Sure, you may find that 2 days in Zürich is not enough time to do all 11, but feel free to just pick which places out of the 11 appeals to you the most. Though if you are able to do all 11 in 2 days, let us know in the comment section at the bottom!

Zürich is known for being the financial capital of not only Europe, but the whole world. While the city does work hard, don’t sleep on Switzerland’s biggest city. A trip to Zürich is well worth the time. (So I salute your choice).

There’s no way to downplay that the city is quite expensive, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that you can do throughout town.

From getting amazing views of Zürich to strolling the quaint, quiet streets of one of the oldest districts in Switzerland, there is an endless list of things to do that won’t break the bank.

Without further ado, here are the 11 best places to visit in Zürich in 2 days.

1. Uetliberg

Uetliberg is Zürich’s very own mountain. Looming over the city at 870 meters (2,854 feet), Uetliberg offers fantastic views of Zürich and the lake.

The mountain is easily accessible by train and it takes only 30 minutes to arrive at the top. Once at the peak, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore and get lost on.

I recommend doing the two-hour hike to the Felsenegg cable car that you can take down. From there, it is easy to get back to Zürich’s main train station.

Of course, the best season for hiking is during summer, but Uetliberg is in use year round.

In winter, you can hit the slopes and go sledding down the mountain. To warm up, take in the view in the warmth and comfort of the UTO Klum hotel at the top of Uetliberg. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a fun-filled nature day.

2. Old Town (Altstadt)

Altstadt (Old Town for those that are not German speaking) is a magical place, especially during December.

All of the small, windy, cobblestone streets are decorated with different Christmas colors and you can even visit one of the biggest Christmas markets in Switzerland in the Old Town.

There are quite a few places of interests that are located within the Old Town.

Be sure to check out Grossmunster church, one of the oldest churches in the city that has been standing since the 12^th Century. It’s considered an iconic landmark of Zürich and is a good marker to locate yourself throughout the city.

Another place to take a stroll is on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping districts. You can go window shopping at all of the perfectly arranged stores located on the street.

If you happen to visit during the Summer, make sure you take a boat tour that goes directly through the Old Town. On a beautiful, breezy summer day, it’s hard to find a more relaxing activity than sitting on a boat as the world goes by and enjoying the view.

Zürich’s Old Town is a can’t miss destination when visiting!

3. Lake Zürich

The lake that the city is named after becomes the place to be come summertime. The lake is simply stunning as it is surrounded by Switzerland’s famous Alps mountain range.

The water is so clean and fresh that you can jump in the lake anywhere you choose. The entire lake’s water is drinkable, so don’t worry if that cannonball water rushes in your mouth.

Besides being a good place to cool off, the lake has activities for everyone’s tastes. It has everything from water sports to restaurants to parks to a path to enjoy a nice evening stroll and watch the sunset behind the mountains.

If you’re looking for good day trips from Zürich, rent a car and check out Rapperswil, a town that is famous for its rose bushes and over 600 varieties of flowers. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening meal before heading back to the city.

4. FIFA World Football Museum

Opened in late 2016, the FIFA World Football Museum is located across the city from the world headquarters of the largest football organization in the world. The interactive exhibits are perfect for football fanatics and non-football fans alike.

Spread out over 3 separate floors, the museum runs through the history of the game across the world and how it evolved to be one of the most played sports.

One of the coolest parts of the museum is seeing the real World Cup trophy. It was previously held in a bank vault, but now has a new home at the museum.

It’s the perfect unique activity for a rainy, overcast day.

5. Im Viadukt

Originally built in 1894 for the national railway system, the Viadukt is now home to all things that are hip and trendy in the western district of Zürich.

The Viadukt features everything you could possibly need. From shopping to dining to eating and drinking, the area has it all.

Be sure to check out the Markthalle that features over 20 local food and drink vendors (They hand out samples if you ask nice enough!) It’s one of the best places in Zürich to grab something to eat and have a picnic outside.

If shopping is calling your name, browse through the over 30 boutique shops in the Viadukt.

Whatever your reason for visiting the Viadukt, your bound to find something that is right for whatever you are searching for.

6. Jules Verne Panorama Bar

Need somewhere to sit back, relax, and have a drink after a long day of exploring Zürich? Look no further than the Jules Verne Panorama Bar, named after the French poet Jules Verne.

Home to arguably the best view in all of Zürich, Jules Verne is the best cocktail lounge to grab a drink or two before heading out to dinner or a night on the town.

Located in one of Zürich’s tallest buildings, the drink list alone is worth the visit.

Of course, you can always have dinner at Jules Verne too. The food is quite good and they feature a seasonal, weekly, and monthly menu that constantly changes.

