by stalls where the indigenous peoples sell their weaving and handicrafts and offer goods made from the wool of the alpaca, the llama of the Andes, as well as fresh food from the region. Here you have the opportunity to try out typical local dishes at the lowest prices. Between Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, everyone will find what they are looking for. And after visiting the market in San Blas, everyone is strengthened for the way up to Sacsayhuamán. The ruins of the Inca fortress with their panoramic view over the city are worth the climb. Less than a kilometre away, there is also a white statue of Christ, called “Cristo Blanco”.
The tourist ticket – for more enjoyment
If you spend several days in Cusco and also want to get to know the region better, a Boleto Turistico is a good choice. This tourist ticket allows you to visit numerous museums and sites of Inca culture. One of the destinations included is Tipón, which is located behind the city and offers unique views with its green terraces and Inca ruins. This place is still a real insider tip among travelers. Even more Inca culture is offered by the Sacred Valley “Valle Sacrado” in the Cusco region. There are countless ruins from the Inca period here. The most interesting destinations in the Sacred Valley such as Chincero, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba can be conquered on a day tour. All entrance fees to these sites are also included in the tourist ticket.
Tips and tricks
In the Cusco region, the traveler encounters the coca plant again and again. Even though coca contains cocaine, the percentage of one percent is so low that a coca tea only has the energy of a soothing cup of coffee. So it is worth tasting the sacred drink of the Peruvians. Just like coca, the indigenous people with their colorful traditional costumes are also part of the image of Cusco. If you want to capture these interesting people in a picture, you should have some change ready as a thank you. A good tip is also to only use taxis in Cusco with an official taxi logo that the user has called himself. Simply waving a taxi over on the street is not recommended. The same applies to booking tours, which should only be done with long-established travel agencies. For the safety of tourists, Cusco even has police officers who are there especially for vacationers and often show up in the city.
Sankt Johann im Pongau is a tranquil alpine village located in Austria, about 60 kilometres south of Salzburg. Both in summer and winter, the community of about 11,400 inhabitants has a lot to offer its visitors. Skiers and snowboarders get their money’s worth here as well as hiking enthusiasts and mountain bike freaks. Art and cultural events in the local culture and congress centre as well as some museums in the districts also attract culture lovers.
Overnight stay in Sankt Johann: How about a chalet?
Wellness comfort in your own chalet, Image: Chaletdorf BERGHERZ
If you want to spend your holiday with comfort, comfortable infinity beds and an outdoor whirlpool and at the same time value a great panoramic view, we recommend the chalet village BERGHERZ in Sankt Johann im Pongau when choosing the perfect chalet in Austria .
Here you can optimally combine the advantages of your own chalet with the comfort of a luxury hotel.
The equipment
In all huts, holidaymakers can expect a fully equipped alpine kitchen, HD TV, large sofas, infinity beds and a spacious bedroom with a view of the Alps. The wellness factor is also not neglected in the private sauna and outdoor whirlpool. You can end the evening with a good glass of wine by the cozy fireplace.
Fantastic view of the organic bathing lake, Picture: Chaletdorf BERGHERZ
Culinary
Start the new eventful day with a hearty breakfast. The staff of the village will spoil you with great regional products, vitamin-rich fruit and homemade muesli.
If you don’t feel like cooking yourself in the evening, you have the option of using the catering service of the chalet village. From cheese dumplings to Wiener Schnitzel to the classic grill plate. There is a suitable dish for every taste.
Our tip: A special culinary highlight is the Hut-Essen, the traditional Austrian table grill variant. Treat your taste buds to high-quality meat, fresh vegetables and crisp salads.
Sankt Johann im Pongau in winter: Snow fun in the alpine village
In winter, Sankt Johann im Pongau is bustling with everything in the Alpendorf district. The ski area there is called Snow Space Salzburg and attracts adults and children alike. Tourists who would like to try skiing for the first time are in good hands here, because there is a practice lift on Mount Hahnbaum that can be used free of charge. After a few test runs, ski bunnies can then decide whether they want to venture onto the steeper slopes in the Ski amadé ski area in Alpendorf (St. Johann i. Pg.) or in nearby Wagrain or Flachau . All 44 slopes within this radius belong to Snow Space Salzburg. Over 200 kilometres of perfect slopes, 12 peaks and 5 valleys await enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders.
