HOW TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE NORWAY ROAD TRIP [FOR FIRST TIMERS]

Norway, The beautiful monarchy of the Vikings, a land of trolls and legends, stunning fjords, and dramatic wild landscapes. Norway has Wonderful and pristine land of wonders, suitable for all hiking lovers.

A road trip in Norway is for you if you are a mountain climber and addicted to the adrenaline of peaks, snow, and ice. If you like long hiking in the cold or warm sun, rain or fog. If you like quiet and nature.

The beauty of Norway is an indisputable fact. Norway also has cultural and artistic heritage, some of the steepest roads, some of the northernmost institutions in the world, and many happy people.

A Norway road trip – If you are sick of landscape of any kind!

Important thing to know on a trip to Norway, Prepare your wallet – There is no other way to say it.

Everything is more expensive than we are used to.

The prices in Norway will meet you in all areas of the trip as a tourist in a foreign country: in tourism services and nature reserves, car rental and fuel prices, accommodation and food, site entrances, parking, ferries, toll roads, and more.

However, it’s possible to travel to Norway on a budget.

Norway is a large country – A variety of options stands before you visiting Norway.

Therefore, it’s recommended to plan your trip to Norway well ahead!

Before we begin – Here are some word suffixes in the Norwegian language related to elements in the landscape:

brean = glacier

vatnet = lake

fossen = waterfall

dalen = valley

Gard = farm

vegen = road

fjellet = mountain road (fjell = mountain)

Beautiful Empty Road In Norway

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP AROUND NORWAY:

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU SPEND IN NORWAY?

In my opinion, the minimum time for a Norway road trip is 10 days. the ideal time for a road trip in Norway is 14 days.

Norway is a huge country! On an independent travel to Norway everyone has their own pace and time and it is worth taking the time to make the most of Norway.

Despite this, with 2 weeks in Norway, you can have time to visit the main cities that shape the whole country and also get a taste of the breathtaking fjord sights.

BEST TIME FOR ROAD TRIPS IN NORWAY

I visited Norway in the summer so I will write about it – I think the best time to do a road trip in Norway its in the summer for those visiting Norway for the first time.

ROAD TRIP IN NORWAY DURING SUMMER

Summer in Norway means long days, short nights, and quite often at stable and pleasant temperatures on land and at sea.

From late June to mid-August, the weather is warm and not really dark.

This is a welcome respite after a long, dark, and cold winter and like the flowers themselves, the Norwegians bloom from the pleasant sun and heat.

Once summer gets a grip on Norway all the locals go outside to enjoy the sun after the long and cold winter, there are barbecues in the parks, and in general, just everyone goes outside the houses.

From late June to early August summer peaks with temperatures that can reach 25 ° -30 ° C.

At the same time, there is almost no humidity in the air, and even at night, the temperatures can remain high.

The further north you go in the summer, beyond the Arctic Circle, the more you can see nights with the midnight sun.

On the evening of June 23, the Norwegians celebrate everywhere.

They gather by the sea, light fires into the night, eat, drink and rejoice.

The water temperatures in the sea can reach 18 ° C and even higher, which makes swimming a popular pastime, but you should check the water before you jump in – it can definitely be colder than expected.

In conclusion, while winter is completely cold and frozen, in summer the possible temperature range is very wide and it can vary drastically.

Norway In Summer

On a long trip in Norway, you will experience cold and rain (and even snow!) And a few days later a temperature of 30 degrees.

It should be remembered that even when it is hot in Norway – at night it is always pleasant or cool.

If you are traveling Norway for more than a week, it is almost impossible to avoid rain, the rain will probably reach you at least once on the trip.

The Norwegian Meteorological Service website is excellent and regularly updated, it is a must-have item for travelers in Norway.

TRAVELLING NORWAY IN A CAMPERVAN

Similar to a camping trip in Norway, a trip with a camper van in Norway also has no limit to which direction you start the route, and all the recommendations regarding camping, apart from the equipment, certainly apply here as well.

Of course, the costs for renting a van in Norway are much higher than in many other places in the world.

There are those who rent the van in neighboring countries where the cost is lower but pay on a longer arrival time.

It is worth noting that in Norway many roads are quite narrow, these narrow roads make it difficult for large vehicles to run like caravans and the speed of these vehicles is quite slow.

All sites marked in Norway with a camping sign catch up on the caravans.

Of course, it is advisable to check and know what services are provided everywhere.

STAYING IN A YOUTH HOSTEL IN NORWAY

Many travelers like young people, adults, and families use youth hostels as a popular way to stay when traveling around Norway at an attractive price.

There are attractive places in Norway where the costs of youth hostels and cheap hotels offer similar prices.

Here, too, the accommodation options are varied and the prices vary.

The rooms are definitely of a good and pleasant standard.

There are several accommodation options in youth hostels in Norway:

Accommodation in shared rooms for only a few people with or without sleeping bags

Accommodation in dorms rooms of 3-6 people with shared toilets.

Accommodation in a double room with a private bathroom – the cost of such a double room is the most expensive option.

The rooms are pre-hijacked and in April and even in March there are hostels that are fully booked, mainly those that are in popular places in Norway.

You should make a membership card for the youth hostels that give discounts.

The excellent distribution of youth hostels in Norway gives you the possibility to end the nights and stay in Norway at a relatively reasonable price.

STAYING IN A CABIN IN NORWAY

One of the most popular ways to travel in Norway is to stay in holiday cottages.

These cabins are located almost everywhere and almost every campsite has a number of holiday cabins.

There are cabins that include toilets and showers whose cost is probably more expensive.

At the peak of the summer season, the holiday cabins need to be booked in advance because the vast majority are booked in advance.

The combination of camping within cabins is the ideal combination to travel in Norway both in terms of costs and location.

HOTELS IN NORWAY

The price of hotels in Norway is really not one of the cheapest in Europe.

Staying in hotels makes the trip to Norway cumbersome in a long trip because you have to be there on a set date.

If you are sleeping in a hotel in Norway you can check and compare prices through booking and find the most affordable hotel.

The advantage of booking from a booking.com is the cancellation option, it is usually possible to cancel the accommodation up to a day before arrival which allows extensive freedom of action.

As a rule, you will always choose hotels that give you the option of self-cancellation as close as possible to the date of arrival at the hotel.

Dalen Hotel, Telemark

DRIVING IN NORWAY: SPEED LIMIT, TUNNELS, FERRIES & TOLL ROADS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NORWAY ROAD TRIP

In general, driving in Norway is quite comfortable and straightforward.

Most roads in Norway are in good to great condition – even roads that have steep ascents or descents – driving them is easy, as long as you drive slowly and carefully.

If you are afraid of leading in Norway – then do not (emphasizes that the reference is to summer only).

Some points about roads and driving in Norway that are worth considering:

A large part of the roads in Norway, especially when driving away from the cities are single-lane roads or two-way roads with limited visibility of vehicles coming from the other side.

Sometimes you will find yourself stuck for long minutes after a slow vehicle with no possibility of overtaking or even find yourself as part of a convoy, accept it with understanding and patience, do not try to make dangerous detours.

Many roads in Norway are very narrow – and still full of trucks or the most common hit vehicle in Norway – camper vans.

You will encounter many situations where you will have to stop or slow down to let the vehicle on the other side pass. The keyword is patience.

SPEED LIMIT

The maximum driving speed in Norway is 110 kph, but on most roads in tourist areas, the speed limit is 60-80 kph.

Speed ​​cameras are mostly scattered on multi-lane roads near large cities (but not only).

Not sure how many are real and how many are fake cameras.

Many people go over the speed limit and I have not seen a single police car on the whole trip, not even in Oslo.

Drive with discretion.

FERRIES IN NORWAY

A trip to Norway will also include quite a few crossings with the vehicle on ferries.

It’s a simple, fast and efficient process – almost imperceptible.

Get on the ferry and check out on the other side, sometimes you will not even have time to get off the toilet and you will continue on the way.

HOW TO PAY FOR FERRIES IN NORWAY?

You don’t need to book a ferry in advance!

*Pay everything on the ferry.

There is no need to even check the times of the ferries that are on major roads – as they operate throughout the day and frequently.

Did a ferry escape you? It’s ok, get on the waiting lane, wait 15-30 minutes (in the meantime drink coffee) – and you will already be on the next ferry.

The information refers to transit ferries and not tourist cruises!

