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Scaligero Castle, Sirmione: One of Lake Garda’s Must-See Sights
Scaligero Castle or Castello Scaligero in the town of Sirmione, is one of the most iconic sights around Lake Garda and a must visit for anyone exploring northern Italy. Guarding the entrance to the historic old town of Sirmione, this preserved medieval fortress is famous for it’s high towers, stone walls, and unique lakeside walled harbor. In this post, find out how to visit Scaligero Castle, where to get some of the best panoramic views over Lake Garda, and explore the charming streets of Sirmione afterwards. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle is at the very entrance of Sirmione’s historic old town. The castle and old town are positioned on a narrow peninsula that extends into Lake Garda. The natural moat surrounds the castle on all sides. Its strategic lakeside location makes Scaligero Castle one of the most photographed landmarks on Lake Garda and an easy stop while exploring the town on foot. We made a brief half day pit stop in Sirmione while on a road trip through the Dolomites to Milan. It was the perfect midway point that allowed us to explore one of the coolest castles in Italy. I don’t think car traffic is allowed beyond the castle gates into Sirmione’s historic town center. There is plenty of paid parking in designated parking lots on the peninsula leading up to Scaligero Castle. A Brief History of Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle was built in the 14th century by the Della Scala family also known as the Scaligeri Family. The Scaligeri family ruled Verona and a lot of the surrounding area from the mid 1200’s to the late 1300’s. Castello Scaligero was initially built as a defensive stronghold and fortified port to control access to the peninsula. In the late 15th century, the castle was passed on to the Republic of Venice. Over the years the castle served many purposes by different families and regions. Today, it’s enjoyed by the public and offers the chance for visitors to check out the museum and see one of Italy’s best preserved lakeside fortifications. Visiting Scaligero Castle A visit to Scaligero Castle is a must when traveling around Northern Italy. It’s such a unique castle. Not only is the castle a great representation of a medieval castle, but the views of Lake Garda are stunning and Sirmione is a town worth exploring. I’d recommend a full day here on Lake Garda. But if you only have a few hours or a half day like we did, Scaligero Castle is a must. Below you can find information to help plan your perfect travel itinerary to Lake Garda’s fortress and the surrounding area. Admission and Hours It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance to visit Castello Scaligero. We simply showed up to the ticket office and purchased tickets. Below you can find more information on the admission and hours. For updated information, I recommend visiting the Tourism website for Sirmione. Admission Per Person: € 8.00 Hours Closed: Sunday & Monday Open: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 – 19:15 What to See Inside the Castle When visiting Scaligero Castle, there is not a whole lot on display or museums to visit. You simply walk around the castle, check out the harbor, and climb the tower for impressive views of Sirmione’s old town and Lake Garda. The mix of medieval architecture and amazing viewpoints make visiting the inside of the castle well worth it. Highlights include the preserved castle walls, towers, historic drawbridge, and the harbor. You can walk up the towers of Castello Scaligero, which I highly recommend doing. The views are stunning, you get a 360° view of the surrounding area. The other highlight for me was the dock and harbor area. I think this is what Scaligero Castle is mostly known for anyway. The day I was there, the water was a turquoise blue, it was beautiful! When visiting Castello Scaligero, allow at least 1 hour to explore the castle. Panoramic Views Over Lake Garda The panoramic views from Castello Scaligero were one of the highlights of visiting the castle. From the castle walls to the high tower, you get incredible views of Sirmione’s historic old town, Lake Garda, and the Alps in the background. The elevated viewpoints make Scaligero Castle one of the best places in Sirmione and Lake Garda for photos. This alone make visiting Castello Scaligero worth it! Other Things to do Near Scaligero Castle Visiting the medieval fortress was not the only highlight of our trip to Sirmione. We had the chance to walk the historic town all the way to the Grotte di Catullo and Archaeology site. The area is more of a summer destination. Vacationers can spend the weekend on Lake Garda enjoying water sports, sightseeing, and just enjoying the atmosphere. We visited Sirmione for a few hours, I’d love to come back to see more, but here is our itinerary. Walk Sirmione’s Old Historic Town Sirmione Old Town is a charming area past the castle. It’s full of cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lively shops and restaurants. While walking around the old town, you can find fun boutique shops, cafes, dessert shops, and so much more. When exploring the historic old town, take your time and enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino Just up the hill from the historic old town is the peaceful Romanesque church, Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino. The church is open to