A unique experience: A visit to the Liechtenstein Gorge
South of Sankt Johann im Pongau is the Liechtenstein Gorge. In total, the gorge has a length of 4,000 meters. Visitors are allowed to roam through about 1,000 of them and be fascinated by the sight of the massively rising rocks of the gorge. What makes the walk through the Liechtenstein Gorge particularly exciting is that it is very narrow in several places. The destination at the end of the gorge is an impressive waterfall. Visitors can get there via wooden walkways and wooden steps, which are well secured with railings and are regularly maintained. A visit to the Liechtenstein Gorge is a pure summer pleasure, because in the winter months the area is closed for safety reasons.
Summer fun for children on the Geisterberg
If you travel to Sankt Johann im Pongau with children, you can spend unforgettable family hours on the Geisterberg in summer. The Geisterberg is a children’s adventure park located at an altitude of 1,787 metres on the Gernkogel. From the district of Alpendorf, the Geisterberg can be reached by gondola. Even the journey is an experience, because once you reach the mountain station of the Gernkogel, you don’t have to walk, but continue to the Geisterberg in the ghost train. Basically, everything here revolves around ghosts and ghosts. The children are offered 40 different play stations, which are connected by footpaths, which can also be easily mastered with a stroller. Among other things, there is a real ghost mountain castle, climbing and swinging equipment, water games and artificial lakes, as well as a via ferrata for the older children and teenagers.
These sights should not be missed in Sankt Johann im Pongau
If you have had enough of nature, or want to bridge a rainy day in a meaningful way, Sankt Johann im Pongau will also find the best conditions for this. For example, the Pongau Cathedral (Roman Catholic memorial parish church) is worth seeing. Actually, it is the parish church in honor of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. However, since this church building looks extremely sublime, it is popularly called Pongau Cathedral. On the site of today’s cathedral there have been church buildings since the year 924, but they have been destroyed again and again. The current church was built in 1855 in the neo-Gothic style, after the previous church had burned down. The two towers of the building are no less than 62 meters high. Particularly worth seeing is the art-historically interesting high altar.
Things are simpler in the Anna Chapel, which was built in 1301 and is the oldest building in the village. The Anna Chapel is crossed by a ribbed vault and has pointed arched windows. A Gothic church ensemble was once grouped around it, but it burned down in 1855.
If you feel like visiting a museum, you can drive the few kilometers to Wagrain and find the Silent Night Museum and the Waggerl House there. In the Silent Night Museum, everything revolves around the most popular German-language Christmas carol. The Waggerl House is the former home of Karl Heinrich Waggerl, one of the most important Austrian writers. In the poet’s original living quarters, his life and work can be traced today.
As in many other areas of life, digitization is becoming more and more prevalent in the tourism industry. Whereas in the past you had to rely solely on recommendations from the travel agency or from your circle of friends, today those interested in traveling increasingly inform themselves. The Internet makes it easier to research the right holiday destination. An initial opinion is shaped by the numerous rating platforms of the individual tour operators. Thanks to the comments and reviews of the holidaymakers, an initial pre-selection of suitable hotels takes place.
In the next step, the tourist now wants to get a more detailed picture of the hotels. In order to really present all the desired information to the potential guest at this point, the professional support of a specialist agency is recommended. We took a closer look at the work of the Munich-based hotel marketing agency Mumme & Partner, a specialist in hotel marketing in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.
In general, it can be said that the requirements for a holiday have become much more pronounced in recent years. Whereas in the past the focus was on the beach, pool and a rich buffet, today holidaymakers can expect special spa offers, outdoor activities and sustainable concepts from hotels. Climate-friendly travel is also increasingly becoming a main argument for booking a trip. The hotel marketing agency supports the accommodations in standing out from the competition in the highly competitive market.
The first step is to work out special features and unique selling points of the hotel with the support of the hotel management. In addition, it is checked how well the hotel is positioned “online”. After all, nothing is more profitable than a direct booking on the hotel’s own web presentation.
In general, an online presence can be divided into two areas of work:
Department 1: Technology
Is the existing website technically up to date (mobile display, page loading time, SSL encryption)?
Analysis of the statistics (How many monthly page visitors / how many bookings)
On-Page SEO / Off-Page SEO
Has the website been implemented in several languages (comparison of language versions with target groups)?
Workspace 2: Content
Are the USP’s well worked out?
How appealing are the images displayed – Is there potential for optimization through the involvement of a professional photographer?
How understandable is the booking process?
Optimization of contact options (e.g. contact forms, live chat)
How present is the company on social media?
Recognizing holiday trends
Chalet Almhütte in the chalet village BERGHERZ in St. Johann im Pongau, Image: BERGHERZ Chalets
An important core task of hotel marketing professionals is the early recognition of holiday trends in order to support cities and regions in their strategic orientation. A travel trend that is currently popular with holidaymakers in Austria is accommodation in chalets.
