The state of Missouri got its name from the Missouri River and the Missouri Indians and has been part of the United States of America since 1821 as the 24th state. The 180,533 km² state is located in the middle of the west of the USA, where around 6 million inhabitants live. The capital is called Jefferson City, where about 50,000 people live. Missouri borders the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Arkansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oklahoma , and Kansas. As a state located in Tornado Alley, it is known for a particularly high number of tornadoes in spring.

Landscape

The state of Missouri is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscape. The most notable rivers that flow through the state are the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Both are the main transport routes in this area. The Mississippi, often called the Old Man River, has a length of 3,778 km. Many cities such as St. Paul, Minneapolis, Davenport, New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis , and Baton Rouge are located directly on the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans .

With a delta size of more than 12,000 km², it is one of the largest estuaries in the world. The Mississippi joins the Missouri River at St. Louis. Both are a total of 6,051 km long. The Missouri River alone is approximately 4,130 km long and is considered a tributary of the Mississippi, although it is actually longer than the Mississippi. It is formed by the confluence of the Madison River and the Jefferson River in the state of Montana. Other well-known rivers in the country, which are mainly used for recreational activities such as kayaking, are the White River, the Francis River, the Osage River and the Gasconade River. In addition to the rivers, there are also numerous (reservoir) lakes in the state of Missouri. These include Lake of the Ozarks, Big Lake (Missouri’s largest oxbow lake), Bull Shoals Lake, and Truman Reservoir, which is the largest reservoir in Missouri.

Among the most famous mountains are the Ozark and the Saint Francois Mountains. With an area of 122,000 km², the Ozark is the most extensive mountain region between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. Thus, the highland region covers about 50 percent of the state of Missouri. The highest point of the mountainous region is 450 meters above sea level and can be found in the southeast of the country. This is the Saint Francois Mountains. They are the oldest volcanic mountain range in Missouri. As a mining region, lead, barite, iron, silver, manganese, nickel and cobalt are mined here. Among the highest mountains there is Taum Sauk Mountain, where the most breathtaking waterfalls in Missouri can be found. This refers to the Mina Sauk Falls. Although the state has such a diverse landscape, there are no national parks in Missouri, only state parks.

Getting to Missouri

To reach the state of Missouri from Europe, you first have to go to cities like
Las Vegas, Chicago or Washington and from there take a connecting flight to Missouri. The largest airports in Missouri include Kansas City International Airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Missouri can be reached by train via the routes of the Southwest Chief, the Texas Eagle and the Missouri River Runner. By car, all parts of the state are easily accessible via the extensive transport network of the interstate highways.

Well-known cities

The most famous cities in Missouri are Jefferson City, Branson, Columbia, Hermann, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis. In the capital of the state, Jefferson City, many historic buildings and structures can be admired. The city was named in honor of the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Columbia is known worldwide as a student city. Logically, 30,000 students from the University of Missouri live here alone. The small town of Hermann is very popular with German-speaking guests due to its German roots and wine-growing region. There is even an annual May and Oktoberfest here. The Kansas City metropolitan area, which is a twin city of Hanover , is home to around 2 million inhabitants. This makes Kansas not only the most populous city in the state of Missouri, but also one of the two largest metropolitan areas in the region. In Kansas, there are many museums, boulevards and theaters to visit. The same applies to the city of Springfield. The largest city after Kansas is St. Louis, which is also very popular with visitors. Especially the landmark, the Gateway Arch, is visited very often.

Stronghold

Missouri continues to be known for its activities such as the Missouri State Fair and the Kansas City Irish Fest. The former is a folk festival in the small town of Sedina, which lasts for 11 days. In addition to exhibitions, animal shows and stalls, there are also large concerts taking place again and again. The Irish Fest in Kansas City, on the other hand, is a celebration in memory of the Irish. More than 100,000 guests a year are interested in the culture, music and history of the Emerald Isle.

Attractions in Mussouri

Finally, a small selection of sights that you should not miss during your stay in Missouri:

• The Mastodon State Historic Site
• the historic site of Harry S Truman
• the house of the Truman Farm
• the home of Mark Twain and a museum dedicated to him
• Anheuser-Busch Brewery
• The Missouri State Capitol
• the Powell Symphony Hall.