the public during the day. It dates back to the 11th century and you can see remnants of the original church. There are memorials around the church and nice areas to relax and take in the beauty of Sirmione. Try Local Food Like anywhere else in Italy, you can find great food in Sirmione. In the old historic district you can find a wide variety of restaurants, dessert shops, gelaterias, and bars. I stopped by a restaurants right near Castello Scaligero called Pizzeria Scaligeri’s. They had nice outside seating with views of the castle. Is Scaligero Castle Worth Visiting? While on our road trip around Northern Italy, we debated if it was worth it to visit Scaligero Castle or just continue on to Milan. After visiting the castle and spending an afternoon in Sirmione, I am so glad we stopped here. So yes, Scaligero Castle is well worth visiting. It’s one of the best preserved castles in Italy and certainly one of the most unique castles. The views from the castle walls and towers alone make a visit worth it. I would honestly, go out of my way to visit Castello Scaligero and highly recommend it. Conclusion If you are driving around Northern Italy whether it be to and from Milan or around the Dolomites, I highly recommend adding Scaligero Castle to your Northern Italy itinerary. Visiting Scaligero Castle was well worth visiting and one of the most unique fortifications I’ve seen. You get a nice mix of medieval history and stunning views of Lake Garda and the surrounds Alps. After a visit to Scaligero Castle, wander the charming streets of Sirmione’s historic old town for a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxing. Have you visited Scaligero Castle and Sirmione’s old town? If so, what did you think? Any recommendations in the area? Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Visiting Ötzi the Iceman
Visiting Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve been to and a lifelong dream of mine. Home to Europe’s oldest mummy, this world-class museum offers visitors a rare chance to see the preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman along with weapons, tools, clothing, and other artifacts, that belonged to him. Whether you are planning a Bolzano itinerary, traveling through the Dolomites, or have somewhat of a morbid curiosity like me, then a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to see Ötzi the Iceman is an absolute must! In this post, you can learn about Ötzi the Iceman, plan your visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and explore more of what Bolzano has to offer. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Who was Ötzi the Iceman? Who was Ötzi the Iceman? This question is still being debated even today. Was he a person on the run? Was he a shaman? No one really know who Ötzi really was, where he came from, or how he ended up where he was. There are speculations and theories about who he was. I’ll cover everything I’ve learned and read about throughout the years. There are some known facts about Ötzi the Iceman. ✅ Based on Radio Carbon Dating, Ötzi the Iceman is around 4,000 – 5,000 years old. ✅ The name Ötzi was coined by journalist Karl Wendl. Ötzi is in reference to the Ötz Valley. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman has many names, he’s also known as the “Glacier Mummy,” “The Man from Hauslabjoch,” “The Man from Tisenjoch,” “Similaun Man,” “Homo Tirolensis,” and the “Man in the Ice.” ✅ Based on bone structure and characteristic changes, he was potentially around 45 years old at the time of his death. ✅ After examining his body, researches think Ötzi has around 61 tattoos. These tattoos were different then what we think of today. They were maybe done as a means of painkilling like acupuncture. Instead of using needles incisions were made in the skin and charcoal was rubbed within the cuts. ✅ Ötzi most likely died of a wound caused by an arrow. Was he on the run? ✅ It’s not 100% certain where Ötzi the Iceman comes from, but it’s possible that he’s from the first independent Alpine culture group. He potentially lived or came from the Eisack Valley in today’s South Tyrol, Italy. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman was around 160cm tall and weighed around 61 kg. Apparently, two of his ribs were missing as well, he was probably born that way. Discovering Ötzi I’ve always been fascinated with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. What fascinates me the most is these human remains are upwards to 5,000 years old and when first discovered, they thought he was a victim of a mountaineering incident. Ötzi was discovered by two German hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon on Thursday, September 19, 1991. The hikers were in the Ötztal Alps descending from Finail Peak. I read that they veered off the marked trail and passed a rocky gully. There they saw the body of a human laying against a rock. They had no idea they just discovered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe. The two hikers quickly informed a landlord at a nearby mountain refuge and he notified authorities in both Austria and Italy, since the find was close to the border of the two countries. Several attempts were made to recover the body and other hikers did interfere with the body before professionals and archaeologists were involved to remove the body and relocate it to the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Innsbruck, Austria. Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology When visiting Bolzano or anywhere in the Dolomites, visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is a must! It’s home to Ötzi the Iceman. You can see his mummified body on display along with his belongings that were found. To make your trip easier and hassle free, I’ve done the planning, research, and spent time at the museum. Below you can find information on tickets and hours and learn about Ötzi himself. Tickets and Hours Below you can find updated information on the ticket fees and hours for the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. I found their hours to be a bit confusing, mainly because I was in Bolzano on a Monday in December. They were open but usually closed. So it’s best to double check the official website for updated hours and times. Admission Single Ticket: 13€Children under 6: FreeDiscount Ticket: 10€ For more information and updates, please look at the official South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website. Hours Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Admission is 17:30) Monday: Closed** Monday Closed except if Monday is a holiday, and in July and August the museum is open on Mondays. Ötzi’s Preserved Body When visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology most visitors including myself are looking for the opportunity to see the actual mummy remains of Ötzi the Iceman. Ötzi is on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. He’s kept in a permanent “Icebox” and can be seen by visitors through a tempered glass window. According to what I learned at the museum, his body is housed in a unique room with two cold chambers. One cell has a temperature of -6°C with humidity of 99%. For us visitors, there is a 40×40 cm window so we can look at the mummy. Fortunately, when I was there the museum was not crowded so I was able to view the mummy without rushing. On busy days, there is a line. Artifacts and Tools One of the more interesting exhibits at the museum were the displays of all Ötzi’s weapons, tools, artifacts, and clothing materials. Most of his possessions were either on him or scattered around the archaeological site of discovery. At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, you can view articles of clothing worn by Ötzi, equipment he used, weapons, first-aid supplies, and even his backpack. In terms of clothing, items that were preserved or found include a cap, garments, leggings, his belt, loin cloth, a cape, and pair of shoes. Most of the clothing was made of animal skins, tanned hides, and grasses. The coat was made of goatskin, the leggings were also made of goatskin, his belt was made of calf leather, and his fur cap was primarily made of bear fur. Regarding the equipment and weapons found at the discovery site, there was a axe made of copper. I read that it is the only intact prehistoric axe in the world. He had a dagger and sheath on his person, a retoucheur, which is an instrument to sharpen flint blades. One of the most important weapons he had was his longbow. It was a 1.82 m longbow that was made of yew. A quiver and arrow were also discovered. Ötzi the Iceman also carried a backpack. The backpack is on display at the museum as well. It was made of a U-shaped wood rod with wooden boards. Hide was used as a pouch to carry his goods. Ötzi also had a container made of birchwood. He had various wood pieces on him and minerals, meaning he probably was handy and could make tools and other resources by himself. Ötzi also had a first-aid kit. In the first-aid kit there was birch fungus which was most likely therapeutic. Gift Shop Make sure to stop in the gift shop at the exit of the museum. There are a lot of great finds here to include books, post cards, and fun souvenirs. The books come in various languages. What’s my Fascination with Ötzi the Iceman? I’ve been fascinated with Ötzi the Iceman for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity and enjoy dark tourism sites, which I think this classifies as one. His story has interested me and I still have so many questions about his life. I am always wondering why he’s the only mummy discovered? Are there more out there? Once glaciers melt, will we discover more? Visiting Bolzano? Other Things to do near the Museum Bolzano is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. I only had the opportunity to spend a day here during the Christmas holiday. Other then visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, top things to do in Bolzano include strolling the historic old town and Piazza Walther. If you have a day or two in Bolzano, here are some top listed things to do that I recommend. Piazza Walther Piazza Walther is the heart of Bolzano and a must visit attraction. Piazza Walther is surrounded by historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and right next to the Bolzano Cathedral. If you are visiting around Christmas time, the bulk of the Christmas Market is here. Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Bolzano Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral located near the Piazza Walther. The cathedrals history dates back to the late 1100’s. It’s known for its beautiful glazed roof tiles, high altar, and treasury. Obstmarkt (Local Produce Market) The obstmarkt or local produce market, or farmers market, is a must when visiting Bolzano. It’s a large market on Piazza delle Erbe extending several blocks. You can find everything here from fresh fruit and smoothies, to cheeses and meats. The produce market is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Shopping Bolzano is a great place for shopping. Almost all the roads leading to and from Piazza Walther are lined with shops. We spent hours popping into random shops from shoe stores to shops selling outdoor gear. But you can find stores for children, souvenirs, clothes, from budget shops to high end stores. Bolzano Christmas Market The Bozner Christkindlmarkt or Bolzano Christmas Market is a magical time of year to spend in Bolzano. We were here for the Christmas Market and for being Italy, it was just as good as some of the large ones in Germany. Bolzano is surrounded by the Alps, the town has it’s charm, and Piazza Walther is surrounded by stunning architectural buildings, so it’s the perfect setting for a Christmas Market. I had Glühwein, Knödel suppe, a Bratwurst, and a few local craft beers from the area. The Christmas Market was set up traditionally with small wooden booths selling food, Christmas decorations, and local products. Conclusion Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy and getting a chance to see the mummy of Ötzi the Iceman has always been a travel bucket-list item of mine. Seeing Ötzi the Iceman up close was a memorable moment and seeing all his tools, equipment, and clothing was fascinating. I learned so much while visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and am happy to share my experience with you guys! Have you been to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano? If so, leave a comment, let me know what you thought or if you have other similar recommendations. Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
How to Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Travel Guide
Planning to visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)? Unlike other cathedrals in Europe, you can’t simply walk in and explore Milan’s famous Gothic cathedral. Visitors wanting to access the Duomo must purchase tickets to enter. Fortunately for you, I’ll cover how to purchase your tickets to the Duomo di Milano and what to expect. In all honesty, the Milan Cathedral is a must-visit landmark in Milan and visiting the rooftop terrace is a unique experience. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is the Milan Cathedral The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano in Italian is located in Piazza del Duomo, in Milan’s historic center. The Milan Cathedral sits at the heart of the city and is directly accessible via the Duomo metro station. The Duomo di Milano is the easiest and most central landmark to visit in Milan. Being accessible by metro, it’s within walking distance to many other notable Milan attractions like the Galleria, Castello Sforzesco, and numerous shopping districts. Brief History of the Duomo di Milano The history of the Duomo di Milano dates back to 1386. Like many historical buildings, the Milan Cathedral did not start out like the cathedral you see today. It took many centuries to built the magnificent Gothic cathedral we see today. Earlier on, there was St. Ambrose Basilica, then the Basilica of St. Tecla was added on. Over the course of many centuries, different architects and artists made their contributions to the cathedral. The final touches of the cathedral weren’t actually completed until 1965. Parts of the cathedral were damaged during WWII which did affect the completion date. Today, the Milan Cathedral is under constant renovations. When I visited in December of 2025, parts of the terrace were being cleaned and of course, like many famous buildings in Europe, there was scaffolding, which is always an eye sore. Visiting the Milan Cathedral When visiting Milan, the Duomo di Milano is an absolute must. If you don’t visit the Duomo, can you really say you’ve been to Milan? Word of advice, the Milan Cathedral and the whole Piazza del Duomo gets crowded, I mean very crowded! You can’t just walk inside the cathedral. Unfortunately, you need to buy tickets to enter. I had no idea, you needed tickets, so I wanted to write this post to help you better prepare for your visit to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Below you can find information on getting tickets to visit the Duomo di Milano, visiting the Rooftop Terraces, and more. Tickets If you don’t plan ahead, you can buy tickets for the Duomo di Milano at the Piazza del Duomo. There are various entrances to the cathedral that are guarded. You can scan a QR Code near the gates and purchase the tickets using your mobile device. Or you can head to the Duomo Shop near the Palazzo Reale di Milano and buy tickets there. I purchased my tickets at the Duomo Shop without issues. You are given a number and have to wait until one of the registers opens up to your number. Duomo Shop Address: P.za del Duomo, 14a, 20122 Milano MI, Italy You can also buy tickets online ahead of time on through the Duomo Di Milano website. There are different tickets you can purchase. I highly recommend the ticket with access to the Rooftop Terraces. This is your chance to walk on the roof of a cathedral! There is a Fast Track Pass, a Combo Lift, Combo Stairs, and a Culture Pass. I went with the Combo Stairs. If you are a budget traveler or just love to exercise, then go with the Combo Stairs deal, you get to access the Terraces by climbing around 250 – 300 stairs. Through my website, you can also purchase tickets through online travel sites