The Mumme & Partner agency has been looking after the chalet village BERGHERZ in St. Johann im Pongau since 2015. Through professional search engine optimization and successful link marketing, the luxury chalets’ web presence on Google was positioned on the important page 1 for important keywords. The foundation and heart of the successful cooperation is the newly created WordPress website. In combination with good content, development and strengthening of the “Bergherz” brand as well as social media activities, the chalet village was successfully placed on the market.
Why should hosts rely on the support of a hotel marketing agency?
Most hoteliers simply don’t have the time to take care of professional marketing. After all, the guest is first and foremost the focus of the action. If the hotel is then well filled, there is of course always something to do. If it gets a little quieter, you also have to take care of the unloved accounting. However, in times of more demanding tourists, it is not enough to only take care of the well-being of the regular clientele. The holidaymaker, who returns every year, is not dying out, but it is becoming rarer. The reason: The pure feel-good factor is not enough, especially for young travellers. They want to travel to as many destinations as possible, explore regions and also actively participate in their holidays. Be it through sporting activities such as yoga and hiking or participation in the hotel’s wellness offer.
As the owner of a hotel, transfer the measures that you cannot carry out yourself due to time or professional reasons to a specialist agency and benefit from the extensive know-how.
The bluegrass state of Kentucky in the central-eastern part of the USA enjoys great fame beyond the country’s borders. Even though it is not actually a historical southern state, many people associate the southern states with this state. The “Commonwealth of Kentucky” is particularly famous not only for its barbecues and culinary specialties, but especially for the production of American whiskey. Bourbon originated here and even today many of the most famous whiskey brands from the States are closely associated with the state. But there is more to see than old distilleries and steakhouses.
The skyline of Louisville on the Ohio River, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
If you are looking for impressive historical sights or a lot of entertainment, Kentucky is probably the wrong place for you. The state is considered one of the green meadows of the USA especially because of its nature and it is the sights of nature that attract vacationers from the USA but also from the rest of the world to the state. The name Bluegrass State, for example, comes from a special coloring of the meadows in autumn, when the extensive grassland shimmers almost blue. Even the Native Americans discovered these peculiarities for themselves and before their expulsion, countless tribes could be found in the fertile land.
The most important cities include the capital of the state, Frankfort, as well as the cities of Louisville and Lexington. Especially in the vicinity of Louisville there are many historic buildings and it is not for nothing that the city has built up the reputation of being a metropolis for country music and jazz. Beyond that, however, urbanization in Kentucky is rather low. Small villages and towns lead along the busiest roads in the state and holidaymakers will quickly find that they are welcomed with intense hospitality, especially here. One more reason why you don’t necessarily have to spend the night in the cities, but can also work your way through Kentucky on your own.
The most beautiful sights in the vast nature of Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park, Image: ukawajung / shutterstock
Mammoth Cave National Park is certainly one of the things you should see when visiting Kentucky. It is one of the areas where human activity can be detected well before the year 0 on the American continent. The underground caves are considered to be the most extensive area of their kind and finds by indigenous people probably date back up to 6,000 years. Between the 19. and In the 20th century, it was businessmen and slaves who explored the caves and painted them on the first maps. Over time, the caves with their underground waterfalls and the River Styx developed into a sight to see and have remained so to this day.
Not quite the Grand Canyons, but still an impressive area of canyons and the work of the Red River, is the Red River Gorge. A paradise for climbers and hikers, who can work their way along the bulges that the river of the same name has left in the landscape over millions of years and is now considered one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the state.
If you are looking for beautiful destinations for the hike, you should pay a visit to the Cumberland Falls. The falls in the southeastern part of Kentucky are now a state park in their own right and are crisscrossed by hiking routes that are well suited for both hikers and cyclists. The highlight, of course, are the many small and large waterfalls that the Cumberland River feeds and that run like a swath through the green landscape.
Experience Kentucky’s historic landmarks and culture
As a link between the southern and northern states, Kentucky is of course also an important part of US history and has some landmarks to offer that are worth a visit. For example, there is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, which commemorates the birthplace of the famous president. Not only the replica of the former huts is interesting, but also the memorial square that was built and the museum, which deals with the life of the so important president, whose work is of course also strongly connected with the fate of the northern and southern states.