* Apart from the ferries in Geiranger Fjord – which should be booked at least a day in advance, these ferries are busier and their activity ends relatively early (the last ferry departs from Geiranger to Hellesylt at 18:30). The ferries in this fjord are considered a tourist cruise and not a means of transportation (although in practice they are also used for this), so they function accordingly.

The ferries on Flåm are also tourist cruise ships and not a means of transportation – so they also require advance booking.

The prices of the ferry vary, but in most places, it is a small amount of money relative to the total trip costs.

The price is calculated according to the size of the vehicle – the larger your vehicle, the more you will pay.

The price of the driver is included in the price of the vehicle transfer and each additional passenger has to pay.

Here too, the ferries in Geiranger are exceptional and are considered a tourist cruise – therefore they are much more expensive.

TOLL ROADS IN NORWAY

The toll roads in Norway are many – they can not be avoided completely, it is unrealistic for the time-limited tourist.

In some specific cases, a toll road replacement can be found, most often it is not worth the effort.

You can calculate the cost of travel on the troll roads according to the point of departure and the point of end.

Note: For drivers of a rented car – the travel fees are calculated automatically and will be sent to you by email from the rental company.

Check with the rental company before setting off.

TUNNELS IN NORWAY

One of the most prominent features of the road network in Norway is the tunnels.

A road trip in Norway includes passing through dozens and even hundreds Of tunnels – some of them are particularly long, but most of them are well maintained and well lit.

You will find unimaginable amounts of tunnels hewn in the mountains.

The tunnels in central Norway are modern, comfortable, well-controlled, well lit.

The tunnels have great radio reception.

The tunnels are maintained through cellular reception and an Internet network.

In some of the large intercity tunnels, you will find particularly surprising and impressive, even squares that divide the tunnel and split it into sub-lanes in different directions.

The famous car tunnel, the longest inland in the world, the newest in the world, and the most stunning of them all, is of course the Lærdal Tunnel. Located on an important road in Norway, the E-16, between Bergen and Oslo.

Lærdal Tunnel – Longest Tunnel In Norway

The tunnel is 24.5 kilometers long and connects Lærdal to Aurland.

The Lærdal Tunnel is located 120 kilometers (as the crow flies) northeast of the city of Bergen.

Along with the tunnel strict speed controls.

Claiming that Norwegians are not used to driving on straight roads, and the road may confuse them for driving too fast.

The tunnel is well controlled. After each kilometer, there is a sign that makes it clear to the driver how many kilometers he has traveled in the tunnel, and how many kilometers he has left before him.

The most exciting in the Norwegian Lærdal Tunnel is the surprising lighting, in the extensions along with it.

In the long darkness, you will suddenly discover an extension of a rounded space, resembling an ice igloo, lit by a variety of blue and yellow lighting.

Here you can stop, refresh, take pictures. Even trucks can stop here for rest and refreshment.

The blue-yellow lighting gives a fresh feeling of daylight, prevents apathy and drowsiness from the drivers.

The lighting also reduces feelings of claustrophobia, which can form in this long and almost endless tunnel.

In the tunnel some traffic light barriers, seven blockages deep in the tunnel, due to an accident or other malfunction, allow drivers to retrace their steps and exit the tunnel without getting stuck in it.

The level of communication and control of the tunnel is increased, it has cameras, and as in many Norwegian tunnels, it has an SOS communication system every 250 meters.

A state-of-the-art control system also counts the cars coming in and out of the tunnel. Permanent air conditioning, a dust filtration system, and the world’s first electronic filtration to remove carbon and gas emissions from vehicles.

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The Top 10 Must-See Art Museums in Paris for Art Lovers

With over 130 museums, Paris undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as the art capital of the world. From iconic institutions like the Louvre to lesser-known gems, the City of Light is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. This in-depth guide explores the 10 must-see art museums for every visitor looking to indulge in Paris’ vibrant art scene. Get ready to dive into expansive collections, renowned masterpieces, cutting-edge contemporary exhibits, and so much more.

1. MUSÉE DU LOUVRE

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Grand Musée du Louvre. Once a 12th century fortress, this palatial building is now the world’s largest art museum and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Given its vast size and extensive collections, you could easily spend weeks at the Louvre and still not see everything.

However, you can still get a good overview in just one day. Be sure to see these highlights:

Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa portrait behind her bulletproof case

The imposing 9 foot tall Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture

Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue depicting the goddess Aphrodite

Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix’s stirring ode to the French Revolution

Jacques-Louis David’s The Coronation of Napoleon, depicting his lavish 1804 crowning

Beyond paintings and sculptures, the Louvre also houses Egyptian antiquities like sarcophagi and mummies, classical Greek and Roman marble works, jewel-encrusted crowns and chalices, and Islamic tilework and miniatures.

Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance online to avoid long queues. And be strategic in mapping out your visit. Focus on your must-sees and don’t try to see everything.

2. MUSÉE D’ORSAY

Housed in a beautifully converted Beaux-Arts railway station on the Seine, the Musée D’Orsay holds the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. Spend hours wandering through gallery after gallery showcasing iconic works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.

Some highlights include:

Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône

Renoir’s shimmering Luncheon of the Boating Party

Monet’s dreamy Water Lilies series

Edouard Manet’s scandalous Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe

Paul Gauguin’s bold Vision after the Sermon

Don’t miss the excellent Impressionist galleries on levels 5 and 6. The soaring architecture provides a stunning backdrop. Stop for a coffee break at the museum café, which has an outdoor terrace overlooking the city.

3. CENTRE POMPIDOU

For modern and contemporary art, head to the Centre Pompidou, known for its bold inside-out architectural style with exposed pipes and air ducts. This vibrant cultural hub houses cutting-edge temporary exhibits, cinemas, a public library, performance spaces, and more.

The museum walkways provide panoramic views over Paris. Highlights of the permanent collection include:

Picasso masterpieces like Guitar, Portrait of Dora Maar, and still lifes from his Blue and Rose periods

Vibrant Fauvist works by Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck

Pioneering Cubist paintings by Georges Braque

Kinetic sculptures by Alexander Calder

Psychedelic canvases by Dada artist Max Ernst

Don’t miss classics like Marcel Duchamp’s subversive Fountain and Andy Warhol’s pop art Marilyn Monroe silkscreens.

4. MUSÉE RODIN

This elegant 18th century mansion and surrounding garden sculptures provide the perfect setting for renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works. The collection includes instantly recognizable bronze masterpieces like The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell, and smaller clay models and sketches that reveal his creative process.

The peaceful garden displays iconic Rodin works like The Thinker at different scales, as well as striking sculptures by Camille Claudel and other artists. The overall effect is both intimate and awe-inspiring.

5. MUSÉE PICASSO

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential modern artists, spent most of his prolific life living and working in Paris. The Musée Picasso offers an intimate look into the breadth of his oeuvre, with over 5,000 works he owned personally. The collection spans his entire career, from his Blue Period up through the bold experimentation of the 1950s and 1960s.

Highlights include:

Rare early academic-style paintings

Signature cubist canvases like Man with a Guitar

Whimsical collages and sculptures like Bull’s Head made from bicycle parts

Surrealist paintings like Crucifixion depict Picasso’s muse Dora Maar

His famous wartime masterpiece, The Charnel House

The museum is housed in the elegant Hôtel Salé in the chic Marais district. Don’t miss the rooms dedicated to Picasso’s wives and muses, Françoise Gilot and Jacqueline Roque.

6. MUSÉE DE L’ORANGERIE

Located in the Tuileries Gardens, the small but impactful Musée de l’Orangerie houses Claude Monet’s stunning Water Lilies murals. These eight massive elliptical panels immerse viewers in Monet’s gardens at Giverny. Stand before them to experience his mastery of light and color.

Upstairs, the museum displays highlights of the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, including works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Rousseau and Modigliani.

Don’t miss viewing the murals from the benches in the center to see Monet’s waterlily panoramas in their full glory.

7. MUSÉE MARMOTTAN MONET

Boasting the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet paintings and artworks, the Musée Marmottan Monet is another top choice for Impressionist art lovers. The permanent collection includes over 100 Monet works, like Impression: Sunrise, the piece that gave the movement its name.

See Monet’s techniques evolve through different series focused on haystacks, poplars, morning on the Seine, and of course, water lilies. Other Impressionist and post-Impressionist highlights include paintings by Morisot, Pissarro, Gauguin, Sisley, and Manet.

The mansion also displays an important collection of illuminated medieval manuscripts and Empire period furniture. Don’t rush through; allow enough time to soak in the atmosphere.