7. Zürich Opera House

Opened in 1891, the Opera House is worth checking out for its beautiful architecture. It was even voted the best opera house in the world in 2014.

There are daily tours that talk about the history behind the opera house and the importance of going to the opera in Swiss culture.

8. Lindenhofplatz

If you fancy finding a quiet place to chill in Zürich then Lindenhofplatz is a beautiful park where you can relax and take it easy.

Providing an amazing view of the Old Town, the river, and Grossmunster church, Lindenhofplatz also contains the Rietberg Museum that displays art from all around the world.

Fancy a game of chess? You can even play that here on giant chess sets.

Lindenhofplatz often becomes an unexpected highlight for people visiting Zürich since the ambiance is unique and memorable. So keep that in mind as you’re planning on your top 11 places to visit in Zürich in 2 days.

9. Fraumünster Church

Fraumünster church (which means “church of our Lady”) is a 13^th Century Gothic cathedral featuring debatable stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall. Some people love them, some people find them too abstract or modern. Either way, they’re worth a look!

The architecture is incredible and the church has an interesting history. Originally once part of a convent, the recent renovations make this church a fascinating blend of new and old.

Fraumünster church is definitely worth checking out while exploring the winding streets of the Old Town!

10. Zoo Zürich

Visiting Zoo Zürich is a good idea even if you’re not traveling with kids (though it is especially good with kids).

Offering great attractions such as an elephant house and a stunning Madacasgan rainforest environment in the Masoala Hall that stays at 95°F / 35°C indoors, this isn’t just your typical zoo.

After exploring this Madacasgan experience in the Masoala Hall, you’ll be rewarded with a restaurant allowing you to eat overlooking the tropical environment.

Great for a rainy day and for animal-lovers, Zoo Zürich has been dubbed by some as one of the best zoos in the world. So why not check it out?

11. Niederdorf

If you really needed some more old-world charm that Old Town (Altstadt) didn’t quite provide enough of, Niederdorf is the place to go.

A very long street blessed with amazing architecture, interesting sites, restaurants and pubs of all varieties, this street oozes old-world European charm. You could literally spend most evenings eating here while in Zürich and still not fully take in the cultural ambiance of the area.

It has a perfect central location meaning that, while you can wander around and get emersed in the area, you will never actually get lost since it’ll always be easy to find where you are again.

So, drink from the hundreds of fountains surrounding the area, or just grab a coffee at your table and people watch. Let the world pass you by and chill out in this cozy street!

In summary, a trip to Zürich, Switzerland is a great idea! And I hope you found all these ideas helpful.

Know of better places to visit in Zürich in 2 days? Or want to tell us how your trip went? Let us know in the comment section below! (That rhymed).

Suggested next reading: 7 Superb Things To Do In Switzerland For Curious People

The post 11 Best Places To Visit In Zürich If You Have Only 2 Days appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Each area covers large ski domains, which sometimes span over several valleys, glaciers, and mountains. If you are a beginner, it’s not so important where you choose to go since each resort has easy ski pistes where you can learn the first steps. The big challenge, though, comes when skiing is one of your biggest passions—you’re a ski aficionado, and you want to go to a ski region that offers you as many possibilities as possible.

I’ve heard many of my Romanian friends say that after you ski in Austria, you don’t want to ski in Romania. It is so true. Austria has such a countless diversity of ski slopes, spanning to the infinite, that you’ll truly fulfill all your winter holiday’s desires in one week of skiing all day long.

There are many ski regions in Austria, each of them with their own unique scenery and charm. Here are some of the best ones to consider that also contain the best ski resorts in Austria:

1. Zillertal Valley

The Zillertal Valley is a vast region of no less than six separate ski resorts linked together within the same ski pass. It consists of approximately 550 kilometers of ski slopes and, if you stay in the valley, you can ski in a different place each day.

When you enter the Zillertal Valley from Jenbach town, the ski resorts succeed in this order: Fügen-Kaltenbach, Zell-Gerlos and Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen-Hippach, and tucked away at the end of the valley is the Tux-Finkenberg with its Hintertux Glacier.

If you want to have easy access to all of the ski resorts, it is better to stay in the center of the Zillertal Valley—in Zell am Ziller village. One of the highlights of Zillertal is than you can go by ski bus to Gerlos Pass in the morning, ski half day in the area, traverse by ski lifts to Zillertal Arena, and ski the rest of the day in a different area. The idea is that you start in a place in the morning and, come afternoon, you’ll be down on the other side of the mountain after a full ski day.

To pique your curiosity, when I discovered the Zillertal Valley, I went skiing there for three consecutive years. As a ski lover, I very much appreciate being able to ski with the same ski pass in a different resort each day. If the ski areas are interconnected at higher elevations, that’s even better!