The famous Fort Knox is also worth a visit, although you shouldn’t hope to catch a glimpse of the gold that is supposedly stored here. It is above all a historical museum for the history of the place. In addition, there are many works of the famous whiskey brands in the area that can be visited. But here, too, the expectation should not be that you are allowed to come to a whiskey tasting. This is forbidden in these works and no alcohol may be poured out to the visitors.
Finally, of course, you should also have seen the beautiful cities of Kentucky, with Livingston standing out in particular. The city is still a center of culture in the United States and has a particularly active nightlife with bars and music. In addition, it is home to many famous museums, which can boast exhibits from the history of the USA and especially the southern states, as well as dealing with exactly how jazz and country music came to Livingston.
Wolfsburg – the beautiful city is located on the eastern edge of Lower Saxony. When you think of Wolfsburg, the car manufacturer Volkswagen immediately comes to mind. Originally, the city was founded in 1938 for this very purpose – this is where the company’s employees were to live. Today, it not only attracts car enthusiasts, but is also the perfect destination for the whole family, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts.
The best way to get there is by car or train. From the south, the A39 leads from Braunschweig to the western part of the city, via Braunschweiger Straße or Heinrich-Nordhoff-Straße you can reach the heart of Wolfsburg within a few minutes. If you are travelling from the northwest, you will come to the northern part of the city on the B 188. The main train station is located opposite the Autostadt, directly on the riverbank. The Hanover-Berlin high-speed line makes a stop here. Intercity and Intercity-Express trains from numerous major German cities also stop in Wolfsburg several times a day.
The Courtyard by Marriott Wolfsburg**** superior is an ideal hotel for an optimal stay, it is located in the middle of the Allerpark, with a panoramic view of the beautiful Allersee and sandy beach. For those interested in football, the Volkswagen Arena is within sight and can be reached in just a few minutes’ walk. This makes the Courtyard by Marriott the perfect place to stay for football fans and adventure seekers.
The luxury hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg is a slightly higher-priced place to stay when you pick up a vehicle, but it’s worth its hefty price tag with its spa offerings, unique artwork, and gourmet restaurants.
On the opposite side of the shore of the Allersee there is a spacious campsite in a quiet location. Behind the square, the Mittelland Canal flows along, several bridges lead over the crystal-clear water and invite you to go for a walk or a bike ride.
For wellness enthusiasts, we recommend the Hotel An der Wasserburg. Conveniently and centrally located, the hotel scores with 59 non-smoking rooms, a pool and a relaxed atmosphere in the gold bar.
If you like it quiet and familiar, you will feel at home in the Hotel Fallersleber Spieker in the old town of Fallersleb. The 48-room hotel scores with a rich breakfast buffet.
Our tip:Book a guided tour of the city so that you don’t miss any of the Wolfsburg highlights. Further information on sights, city tours and travel offers can be found on the portal wolfsburg-reisen.de.
The most famous sight and highlight of Wolfsburg is clearly the Autostadt. Due to its central location in the city, it is easy to reach. One of the largest amusement parks in Germany stretches over an area of 28 hectares. The two glass car towers can be seen from afar, and inside there are new VW cars on 20 floors. Hundreds of buyers pick up their new cars in the Autostadt every day.
In addition to lush green spaces, landscaped ponds and benches, there are several exhibition rooms with novelties and museums that exhibit models from past times. If you have a driver’s license and want to sit behind the wheel of an SUV, such as a Touareg or Amarok, you should definitely take an off-road drive with a professionally trained trainer. You can also successfully master the off-road course right next door or book a guided ride through the city centre with the latest models.
Since 2007, the city has had a Designer Outlet. On almost 18,000 m² of sales space and in over 90 stores, world-famous brand products can be purchased.
If you want fun and action, you should definitely visit the Allerpark. There is a lot to discover for young and old on the grounds of the adventure park. In addition to sporting attractions such as the EisArena, the BadeLand, numerous outdoor fitness equipment, a high ropes course and beach volleyball courts, there is a huge beach, several restaurants with international cuisine and a footpath that leads once around the lake. A large car park on the Aller and in front of the Volkswagen Arena offer enough parking space.
In spring and summer months, cycling is one of the best sporting activities in the Wolfsburg area. From Magdeburg to Verden, the Aller Cycle Path runs parallel to the river that gives it its name.
Marvel, experiment, touch, inspire, fascinate – for over 15 years, the extraordinary phaeno world of experience has been a feast for the senses and captivates visitors far beyond the borders of Wolfsburg. Over 350 phenomena await you in a unique futuristic building, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, which is one of the twelve most important modern buildings in the world.