8. MUSÉE DE L’ART MODERNE DE LA VILLE DE PARIS

Dedicated to 20th and 21st century fine art, the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris houses the city’s municipal modern collection. The diverse galleries display over 8,500 modern works by famed artists like Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, and more.

Key highlights include:

Picasso’s icy anti-war masterpiece, Massacre in Korea

Matisse’s vibrancy in Harmony in Red and Portrait of Madame Matisse

Marcel Duchamp’s whimsical Rotorelief optical illusions

Frida Kahlo’s revealing self-portrait La Coiffure

The rooftop restaurant has fabulous views over Paris; come for lunch or a coffee break. Don’t miss the sculpture garden outside too.

9. MUSÉE MAILLOL

Located in a stunning 19th century mansion, Musée Maillol offers an intimate experience to view works by Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and other key 19th and 20th century artists. The museum was originally created by Aristide Maillol to display his private art collection.

Highlights include sensuous sculptures by Maillol himself, Eastern-inspired paintings by Gauguin, Renoir’s shimmering nudes, scenes of Provence by Cézanne, and works by Impressionist Berthe Morisot.

Temporary exhibits range from Old Masters to contemporary photography. Take time to appreciate the mansion’s Second Empire architecture too.

10. FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON

Concluded by Frank Gehry’s sailboat-like design, the striking Fondation Louis Vuitton integrates art, architecture, and nature through stimulating contemporary exhibits. The private modern art museum collaborates with renowned artists like Olafur Eliasson, Gerhard Richter, and Pipilotti Rist to create compelling installations.

The permanent collection includes works by legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, and Ellsworth Kelly. The building’s 12 glass sails offer panoramic views of the Bois de Boulogne’s trees.[……]

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7 Reasons You Will Love Visiting Italy!

Have you ever been to Italy?

It’s a land of ancient monuments, beautiful art, stunning food and amazing natural landscapes. If you’ve never been there, here are 7 reasons Italy should be on your bucket list and you should be checking for flights right now!

If you’ve already visited before, stick around for a reminder of all there is to love about this incredible country!

#1 Stunning sightseeing

Italy has something for every kind of sightseer and visitor!

You can visit large and bustling cities such as Rome, Milan and Naples, where you can experience the day to day life of Italians and see the most incredible sights and landmarks!

You’ll also be able to discover small and quiet medieval villages rich in history and hidden away in the countryside, where you can relax and escape from the chaos of the city.

Whichever you prefer, you’re sure to visit places that will be forever in your memory!

#2 Great weather, beaches and nature

Along with amazing cities and towns, Italy also has amazing natural beauty and great weather all year round to go along with that!

There really is something for everyone, as the geography of the country is also incredibly varied, with both rocky and sandy beaches, forests, mountains, valleys and hilly countryside.

Head to the south for the best beach experiences, especially in Sicily, Sardinia and the famous Amalfi Coast!

Pro-Tip: Instead of going to the beach in the middle of the summer, go instead in mid September. The heat will be less suffocating, the prices more reasonable and the crowds mostly gone.

If you’re looking for an adventure, you can take on the massive mountains of the Alps in the north for some high altitude hikes and climbs, or visit the beautiful nature and national parks of the Apennines.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also hike to the top of one of Italy’s three active volcanoes, Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli!

If it’s wild nature you want, Abruzzo is the place to go. This central region is renowned for its conservation efforts, national parks and natural beauty. If you’re very lucky, you might even spot a bear or a wolf in the distance!

#3 Friendly people

Italians have a reputation for being loud and short-tempered, and in a certain way it is true. They are generally very passionate about certain topics, and can easily be led into a loud discussion!

Know how to approach them though, and you’ll also find them to be some of the most welcoming, friendly and inviting people you’re likely to meet on your travels!

Italy is a country with a strong sense of national pride, and that is something Italians love to share with visitors. Show interest in the history, culture and traditions of the place you are visiting and they will surely welcome you with open arms.

Pro-Tip: Learn some basic Italian words before you visit. There is no need to be fluent, but knowing the basics such as salve (hello), grazie (please) and per favore (please) will make communication much easier. Also, the locals love it!

#4 Amazing Food

Italy’s cuisine is one of the most famous in the World, and alone is enough of a reason to come for a visit!

Italians are extremely proud of their food, and it is an integral and important part of the country’s culture, with each region having its own speciality based on local products, history and traditions. Examples are Pasta Amatriciana in Lazio, Polenta in Valle d’Aosta, Arancini in Sicily and, of course, Pizza in Campania!

There is so much variety, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh ingredients straight from the farm, as well as amazing meat and seafood.

Pro-Tip: As I mentioned, food is a strong part of Italy’s cultural identity. Be mindful of requests that alter the dish in a significant way, as they can be the cause of some friction with the locals. Pineapple on pizza and chicken Alfredo come to mind…

Also avoid eating in very touristy areas. Restaurants in these locations are often over-priced tourist traps, with low quality dishes that do not reflect the true Italian cuisine. Look for small family owned businesses for the best food!

#5 Incredible History & Culture

Italy’s history spans thousands of years, and some of the greatest ancient civilisation, such as Etruscans, Romans and Arabs, called it home.

This, along with the fact that Italy only became a unified country in 1861, has created a strong regional cultural heritage, with different traditions, ways and dialects that border on being different languages!

This essentially means that each region looks and feels very different from the others, which makes exploring the country even more fun and rewarding!

Pro-Tip: Research what the highlights and traditions of each region are and visit them at the right time. Examples are the Carnival of Venice in February and the Festa della Befana in Rome on January 6th!

#6 Unforgettable landmarks

Italy’s long history has left it with 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the most of any country, tied only with China), and is home to some of the most incredible and recognisable landmarks in the World!

Make sure you bring a camera, because wherever you go you’ll see incredible sceneries worthy of a postcard. Go to Milan for a visit of the Duomo, to Venice for the canals and the Piazza San Marco, to Florence for the amazing Renaissance architecture and art, to Rome for the ruins of the Roman Empire, and so much more!

Pro-Tip: Plan your trip ahead of time. Italy is a big country and you won’t be able to visit everything on your first time there, so make sure you decide what to see first!

Also, make sure to book your visits ahead of time when possible. Very often this will save you some cash and from having to spend hours in lines, especially during the high season!

#7 It won’t break the bank

While it isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, well planned stays in Italy will be mostly reasonably priced, especially when it comes to eating out and accommodations!

Public transport is also very affordable, as are the visits to tourist sights. All in all, it will be money well spent for an amazing holiday!

Pro-Tip: In general, the further south you go the cheaper the cost of living. Just be careful when choosing the season to travel in, as the prices can skyrocket around the major holidays and the summer!

And there you have it, 7 reasons you’re sure to love your first visit to Italy!

If you were on the fence about choosing this wonderful country as your next holiday destination, I hope this list will be enough to convince you![……]

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Spain Vacation Guide

Planning a trip to Spain? Awesome! This Spain Vacation guide shows you where to go, how to get there, what to eat there and much much more. Check it out.

Spain country is divided up into 16 autonomous regions, each with their own character and identity. The country is best known for its delicious food (think tapas and paella), traditional dancing and music such as flamenco, and hundreds of years of art and culture. It’s hardly surprising that so many tourists visit! The Spain Vacation Guide holds all the information you need to plan your own trip to Spain.

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal and Andorra, in southwestern Europe. In 2018, it became the world’s 2nd most visited country by tourists, moving ahead of the USA. Only France receives more visitors annually.

Spain is Europe’s 4th biggest country. It has been a member state of the EU since 1986, and of NATO since 1992.

Spain Vacation Guide: quick facts

Size: 504,645 km² or 195,364 sq mi

People living there: more than 46,700,000

Capital: Madrid

Governmental structure: Constitutional Monarchy

National day: October 12

Time zone: Central European Time / UTC+1 / GMT+1 for mainland Spain, Western European Tome / UTC / GMT for the Canary Islands

Currency: euro (EUR)

Power voltage and socket type(s): 230V, plug types F and C. If these plug types don’t match your devices, make sure to bring a universal adapter

Official religion(s)/Freedom of religion: Freedom of religion. 2/3 of the population is Roman Catholic, followed by atheist and agnostic citizens, and mostly other Christians.

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: Spanish is the official language, followed by regional languages like Catalan, and Basque. English is semi-widely spoken.