2. Sölden

In the Ötztal Valley (near the border with Italy), Sölden features a vast ski resort with a total of 144 slope kilometers. Ski lifts and gondolas whisk skiers up to 3000 meters of altitude from where you can choose a different route and continuously ski down for almost one hour.

Sölden features two breathtaking glaciers—Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, where ski aficionados can have fun from October to May. While skiing on the glaciers, the wild alpine scenery is jaw-dropping, with hundreds of snow-capped mountains and tiny restaurants refurbished in cozy wooden huts.

However, the disadvantage of Sölden is that if the weather is not good. The mountain lifts that go up to the glaciers sometimes don’t work and you have to limit to half of the ski slopes—and this may happen for several days in a row.

3. Zell am See–Kaprun

Zell am See is idyllically situated on the shores the Zeller See Lake. The ski domain totals approximately 140 kilometers of pistes, which spread over three mountains. The Schmittenhöhe lies high above the Zell Lake, while Maiskogel Family Mountain in Kaprun village is a good opportunity for beginners. The icing on the cake is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which offers skiing opportunities from October to May.

Free ski buses run between the ski resorts and the advantage is that you can choose to ski in different scenery every day during your holiday. Staying in Zell am See offers not only a good location close to the ski pistes but also a charming and historical mountain town that is so typical of Tirol. This really has to be one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

4. St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton am Arlberg is a vast holiday region that spans over five ski resorts where you can enjoy your winter holiday with the same ski pass—the Alberg Card. Ski Arlberg has been officially nominated as the largest connected ski area in Austria. The region summarizes approximately 305 kilometers of marked ski runs, meaning a wide range of choices for ski lovers who want something different each day.

The ski resorts that are part of this region are St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu-Schnann am Arlberg, St. Christoph, Flirsch am Arlberg, and Strengen am Arlberg. St. Anton is the gateway to the Alberg ski region, which spans over the mountains to Warth-Schröcken, near the border with Germany.

St. Anton and the nearby St. Christoph are definitely the most popular places to stay. However, if you want to be at an equal distance to all of the ski resorts, it may be a wise decision to choose the less popular but more picturesque villages of Lech Zürs or Stubenbach. As an additional little help, Lech Zürs am Arlberg is among the twelve Alpine villages which have been voted as the “Best of the Alps”.

5. Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental

Skiwel Wilder Kaiser is one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski areas in Tirol. No less than nine villages provide direct access to a wide range of ski pistes, consisting of more than 284 kilometers. The villages that make up the Wilder Kaiser ski area are Itter, Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going (on the left side valley) and Kleschau, Hopfgarten, Westendorf, and Brixen im Thale (on the right side valley).

The most popular and convenient choice for passionate skiers is to stay somewhere in the heart of the region—in Söll village, thus having easy access to both sides of the ski region.

One of the highlights of Skiwelt is than you can go by ski bus to Going in the morning and then ski all the way back to Söll, Iter or Hopfgarten while also taking ski lifts. If you do this grand traverse, it’s practically impossible to ski twice on the same routes. You can ski wherever you like and have more fun exploring the countless ski runs high in the mountains and, as the ski pistes begin to close, get down to the nearest village. This flexibility is a great feature which passionate skiers appreciate very much.

Moreover, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser has the largest night skiing area in Austria, so if you haven’t skied enough during the day, you have the chance to consume all your energy during the night run.

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Absolute Best Places For Sandboarding Around The World

The post 5 Best Ski Resorts In Austria That Are Perfect For This Winter appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Besides its glorious past, the City of Music has a lot more to offer in terms of cultured spots: modern architecture, a rich cultural scene, and classical music.

One of the advantages of Vienna’s rich cultural scene is that even if you experience it during bad weather (as I did), the city has so many museums that you can easily spend one week hopping from one museum to another without complaining of cold, rain, or snow.

Here are the 10 most important cultural things to do in Vienna that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

1. Stephan’s Dom Kirche

The iconic Gothic cathedral stands right in the city center of Vienna. It is one of Vienna’s landmarks and you can take it as a point of reference to finding many other cultural monuments within the city center.

Inside the dome, you can see a huge organ with 125 pipes, five medieval stained glass windows, mosaics with the Habsburg’s coat of arms, and an enormous Baroque altar with a scene of St. Stephen (the protector of the cathedral).

To explore more of the hidden corners of the cathedral, keep in mind that in the basement you can discover a tangled network of catacombs that were built as a burial place for the citizens of the town during the 18^th Century. Additionally, from the bell-tower, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Austrian capital and the enormous bell called the Pummerin (20 tonnes in weight).