like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Klook. Below are a few recommend tours: ✅ Milan: Cathedral and Duomo’s Terraces Entrance Ticket ✅ Milan Duomo Cathedral and Rooftop Terrace Guided Tour ✅ Milan Super Saver: Skip the Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour ✅ Milan Cathedral Ticket Visiting the Rooftop Terraces When purchasing my ticket to the Duomo di Milano with the Rooftop Terrace I had no idea what to expect, I certainly didn’t expect that I would be walking on top of the roof of a giant Cathedral! I’ve never seen this before but it was incredible and I highly recommend the Rooftop Terrace as part of your ticket or tour. There are several levels to the Rooftop Terraces, you get a chance to walk amongst the beautiful and intricate spires before gaining access to the actual roof where you get amazing views over the city of Milan. You can gain access to the Terraces by elevator or stairs, depending on the ticket type you purchased. I took the stairs and found it to be pretty quick and easy. I worked hard for that unbelievable view! Explore the Interior Every ticket to visit the Duomo di Milano will include a visit to the inside of the cathedral. I did the Rooftop Terrace first then found myself inside the cathedral. The Milan Cathedral is huge and the sheer scale of the interior is just as stunning as the exterior with its towering marble columns, vaulted ceilings, and colorful stained-glass. Within the interior of the Duomo di Milano, you can visit the Archaeological Area and the St. Charles Crypt. I enjoyed myself just walking around, being fascinated by the artwork, sculptures, and just massive size of the cathedral. Nearby Things to do After Your Visit The Duomo di Milano is just one of many attractions within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo. You can easily spend an entire day in the area visiting sites like the Galleria or Castello Sforzesco. Honestly, you can spend a whole day just shopping! Whether you are here to shop, eat, or check out some sites, here are a few things to do around the Duomo di Milano. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Just steps from the Duomo di Milano, is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Although, I am not big into shopping, it’s well worth walking through. For someone that like high end shops, then this is a dream come true! Actually, all of Milan is a shopping paradise! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a historic shopping arcade that is famous for its glass dome, elegant architecture, and luxury shops. Be warned, this attraction can get crowded! I visited twice and one time it was basically shoulder to shoulder traffic. Sforzesco Castle Another short walk from the Duomo di Milano, is the Sforzesco Castle or Castello Sforzesco. It’s an important historical landmark and the grounds are free to visitors. Besides walking the grounds, there are museums, art galleries, and a few historical artifacts and rooms linked to Leonardo da Vinci. The castle is also the gateway to the Parco Sempione, a huge urban park. A word of caution, there are several people from Africa that hang out here and try to give you a free bracelet. They basically harass tourists and locals alike. Simply ignore them and walk right by, don’t take the bracelets they try to offer you. Shopping Milan is known for fashion and shopping and there are shopping areas around the Duomo di Milano that put you in the heart of Milan’s fashion scene. Every street leading to and from the Duomo, there are shops. You can find everything from luxury brands to local Italian shops. Even if you are like me and not big into shopping, there is something for everyone. If not, the people watching is great! Conclusion Visiting the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is a must and needs to be added to any Milan itinerary. It’s the heart of the city and it’s most well known landmark. Milan does get crowded, so to make the most of your visit, arrive early, book tickets to Duomo di Milano in advance, and allow plenty of time to explore the interior, museums, and rooftop terraces. The Duomo di Milano is a world-famous landmark and remains one of the best things to do in Milan. I hope this post helps with planning and you find the Milan Cathedral as beautiful and unique as I did. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
5 Restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Must-Try Dining Spots
Cortina d’Ampezzo is not just a beautiful destination in the Italian Dolomites, it’s also a great town for food lovers. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can find everything from elegant Alpine restaurants, fine dining experiences, and even cheap beer halls. In this food guide, I’ve listed 5 restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo that are worth trying. These restaurants are perfect for visitors looking to eat well after a day of hiking, skiing, or just exploring the town. Whether you are craving fresh pasta, amazing pizza, or a memorable fine-dining experience, these top-rated restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo are worth trying. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 5 Must-Try Restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo I had the opportunity to spend a week in Cortina d’Ampezzo right before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Based on local recommendations and research me and family members went to several restaurants around Cortina d’Ampezzo. We went to a variety of restaurants around town to include a Michelin-Starred restaurant that was spectacular. We also dined at a few pizzerias, beer halls, and hotel restaurants. Here are 5 restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo that stood out and I highly recommend trying. Ristorante Tivoli Cortina Ristorante Tivoli Cortina is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Reservations are recommended and I guarantee you that this will be one of the most memorable dining experiences you’ll ever have. Chef Graziano Prest combines elegant, inventive cuisine with alpine traditions. The staff was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and very social. Ristorante Tivoli Cortina has a warm and cozy atmosphere with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The menu has set course meals, but also appetizers and A la carte. Everyone in my party ordered different course meals and the menu changes seasonally. I tried the Local Tasting Menu (Altogusto). It included Alpin Char, Frogs Soup, Tagliatelle, Plin Style Ravioli, Passeggiata nel Bosco, Braised Beef Cheek, and Apple Strudel. Every dish was beautifully created and the flavors were outstanding. This was a first Michelin-starred restaurant for me and now I can’t wait to try more around the world. My expectations are high now after dining at Ristorante Tivoli Cortina. Reservations are recommended. We tried dining at Ristorante Tivoli Cortina on our first day in Cortina d’Ampezzo. They were full but we managed to make a reservation the next day. Address: Località Lacedel, 34, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Ristorante Franceschi Ristorante Franceschi is a fine-dining restaurant located within the Franceschi Park Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo. We managed to dine here without making reservations in advance. The restaurant is very elegant, staff was professional, and everything we tried was outstanding, to include the several bottles of wine. Here you can find a lot of traditional Italian dishes and cuisine that is influenced by the local areas around the Dolomites. I ordered the Lamb Shank with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes. The meat was so tender and flavorful I absolutely loved it. Others in my party ordered the Veal Goulash, Grilled Australian Angus Flank Steak, and the Homemade Buckwheat Tagliolini with fresh Truffle. Everyone was satisfied. We dined here for a few hours and sampled a lot of wine which paired nicely with the meals. Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 86, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Ristorante De LEN Ristorante De LEN is another restaurant we tried in Cortina d’Ampezzo that surprised us. Ristorante De LEN belongs to Hotel de LEN near downtown Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ristorante De LEN is modern, comfortable, serves craft beer, and known for their local ingredients and flavorful dishes. Ristorante De LEN offered all day-dining. Which was great, because a lot of restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo closed midday and open again later in the evening. It was a timing thing one day and we were looking to eat around 15:00. They were one of the only restaurants open at the time. They serve a nice mix of American dishes (burger, club sandwiches, etc.) but also local Italian dishes and regional dishes from the Dolomites. As an appetizer, we had the artisanal cold cuts and cheese, all which were delicious. For an entre I ordered the Chicken Breast with Seasonal Vegetables. The chicken breast was nice, it wasn’t dry and had a slight buttery flavor to it. What I loved about the dish was the Bok choy. Surprisingly, the best Bok choy, I’ve ever had! Others at the table tried the Lasagna and pasta with fresh truffles and loved it! Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 66, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Pizzeria Porto Rotondo Cortina You can’t visit Italy and not have pizza! Thankfully, Cortina d’Ampezzo has several pizzerias and restaurants that prepare pizza. One of my favorite pizzerias in Cortina d’Ampezzo was Pizzeria Porto Rotondo Cortina. The pizza I ordered here was actually one of the best I had during my entire stay in Italy. We found it by chance looking for a pizzeria that had indoor seating. Happy Accident! Like most restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the interior was cozy and the staff was very friendly. The pizza menu is extensive, very hard to choose what to get. Ultimately, I went with the Paesana which included fresh tomato, mozzarella, and sliced suckling pig. The pizza was so delicious, I wanted to come back a second time to try more! Address: Via Don Pietro Frenademez, 2, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Hacker-Pschorr Haus Hacker-Pschorr is a famous brewery from Munich, Germany. So I was surprised that there was a small Hacker-Pschorr beer hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The interior is small, but has a traditional German atmosphere. There are also a few standing tables outside. I stopped in mainly for a few beers, but I also ordered a side of fries. The beers are great here. On tap, you can find the standard Hacker-Pschorr beers, the Lager, Bitter, Weizen, and Keller bier. There are also a few local Italian beers as well. Food wise, Hacker-Pschorr in Corina d’Ampezzo had a lot of traditional German menu items