Drives on this side: right

International driver’s licence accepted? yes

Phone code: +34

Vaccinations needed? None

Can you drink the tap water? yes, so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle

Provinces of Spain

1. Andalusia

Andalusia is the second largest province in Spain and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Its rich culture has had many different influences over the years, from Jewish to Arabic. One of the best examples of Moorish architecture can be found near Granada – the Alhambra Palace. As well as vibrant, exciting, and historical cities like Malaga, Córdoba, and the capital Seville, Andalusia has a lot to offer in terms of nature.

There’s the volcanic Tabernas Desert, great beaches on the coast for sunbathing and swimming, and excellent hiking in the region’s hills and mountains. Although it almost touches Africa, you can ski in the Sierra Nevada mountain range too.

2. Aragon

A large landlocked state in the northeast of Spain, Aragon consists of the provinces of Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel. Although not as renowned as in Andalusia, there are excellent examples of Múdejar (Moorish) architecture, as well as a number of monasteries and castles. For art lovers, this region was the birthplace of one of the great Spanish artists, Francisco de Goya.

Away from art and culture, Aragon is an excellent spot for natural attractions. In the north, you’ll find the Pyrenees where you can ski in winter and try a whole host of other activities during the summer. There’s also the Ordesa y Monte Perdido national park, a spectacular spot for adventure sports and relaxing alike. The region is also famed for its excellent gastronomy and wine.

3. Asturias

The principality of Asturias is on the north coast of Spain and is famed for its natural beauty. Home to protected landscapes, national parks, and the best-conserved coastline in Spain, it’s a paradise for those who want to get closer to nature. Along the coast, there are 18 picturesque fishing villages where you can immerse yourself in the traditions of Asturian culture, as well as the huge port city of Gijón.

Step back in time and discover the cave paintings in Cangas de Onis, otherwise known as the cradle of Spain, or perhaps even further at the Jurassic museum near Llastres. The food and drink traditions of Asturias are also worth exploring – try traditional flat cider poured expertly poured from above at an odd angle, the warming winter stew of fabada, or share an enormous cachopo with about 4 friends.

4. Cantabria

Cantabria is on the north coast of Spain and sits on the Bay of Biscay. The regional capital, Santander, is a large port known for El Sardinero beach and the Cabo Mayor lighthouse. The region is largely undeveloped by Spanish standards, meaning that outside of Santander you can get a true essence of traditional Spain.

Outdoor lovers will be happy in Cantabria, as it’s the location of some of Spain’s highest mountains on the mainland – the Picos de Europa, excellent for climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. There are over 60 caves with ancient paintings, and the most famous, Altamira, is one of nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

5. Castilla – La Mancha

Castilla – La Mancha is the region to the south and east of Madrid and the 3rd biggest in Spain. It has been immortalized in arguably the most influential work of Spanish literature, Miguel de Cervantes’ great work of the 17th century, Don Quijote de La Mancha. You can visit the house where the author lived in the historic town of Alcalá de Henares.

The region is symbolized by wide open plains, vineyards, windmills, and castles. On the plains, you’ll find the ancient city of Toledo, a beautifully preserved walled city filled with medieval, Arabic, and Jewish architecture. You can see some of El Greco’s works in the cathedral there. Another city worth a visit is Cuenca, where the hanging houses look down into the ravine of the river Huécar.

6. Castilla y León

Castilla y León is Spain’s biggest province, set north of Madrid and bordering Portugal to the west. It is mostly a large plateau surrounded by mountains. The best-known cities in the region are Segovia, where you can visit the historical Roman aqueduct, Salamanca, one of the world’s oldest university cities, and Burgos, the regional capital.

Castilla y Leon is the birthplace of Spanish (hence the name Castillian) and is a great place to spend a few weeks if you want to do a Spanish course, or simply just get to grips with the language from speaking to locals over some tapas and a beer.

7. Catalonia

Catalonia, which is situated in northeast Spain and borders France and Andorra has rich culture and heritage, in addition to its own language, Catalan. It’s also where Spain’s second city is located – Barcelona.

The city is famous for Gaudi’s exquisite and unusual architecture, which can be seen in Park Güell, Casa Batllo, and the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. You can find my Barcelona itineraries here.

Outside of Barcelona, Girona is famed for its medieval architecture, whereas Tarragona boasts a Roman amphitheater. The Costa Brava is also found in Catalonia and is a popular destination with European tourists due to cheap flights, lots of family-friendly activities, and excellent beaches.

8. Extremadura

Extremadura is one of the lesser visited regions among tourists. The heart of old Spain is in the west, on the border with Portugal. The cities of Mérida, Trujillo, and Cáceres are considered some of the best-preserved historical cities in the country. The region is also home to some of Spain’s finest inland cuisine, with delicious stews, roasted meats, and strong and creamy cheese.

Settlements in Extremadura are few and far between, with the land dotted with hilltop castles and old, crumbling farmhouses. Nature lovers should head to Monfragüe National Park, which is one of the best places to visit in the country to view different species of bird life.

9. Galicia

Spain’s most north-westerly region is also its wildest, famous for its green and rolling hills, excellent cuisine, and its Celtic-influenced culture. Many people who visit Galicia do so to complete the Camino de Santiago (the way of St James), a pilgrimage which ends at the cathedral in the beautiful old town of Santiago de Compostela. However, there’s a lot more to Galicia than just that.

The small city of Lugo is surrounded by the only complete Roman Wall in the world that’s still standing, A Coruña has an ancient Roman lighthouse, and Playa de las Catedrales near Ribadeo is a beautiful beach where you can walk among the limestone arches when the tide is out. The weather in Galicia has more in common with the UK and Ireland than the Costa del Sol and Ibiza, so don’t forget to pack waterproof clothing, whatever time of year you visit!

10. Islas Baleares (Balearic Islands)

The Balearic Islands are situated in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of the Spanish mainland, the main islands are Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, although there are smaller islands. Each island has its own distinct character and offers a different experience depending on your style of travel. Mallorca has a mix of everything, a family-friendly destination with lots of history, activities, and nightlife.

Ibiza is best-known for being a hedonist’s mecca, with mega clubs, all-night raves, and sets from the best DJs throughout the summer. Menorca is much quieter than its neighbors, with whitewashed villages in the center of the island, and white-sand beaches on its 216km long coastline.

11. Islas Canarias (Canary Islands)

The Canary Islands are closer to Africa than Spain, and they consist of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura among others. The islands are famous for their black and white sand volcanic beaches, and it’s here that you’ll find the highest mountain in Spain, Pico de Teide – the sometimes-snowy cap of the volcano reaching almost 4,000m.

Due to cheap flights and a pleasant climate year-round, the islands are a popular tourist destination and there’s plenty to do and see, as well as a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. A lack of light pollution means that it’s one of the best places in the EU to view the night sky, either with the naked eye or at one of the islands’ observatories.

12. La Rioja

La Rioja is Spain’s smallest mainland region and is famed for its excellent wine. Vineyards dot the landscape south of the Cantabrian mountains, all through the Ebro valley. The town of Haro hosts a festival every summer called the Batalla de Vino (wine battle) which can get very messy! La Rioja boasts over 500 types of wines, renowned for their quality.

It’s not just about wine through – the regional capital Logroño is home to a cathedral complete with baroque towers, and arched stone bridge, and the Ebro park, through which Spain’s longest river flows. Outside of the city, there’s also hot-air ballooning, horse-riding, and 4 x 4 tours, through the Mediterranean forests and across the lunar mountain landscapes.

13. Madrid

The capital of Spain is located right in the center of the country and is a vibrant and exciting city, home to a rich arts and culture scene, and a plethora of museums. For art lovers, the Museo del Prado is home to masterpieces from the great of Spain and further afield, while the Reina Sofia offers more contemporary art and where you’ll find Picasso’s epic Guernica.

It’s also known for its wide boulevards and leafy parks – rowing on the lake in the Parque del Buen Retiro is a great way to spend a lazy morning after indulging in the city’s lively nightlife scene or taking advantage of some of the country’s best restaurants. Outside of the city itself, take a trip northwest to the Monastery of El Escorial, the final resting place of many members of Spanish royalty.

14. Murcia

Murcia, in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is a very popular region for tourists as it has more than 300 days of sunlight every year. The capital of the region is the city of Murcia, home to a beautiful Gothic/Baroque cathedral. However, most tourists flock to the Costa Cálida (the barmy coast), to spend their time on the shores of the Mar Menor and in the resort town of La Manga.