2. The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is the oldest imperial palace of Vienna and it features a vast complex of buildings erected in the heart of the city. The original medieval castle was gradually extended and the Habsburgs added many modern buildings of their time to the old core of the residence.

The Royal Apartments (Kaiser Apartments) are housed in the Amalia Wing and they are preserved exactly as they were during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elisabeta. The world’s most important Treasury is housed in the oldest part of the Hofburg and contains two of the magnificent imperial crowns.

You can also visit the Imperial Chapel (Burg Kapelle) in one of the oldest parts of the palace, the Imperial Collection of Silverware, and The Ethnographic and Ephes Museums in the new wing of the Hofburg (the Neue Burg)

3. The Austrian National Library

With more than 8 million books, the Austrian National Library is one of Europe’s oldest libraries. Housed in a back wing of the Hofburg Palace, the National Library displays nine special collections and parts of them are on UNESCO’s Memory of the World List.

Built under Emperor Charles VI and designed by the famous baroque architect Johann Bernard Fischer von Erlach, the State Hall is considered one of the most beautiful library halls in the world and you shouldn’t miss visiting it during your stay in Vienna.

4. The Spanish Riding School

Also hosted in a secondary wing of the Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School offers an insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders.

Regular performances take place every week and each morning, the curious can witness the exercises riders and their horses practice on a daily basis. The training of the Lipizzaner stallions is accompanied by classical Viennese music which creates a specific atmosphere of the representation.

5. Mozart’s House (Mozart Haus)

The only surviving apartment in Vienna inhabited by Mozart stands a few streets back to the main cathedral of Stephan’s Dom Kirche. While living here between 1784 and 1787, Mozart composed some of his most important works, such as The Marriage of Figaro opera.

On several floors, the Mozart Haus displays informative panels about Mozart’s life and the years he spent in the Imperial Capital. In Mozart’s apartment, you can find out how the family lived, while the second basement floor contains the event room where concerts are held.

6. Schonbrunn Palace

The Schonbrunn Palace is the former summer residence of the imperial Habsburg family. Built in the 17^th Century by the famous architect Johann Fischer von Erlach, the luxurious palace with Baroque gardens also comprises the oldest zoo in the world. In the 18^th Century, Empress Maria Teresa has refurbished the whole interior design of the palace in the Rococo style.

The Baroque gardens were designed for the imperial family to stroll and they feature a Gloriette building on top of a small hill, Roman ruins, and of course, water fountains and mythological statues.

You can easily plan a whole day to explore this monumental complex, situated on the outskirts of Vienna.

7. The Museum Quarter

This cultural district features a wide range of modern arts and culture and it is one of the world’s largest cultural complexes. You will find some of the best examples of visual art, architecture, theater, dance, and music, as well as art and culture for kids and young adults, digital culture, and fashion.

In the courtyard of the Museum Quarter (also called Quartier 21), one can find numerous museums, exhibitions, and cultural events. For example, Leopold Museum focuses on the masterpieces of Egon Schiele (1890-1918) but it also encompasses other Austrian Expressionists.

In addition, the Mumok Museum is one of the largest museums in Central Europe for art.

8. The Belvedere

The Belvedere’s two magnificent palaces—the Upper and the Lower Belvedere, were built in the 18^th Century as the summer residence for the general Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palaces with their extensive gardens are one of the world’s finest Baroque landmarks.

The Upper Belvedere houses the collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. At the heart of the display is the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection (including the famous The Kiss and Judith as Klimt’s golden pictures). Other works of French Impressionism and Viennese Biedermeier are also some of the museum’s highlights.

The Lower Belvedere houses the former staterooms, with the Marble Gallery and the Golden Room. In addition, the Orangery was refurbished as a venue for temporary art exhibitions focusing on Austrian art in an international context.

9. The Winter Palace

Part of the Belvedere complex but sitting in a separate location, the Winter Palace once hosted the winter stately residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. You will walk through the staterooms and cabinets of the royal residence and see elaborately carved ceilings, walls adorned with mirrors or tapestries, and Oriental original porcelain.

The Winter Palace is now a center of art and culture and offers more information about the imperial capital.

10. The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum of Vienna is a challenging place where one can encounter, confront, and better understand Jewish history, religion, and culture. The first Jewish museum in the world was founded in Vienna in 1895 and the original collection focused on the culture and history of the Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nowadays, the museum in Judenplatz Square (the square of the Jews) also features the excavations of a medieval synagogue and a monument dedicated to the 65,000 Austrian Jews murdered during the Shoah.