Art lovers will find contemporary and modern art in the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg. The museum, which opened in 1994, is home to works by artists such as Carl Andre, John M Armleder, Christian Boltanski, Helmut Federle, Gilbert & George, Douglas Gordon, Andreas Gursky, Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Merz, Mario Merz, Bruce Nauman, Panamarenko, Julius Popp, Neo Rauch, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Wall. The collection comprises a total of more than 600 works.
People who are interested in the history and culture of the city will not miss out either. In and around the metropolis there are some castles and palaces to be found. The most popular are Wolfsburg Castle, after which the city was named, Neuhaus Castle and Fallersleben Castle. Wolfsburg Castle is located in the Alt-Wolfsburg district, where the historic city museum, the municipal gallery and the art association are located in addition to the building itself. Fallersleben moated castle and Neuhaus Castle can be visited by curious visitors. Today, both have their own museums and organize annual events and festivals.
Where to go after a busy day?
After an exciting day in Wolfsburg, it’s time for you to indulge in culinary delights:
Gourmets certainly think of Wolfsburg directly to the 3-star restaurant “Aqua” with chef Sven Elverfeld.
The best beers in the region can be found in the “Altes Brauhaus zu Fallleben” – where brewing is still done according to the German Purity Law. There are German classics to go with it. From Leberkäse to Sauerbraten
Creative, delicious and regional food awaits you at the Hotel & Restaurant Brackstedter Mühle. Our tip: The Brackstedt mill pan with medallions of beef, pork and veal – and hand-scraped spaetzle to go with it
Of course, you will also find an extensive selection of restaurants in the Autostadt. Particularly noteworthy are the in-house manufactories with delicious baked goods, the coffee roastery and the organic ice cream factory near the Škoda Pavilion.
Wolfsburg is an up-and-coming modern city that became known far beyond Germany’s borders due to the automotive sector and the name Volkswagen. But they have now been able to convince themselves that the city has much more to offer. The city’s still youthful history makes it a unique specimen that everyone should have visited once or several times in their lives.
Thessaloniki is a stunner just by looking at it: the city stretches along the sea to the Acropolis Hill with many small houses and is the second largest city in Greece. The metropolis is not regarded as such by the locals, but is seen as a traditional village with a lot of national pride.
If you stroll through the alleys and drift through the old town, you will notice that modernity meets the origins of the Byzantine era head-on here. Thessaloniki is hard to beat in terms of diversity. While the promenade along the harbor is very noble, relics of the Ottoman era can still be seen in the depths of the city. This special flair makes the city so worth seeing and brings a unique atmosphere.
Platia Aristotelous, historical square in Thessaloniki, Image: Igor Zuikov / shutterstock
Thessaloniki can be reached in various ways by plane, car or long-distance buses – depending on your personal budget and the time available.
The larger German cities offer direct flights with which visitors can reach the city in about two and a half to a maximum of three hours flight time. From Thessaloniki Airport, buses or taxis take travelers to the city center – this option is time-saving and convenient.
There are also long-distance buses to Thessaloniki from large cities, which are usually relatively inexpensive, but also take a long time. However, if you are not pressed for time, you can travel quite comfortably and enjoyably with the bus companies. Most of the buses make a major stopover in Vienna and Bulgaria and are on the road for a total of around 30 hours.
Getting around the city
Exploring the city is quite easy, as the city network is compact and easily doable on foot. One tip is to start at the top and work your way down the beautiful alleys to the sea – this is especially advisable on hot days.
The bus network specialises in tourists with bus line 50 and runs along a “Cultural Route” to the most important sights at 16 stops. The ticket for this is very cheap and valid for 24 hours – the buses are correspondingly full.
Eight stops are also served by red hop-on hop-off buses, the use of which also includes audio guides for more detailed explanations of the sights.
If you are not good on foot and don’t feel like full buses in the high season, you can also resort to taxis in the classic way – but also a little deeper into your wallet.
Attractions in Thessaloniki
The White Tower
The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Image: k_samurkas / shutterstock
The White Tower was built in 1535 and is still considered a landmark of Thessaloniki today. Since it used to serve as a prison and torture chamber, it was given the name “The Red Tower” because its existence was marked by many bloody atrocities. It was not until 1890 that it was renamed “The White Tower” – the reason for this was one of the prisoners. He agreed to paint the tower white if he was released for it.
Meanwhile, the White Tower houses a museum about Byzantine culture. Due to its location by the sea, a visit to the tower can be perfectly combined with a walk along the five-kilometre-long waterfront.
Numerous museums
Thessaloniki has a rich cultural history, which can be admired in many museums.
