Category: EUROPE

ISLAND HOPPING in GERMANY

Posted onAuthorRenata Green63 Comments

While international tourism to Germany is increasing, visitors rather stick to the clichés like beer and Lederhosen at Munich and a cruise on the river Mosel; or they hang out at the hip capital Berlin – instead of enjoying Island Hopping in Germany.

I guess that’s the reason why many people think Germany is landlocked. They don’t think about long coasts, two seas, and about 80 islands.

Hooded wicker chairs on the beach of Borkum West of East Frisia
The Strandkorb’s hood can be left in the upright position or reclined so that the sunbathers lay in the sun. The footrest can also be used as a storage space and to the sides are small wooden fold-out tables large enough for your drink and a book or magazine. It definitely is the perfect beach furniture.

However, that’s exactly what Germany’s north has to offer – and many fascinating phenomenons like the tideland that comes with it. As a matter of fact, Germany’s shoreline is longer than the Portuguese one.

So what are you waiting for? Join me on my island hopping…in Germany!

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CINQUE TERRE – The World’s Most Picturesque Hiking Trails

Posted onAuthorRenata88 Comments

The Cinque Terre, connected by the world’s most picturesque hiking trails, are built on terraces above the deep blue Ligurian sea.

Riomaggiore, one of the Cinque Terre from where you can take world's most picturesque hike
View of Riomaggiore from the Ligurian sea.

Gimme five! High five! Scattered way up high on the steep hills of the Ligurian coast are many small, picturesque villages. Yet, only Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare became world-famous for their scenic views and overwhelming beauty. In 1997, they made it to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites – along with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.

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LA SPEZIA and PORTO VENERE – Precious Gems on the Ligurian Coast

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Overshadowed by the world-famous Cinque Terre, the beautiful coastal town of La Spezia and the nearby village of Porto Venere tend to be strongly underrated.

View of Porto Venere from the Sea.
Beautiful Porto Venere, sean seen from the sea.

Yet these precious gems on the Ligurian coast are definitely worth the visit.

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TALLINN – between the poles of history and creativity

Posted onAuthorRenata Green54 Comments

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital between the poles of history and creativity, cannot be described with a handful of corny attributes and some stock catchphrases.

St Michael's Church in Tallinn
Besides many lovely and alluring things, there is also a bit of creepy to see in Tallinn – which makes the city even more intriguing.

Overall, by the standard categories, this city is far too diverse, its past too changeful, its faith too inconsistent, its present too dynamic, and its future definitely too promising. In conclusion, a hub between the poles of history and creativity.

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Best of RIGA – a Guide to Latvia’s Entrancing Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata87 Comments

When it comes to tourism, Latvia is still in some kind of limbo: Certainly not an insider tip anymore, it is still far from being overrun by large tourist groups. Although Riga is a modern and forward-looking metropolis, Latvia’s capital preserves proudly its cultural identity, traditions, and melancholic charm. Connoisseurs say that the city, located on the banks of the Daugava, is the most beautiful city in the Baltics.
Hence, in this guide to Riga, I’m showing you the best Latvia’s entrancing capital has to offer.

Musicians at Ethnographic Museum in Riga, Latvia's entrancing capital
After having been ethnically oppressed for the longest time, the Latvians happily and proudly rediscovered their cultural heritage.
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Guide to MALMÖ – a city in search of 24 more nations

Posted onAuthorRenata Green61 Comments

Let me guide you to Malmö, a city that combines in a very intriguing way the folksy charm of Astrid Lindgren’s children’s tales and the hip atmosphere of a students’ town – which it is, actually.

View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö's "city of tomorrow" with the iconic "Turning Torso" from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.
View of the Västra Hamnen, Malmö’s city of tomorrow with the iconic Turning Torso from the city beach Ribersborgsstranden.

In fact, Malmö has 320,000 inhabitants who share 77 square kilometers. This makes it, believe it or not, Sweden’s third-largest city – after Stockholm and Göteborg.

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BRUSSELS and Beyond: Day Trips to Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent

Posted onAuthorRenata Green110 Comments

Going on day trips from Brussels to the other Flemish medieval jewels such as Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent is fun, easy, and surprisingly affordable. Just hop on the next train that will take you to each of them in less than one hour and for under 10 €uros.

Renata Green in a day trip in Bruges, Belgium
Dreaming of being a princess? Well, I go all the way and become king!

I’m a busybody with a chronic case of FOMO.

But Belgium got the cure.
It is relatively small, in fact, the fifth smallest country in the European Union. It slumbers there nestled between Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg, pretty much undisturbed in the middle of the continent, not bragging about its beauty.

And beauty it has all right!

During my stay in Brussels, Belgium’s and secretly also Europe’s capital, I actually managed to visit three other beautiful cities, one more intriguing than the other, so that I list them here fair and square in alphabetical order: Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent.

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Guide to POTSDAM – how Frederick made a small town great

Posted onAuthorRenata Green96 Comments

In this guide, I’m taking you to the small town of Potsdam, which King Frederick II made great. Although it sounds like a cute, drowsy hamlet, everyone is amazed by the rich cultural and political heritage of this place, where Europe’s history was written and rewritten again.

Sanssouci palace in Potsdam, the great small town, introduced in this guide
Sanssouci Palace is Potsdam’s highlight, no matter what.
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TIVOLI – Villas, Waters, and Wealth. A Day Trip from Rome

Posted onAuthorRenata103 Comments

A day trip from Rome took me to Tivoli where I found mesmerizing villas and playful waters. In short, the remnants of Antique Roman wealth.

View of Tivoli from Hadrian's Villa, seen when visiting the Villas on a Day Trip
The so-called Poecile with the Roman Campagna in the backdrop.

Mind you, already Mr. Hadrian used to spend relaxing weekends at Tivoli almost 2,000 years ago.

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First Time in ATHENS – Beyond the Acropolis

Posted onAuthorRenata78 Comments

Yes, I’ve travelled the seven seas – at least metaphorically – but only recently I visited Athens for the first time. This is ironic since basically all of Greece is located on the seaside. With 13,676 kilometers of coastline – that’s roughly the little something of 8,498 miles – and 3054 islands and islets, Poseidon definitely is boss.

Not the only amazing facts. Next to Golgota and the Capitol, the Acropolis is one of the hills on which Europe was founded. So there is no excuse that I haven’t visited the cradle of our civilization before.

Cat at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Although Greece is basically sea-girt, besides lots of water, there are many rocks. As well as cats.

So as we got nearer to Christmas and the holy days became holidays, the question of where I would spend them was quickly answered. Athens – for the first time.

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