Have we missed any great things to do in Vienna that you feel should be included? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: 15 Astonishing Mountain Towns In Europe Worth Visiting

The post 10 Essential Things To Do In Vienna For Culture Lovers appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So much of Switzerland is clean, crispy, green and pretty. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few dark corners lurking in the background.

For example, in the quaint little town of Neuheim, there is a set of underground caves, so spooky they have literally been named the “Hell-Grottoes”.

These beautiful gnarly, dramatic stone formations are easily explored thanks to good lighting and easily traversable walkways.

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If you’re more into man-made gruesome attractions, then zip over to Lucerne to their famous 13^th Century gable roofed bridge.

You may wonder what could be so scary about a bridge, especially when you gaze upon its charming, chocolate box exterior. But once inside, you simply need to crane your neck skywards to see beautifully depicted reminders of your own mortality.

For some reason, the project brief for the decoration of this bridge was “Danse Macabre” or “The Dance of Death”. Perhaps trying to jolt people into better behavior this bridge shows 67 different reminders of what awaits us all. The message being very clear. Relish our time here because it doesn’t last long.

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2. Go somewhere beautiful

Just in case you think all bridges in Switzerland have a macabre tendency, you should probably be made aware of the breathtakingly beautiful Saut De Brot.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a Tolkien-esque fantasy novel if you made the trip to the Areuse Gorge. The lush, verdant surroundings cover tall, sheer rock faces and nestling in between these structures is the small but perfectly formed bridge.

The simple but effective crossing allows travelers to move between the canyon walls whilst feeling like they’re in a fairytale.

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3. Expand your mind

I’m sure such educated readers such as yourselves enjoy a good looking Library when you see one. So prepare to see one of the best.

The Abbey Library of Saint Gall was founded in 612 so they’ve had plenty of time to amass quite a collection. Its famous for illuminated manuscripts and the very first architectural plan on parchment. But you don’t even have to open a book to experience beauty as the Library itself is famous for being one of the most beautiful in existence.

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If you do lose yourself in a book or two whilst you’re there, you’ll then be fully prepared to take a trip to the next destination. From an ancient seat of learning to a completely modern one. Switzerland is known for being the home of CERN, the world’s largest, most expensive and impressive physics lab.

The birthplace of the World Wide Web, CERN is now looking to set new scientific heights with the Large Hadron Collider and possibly unlock some secrets about the start of the Universe. So grab your goggles, don your best lab coat and take a look round.

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4. Visit somewhere mythical

Monks and hermits are not usually known for their movie style, badass nature. However, St. Beatus shattered all pre-conventions when he refused to be scared away by a dragon living in his intended hermitage hang out.

The dragon shot rolls of flame from his eyes at St. Beatus who responded by holding up his cross and invoking the Holy Trinity. So effective was his tactic that the dragon threw himself off a cliff and into a crystal clear lake below. Leaving the monk to contemplate his work in peace.

All this is said to have taken place in St. Beatus cave and you couldn’t find a more stunning backdrop for such a tale. Lakes, waterfalls and cave structures; St. Beatus’s cave has it all. No wonder he didn’t want to give it up.

Although a lot of it is unexplored, a small portion is easily accessible for visitors and a special display on the legend of dragons will surely delight all.

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5. Climb somewhere high

There has always been a strange attraction for humans to climb the tall thing. It’s very hard to pass a hillock, mountain, tower or even big rock without wanting to scale it and see what it looks like from the top.

However, if you like the height but prefer to go without the effort of actually climbing, then the Hammetschwand Lift might just be for you.

Starting in an underground station, Europe’s Tallest Outdoor Lift shoots passengers to the top of Mt. Burgenstock in less than a minute. Originally a very rickety wooden structure, the lift was created by a nearby hotel and nearly 100 years and many improvements later, it still has a certain wobbly nature to it.

This ride may not be for the faint hearted but the views from the top make it all worth it.

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6. Go somewhere Instagram worthy

Quite often, beautiful things come about quite accidentally. I’m sure when the architects of the Jet d’Eau were thinking of a way to relieve some of the pressure from Geneva’s water supply, they didn’t expect to create one of the city’s most recognizable and loved attractions.

They certainly didn’t spend too long mulling over the name at least. But create a masterpiece they did, as the literally named “Water Jet” is one of the tallest fountains in the world. Soaring 140m or 459ft into the air, the fountain is not quite viewable from space, but you’ll definitely be able to see it from your airplane. So it’s well worth a closer look when you get onto land.

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7. Finally, go somewhere relaxing

After all that amazing sightseeing I bet you’re feeling a little tired and sore. If only there was somewhere you could go and sit in some lovely, warm, bubbly water and contemplate life. But there is! Several in fact. All based in the alpine village of Leukerbad which is famous for its spas.