As well as sublime beaches, such resorts are dotted all along the course, some with a typical Spanish feeling, others – less so. There are parts of the region where it’s possible to spend 95% of your time interacting with English speakers.

Murcia is also famed for its golf courses. Although the region is semi-desert and doesn’t get a lot of rainfall, it has lots of lush fairways to practice your swing. Murcia is also home to a number of beauty resorts and spas.

15. Navarra

A small region in the north of the country, Navarra used to be part of the Basque country before it was annexed by Castile in the 16th century. The capital Pamplona has one of Spain’s most famous festivals, the Running of the Bulls, celebrated every July in honor of San Fermín.

Navarra is geographically diverse and is the region is one of the pioneers of rural tourism in Spain, with eco-friendly accommodations throughout the different landscapes. The Bardenas Reales are desert-like, the Pyrenees in the north are capped by snow, and green valleys, forests, and gorges are dotted throughout the region, meaning it’s perfect for nature lovers.

16. Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

Sat on the Bay of Biscay in the north of Spain, the Basque country is not like anywhere else in Spain. The region is fiercely proud of its strong cultural heritage. You’re more likely to hear Basque here, which pre-dates Romance languages, than Spanish. This can be tricky as the two have very little in common.

San Sebastián is known for its excellent gastronomy, while the formerly drab port of Bilbao was revitalized in recent decades with the arrival of the Guggenheim Museum, and has since become a hub of architecture and design. Outside of the cities, you’ll find excellent surfing at Mundaka, the stairway to heaven at the religious site of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and traditional villages sat atop cliffs along the road from Bilbao to San Sebastián.

17. Valencia

The region of Valencia is situated on the east coast of Spain, and the capital city of the same name is the 3rd largest city in the country. Valencia is known for the futuristic city of arts and sciences, which consists of an interactive museum, oceanarium, and planetarium. Less futuristic but no less spellbinding is the old town, which is home to excellent Valencian cuisine in small and traditional tapas bars. The city’s fallas festival every March is one of the best-known festivals throughout Spain.

To the south of Valencia, the towns of Benidorm and Alicante welcome a huge number of tourists every year, some staying permanently and becoming expats. To get away from cities, try visiting La Albufera nature park on the coast, or head inland to the Carrascar de la Font Roja or the Desert de les Palmes National Park.

18. Ceuta and Melilla

As well as the mainland regions and islands, Spain has two enclaves on the North Coast of Africa, Ceuta and Melilla.[……]

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When is the best time to visit the UK?

Travellers around the world are always interested in exploring European countries, especially The UK, due to its traditional cities like London, Cambridge and Oxford, as a part of their travel journey.

But for such a journey, they often need to apprehend an appropriate timing for the planned visit. This article will allow you to plan your UK trip for the best time around the year.

Although the UK can be visited at any time of the year, its climate is relatively temperate, and it hardly experiences extreme temperature conditions like tropic regions.

But for travellers, it’s best to explore the right time and places before heading out to an unknown place. For that purpose, you need to get a brief overview of the annual changes and seasonal high times for visitors of foreign nations.

Excited for The Journey but Confused for The Timing?

The UK may sound like a small place to visit. Still, you should never forget that it’s a hugely diversified cultural nation, that includes a wide range of cities and villages along with some exciting places.

Indeed, the glorious natural setup and the exciting beauty of these cities always keep the UK to be standing among the top travel destinations. The country generally remains active in peak times of spring and autumn.

However, the visitors still need to consider whether details in the following session plan their memorable visit to the UK or not.

Should the Trend Be Followed? – The Risk

Besides weather-related risks, there also arises the consideration to be given to the high season for visitors. Well, of course, the summer in London and other cities of the UK is accounted as the top-notch tourists’ season.

However, there remains the risk of extreme throngs of the crowd and costly hotel rents in the high time of seasons, so it’s better to look out for the right time before planning the things out.

To avoid a risky stuck-up situation in the UK due to weather or any crowded situation, we have tried to bring the needful data. This includes some brief details about temperature extremes, and seasonal variations for our readers. The guideline can help one decide what time of year will be most appropriate to visit the UK.

So, let’s begin with some points to ponder, and factors to consider while planning a trip to the UK.

Contemporary Events of Climate Change and its Possible Impact upon Visit

In summers, UK usually remain balanced in temperature approach, but winters show their peak temperatures here in. Indeed two-three days of constant snow can convert the whole scenery into a depiction of an Ice Age. On the contrary, a continuous temperature upgrade of 25°- 30°C can present the scenery of drought if not naturally replaced with a rainy spell of a few hours.

However, in recent years, as the world is facing temperature extremes due to Climate Changes and Global Warming, England has also been turning its whether around extremes. And this has been observed in the form of summer’s temperature reaching above the 30s and persisting for more time. At the same time, winter temperatures becoming more catastrophic with the excessive flooding been expected and experienced during spring seasons.

To apprehend the temperature extremes and avoid any mishandling of trip planning to the UK, you must read the climatic changes observed in the UK in a different season. It will help you to plan your trip more wisely, taking into consideration timing, whether, resources, and need.

An Overview of Climate in England To Plan the Visit

Summertime’s in England

The summer season, just like other parts of the world also shows its extremes from June to August in the UK. The average summer temperature remains maintained around 20 to 25 degrees. However, some fluctuations are often faced in the form of temperature extremes up to 30 degrees or above.

Since the temperature extremes are not that often or unbearable as compared to tropic regions of the world. Therefore, summer is considered as the best time to visit England owing to the summertime music festivals, and outdoor functions that are arranged by families. Moreover, the school holidays in summer make it best for families to plan their visits to the UK in the summer.

If you are specifically planning for England, Scotland, whales, and other countries in a row, the months of July and august in summers are the peak season with lengthy days. This period is considered best in terms of whether and busiest in terms of tourists destined activities.

Except for some holiday festivals, the prices also remain in range in these months, unlike European countries. However, be aware of the London crowd if you are planning to visit Wimbledon in July or Notting Hill Carnival in late August.

Rainy Season in England

Rain seasons though settles in for some periodic times in the UK, but when it happens, it rarely affects travel. So, you could continue your journey and enjoy the bright rainy spells in the UK. In the midsummers in which the sun remains up from early morning times till late in the evening, so it’s usual to witness a grey whether in the night times.

According to locals “There are no bad weather extremes” even in the rainy season. The large city of London experiences only an annual rainfall of 26 inches. And most of the rain falls in summers occur in the southern, eastern, and central UK as compared to northern and western regions.

At the same time, the rainfall in winter is a common occurrence throughout December, which makes it the wettest month of the year. So, if you love rain plan it around June, July, or later in December to fun attached with the rainy days.

Autumn times in England

Autumn spans from September to November in the temperate regions like England. The month of October remains filled with falling sceneries of tree leaves alongside the roads. Temperature is falling, and in village areas like Berkshire, the temperature often turns quickly to settle winters.

At the beginning of November, the places become less crowded owing to the coming of winter, which makes Autumn, as the best time to visit England for a Holiday, especially for couples and newlyweds for honey money. Moreover, the school also gives breaks at the end of October to kids. During which the families can enjoy certain events like Halloween, theme functions, and the Thames festival.

Winter Season in England

The winter season shows it peaks from December to February, in which the average temperature remains between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. Decembers bring the best time to enjoy Christmas eves in the shades of snowy seasons.

The lights, décor, and crowd might attract visitors more than any other thing. This makes Christmastime as an enjoyable event in London, which brings along with it the New Year’s Eve’s cherishing moments. On the parallel, the next months of January and February are relatively much quieter in terms of crowded places, and during this time the winter deals are also quite cheaper for travellers.

Although you may encounter less crowd with cheaper travel packages, the sightseeing hours are relatively shorter in winters, and the situation often turns down in winter extremes. Even some attractive places remain close throughout extreme winter months like January and February.

However, if you are a snowing lover who enjoys the white nights and slow walks on the streets of London, then probably the winter months are the best time for you to visit England.

Spring times in England

Lastly comes the spring season, which like another part of the world, also blooms the best among the other seasons. The seasons last from April to May, when the landscape flourishes with flowers giving life to the city dwellers, who long stayed warmed up in their houses to avoid winter snow.

Locals and travellers of foreign countries recommend visiting England in the spring season especially if someone loves to travel and enjoy a long road trip around England, to reach other cities like Cambridge, Oxford, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge, and Brighton.