and a few Italian dishes. On the menu there are items like Frankfurter sausages, warm sandwiches, and a variety of salads. Address: Via Stazione, 7, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Grocery Stores in Cortina d’Ampezzo I know this is a post on my top rated restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo but I just wanted to add a few more options in case you are staying in an Airbnb or prefer to cook on your own. Listed below are two supermarkets that I frequented almost daily to stock up the fridge at the Airbnb, Conad City and Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina. Conad City Conad City is more your traditional grocery store or supermarket, found throughout Italy. The Conad City in Cortina d’Ampezzo is downtown and in my opinion one of the best places to go to for fresh product, meats, snacks, and purchasing alcohol. I will warn you, the parking lot in front of Conad City in Cortina d’Ampezzo is horrendous. It has limited spaces and is kind of a one-way narrow road. I parked on the street and found it to be much easier. Address: Via Barone Franchetti, 1, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina is more of a high end supermarket. We came here a few times for their fresh pastries, baked goods, deli meats, cheeses, and fresh coffee. This supermarket is in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, near the Basilica. You can simply park out front if there is an empty space. Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 11, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Conclusion For a small mountain town, Cortina d’Ampezzo has some incredible dining options. I wrote this post because I found the food in Cortina d’Ampezzo to be incredibly delicious and the restaurants were all memorable. Getting the opportunity to eat at Ristorante Tivoli, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. Pizzeria Porto Rotono Cortina served one of the best pizzas I had throughout my entire stay in Italy. There were many excellent restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the five I listed in this post are among my favorites and I highly recommend trying them. If you’ve been to Cortina d’Ampezzo and know of more restaurants that are worth trying, please leave a comment so myself and others can try! Safe Travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
One Day in Limburg an der Lahn: Day Trip from Frankfurt
Nestled along the Lahn River is the picturesque and historical town of Limburg an der Lahn. If looking for easy day trips from Frankfurt, then Limburg an der Lahn is one of the best and authentic German towns to visit. With its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and famous cathedral, Limburg an der Lahn is a must visit and one of my favorite towns. Here is how I spent one day in Limburg an der Lahn from Frankfurt. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Limburg an der Lahn Limburg an der Lahn is located in the German State of Hesse. The city is next to the River Lahn, hence the name Limburg an der Lahn, an der Lahn meaning on the River Lahn. From Cologne (Köln in German) Limburg an der Lahn is about an hour and fifteen minutes drive or an hour train ride. You can get here from Frankfurt as well under an hour drive or 30-minute train ride. Because of its location, Limburg an der Lahn makes for a great day trip from Frankfurt. Getting here from Frankfurt Limburg an der Lahn is roughly 63 km from Frankfurt making it an easy day trip. If driving, Limburg an der Lahn is located right off of the A3. If coming from Frankfurt Airport, just stay on the A3 until exiting to Limburg an der Lahn. If coming from downtown Frankfurt the A648 and A66 connect to the A3. From Frankfurt Airport, you can take the ICE train directly to Limburg Sud. Travel time is under 20 minutes. From Frankfurt Hbf you can take an ICE train. The journey by ICE is about 40 minutes with a couple stops. Once getting to Limburg, if driving, there are a few park houses near the old town center. How I spent One Day in Limburg: Things to do and See Limburg an der Lahn is a medium sized city with a population just over 35,000. It’s big enough where you can spend a half to full day here. Jill and I visited Limburg while on a road trip from the North Sea back to Frankfurt Airport. We were able to spend a few hours here. We grabbed lunch, checked out some of the sites, and even met a friend from neighboring Wiesbaden. Of course, the day we visited Limburg an der Lahn it rained, heavy at times most of the day, typical for German weather. Listed, is how we spent one day in Limburg an der Lahn and my recommendations on things to do. Limburg an der Lahn Altstadt Limburg an der Lahn has one of the prettiest and most well preserved town square’s I’ve ever seen in Germany. Many Altstadt’s or old towns I’ve visited in Germany have a nice square with a few half timber-framed houses. It seemed that most houses in Limburg an der Lahn were half timbered homes. They lined the small cobble stone streets throughout the entire town. My basic recommending when visiting Limburg is to walk the old streets and pay attention to the timber-framed houses. In German, these homes are know as Fachwerk houses. Other then looking at the beautiful buildings throughout the town, there are plenty of shops and restaurants. Limburg Cathedral (Dom zu Limburg) Besides the fachwerk or timbered homes scattered throughout Limburg, the next main attraction is the