If you’re looking for recommendations (and you’re reading this, so we assume you are), we suggest heading to Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad in the center of the village. With beautiful mountain scenery, 40-degree water and a host of potential spa treatments, not even the gentle falling of snow could spoil your experience here.

Go on the last Saturday of the month for late opening and a spot of soaking under the moon.

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Know of any other interesting things to do in Switzerland we should add to this list? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 15 Astonishing Mountain Towns In Europe Worth Visiting

The post 7 Superb Things To Do In Switzerland For Curious People appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Furthermore, Belgium, along with few sites in the UK, France and miniature locations in Spain are the only places where these flowers grow. What makes the Hallerbos extra unique is the fact that the densities are remarkably high and they grow on hilly flanks as well as on extended flat plateaus which both provide unique photo opportunities. Once in bloom, you need to hurry though… As soon as sunlight hits the flowers, the leaves of the columnar beech trees growing above it will start to grow. As soon as these mature the hyacinths stop flowering and everything is over as soon as it started. As a semi-local, I can also give you the insider tip that you should come during the week or really early in the weekend as flocks of Belgians come and admire their national treasure. At least while it lasts.

The post Belgium’s Best Kept Secret Is Jaw-Droppingly Pretty appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Berlin is one of those places people have strong opinions about. You either love it as much as I do or you despise it. It’s a unique place, that is for sure. It’s a city of contrasts. Dark and light. Beautiful and ugly. Modern and old. With all that being said, that’s what makes Berlin…Berlin. Here’s why you’ll fall in love too (you’ve been warned!):

Culture

Berlin is truly one of the most artistic places I’ve ever been. With one of the largest expat communities in the world, it’s a melting pot of people and ideas. What I always admired about Berlin was the way people came together, put aside their differences, and found ways to innovate and collaborate.

The city is loaded with galleries and museums. Any given weekend you can find 100’s of different events going on throughout the city. Be sure to head to Museum Island. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and for good reason. Museum island is home to 5 different museums ranging from art to history to archaeology.

Of course, Berlin’s nightlife is legendary. So much so that Berlin’s city government set up protections to maintain its diverse range of clubs and bars, including the famous Berghain.

Carefree Attitude

Now, this can be a con depending on your personality and I’ll explain why. First off, Berlin is not like the rest of Germany (or anywhere else in the world for that matter). It truly is its own world. Secondly, there are no rules in Berlin. No social norms, no dress code, and definitely no one will tell you to stop partying—and that latter part can be bad for people without discipline or control. But maybe it was a placebo effect—I’m not sure—but I just found myself more creative in Berlin because there was nothing stopping me from trying out new ideas in my work. For someone that does creative work, the energy to feed off of is amazing and can make you think outside the box. My favorite place to go and hang out with like-minded people was at Holzmarkt, a community run area complete with a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, garden, and a dentist (not what you were expecting!) It’s located right on the Spree River and is by far the best place to slow down, enjoy a sunny day, and ponder the meaning of life.

History

Berlin is loaded with history. You will find that you’ll stumble upon it when you least expect it. For example, you’ll be walking along a road and all of a sudden, you’ll notice beautiful, Victorian homes on one side and sleek, contemporary condos on the other. This is most likely an area where the Berlin Wall divided the city. It’s a weird feeling. Some days, especially when it’s foggy, you can imagine history happening. A local tip is to go check out the abandoned structures around the city. Some are far outside the city, but you’ll be rewarded with a fascinating look of a different side to Berlin and some incredible photos.

Thai Food

Remember what I said about all those expats? Oh yeah, they brought their food with them. My favorite local place is Thai park. It’s not a restaurant, more of a gathering of Thai people. Over its 20 year existence, the gathering slowly grew from yearly to monthly to weekly, and now daily. The park where it happens is now known as “Thai Park” and it unofficially kicks off summer. Recently, there have been calls to close down the technically illegal gathering, but with over 17,000 likes on its Facebook page, I would say that’d be pretty difficult to do. It is a chance to enjoy the sunshine and some amazing Asian food. There are even cultural events that take place now such as movies or dancing.

Stroll In Schöneberg

You’ve probably heard about some of Berlin’s other neighborhoods that start with the letters K and F, but I have a fond place in my heart for Schöneberg. It was where I first lived when I arrived in Berlin and I quickly fell in love with the area’s laid-back vibe. It feels as if you are in a different city, but yet close enough to the hustle and bustle of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. There are many historical sites in Schöneberg. Buy local produce at the farmer’s market in Winterfeldtplatz, take in the beautiful early 20th Century architecture of Heinrich-von-Kleist Park, and finish a long day of adventure, enjoying hand-crafted cocktails at Berlin’s top-rated cocktail bar, Green Door. I always stumble upon something new whenever I return to visit Schöneberg and I am sure you will too!