The state of Maryland belongs to the so-called Capital Area and, together with Virginia, is one of the states that surround the capital Washington D.C. Therefore, a connection with the important capital, but also with its neighbor Virginia , is already historically determined. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking a trip to Maryland and exploring the state on your own. As one of the oldest states in the USA , the country’s history is also closely linked to the state and the cuisine in particular has an excellent reputation here. Plus, nature is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of D.C.

Maryland – the Chesapeake Bay State

There are many names for Maryland, but the term Chesapeake Bay State probably makes the most sense. This refers to the many stretches of coast, small rivers and lakes and the fact that the country is a mixture of huge swamp and flourishing nature. This was probably one of the reasons why the first Catholic settlers in the New World settled here. For many years, Maryland was the only Catholic state among the otherwise Protestant new states in the USA and therefore also a place of refuge for many people from Europe who fled the Reformation. As a result, many of today’s inhabitants of the USA can trace their ancestors back to people who set foot on the new continent here.

Maryland is definitely not one of the classic travel destinations in the USA and in fact only a few tourists get lost so high north. There is also a lot to discover here. The state is primarily aimed at day-trippers who want to escape the narrow streets of Washington D.C. or people who live in Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, and want to treat themselves to a little fresh air and nature. Because nature will certainly be found on every corner here.

State of fishing villages and coastal towns

Unlike many other countries, there are no large canyons or huge national parks where you can spend whole days. The charm of the comparatively small state of Maryland comes mainly from the many small villages and towns that line the coast, the Chesapeake Bay State. The best tour is undoubtedly by car, because getting around by train or bus is hardly possible in the state. In addition, you are most flexible with your own car and can also move into the terrain if you want to take a trip to one of the historical sites.

The drive along the coast leads past houses in the Founder’s House style, which are exemplary with their white domes and red brick facades. On the side of the sea, you will actually see fishermen at any time, who are just about to reel in the catch of the day or are already on their way back to sea. One of the many advantages is that you can also find a good restaurant right on the coast every few kilometers where you can enjoy the freshest seafood. Especially the lobster, the lobster, is recommended here. The entire region is known for the sweet-tasting lobster. But mussels and crabs are also among the delicacies that are prepared with all cordiality in the small restaurants.

By the way, if you like sailing, you will find plenty of opportunities for it here in the many clubs and coastal villages. The rental of ships is actually a tradition. If you don’t feel safe all alone on the foreign sea, you can also take one of the many offers for tours, which are usually also linked to food and drink or lead to one of the restaurants mentioned at the end of the day.

Annapolis and Baltimore – the two most important cities of Maryland

The state capital of Annapolis is one of the highlights of a trip through Maryland. This is where the state was born and has always been administered from here. Some of the old buildings from the Wilhelminian period are still the most important sights today. The State House and the old post office show what it looked like here around 200 years ago. In addition, Annapolis is comparatively modest and offers many interesting opportunities for shopping, visiting restaurants and a relaxed stroll through the streets.

It’s a bit different in Baltimore. The city exudes much more of the charm of a metropolis, has a pretty skyline and is also one of the former industrial centers of the USA. The cathedral in particular, which is a final testimony to the state’s former Catholic heritage, is worth a visit. For many years, it was the only cathedral in the U.S. and the most important church for people with a Catholic faith. A stroll along the harbour alone is worth a visit. Then don’t miss out on checking out the USS Constellation – the Civil War-era ship is an important relic of American history and the museum offers a great insight into a part of history that is still difficult for many Europeans to grasp today.

Hardly any other state embodies the versatility of the USA with such intensity as Ohio. With its northern border with Canada, Ohio is considered a classic northern state, but has reinvented itself again and again over the years. Once one of the most important industrial centers in the USA – especially with the cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati – the state now offers just the right mix of breathtaking nature and the exciting metropolitan areas where you can experience the USA like on TV. In addition to the sights in the cities, there are also many testimonies from the founding period of the USA.