The Archaeological Museum displays the remains that were found during the extensive excavations around the city and are well preserved. Also very interesting is the Museum of War History, which has exhibited old uniforms as well as weapons and orders of merit as well as other military remnants. Since Thessaloniki still has a fairly large Jewish community, the history of the Jewish population is documented in the Jewish Museum. Also worth seeing are the museums of photography and film as well as the Olympic Museum, which deals with the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to modern times.
The old town of Ana Poli
The historic old town centre of Thessaloniki is located in the upper part of the city and invites you to take a stroll through the city with its narrow streets, small taverns and great atmosphere. Along the way, there are several Greek churches that are open to visitors, as well as the relaxing place Pasha ́s Gardens – a well-kept green area with fountains and comfortable seating.
Weekly markets
For fresh local products, the Kapani and Modiano markets are not to be missed. They are located next to each other and have an incredible variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, antipasti, freshly caught fish, good sausage and farmhouse cheese. In the immediate vicinity, cosy taverns invite you to eat, enjoy an espresso or a cool drink, so that a visit to the market is ideal for rounding off your visit to the market.
Attractions in the area
Pella and Vergina
Pella and Vergina used to be the capitals of Macedonia and are now popular archaeological sites with relics worth seeing. Only an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, they are a good day trip destination. Old royal tombs, jewellery, mosaics and the royal walls are well preserved and worth a visit.
Sithonia peninsula with Mount Athos
Long beaches, crystal-clear water and small coastal towns that invite you to linger: this is the Sithonia peninsula. Furthermore, it attracts with pure nature and Mediterranean vegetation and is perfect for hiking in the low season.
Insider tips for Thessaloniki
At the beginning of the city exploration, it is worthwhile to enjoy the sunrise from the Heptapyrgion. This is a fortress with a small café nearby – perfect for grabbing a first coffee for the view over Thessaloniki.
If you can enjoy silence, you should not miss the Vlatades Monastery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a very beautiful courtyard that invites you to take a break in the shade.
Covering about 11 square kilometers between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a car-free island that is one of Michigan’s most popular travel destinations. If you are looking for relaxation in the US nature not far from the border with Canada, you can spend a decelerated holiday on Mackinac Island. Highlights such as the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac are suitable for sightseeing, while the island’s special nature unfolds in Mackinac State Park. The fascinating island has long been a popular local recreation destination for Michigan’s residents. Travelers can discover a fascinating insider tip in the northern US state.
View of Mackinac Island, Image: mivod / shutterstock
Mackinac was already inhabited in prehistoric times, and later the native Anishinaabe people lived here until European settlers took over the area in the 17th century. Mackinac did not play a subordinate role in the history of the USA : the local fort played an elementary strategic role both in the War of Independence and during the American Civil War. But Mackinac is not only historically significant, the island plays a special geographical role: Centrally located between the two large peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac unfolds at the transition between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. From an important fortress position to a modern holiday resort, Mackinac has undergone a multifaceted evolution in its history. Today, the home of only about 500 inhabitants is not only considered a relaxing highlight for locals, but also a tourist insider tip in the heart of Michigan by international visitors.
Coast and National Park – The Nature of Mackinac
About 80 percent of Mackinac’s island landscape is occupied by Mackinac Island State Park , which covers 7.3 square kilometers. Its nature unfolds mainly in the north of the island and extends to the urban area of Mackinac. Originally, the park was founded in 1875 as Mackinac National Park. At that time, it was only the second national park in the USA after the famous Yellowstone National Park. Many of the island’s historic buildings as well as the special natural formations unfold in the park area today. A kind of natural landmark is Arch Rock, which forms a natural arch of limestone at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level. The photo motif, immortalized on historical postcards as early as the end of the 19th century, is just as much a part of the park area as the cave formations of Skull Cave and Devil’s Kitchen. The 23-metre-high Sugar Loaf rock can also be seen from afar. There are some beautiful hiking routes through the island, and cycling tours on the car-free island are also popular. As an alternative to walking and cycling tours, carriages are one of the most popular means of transport on Mackinac, especially among tourists.
Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac – Sights on Michigan’s Holiday Island
In addition to nature, the island has some remarkable buildings. One of the most famous is the island’s Grand Hotel, whose architectural roots date back to the 19th century. The fact that several US presidents as well as Thomas Edison and Mark Twain stayed here underlines the importance of the place. Another special feature of the building: The veranda of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is considered the largest veranda in the world. Fort Mackinac, which was built in the 18th century and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year as a museum, is also of historical interest. The fort played a key role in the Anglo-American War of Independence of 1812, among other things.