This is because the spring season boasts the beauty of natural marvels (biological gardens, exquisite beaches, parklands, and horticultural creations and natural hubs) of UK cities. And at the beginning of May, after 1st may, many spring festivals are also held all across the UK, which indeed makes spring a perfect time to travel to the UK.

Final Thoughts- Personal Suggestion

The bottom line is if you want to enjoy the peak time of festivals, right with the balance of whether extremes, crowd density, and begging festival decoration then the best time is from April to May (spring) or from October to festival December (autumn).[……]

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30 of the Best Cities to Visit in Germany

Germany is a large and beautiful country with so much to see and do. So which are the best cities to visit in Germany? I’ve asked my fellow travel bloggers their best cities to visit in Germany and I’ve added my favorites. My top 4 are Hamburg, Cologne, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Füssen. I’ve fallen in love with Hamburg, and we have family living close-by, in Norderstedt. Paul proposed to me in Cologne. Rothenburg is such a dreamy city and has a Christmas museum. Füssen is high on my list because of the beautiful castles. But there are many more special cities in Germany as you can see for yourself in this blog.

Best Cities to Visit in Germany

Here are 30 of the best cities in Germany, all are perfect to include on road trips.

Füssen, Bayern

Neuschwanstein as seen from Hohenschwangau

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Füssen is a city in the South of Germany on the border with Austria. It’s famous for the beautiful Neuschwanstein castle and is located at the end of the Romantische strasse.

Although Neuschwanstein castle is technically in the nearby town of of Schwangau, just like the less famous, but equally mesmerizing Hohenschwangau castle, people mention Füssen when visiting either of these castles. Both are on the list of most beautiful fairytale castles in Germany.

The Romantische Straße or Romantic Road starts at Würzburg and is a fairytale route that meanders through medieval towns ending in Füssen, where the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau await. Füssen itself has its roots in the Roman era, it’s located at the old Via Claudia Augusta. It gained city rights at the end of the 13th century.

Worthwhile things to do in Füssen are visiting the Hohes Schloss and Basilika Sankt Mang, it’s history dating back to 750 AD. If you’re into museums, make sure to visit the Museum der Stadt Füssen. The Alps start in Füssen, so the surrounding nature is beautiful with mountains and lakes. Hiking and mountainbiking are perfect outdoor activities with Füssen as a base.

Potsdam, Brandenburg

Potsdam by Growing Global Citizens

Contributed by Kristin from Growing Global Citizens.

Visiting the city of Potsdam is an easy day trip from Berlin, even accessible by public transportation on the S-Bahn. Potsdam is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil setting amongst multiple lakes. History buffs will know Potsdam as the seat of the 1945 Potsdam Conference where the U.S.S.R, the U.K. and the U.S. met to divide Germany after World War II.

A great activity for all ages is renting bikes and biking along the lakes and through Park Babelsberg, which has multiple castles and beaches. The city center is very walkable with lots of cute shops and cafés to stop at and enjoy a radler, the drink of bikers.

The must-see attraction is Sanssouci, the palace of Frederick the Great when he ruled Prussia in the 18th century. It is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany, and it is massive. You could easily spend a full day just walking the grounds and seeing all of the extravagant buildings and gardens.

Meißen, Saxony

Torhaus of Meissen

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Meißen is a city in the East of Germany. It’s known for it’s worldwide famous porcelain. The porcelain is of exceptional quality. Recognizable by the Crossed Swords mark. Nicknamed the white gold. It can be admired at the Meissen Porzellan Manufactur & Museum.

The Albrechtsburg castle is worth a visit. The first European porcelain was produced here in 1710. Further you’ll have a beautiful view over the city from the tower of the Frauenkirche.

Further don’t miss the Stadtmuseum Meißen Franziskaner Klosterkirche und Neogotisches Haus to learn more about the history of the city.

Visit the old town of Meißen and admire the buildings such as the Torhaus, Dom and the Rathaus.

Just 25 kilometers Northwest of Dresden, it’s a must on any Eastern Germany itinerary.

Celle, Lower Saxony

Celle by Ronja Goes Abroad

Contributed by Ronja from Ronja Goes Abroad.

Celle, a small city in Northern Germany is a must-visit for anyone who loves half-timbered houses like the ornate Hoppener Haus. Celle is located in between Hannover and Hamburg. You can get to Celle by train from Hannover in less than 30 minutes, and it’s just an hour and five minutes from Hamburg. Making it super easy to visit!

The main attraction in Celle is the Castle. Celle Castle, located close to the heart of the city, is a magnificent sight to see. If you do not feel like taking a tour, just walk the castle grounds.

If you do not like popular sights, Celle is definitely the city for you. This small city is a fantastic place to stroll around. You don’t have to visit sights, all you have to do is walk around the city and you will fall in love with it. If you want to make strolling around the city fun look for the human-like statues around town.

So add Celle, the town of cute half-timbered houses, to your must-visit list!

Celle by Ronja Goes Abroad

Frankfurt, Hesse

Cathedral of Frankfurt am Main

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

This city in Western Germany is worth a visit. Discover Frankfurt am Main, there’s enough to see and do.

We recommend Apfelweingaststätte Atschel, since it’s one of the oldest and most beloved cider restaurants in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is famous for the Apfelwein (cider).

A quick way to get an overview of the highlights of the city is to take a sightseeing cruise on the river Main. There’s a downstream and upstream cruise, the downstream one offers the most complete overview of the city.

Frankfurt is the 4th largest city in Germany. Its nickname is Mainhattan, it’s a city full of modern architecture and skyscrapers. The city is the financial heart of Germany. The history of Frankfurt goes all the way back to the Stone Age. In the 16th century it had an important position n the printing press and book trade.

Bamberg, Bayern

Contributed by Sarah from LifePart2 & Beyond.

The gorgeous town of Bamberg was a highlight for us on our two-week river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. It’s easy to see why it’s often cited as one of Germany’s most beautiful towns.

This picturesque old town with its charming narrow streets has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The ancient buildings date from the 11th to the 19th century. One of the most impressive sites is the iconic Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall), with its incredible murals, located on a tiny island it’s reached by two arched bridges. Also, don’t miss the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral with its four towers and many stone carvings.

But truly, the best way to enjoy this delightful city is by aimlessly wandering the streets.

The town is also known for its rauchbier, which means ‘smoke beer’. The smoky flavors come from drying the green brewer’s malt over open fires causing the grains to absorb the smoke. A tad too smoky for me, but for those that enjoy a beer, a must-try. For me, the mulled wine was the perfect accompaniment to enjoy the surroundings and experience the first snowflakes of winter.

Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate

Contributed by Brit from Life of Brit.

Trier is a small and somewhat unknown tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s considered Germany’s oldest city. It’s brimming with incredible things to do and historical landmarks that date back to the Romans.

Trier’s most famous landmark is the Porta Nigra, or the Black Gate. This impressive landmark was built over 1,800 years ago and is a testament to the ancient Roman history that Trier is renowned for. Visitors can climb up and into the Porta Nigra for views of the city as well as visit other Roman ruins like the Roman amphitheater and imperial baths.

Other exciting things to do in Trier include visiting the Trier Dom, Germany’s oldest cathedral, and the Karl Marx House, a museum housed within the infamous philosopher’s birthplace.

Not to mention, Trier is nestled within the lush Moselle River Valley. A beautiful region of Germany famous for rolling vineyards, picturesque river views, and exciting hiking. That means that no trip to Trier is complete without sampling the local Riesling. One of the best wine tastings in Trier is at the Vereinigte Hospitien Winery. Home to the oldest wine cellar in the country.

You only need a day or two to experience the charm of Trier. But its location near the Luxembourg border, the charming town of Cochem, and the famous Burg Eltz castle makes it an excellent stop on a longer trip around Rhineland-Palatinate.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bayern

Kathe Wolfart at Rothenburg

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

This popular touristic city is on the Romantische Straße and is still completely in medieval style. When visiting the city take a guided city tour during the day and at night as well. Both are fantastic and a good way to learn more about this city.

Rothenburg is also beautiful to just wander around in and admire all the beautiful buildings. Such as the Marktplatz and the fortifications. The most photographed or instagrammable place in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Plönlein. Do also stop at Diller’s Schneeballen to try a schneeball (local delicatesse). On the Marktplatz don’t miss the Ratstrinkstube with a clock and sundial. Watch the show!