The land between Lake Erie and the Ohio River

Ohio gets its name from the impressive river that runs through the south of the state. The Ohio River is considered a traffic artery and a lifeline of the USA and was used in the early years to support the industrial rise of the nation. In the north, it is above all the breathtaking Lake Erie, which borders Canada on its shores in the north, that dominates the image of the state. Between these two majestic wonders of nature are not only some impressive cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati or Dayton, but also many traces of the historical history of the USA.

On the one hand, a visit to Ohio gives you the opportunity to move into these metropolises and discover some of the oldest buildings in the country, explore historic districts and fully immerse yourself in the American style of life. On the other hand, there are many opportunities for employment in nature. The lush greenery of Ohio with its forests, meadows and steppes is a paradise for vacationers by bike who want to get an idea of the state for themselves within the excellent infrastructure, which has always been considered an indicator of the mood in the country, even in the US elections. This is not least due to the diversity of Ohio.

Nature and rural excursions in Ohio

Admittedly, compared to states like Vermont or Washington, Ohio offers more flatland. There are hardly any mountains to be found here. But it is above all the waterways and lakes that attract nature lovers. A tour around or on Lake Erie is just one of many options available here for outdoor activities. Of course, it’s also worth taking a boat or canoe ride on the Ohio River’s many tributaries to get a sense of the state’s nature.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a vast network of hiking and biking trails that also provide educational information about the first settlers and the landscape. Camping is also popular in these parts of the state, and the quaint campgrounds offer a sense of freedom all their own. The most interesting region for hiking in the mountains is the Hocking Hills, which with their sandstone formations are probably the closest to a mountain in Ohio.

Cleveland and Cincinnati – between industrial city and entrepreneurial spirit

Although two cities, Columbus and Dayton, are formally more important for Ohio, a visit is particularly worthwhile in the two metropolises mentioned. However, if you arrive via Columbus, for example, you should not miss the German Village. The Wilhelminian Quarter, which was built as early as 1820, was one of the first settlements of Germans to find their way to the USA. In general, the traces of German-speaking settlers can still be found everywhere in the state, which can also be proven by the large number of German restaurants that can still be found in all major cities of Ohio.

The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is one of the oldest buildings in the state and is a great sight for memories and photos. Another impressive structure is the Carew Tower, which was built back in 1930 and is one of the first larger buildings in the state. This is typical, because both Cincinnati and Cleveland experienced their peak during this time. They were not only two of the most culturally important cities in the USA, but also significant drivers of the upswing. Especially in the case of Cleveland, however, this has changed in recent decades and the decline of the industry has certainly left its mark on the once so proud city. Nevertheless, some of the old quarters are still worthwhile today because they give a good insight into how people lived here.

Discover Ohio culturally and culinarily

The state of Ohio may not be the place of many large and well-known sights. But the state is a stronghold of American culture. In the restaurants, theaters, the cinemas and the many museums, the spirit of the USA is lived and if you want to work a bit with the clichés, you will find the typical American from television here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nightlife of the cities and eat in one of the many steakhouses and visit the museums about the heyday of the cities. In this way, you will actually learn something about the development of the USA and will certainly meet many interesting and friendly people on the way, who are happy to welcome visitors from abroad.

In the US state of New Jersey, things can get a little tight. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the USA in terms of area. However, since no less than 9.3 million inhabitants cavort on an area of 22,588 square kilometers, New Jersey is the one among the US states with the highest population density. However, this also has advantages, because due to the high population, there is always a lot going on in New Jersey, for example music or cabaret festivals.

There are not only a number of interesting art museums here, but also numerous historical sites that are worth a visit. In addition, New Jersey is located on the Atlantic coast, where you can relax in small coastal towns, especially in the off-season. Admittedly, it can get a bit crowded in the summer on New Jersey’s beaches. But if you can plan your holiday flexibly, you will be able to immerse yourself in true beach paradises here.

Relaxation on the coast, away from the big metropolises

New Jersey is generally more rural. There are few large cities. Most cities have a rather medium format. New Jersey’s high population is due to the fact that there are simply a lot of cities and settlements. Large and well-known metropolises such as New York City and Philadelphia are located in the immediate vicinity of the state. So if you are looking for a little peace and deceleration after a few exciting days in one of these huge US cities, you should go to New Jersey and visit the Jersey Shore.