Stammtisch At Prater

Germany loves their stammtisch. “Stammtisch”, which is German for an informal gathering of a group usually after work, is a time-honored tradition. Nowhere does it better than Prater Beer Garden in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. On warm days, they have benches outside to have a cold beer and enjoy the great weather. You can grab your own bench, but later in the night as more beers are served, people get up and mingle. It’s hard not to walk away with new friends at the end of Stammtisch.

Recommended next reading: 10 Of The Best Things You Can Do In Berlin On A Budget

The post Why I Fell In Love With Berlin (And Why You Will Too) appeared first on Modern Trekker.

It’s more than worth the trek out to central Croatia to see Plitvice Lakes National Park, a series of lakes, rivers, and caves carved into the limestone and dolomite mountains in the region. The park was added to the register of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979, and upon visiting the spectacular waterfalls throughout the park, it’s immediately clear why. The park sees more than one million visitors per year, so be prepared to visit in the early morning or during shoulder season to avoid the crowds.

2. Berchtesgaden, Germany

For those who love hiking and history, be sure to visit the tiny town of Berchtesgaden in southwestern Germany and check out the Kehlsteinhaus, also known as Eagle’s Nest. The mountaintop chalet was constructed in 1939 as a birthday gift for Adolf Hitler but was rarely used throughout the course of World War II. It is one of the few buildings from the Nazi period that remains intact (with original furnishings), and it provides a unique snapshot into the area’s history. You can choose to hike two hours up the mountain or catch the bus to the top to walk through a series of tunnels bored into the mountain and take in the spectacular view from the top, looking out over the surrounding Alps. The mountain and the town of Berchtesgaden are located at the very southern tip of Germany, an hour bus ride or drive outside of Salzburg, Austria.

3. Bruges, Belgium

Located just a short train ride away from London or Amsterdam, Bruges is the perfect destination for a weekend escape. The historic city is built atop a series of canals, earning the nickname “the Venice of the North” You can stroll along the city’s numerous canals and winding streets, visit the famous 13th Century belfry located in the town square, view centuries of Flemish art and the only Michelangelo sculpture believed to have left Italy, or hire a bicycle for the day and ride out to the sea. While you’re there, be sure to sample some delicious Belgian beers, chow down on waffles and frites, and take in all this small town has to offer.

4. Munich, Germany

There’s so much more to Munich than just Oktoberfest and beer halls. In the summertime, grab a group of friends and head to any of the city’s numerous beer gardens for a relaxing night of great beer and good food with the locals, or pack a picnic and watch the river surfers in Munich’s Englischer Garten. Unlike many of the cities destroyed in World War II, Munich’s historic town center was restored in the traditional style, and it remains a unique center of German history.

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia is one of eastern Europe’s most underrated destinations. The picturesque, pedestrian-only city center of Ljubljana is perfect for a long stroll through the country’s living history. The trendy but self-sufficient capital city is home to numerous cafes, pubs, and shops, making it a quaint but wonderful place to spend a few days. The city is also just a short drive or bus ride from Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most well-known destinations, making it a good home base for a longer exploration of all this beautiful country has to offer.

6. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is by far one of Europe’s most beautiful (and affordable) cities. The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the city’s most easily recognizable landmarks, and the city’s vibrant culture makes for an unforgettable experience. Be sure to grab a delicious plate of goulash (traditional Hungarian beef stew), visit one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs, and stop by the Szecenyi spa baths for the full experience!

Budapest is also known as the Capital of Festivals, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly so that you can participate in one of the city’s many cultural offerings. The city hosts Sziget Festival each August. The island festival has grown to be one of Europe’s largest summer music events, drawing in artists from around the world.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

If castles are your thing, you’ll feel right at home strolling along the streets of Prague, where you can admire the city’s fairytale-esque architecture. The most recognizable attractions include the Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge, although the entire old town center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Prague played a prominent role throughout European history, as the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, a major city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and an important capital city during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era, so the history buffs will have a hard time choosing where to begin.

Recommended next reading: 13 Budget Hacks For People Who Really Want To Visit Europe

The post 7 Spots In Europe That Can Be Overlooked (But Definitely Shouldn’t Be) appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Visit a Gallery or Museum

Berlin has a reputation for being the cultural capital of Europe and little to no costs will grant you access to many of the galleries and museums the city has to offer. One of Berlin’s most provocative museums is the Topography of Terror. Built on the former site of the Nazis SS and Gestapo, the museum documents the Nazi’s rise to power as well as their wartime atrocities between 1933 -1945. The museum serves as a reminder of Germany’s culpability as well as the path it has taken to become the welcoming and open place it is now.