Today, the church of St. Anna or Sainte Anne Church on the shore of Mackinac is also a landmark of the island. The impressive Roman Catholic building was built in 1874 and still shapes the face of the island today. If you want to shop or stroll in the heart of the island on your holiday tour, you can visit the historic centre of the town: The island’s Main and Market Streets are home to some interesting shops and restaurants to stop by. Between nature, sightseeing and culinary relaxation, the island has such a multifaceted opportunity to relax.
Animal inhabitants – Mackinac as an island of butterflies
View of Lake Huron through Arch Rock, Image: gg5795/shutterstock
However, one special feature of Mackinac has not yet been mentioned: two butterfly houses make the island a refuge for the colorful butterflies. For good reasons, Mackinac can therefore be considered an island of butterflies. There’s the Butterfly House & Insect World in the island’s Mission District. It is considered the oldest butterfly house of its kind in Michigan and the third oldest in the United States. Hundreds of butterflies from four continents move here within hundreds of square meters, making the Butterfly House & Insect World a popular destination on the island. At the same time, Surrey Hill on the island is also home to the Wings of Mackinac, which is home to tropical and native butterflies. The aim of the fascinating butterfly houses is also to educate visitors about the special features and ways of life of butterflies.
Not far from the port of Mackinac rests the small island of Round Island, where popular ferry tours of the lake pass. Special feature of the island: The old lighthouse Round Island Light, which is a popular photo motif of the region. The nature and historic buildings of Mackinac Island have always attracted the attention of cameras. So it is hardly surprising that various films were made in the tranquil island region with Esther Williams, Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer, among others. With its fascinating holiday flair, the island now knows how to captivate not only Michigan residents, but also visitors from all over the world.
San Gimignano – the word alone melts on the tongue, and anyone strolling along the coarse cobblestones of this Tuscan pearl will soon feel that the present is reflected in the past. In the shadow of the imposing family towers, the Middle Ages are present, and hardly any visitor can escape the grandeur of this backdrop. Without a doubt, San Gimignano is something like the flagship of the province of Siena. With a unique skyline and a historically significant city center. The historical garb of the city, which is rich in sights, is surrounded by a defiant wall that survived the storms of the centuries largely unscathed.
The best way to get around Tuscany is by car. The nearest airport is Florence Airport. It is located about 60 kilometers from San Gimignano. A trip by bus costs five to ten euros, but there is not much public transport in Tuscany, which is why a rental car is the better alternative. During the journey through the province of Siena , the city can be seen from afar. Today, 13 of the former 72 towers rise into the air and show the importance of the city in the Middle Ages. The towers were built by noble families and showed their status. The family with the highest tower had the most reputation. Most of the city’s buildings date from the 11. or 12th century. In the 16th century, the then Grand Duke decreed that no new buildings could be built within the city. Since then, time has virtually stood still. In 1990, the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is located on a hill and offers some good viewpoints over the nearby surroundings. The attraction of the city lies not only in the old town, but also in the landscape.
A walk through the old town
The old town of San Gimignano is car-free and invites you to take a leisurely stroll. At the southern end of the old town is Piazza Martiri de Montemaggio, where there are some parking spaces. A few meters away is the Porta San Giovanni, the former main gate of the city, and the journey into the Middle Ages can begin. The gate looks imposing and is well preserved. Along Via San Giovanni there are many small shops and museums. Tourists like to spend several hours on this street, as there are many souvenir shops, small cafes, museums and other shops. At the end of the street is the church Resti Chiesa San Francesco, a sacred building from the Middle Ages that is worth seeing. The Arc dei Becci gate is located at the entrance to Piazza della Cisterna. This square is triangular in shape and is surrounded by ancient stone houses. Here you will find the Gelataria Dondoli, a very famous ice cream parlour. In the middle of the square there is a medieval cistern. To the north is San Gimignano’s largest square, Piazza del Duomo. The square is located in the middle of the large collegiate church and seven towers. The square is considered the center of the city and it is worth watching the action from the large stairs of the church. With a glass of wine or an ice cream, locals and tourists take a short break from the hustle and bustle. At the northern end of the square is the church tower. It is the tallest tower in the city and offers a great view over San Gimignano and the surrounding area. It is worth tackling the 250 steps of the stairs.