Here, manageable and romantic coastal towns with picturesque beach sections are lined up. If you are traveling with children or teenagers, Ocean City is the right place for you. There is a wooden beach promenade several kilometres long and children’s and teenagers’ entertainment options on every corner. For example, small amusement parks with roller coasters as well as carousels and mini golf courses. A little further on, in Cape May, things are a little more dignified. Here, stately villas dating back to the Victorian era are lined up. Most of them are built entirely of wood and colorfully painted. If you need a break from beach life, you should definitely let yourself drift past them on a walk and marvel at the architecture of the charming buildings. Afterwards we go out to the lighthouse of Cape May, which is considered a landmark of the whole region.

The tower, built in 1859, is about 48 meters high. The 48 meters can be climbed via more than 200 narrowly defined steps. From the red-painted top of the white lighthouse, visitors have a breathtaking view over the coastal region around Cape May and out to the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there are a lot of other seaside resorts in the surrounding area, such as Seaside Heights. All of them have their own special and unique charm. So it’s worth taking a rental car and driving along the coast and stopping wherever you feel comfortable. All of New Jersey’s coastal towns also have excellent restaurants and beach bars serving seafood and barbecues.

Challenge your luck in Atlantic City

The city of Atlantic City, which is also located directly on the Atlantic coast, is one of the larger cities of the otherwise rather rural state with almost 40,000 inhabitants. Here, the tradition of gambling has been legally practiced since 1976. Previously, it is rumoured, the gamblers met here secretly. Atlantic City has a number of casinos, making it an ideal place to go for those who have always wanted to try their hand at gambling. In addition, the Miss America pageant has been held annually in Atlantic City for more than 100 years. On the eight-kilometre-long wooden boardwalk, which runs directly along the beach, there are countless boutiques and shops that invite you to shop extensively. In the evening, the Boardwalk is transformed into a nightlife mile. Similar to Las Vegas, there are also many nationally and internationally known artists of all genres to experience in night shows.

New Jersey’s largest city and cultural center: Newark

Newark is not the capital of New Jersey, but it is the city with the most inhabitants. In addition, the cultural heart of the state beats here. The Newark Museum of Art prefers to exhibit works by American artists. At the Grammy Museum, everything revolves around music and the well-known Grammy music award, which is awarded annually. If you like music and discover new and unknown artists, you should definitely stay overnight in the city and visit some of the numerous clubs here, where newcomers and well-known greats of the music business perform every evening. In the Newark Symphony Hall, friends of classical music get their money’s worth. Newark also enjoys a lively street art scene.

American history, no matter where you look

As a state, New Jersey is closely linked to the fate of the former slaves, who came mainly from African states. In Cape May, the Harriet Tubman Museum informs about one of the most famous advocates of African-American slave rights. It is also worth visiting the small town of Morristown, which is closely linked to former American President George Washington. Washington spent a lot of time here during the War of Independence. A museum commemorates the war itself as well as the famous war participant George Washington and his later work as US president. The museum grounds also include a spacious park that was created on a former battlefield of the War of Independence.

Economically successful, steeped in history, remarkable nature – that’s Virginia, a state in the United States. And not to forget: Virginia is also called the ‘Mother of the Presidents’, because no fewer than eight presidents come from there, including George Washington, the first president of the USA. He found his final resting place at his own request in Mount Vernon at his country estate. It is worth a detour for several reasons. On the one hand, it is picturesquely located on the north bank of the Potomac River, and on the other hand, the former country estate of Washington attracts visitors with unusual sights.

Eight presidents are from Virginia

Washington was not only a warlord and president, but also a highly committed farmer. The farm, which is praised as a model farm, is more than three hectares in size, where straw was threshed in a 16-sided granary with the help of horses. How this worked back then is faithfully re-enacted. The dark sides of that time, namely the slaves who worked for Washington on the farm, are commemorated by a monument in Mount Vernon.

On a first-name basis with bears and lynxes

Pure nature can be found in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which in turn is part of the Appalachian Mountains, a massive mountain system with a length of 2400 kilometers. If you have a lot of time and are good on foot, you can set off on the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in the world at 3500 kilometers. The shorter route of 160 kilometers, which leads right through Shenandoah National Park, is a little less strenuous. Black bears, moose, bobcats, raccoons or white-tailed deer are not uncommon as animal companions.