Don’t miss the Käthe Wohlfahrt store with Weihnachtsmuseum (Christmas museum). It has the biggest collection of traditional German Christmas decorations in the world and is a true site to see. It’s not large, but everywhere you look, there’s something to see.

Also interesting to visit is the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime Museum), with everything you want to know and don’t want to know about torture of criminals in Medieval times.

Ratstrinkstube at Rothenburg

Berlin

Berlin Charlottenburg Palace Gardens by Berlin Travel Tips

Contributed by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips.

No trip to Germany would be complete without visiting Berlin. Not only is Berlin the capital, but it’s diverse, quirky, and chock full of history. The city is also easy on the budget since there are so many free and cheap things to do in Berlin.

In the center of Berlin, you’ll find most of the iconic sights. Brandenburg Gate, built in the 18th century, is Berlin’s only remaining city gate. It sat on the dividing line between East and West Berlin, but quickly came to symbolize unity once the Berlin Wall fell. It’s also become a symbol of the city and even a symbol of Germany itself.

Another attraction you shouldn’t – and probably can’t – miss is the TV Tower. It’s located in what was East Berlin, and the Soviets built it with the intention of being seen from almost anywhere in the city. Due to its height, it’s a fantastic place for views of the city.

Other sights you shouldn’t miss include the Reichstag Building, Berlin Cathedral, Holocaust Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, Tiergarten Park, and Museum Island. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site comprised of several important museums. And don’t miss the East Side Gallery and the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, two excellent but very different historical sights relating to the Berlin Wall.

If you’re looking for something a little more quirky, seek out Berlin’s famous street art. You’ll see it everywhere, but the most well-known pieces are mostly in Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. For a not-so-typical park, check out Tempelhof. This park used to be an airport, and now you can walk on the runway. And if food is your thing, Berlin is the place for you. You’ll find cuisines from all around the world here.

Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate

Reichsburg Cochem

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

A small, touristic city on the Moselle. Reichsburg Cochem towers over the place and dominates every view of the city.

Next to the Reichsburg, Cochem and surroundings is famous for the Moselle wine. This area is the oldest wine area of Germany. This makes Cochem a perfect base for exploring this wine region, either by car, bike, foot or boat.

In Cochem itself other attractions are the Bundesbank-Bunker, the historical Senfmuehle (mustard mill), the Edelstein Museum and the Rathaus. First mention of Cochem is in 882 AD, city rights were granted in 1332. The fortress was built in the 12th and 13th century. It was destroyed in the 17th century, but rebuilt in the 19th century.

Peine, Lower Saxony

Rausch Schokoland by Ragain Adventures

Contributed by Christina from Ragain Adventures.

Peine is a small, beautiful German town located in Lower Saxony. It is the capital of the district of Peine and is located 25 km West of Braunschweig and 40 km East of Hannover. While Peine has several attractions for visitor’s including Kreismuseum Peine, shopping at City Galerie Peine, and the beautiful Jakobi Kirche, my absolute favorite is Rausch Schokoland.

Rausch Schokoland is a museum and chocolate café / store located at the Rausch Chocolate factory in Peine. Once you walk through the door, you are surrounded by the smell of chocolate. At the museum, you can learn about the history of the production of chocolate from around the world. After the exhibits, be sure to enjoy hot chocolate and a snack while watching the large chocolate volcano. On your way home, be sure to stock up on Rausch Chocolates for yourself, friends, and family.

If you are looking for a great hotel for your stay in Peine, be sure to check out Hotel Schoenau. With comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant / bar and even a beautiful event center, Hotel Schoenau is a great hotel with a local feel.

Leipzig, Saxony

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Leipzig is a city in the East of Germany. In 1165 Leipzig gained city right’s, relying on trade. In the 15th century the city became a center of the printing press. Hence a German Printing Press museum (Deutsche Buch- und Schriftmuseum). In 1813 the Volkerenslag was near Leipzig, in which Napoleon was defeated. For this they erected the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) in 1913, still a monument worth a visit.

Lots of famous composers lived in Leipzig making it a music city. Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner and Edvard Grieg among them. There’s a Bach-Museum in town and a Grieg-Begegnungsstätte. Further there’s also the Mendelssohn-Haus and those of Robert Schumann and Friedrich von Schiller. There’s also a music instruments museum, so enough museums for music lovers. There’s even a guided music tour along museums and statues. The St. Thomas Church is where Bach played the organ.

Brandenburg, Brandenburg

Brandenburg by Tymrazem

Contributed by Jakub from Tymrazem.

Brandenburg is located in the region that is named after the city (Brandenburg). Currently, the capital is Potsdam, but Brandenburg was once even more important than Berlin, from which it is about 80 kilometers away.

Originally it was a Slavic town called Brenna. From the year 948 (with breaks) Brandenburg was the seat of the bishopric.

Brandenburg has a lot to offer and the interesting surroundings make it a very good weekend destination. The must-see places in the city include the old towns, city walls, churches and “wild pugs”. In the area, be sure to check out Potsdam with its palaces and gardens (for example Cecilienhof), and the Babelsberg film studio.

Brandenburg is situated on the Havel River. It is used for communication and for tourists it can turn out to be a great idea to spend time in. In the city, you can rent a houseboat and discover the area from its deck.

It does not matter if Brandenburg is the destination of a longer journey or if you come here during your stay in Berlin or Potsdam – it is definitely worth visiting!

Brandenburg by Tymrazem

Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg is in Eastern Germany. The city dates from the 12th century, the add on Lutherstadt dates from 1922. Translated it means Luther city, after Martin Luther. Wittenberg was the city where Luther made his Ninety-Five Theses known. You can see them for yourself on the doors of the All Saints’ Church. They’re engraved on the door. Wittenberg is known as the city where the Reformation started.

Luthers house is in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and that of Philip Melanchton, a reformator as well. Lucas Cranach, a painter, lived in the city at the same time as Luther. His house is now a museum. An architectural monument and worth a look is the Hundertwasserschule. A really colorful building, in line with Hundertwasser’s style.

Most of what there is to do in Wittenberg revolves around the Reformation. The Stadtkirche and the Slosskirche are important in the Reformation.

Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Kröpeliner Strasse in Rostock by One Trip at a Time

Contributed by Lee & Stacey from One Trip At a Time.

Founded in the 13th century, Rostock is quite possibly one of the most delightful cities to visit in Germany that you haven’t heard of. Historically it was one of the key players in the Hanseatic League and has been an important shipbuilding center since Medieval times. Today it is a wonderful city to wander and explore, especially if you are in port for the day in nearby Warnemünde on a Baltic cruise.

With a compact historic center, many of the best things to see and do in Rostock are within easy walking distance. Begin a visit to the city with a wander along Neuer Markt to see the colourful merchant houses, the pretty pink (yes, pink!) Town Hall, and Marienkirche, renowned for its 15th century astronomical clock where you can still watch its “Apostles’ Procession” each day at noon. Then stroll Kröpeliner Straße to see gabled houses, visit shops, and see the playful fountain in Universitätsplatz.

When you want to learn more about Rostock’s history. Take some time to visit the Cultural History Museum and a walk along the old city walls to see Kröpeliner Tor (a watchtower) and Steintor, a city gate from the Middle Ages should definitely be on your agenda.

To top off your visit to Rostock, don’t miss the opportunity to take in the city from above by heading up the tower of Petrikirche to its observation gallery. From this vantage point, you can see all the way across the striking orange rooftops to the Port of Rostock, along the river, and to Marienkirche several blocks away.

View from Petrikirche by One Trip at a Time

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Lübeck is a city in Northern Germany, close to Denmark. It’s a Hanseatic city and became wealthy during that time. The historical old town is beautiful and is famous as the city of marzipan. As such Lübeck draws a lot of tourists.

Go on a self-guided (or guided) tour in the old town to discover all the monumental buildings and their history. Next to that find out why Lübeck is the city of marzipan and taste it!

Lübeck is the home of Niederegger, who have produced quality marzipan since 1806. You can taste all their product and learn more about the history of the company at Café Niederegger at the old city. Visiting this café is a must even when you’re not a fan of marzipan.

Among the monumental buildings in the city is the Marienkirche, an example of the Brick Gothic. The fortifications and two city gates are still there, the Holstentor and Burgtor. The Salzspeicher, was where salt was being kept until it was shipped to other Hanseatic cities.

Lübeck dates back to at least the 8th century. Lübeck eventually became the most important Hanseatic city in the 16th century. There’s a Hanzemuseum to learn all about the Hanseatic league.

Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate

Mainz by JOURNICATION Travel Blog

Contributed by Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog.

Mainz is considered an insider’s tip when traveling to the West of Germany. Located near Frankfurt, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate has so much to offer.

Mainz has a long history. Already the Romans[……]

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The Great British Travel Bucket List: 18 Things to Do in the UK

From the south of England to the north of Scotland, the UK is packed with incredible panoramas. While London may be home to some of the best attractions in the UK, there’s much more to see in the country beyond the English capital’s iconic monuments. Discover Wales’ most captivating castles, Northern Ireland’s awe-inspiring natural gems, Scotland’s picturesque scenery, as well as the charming English countryside.

Experience the best of what the country has to offer with 18 of the most unmissable things to do in the UK:

1. Marvel at Stonehenge

Stonehenge is just around 2.5 hours away from London, making it an easy day trip. Credit: lays16__

No list of the finest attractions in the UK Is complete without mentioning Stonehenge. The 5000-year-old monument is not just one of the most renowned Wonders of the World, but it’s considered as an architectural feat that has stood the test of time. Easily accessible from London, see Stonehenge for yourself and marvel at the iconic monument in person.

2. Explore the Roman Baths

Take a trip to the town of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Credit: ninexst

Speaking of ancient gems, Bath is another historical gem that’s not to be missed. Walk through its cobblestone streets and find yourself surrounded by well-preserved Georgian buildings and Mediaeval cathedrals. Get uninterrupted views of the city from the top of Bath Abbey’s Tower or visit The Jane Austen Centre where you can view exhibits about Austen’s stay in Bath.

If you have limited time in London but you don’t wanna miss out on all the fascinating historical sites, join the Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath day tour! Explore three amazing attractions all in one day accompanied by an expert guide and learn about the mysteries of Stonehenge, the rich history of Windsor, and the cultural heritage of the ancient Romans.

3. Hike up Edinburgh Castle

Visit the enchanting Edinburgh Castle, one of oldest fortified places in Europe. Credit: maarcomaia

Retrace the steps of soldiers, kings, and queens on your way up to Edinburgh Castle. The palace, which was built in the 11th century, has served as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress over the years. Delve into Scotland’s colourful history as you explore the castle and take in the view of the Edinburgh skyline from its deck.

4. See Buckingham Palace

Feel like a royal when you visit the primary residence of the Queen herself. Credit: timsyrianos

When in London, visiting Buckingham Palace is an absolute must. As the primary residence of Queen Elizabeth II, it’s the host of the Royal Jubilee and other important ceremonies. You can explore the royal gardens, walk up the Grand Staircase, and glimpse the Throne Room. For the ultimate royal experience, catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on several days each week.

Klook tip: The State Rooms are only open for 10 weeks from July to October so make sure you time your visit correctly.

5. Cross the bridges of Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best places to be during the summer. Credit: reachpriyanka_m

Visit Venice but make it British-style! Experience the charm and beauty of Bourton-on-the-Water. The quaint village is famous for the long-winding River Windrush that’s lined with traditional honey-coloured stone houses and five stone bridges. During your visit, you can watch artesans work their magic at the Cotswold Pottery and discover its rich history at the Cotswold Motoring Museum.

6. Cruise along Lake District

Besides charming villages, Lake District also has some great hiking trails like the one up Helvellyn.

Breathe in the fresh air and the lush views when you spend time at the Lake District. Thanks to its scenic lakes, endless mountain ranges, and quaint villages, it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations for locals. Spend a few days at the area and go on hikes, enjoy cruises, or even watch plays by the lake.

7. Walk along the streets of Cambridge

Admire the Gothic architecture of King’s College Chapel. Credit: Jean-Luc Benazet

Be charmed by Cambridge’s well-preserved Gothic buildings and lush greenery. Climb the tower of the Church of St. Mary the Great and soak up the incredible panoramas of the city. You can also visit Kings College and see the “graffiti” from Oliver Cromwell’s army. Keep your eyes peeled for the massive screen inside the chapel, which was gifted by Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.

8. Take photos at Giant’s Causeway

Revel in the unique landscape of the Giant’s Causeway. Credit: ntony103

Find one of the best attractions of the UK in Northern Ireland. Giant’s Causeway, which features 40,000 black basalt columns in the shape of hexagons, set against the aquamarine waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The unique rock formations are said to have formed 50 to 60 million years ago because of volcanic activity.

9. Cross the Dark Hedges

Feel like you’re on Game of Thrones when you walk through the Dark Hedges. Credit:chris_ibbotson_photography

Less than a half hour away from Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges are another otherworldly site that you have to see to believe. Probably best known for being featured on Game of Thrones, you can walk down “King’s Road” and take IG-worthy photos along the ethereal avenue of beech trees.

10. Set sail on Loch Ness

Besides the famous legend, the lake is also famous for the Urquhart Castle. Credit: Robin Canfield

Head to the Highlands and discover the site of arguably the most famous Scottish legend, the Loch Ness Monster. See where “Nessie” lives and even enjoy a cruise through the lake. Afterward, you can stop by Urquhart Castle along the lakefront and visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

11. Discover Oxford’s highlights

Admire Radcliffe Camera’s stunning architecture. Credit: ariadnajack

Oxford may be best known for its world-class university but it’s actually home to another famous school. Visit the uni’s Divinity School, where you can see the room that was used as the infirmary for Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter film. Then, spend some time at the mediaeval Oxford Castle and take in panoramic views from the top of the University Church.

12. Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Ride the Hogwarts Express for a magical adventure to the world of Harry Potter. Credit: prernamalhan

After visiting the filming site, take to the studios and continue your Harry Potter experience at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Channel your inner Hogwarts student as you go window shopping at Diagon Alley, exploring the Gryffindor Common Room, and checking out the little trinkets at Dumbledore’s office. Make sure you book your tickets online, so you won’t run out of slots!

13. Smell the lavenders at Norfolk

Visiting the UK during summer? Head to Norfolk’s stunning lavender fields and see the flowers in full bloom. Credit: lailaoclaire

Looking to spruce up your Insta? Head over to Norfolk and put on your best outfit for IG-worthy images against the backdrop of vibrant lavender fields. With over 100 acres of lavender, you’ll get to see the lovely purple flowers in full bloom in June and July. For the perfect souvenir, grab a bottle of lavender perfume at the farm before you go.

14. Take a Stroll by Hadrian’s Wall

See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall at the North East of England. Credit: jamina_box

Hedging over the border of Scotland and England, Hadrian’s Wall is a 117km-long fortification that was built during the Roman Empire. Built in 122 A.D., it still has forts and towers that you can view today. While there are several trails you can follow to enjoy the site in its full glory, we recommend the Chesters Trail, where you can enjoy riverside views and charming countryside towns along the way.

15. Spend the day at St. Michael’s Mount

Visit the British counterpart of France’s Mont-Saint-Michel in Cornwall. Credit: joasiamakowej

Spending time in Cornwall? You have to visit St. Michael’s Mount, one of the best attractions in the UK. The tidal island is topped by a mediaeval church and castle, making for a panorama that looks like it belongs in a Disney film. As you explore the island, you’ll find old buildings dating to the 12th century and learn about the legend of Jack the Giant Killer.

16. Admire the Brighton Pavilion

Admire the Eastern influence on Brighton Pavilion. Credit: hgbxo

East meets west at Brighton Pavilion. The palace, which served as King George IV’s holiday home, features classic Regency architecture combined with influences from traditional Chinese and Indian buildings. After exploring the former royal residence, you can walk along the Victorian promenade and grab some fish and chips on the pier.

17. Fall in love with Wales’ Castles

Cardiff Castle’s interior may even be more stunning than its exterior. Credit: anna_little_kitsu

When in Wales, you’ve gotta see at least one of its 600 castles. History buffs and architecture aficionados will enjoy exploring Cardiff Castle, where you’ll find rooms with gilded walls, intricate wood carvings and vibrant stained glass. Just a stone’s throw away, Caerphilly Castle is also a great visit. As the biggest castle in Wales, it boasts cloud-scraping towers and a rich 2000-year-long history.

18. Watch a Wimbledon match

Experience the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Credit: _tyrelljae

Partake in one of the oldest British summer traditions and watch a live tennis match at Wimbledon. At the world’s oldest (and most prestigious) tennis tournament, you can see some of the greatest athletes in person. Do as the locals do and savour some strawberries and cream as you follow the action.

How can I travel to any of the attractions in the UK?

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