Admire Berlin’s Street Art

Admire Berlin’s Street Art Berlin’s most ostensible display of its creativity comes in the form of the graffiti and street art that canvas the city. The graffiti is a perfect representation of the underground countercultural scene, such as the techno scene, which contributes to the uniqueness that defines the city. In recent times, monumental street art projects are commissioned by the city itself, essentially turning the city into one large free art exhibition. A walk around Friedrichshain offers many of the most interesting pieces in the most condensed area.

Hop on the U-banh, really.

Due to the size of Berlin, chances are you’ll need to take the U-Banh at one point. But, for the cost of a ticket, you shouldn’t overlook this quintessential Berlin experience.  Stemming from 1902, the history of the city has left a mark on the features of the U-Banh; from typefaces to the ghost stations of East Berlin which look like they have been frozen in time. Today, the company that runs the U-Banh, The BVG, runs the funniest and most outrageous marketing campaigns. From hiring YouTube rap sensations to partnering with Adidas to design sneakers, there’s little wonder why Berliners love it.

Explore on a Bicycle

Alternatively, hop on a bicycle. Berlin is flat, has an extensive network of cycle paths and the majority of roads are wide enough that drivers actually expect cyclists to be on the side of the road. Hiring a bicycle is incredibly cheap and there are many uber-cool neighborhoods to check out —Neukölln, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain to name a few. You can rent a bicycle in the heart of trendy Neukölln for €4 from ‘Rent a Bike 44’.  These guys keep the costs cheaper than public transport and they don’t have tacky advertising on their bicycles so you can get away with appearing like a local.

Go hunting for a Bargain

With your new wheels, pick up a bargain at one of Berlin’s world-famous flea markets. Every weekend traders attempt to give new life to old items. In almost every Kiev there’s a version of a flea market with traders selling used items from electronics to antiques but the most famous, by far, is the Mauerpark Flohmarkt.  Private and Professional traders hustle to sell off a number of crazy things you can find. Often making the top 10 list to do in Berlin, it’s best to get there early and enjoy it before the rush that usually happens at midday.

Visit a Landmark

With more than 700 years of history, each generation has left its mark on Berlin. The most notable landmarks are The Brandenburg Gate, Television Tower and The East Side Gallery which have all become synonymous with Berlin. The Brandenburg Gate is a particularly prominent option. Representing two hundred years of history, it was erected as a military monument but now stands to symbolize peace and unity. One of the most iconic scenes from history also took place here during the tearing down of the infamous Berlin Wall.

Drink a beer at a Späti

When you’re ready to relax, be sure to grab a beer at a Späti, there’s nothing more ubiquitous to Berlin than these small late night stores which stock mostly beer. Fueling Berlin’s late nights and weekends, they are the preferred stores to stock up on drinks, smokes and snacks. A popular destination for locals to enjoy a drink en route to a club or bar. In the summertime, you can also find inviting wooden benches parked outside, being the most low-key and down-to-earth place to enjoy a beer.

Hang out at Tempelhof

Once you have a German beer such as a Berliner Kindl or Club-Mate in hand, you could now make your way to a park. Berlin has many parks but none as interesting as Tempelhofer Feld. Once home to the City’s former Tempelhof Airport, it was decommissioned and turned into a public space. The generous flat space with long runways makes it a popular spot for cyclists, street windsurfers and runners. The large green fields also make it a perfect place to have a picnic and soak up the Berlin atmosphere.

Chill on the Side of a Canal

Alternatively, hang out in true Berliner fashion along a canal. The Landwehr Canal in Kreuzberg is the best place for this. On one side of the canal is Paul-Lincke-Ufer, which is lined with rows of swanky restaurants. On the other side, Maybachufer hosts a Turkish market. Sitting on the banks of the canal amongst the markets, restaurants and bars provides a great experience that aptly showcases the diversity available in Berlin.

Go out and Experience Berlin’s Nightlife

For some, going out in Berlin is obligatory. Berlin is the capital of European nightlife and is home to one of the most famous underground techno scenes in the world. While it may be risky to go out without any hesitation to places like Berghain, Kater Blau and Klunkerkranich without becoming broke, simply exercising restraint makes it entirely possible to enjoy a night out without leaving a hole in your pocket, as cover charges usually vary between €5- €15 and drinks are relatively cheap from €3- €5 each.

For more ways on how to save money, check out: 13 Budget Hacks For People Who Really Want To Visit Europe

The post 10 Of The Best Things You Can Do In Berlin On A Budget appeared first on Modern Trekker.