Hotspot for cineastes

Despite the many natural beauties, there are only two natural lakes in Virginia, Lake Drummond and Mountain Lake. The oval-shaped Lake Drummond is located in the middle of a swamp area, the Great Dismal Swamp. A meteorite impact could possibly be responsible for the formation of the lake. If you take a trip to the protected swamps, you will be rewarded with more than 200 species of birds, as well as otters, minks or grey squirrels, not to mention lizards, turtles and salamanders. Mountain Lake in Pembroke stands out for its large sandstone cliffs that surround the entire lake. And slightly elevated on the shore is a hotel that cineastes immediately recognize: The cult film ‘Dirty Dancing’ was filmed there.

Lonely island with wild ponies

A trip to Assategue Island promises absolute solitude in nature. The uninhabited dune island is a biosphere reserve and consists of long sandy beaches and bays. The fascinating thing about the small island, however, are the wild Assateague ponies, which thunder over the sandy beaches with their small hooves. According to old stories, the animals were able to swim to the island after a shipwreck on the American east coast.

A seaside resort of a special kind

If you are now in the mood for a few days of beach vacation, make a detour to Virginia Beach, the largest city in the country. This popular seaside resort on the Atlantic does not have to fear sunny competitors such as California or Florida . On the unusually long sandy beach of 45 kilometers, there should be no space problems. Surfers, sailors, divers and snorkelers are out and about in and on the water. The promenade is populated by cyclists and hikers, who can admire flora and fauna (including whales and dolphins) along the route. A huge statue of Neptune on the beach promenade is a reminder of the Neptune Festival, which takes place annually at the end of September and is internationally known for the International Sandsculpting Championship, where unique sculptures are created from sand. Rubber boots instead of flip-flops are the order of the day when visiting an oyster farm, where you can experience the harvest of these delicious seafood up close, including a tasting of pleasure.

Where the English once went ashore

History and nature are close together at First Landing State Park, located on the northern stretch of Virginia Beach. This park is 2,888 hectares in size with hiking trails, forests, freshwater ponds, salt marshes and swamps. Kilometres of hiking trails lead through this natural monument, with its highly endangered coastal habitats. If you are out and about in one of the cypress swamps there in autumn, you will experience a unique natural spectacle. In the right light, the swamp is transformed into a rainbow-colored work of art. The park is historically significant because the first English settlers landed there in 1607. Later, they moved upriver and established the Jamestown colony, a good hour from Virginia Beach. A trip there is worthwhile, because the story of the landing is re-enacted in an entertaining way in typical American style.

On tour in Richmond

Of course, Virginia’s capital, Richmond, should not be missing from the tour. Cultural life takes place there at a high level. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an important collection of famous painters, from Rubens to Delacroix to Rousseau. If you feel like it, you can get to know the 15 historical landmarks of the city on foot. These include the oldest church in St. John’s, the Virginia Capitol or the Slave Trail, which tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade. Not to forget the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. A more leisurely stroll is in a sightseeing bus or with a Segway. These electrically powered vehicles for one person can be found on every corner in Richmond.

Farmer’s Market and Beer Trail

Light-hearted entertainment can be found in the Carytown neighborhood of the Museum District. You can spend hours in restaurants, bars, shops, junk shops and at the farmer’s market. Beer lovers will enjoy the Richmond Beer Trail, which is home to a whopping 30 breweries. For art lovers, the Richmond Symphony, the Richmond Ballet or the Virginia Opera offer a feast for the ears and eyes.

In the north of the USA lies a natural paradise that protects much of North America’s fascinating wilderness areas. Untouched snow and ice landscapes as well as exotic flora and fauna unfold in Alaska. Whether whale watching, a road trip on the Alaska Highway or a tour with the Alaska Railroad – anyone who visits the cold north of the USA almost automatically immerses themselves in unforgettable natural worlds. Anchorage, Seward and Juneau offer an insight into everyday life in the country. The sparsely populated and extraordinary natural scenery of gigantic glaciers, the highest mountains in North America and species-rich wilderness has visibly earned the nickname The Last Frontier.