A car-free stroll through history
The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” should be discovered on foot, because the old town of San Gimignano, which has been ennobled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is car-free. Not far from Piazza Martiri de Montemaggio, visitors will find larger parking lots. Through Porta San Giovanni, one of the main gates dating back to the 13th century, the walk through a town that has maintained and preserved its medieval charm begins. To the south of Florence , this used to be a bustling marketplace where the farmers of the surrounding area presented their products. The houses in the 12. and 13th century of the so-called “family towers”. They were considered stone witnesses to the well-being of the influential families of this city. But they also bore witness to the strife of the nobility, which outbid each other in the height of its residential and defensive towers.
Station for pilgrims on the way to Rome
Out and about in the old town, Image: Catarina Belova / shutterstock
The most imposing of the towers still preserved today, which symbolized the power of the families residing here, stretches up to a height of 54 meters. Originally, it was supposed to be in the 13. and In the 14th century, there must have been more than seventy such slender buildings that shaped the image of medieval San Gimignano. The pilgrims stood there in amazement in front of these buildings. They chose a very special place above the valleys of the Val d’Elsa as a stop on their arduous journey from northern Europe to Rome. The historic Via Francignena, the “Frankenstraße”, was the center of this place and peppered with simple hostels, restaurants and hospitals. However, San Gimignano’s heyday hardly lasted longer than one and a half centuries. The plague was followed by the subjugation of the powerful neighbor Florence and finally insignificance for the community.
The character of the Middle Ages was preserved
San Gimignano has long since recovered from this, not least thanks to international tourism. Today, only 1,500 people live in the old town. They are sympathetic – but also business-minded – hosts of around three million guests a year. The impressive site received a strong boost in popularity from the UNESCO designation in 1990, and the designation as a World Heritage Site encouraged the authorities to restore a number of things that were in danger of falling into disrepair. However, the planners tried to preserve the medieval character of San Gimignano and not to make any compromises. And so the Palazzo del Podestá and the Palazzo del Popopolo present themselves with their everlasting charm of old times. This also applies to the Piazza della Cisterna, which owes its name to a historic fountain that can hardly be overlooked here.
Dante came as ambassador of the metropolis of Florence
Image: canadastock / shutterstock
At all times, San Gimignano was the destination of the Florentine artistic guard, who immortalized themselves here on frescoes or panels. The philosopher Dante Alighieri, creator of the “Divine Comedy”, also stayed here in 1300 as ambassador of the metropolis of Florence. He resided in the “Sala del Consiglio”, the reception hall of the Palazzo Comunale, which is well worth seeing, in the heart of the medieval city and not far from the Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The frescoes on display there are masterpieces of the Florentine and Sienese schools of art. In the heyday of San Gimignano, it was the trade in saffron that made the people of this city wealthy. The towers of the city served the rich patricians as a dwelling and as a defensive facility. Almost all of them had a floor area in the form of a square and did not correspond to normal living comfort even at that time. However, intruders had a hard time seizing such a tower, because in the event of a threat, the owners saved themselves via rope ladders to the next floor. The building frenzy of the nobility was stopped one day because defects in the statics of some towers became noticeable. From then on, no tower was allowed to be built higher than that of the Torre Grossa town hall.
A glass of Vernaccia at sunset
14 of these towers are still the figureheads of San Gimignano, visible from afar. The oldest is the Torre Rognosa, which can be translated as “mangy tower”. This name is apparently a reminder that the building served as a dungeon for some time. After the decree of the authorities, according to which the towers were no longer allowed to grow into the sky, the Salvucci and Ardinghelli families decided to build two towers at once to manifest their claim to power. If you want to delve deeper into the history of art during a visit to the medieval city, you should go to the museums of San Gimignano. The Museo Civico exhibits works of art from the period between the 13th and 15th centuries. The municipality is also proud of its numerous first-class restaurants, where the culinary delights of Tuscany can be found on the menus. However, some holidaymakers limit themselves to a break in the shade of an archway or enjoy a glass of the famous Vernaccia, which was harvested here in the Middle Ages, on the old city wall at sunset.
Not only the old town is worth seeing
There are several hiking trails in the surroundings of San Gimignano. The so-called panorama circuit is 8.8 kilometres long and leads once around the centre of the city. There are many different perspectives on the skyline here. There are many vineyards and olive groves in the area. The hospitable operators are happy to invite you to a tasting. There are many small restaurants that serve local specialties and process local food. The staff is very nice and sometimes even German-speaking. Wine tastings are offered regularly and the delicious wine of Tuscany can be purchased directly from the estate. Some artists sit in the area and bring the picturesque surroundings and the skyline to canvas and paper. The paintings can be purchased directly from the artists and are a nice memory of your holiday in Tuscany.
