A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Located just 15 kilometers north of Nuremberg in Middle Franconia lies the city of Erlangen. The history of this city notably commenced in the 1680s following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which led to the expulsion of the Huguenots from France. Many of these refugees were welcomed into Erlangen, prompting the construction of a planned Baroque city to accommodate the rapidly growing population.
Prior to 1844, Ludwigshafen consisted mainly of swamps, a fortress, and several villages situated on the left bank of the Rhine. However, with the advent of industrialization and the growth of chemical enterprises such as BASF, a city emerged just opposite Mannheim.
A hair’s breadth from the French border in Southwestern Germany, Saarbrücken combines industrial history with the grandeur of the Counts and Princes of Nassau-Saarbrücken who governed the region for centuries.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, Mönchengladbach is a city consisting of several boroughs surrounding the historic towns of Gladbach and Rheydt. A key feature of this area is its rich array of green spaces; Mönchengladbach is filled with parks such as the Bunter Garten, which bisects Gladbach. Among these parks are medieval estates that encompass Baroque and Renaissance palaces like Schloss Rheydt and Schloss Wickrath.
If you possess a fondness for port wine, Peso da Régua in the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is a destination you will appreciate. The town is situated along the river in a unique and picturesque amphitheater created by high shale slopes, featuring wine terraces meticulously carved from the rock.
The city of Trier, situated by the Moselle River, dates back to 16 BC when it was known as Augustus Treverorum. As Germany’s oldest city, it has successfully preserved its Roman heritage. Today, Trier is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing remarkable structures such as the largest Roman gate outside of Italy, a palace hall established by Emperor Constantine, and an impressive bathing complex.
In the 8th century, the First Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne established Paderborn around the numerous springs that nourish the River Pader. Paderborn continues to be a city rich in Medieval heritage, featuring a cathedral that houses the relics of the 4th-century Saint Liborius.
The northernmost municipality in the Ruhr industrial region, Recklinghausen is a former mining city situated on the northern bank of the Rhine-Herne Canal. The southern part of Recklinghausen, in proximity to the canal, showcases significant industrial heritage, including the tallest spoil tip in the Ruhr and the headframe of the Zeche Recklinghausen II mine. However, as you venture northward, the industrial landscape transitions to an expanse of arable farmland and picturesque villages.
Up there with Germany’s most favored tourist locations, Heidelberg is a historic university town that has remained intact since the 18th century. The city is renowned for its Baroque architecture and stunning ruins of the Renaissance castle, which served as the residence for the Imperial Prince Electors of Heidelberg for centuries.
The eastern region of Alentejo, located near the Spanish border, underwent a significant transformation in the early 2000s when the Alqueva Dam was constructed. This project resulted in the impoundment of the Guadiana River, leading to the creation of a vast reservoir. Despite its artificial origins, the reservoir and its surroundings boast breathtaking views, complemented by a beach and a watersport center.
Designated as ‘The Natural State,’ Arkansas is located in the southeastern region of the United States, with the Mississippi River forming a significant portion of its eastern boundary. The state is generally divided into two main geographical regions: lowlands and highlands, each showcasing its distinct natural allure. The Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains are prominently situated in the northwestern part of Arkansas, while the lowlands are positioned within the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain.
Departing from Lisbon’s western suburbs and ascending into Sintra feels like entering an entirely different dimension. This town is nestled within a verdant mountainous landscape filled with palatial estates, parks, and a medieval fortress. At its heart lies the Palace of Sintra, a former residence of the Portuguese monarchy, which is merely one of the many splendid sites that will captivate your senses.
When affluent residents of Lisbon seek a refreshing escape during summer, they often travel west to Cascais, located at the upper reaches of the Tagus Estuary. In this coastal haven, visitors can enjoy the clear waters at serene coves or tackle the vigorous Atlantic waves of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on a surfboard.
Nestled in Beira Litoral between the cities of Aveiro and Coimbra, the town of Cantanhede boasts a long tradition of quarrying high-quality limestone. A museum dedicated to this stone can be found in the town center, housed within one of several elegant 16th-century palaces.
The enchanting town of Óbidos was granted to Urraca of León, the wife of Afonso II, in the 1200s, thereby becoming a residence for queens of Portugal. Numerous structures and historical monuments here were established or financed by royalty. Situated on a narrow ridge, the pedestrian-friendly streets are embraced by the towering walls of a medieval castle.
Dominating vineyards and golden plains, Estremoz is a historic city encompassed by two layers of defensive walls. The upper district served as a medieval residence for royalty, where Queen Elizabeth of Aragon met her demise in the 14th century. In the lower area lies a newer wall from the 17th century, constructed in response to threats from Spain after the Restoration War.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is an enchanting destination that captivates visitors with its unique blend of style, culture, and history. Formerly known as Pressburg until 1919, this city has a rich history intertwined with Hungary for over a millennium. Since the 16th century, the Hungarian crown jewels were housed in the castle, and the city’s cathedral served as the coronation site for eleven kings and queens.
Laos, a stunning hidden gem in Southeast Asia, remains one of the lesser-traveled countries in the region. This underrepresentation is regrettable, as Laos offers travelers experiences and attractions comparable to those found in more prominent destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam.
The oldest city in Slovakia, Nitra was initially governed by Slavic princes during the early Middle Ages. At that time, this captivating city served as the capital of a principality that encompassed a significant portion of western Slovakia. Nitra also houses the country’s oldest diocese, with St Emmeram’s Cathedral as its seat. This remarkable edifice towers from the city’s highest point within Nitra Castle, showcasing a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.
Amateur historians will find delight in Košice, Slovakia’s captivating second city located in the eastern part of the nation. The Historic Centre is brimming with remarkable landmarks; however, the good news is that these treasures are closely situated within a few intersecting streets.