Glaciers, Mountains, Lakes – Natural Alaska

Nothing less than the largest state in the USA unfolds in the northwest of the North American continent, through Canada separated from the rest of Germany: Alaska. Thousands of lakes, about 100,000 glacier-like formations and over 200,000 km² of untouched wild landscapes characterize the extraordinary US state. In total, Alaska protects more than 50 percent of the U.S. protected wilderness. The numerous national parks offer proof – from Denali National Park to Glacier Bay National Park to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The latter two are home to internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such extraordinary landscapes prove: Alaska is a natural paradise in the north of the USA.

Denali National Park in the heart of the country is considered the most visited. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the nature reserve, which spreads over more than 19,000 km² every year. Founded in 1917, the park is formed around the eponymous mountain, the highest in North America. 6190 meters above sea level make Denali one of the Seven Summmits, the highest mountains on the continents. Even from a distance, it forms a breathtaking photo motif that symbolizes the untouched and powerful nature of Alaska. Denali National Park unfolds in the northern part of the Alaska Range, which stretches all the way to the Yukon of Canada. The extraordinary natural world is home to wild animals such as grizzly bears, wolves, moose and over 160 bird species, some of which are exotic. The park is strictly protected and can only be reached on selected routes: whether via the George Parks Highway starting in Anchorage or via the Alaska Railroad.

In general, there are few more beautiful ways to explore the heart of Alaska than via the Alaska Railroad. If you want to get to know the region from a different perspective, the famous railway offers a route from Seward via Anchorage to Fairbanks. The scenic route leads through Alaska’s nature and landscapes and offers a comfortable alternative to the road trip. Some of the railway tours also offer integrated sightseeing opportunities. The Alaska Highway also offers a fantastic route, which is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes for a road trip in the world. It runs from British Columbia’s Dawsons Creek from Canada through the Yukon to Fairbanks. Long sections of the more than 2,000 km long roads lead through untouched wilderness. If you are planning a scenic road trip through Alaska, you should not miss the route.

Not only in Northern Europe, but also in Alaska, the famous Northern Lights unfold. If you are lucky, you can observe the colorful natural spectacle in national parks such as Denali in appropriate seasons. But the UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park also provides good reasons for a visit. Highlights are the eponymous glaciers, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Guided tours and boat routes take you to the park’s well-known sights, including the edges of some of the approximately 100 glaciers in the designated park area. The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Reserve, which is not only the largest national park in the country, but also forms the largest contiguous wilderness area in the USA with more than 3.6 million hectares. It is home to 9 of the 16 highest elevations in the United States – as well as the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, a former copper mine that is now one of Alaska’s tourist attractions.

Anchorage, Seward, Juneau – Alaska from an urban perspective

The capital of Alaska, Juneau, is itself embedded in a scenic nature area. Located on the Gastineau Channel Strait, Glacier Bay National Park is less than 100 km away. About 15 km from the city gates rests the Mendenhall Glacier, which is part of the Juneau Icefield. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center has been set up on site for visitors, which in normal years welcomes about half a million visitors a year – and provides a clear insight into the history of the important glacier. The capital Juneau is home to about 30,000 inhabitants – and is not only a political center of Alaska, but also an important access point to the nature of the US state. Not far away is the natural paradise of Tongass National Forest.

Anchorage is by far the largest settlement in Alaska, home to about 290,000 inhabitants. Anchorage is thus an important cultural and infrastructural center of the country. Here you can visit the Alaska Botanical Garden, the Alaska Zoo and the Anchroage Museum. The latter offers a deeper understanding of Alaska’s land, art, and history. The University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks, which offers a multifaceted look at Alaska’s rich cultural history, is also one of the country’s renowned museums. The 2,000-inhabitant community of Seward in the south of the country is rather tranquil in comparison, but it is not without reason one of Alaska’s tourist attractions. Located on scenic Resurrection Bay, it stands out as a gateway to Alaska’s nature: whether through local boat and helicopter tours or the popular whale watching from here. Whether Juneau or Seward: The fascinating nature of Alaska is only a few kilometers away.

Louisiana has many faces and is crisscrossed by a unique swamp landscape. People love the sounds of blues and jazz, the food is spicy and the Mississippi ends its 4000-kilometer journey through the USA here. The cities are full of music and the beaches are deserted even in summer. But that’s not all Louisiana has to offer.

New Orleans: Hot rhythms in front of a nostalgic backdrop

Jazz was invented in New Orleans and it is still omnipresent today. Life is casual and everyone swings their hips to the hot music. The French Quarter is the heart of the city. Nowhere else are they cocktails more high-proof and the food spicier. In the evening, it’s teeming with street musicians, and then the city turns into an open-air dance floor. Here, the cultures of the immigrants merge harmoniously: behind the historic facades of the houses are small shops with a fascinating range of goods. Art lovers from all over America look for treasures here and you can get a real bargain in the second-hand shops. Each district of the city is designed differently and lively masterpieces of architecture are lined up next to each other. Visitors need many days to discover New Orleans. The city never gets boring.

The Mississippi is the lifeline

Mark Twain made the Mississippi famous with the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But hardly anyone knows that Mark Twain is only the pseudonym of the writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens. In Louisiana, Mark Twain means nothing more than “two threads deep” and is a warning call from Mississippi ship pilots. The river has always remained adventurous. Sometimes it shows its peaceful side and then the paddle steamers chug past and revive the old Southern history. It can also flow at full speed towards the delta and then it carries debris and debris that it has collected on its long journey through the USA . The locals say that the river is united like man and woman. At the top he shows himself feminine with his pretty paddle steamers and under the surface of the water he becomes hard as a man with the aggressive alligators and the dangerous shallows.

The spicy cuisine of the southern states

Louisiana is also a culinary melting pot. African, Caribbean and European cuisine reinvents itself here and enriches each other. The chefs are more creative and always have new ideas. Creole specialties have the French sophistication and Mexican spiciness. The menus are dominated by crawfish étouffée, spiced lobster meat in a spicy sauce served with rice. Visitors should definitely try gumbo at various restaurants. There are over 1000 variants of this stew, the basic ingredients of which are meat and shellfish. It gets even more adventurous when you order jambalaya. The basis of the pot dish consists of rice and the cook fills up with all the ingredients that the kitchen has to offer. In Louisiana, they love it hot and spicy. All dishes are generally sharper than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, you can still find countless varieties of hot sauces on restaurant tables. Some restaurants only have a few basic dishes, as the focus is on the range of sauces.

The charm of the southern states

White columned houses, surrounded by tall oaks, still dominate the image of Louisiana. Some areas revive the setting of Gone with the Wind and the mighty mansions of the plantation owners are still full of sad memories. Louisiana is a typical southern state, and yet it is very different from all the others. The country is enchanted with its own parishes in which its own language is spoken and which cultivate their own culture. These communities were founded by the Cajuns and have been preserved for centuries. Louisiana is full of shrill types, but they are deeply religious. Parts of the state belong to the so-called Bible Belt. In these areas, the Sunday service is the most important event of the week. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Baptist or a Protestant. The church services are happier than here and the gospel music makes some visitors fall into ecstasy. A trip through Louisiana remains an unforgettable experience if you get involved with the people and face the challenges.

Swampy and boozy Louisiana

Where the fresh water of the Mississippi unites with the sea water from the Gulf of Mexico, it becomes swampy. An ideal place for snakes, which have their breeding grounds here. Migratory birds like to stop at the delta and shrimps thrive in the muddy mud. The swamps of Louisiana are a paradise for animals. To people, they seem melancholic, mystical and dangerous. The inhabitants of Louisiana have learned to live with the swamps. They know that dangerous alligators lurk behind the enchanting strips of yew, cypress and reed grass. Nevertheless, the fishermen go out at full moon, because the bright light lures the prey to the surface. In the evening, the fish ends up on the grill. Then the violins sound, the long skirts of the women are swung and the men invite you to square dance. Guests are welcome everywhere and there is a lot of partying in Louisiana. A highlight is Madi Gras, the famous carnival of New Orleans. In August, people meet for White Linen Night. People wear only white cotton clothing and take part in numerous art events. At Hogs for the Cause, the largest barbecue in the USA is served in New Orleans