Limburg Cathedral (aka Dom zu Limburg, Limburger Dom, St. George’s Cathedral). The Limburg Cathedral is a massive cathedral with stunning architecture. It is perched on a rock located above the Lahn River. You can see the Cathedral from a distance. There has been a church at this site since the early to mid 800’s. Over the years it developed into what it is today. The cathedral combines Roman and Gothic styles and has a total of seven spires. Today, visitors can freely walk inside the church. When I was here, there was a wedding going on and they still allowed me to enter the cathedral. Like most famous sites you want to see in Europe, there was scaffolding on the towers at the time I visited (July, 2024). Don’t you hate that? Schloss Limburg Schloss Limburg (Schloss meaning Castle), is a small castle just behind the Limburg Cathedral. The castle dates back to around 910. When visiting, we just walked the perimeter of the castle and briefly walked into the courtyard. I am not sure if visitors are allowed inside or not. Nonetheless, from the courtyard you get nice views of the nature surrounding Limburg. Lunch or Dinner at a Local Restaurant Chances are, if you are visiting Limburg an der Lahn for a half or full day, you are going to want to sit down and try local German food. I recommend heading to Gasthaus Burgkeller for the atmosphere alone and good German meals like schnitzel or Sauerbraten. Gasthaus Burgkeller is a restaurant in a 17th century timber-framed building. Dining inside was an experience, just seeing what the inside of these historic buildings look like let alone being able to eat inside one. I ordered a Jäger Schnitzel with pommes (french fries). Honestly, it was not the best schnitzel I’ve ever had but it was still very good, especially paired with a good German beer. Since we were leaving toward the airport later in the day, I wanted to eat one more Spaghetti Eis. We went to a ice cream shop in the town center called Eiscafe Venezia. I ordered their Spaghetti Eis, although it was very good, I felt the service at this place lacked a bit. Our waiters just seemed very uninterested in providing service that day. At least the Spaghetti Eis was good! Conclusion Limburg an der Lahn was a very surprising destination. Prior to doing research I’ve never looked into visiting this beautiful city, it just never crossed my radar. After all there are so many beautiful cities in Germany. I’ve driven passed Limburg an der Lahn so many times growing up. I remember seeing the cathedral off in the distance from the autobahn. I am so glad to have finally stopped here for a day. Limburg an der Lahn is a beautiful city and underrated in my opinion. I definitely have plans to visit again when I am back in Germany. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇩🇪 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Barefoot Parks in Germany: Leguano Barfußpark in Friedeburg
Want to try something fun in Germany meanwhile getting exercise and treating your feet? Why not try visiting a Barefoot Park (Barfußpark in German). There are several barefoot parks in Germany that are worth visiting. Walk barefoot through several kilometers of trails. There is a catch! The trails are full of materials to step on from painful rocks to slushy mud. It can be painful yet feel so good! One of the better parks in Germany is the Leguano Barfußpark in Friedeburg, Lower Saxony. Learn all about Germany’s barefoot parks and maybe add one into your Germany itinerary for your next visit! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Barefoot Parks in Germany Germany is one of the only countries I’ve been to that has actual barefoot parks. Doing research, I’ve found that other countries do have barefoot parks, but Germany in particular has some of the best. If you look at a map of Germany, there are dozens of barefoot parks scattered throughout the country, especially on Germany’s western side. They are found from the southern state of Bavaria all the way north to Schleswig Holstein. Barfuß Park Bad Sobernheim is a popular one, given it’s location being so close to Frankfurt. This one has river crossings and a variety of terrains to walk barefoot on. Many of the bigger barefoot parks in Germany have extensive trails that can be several kilometers long. The trails have several different types of material you walk on from sand and mud to mulch and grass. Barfoot parks are definitely an adventure, bringing you and your family out in nature, walking, and having a lot of fun! Health Benefits of Barefoot Parks Not only are barefoot parks fun but it’s also a great form of exercise and has many health benefits. Walking barefoot and over different terrains has many health benefits. First, being in nature is relaxing and good for the mind. Walking barefoot helps strengthen the foots arch which in return supports the rest of your legs, knees, and even back. Think reflexology for the feet. Applying natural pressure to different parts of your feet helps both relax and strengthen your feet. Some portions of the barefoot trails are painful especially walking over the small and medium sized rocks, but it’s such a freeing and stress reduced feeling once finished. Leguano Barfußpark Leguano Barfußpark located in the city of Friedeburg, Lower Saxony, is one of the better barefoot parks in Germany. Leguano Barfußpark has 8 kilometers of trails which can take anywhere from 1 t o3 hours to complete. There is a shoe locker here and wash station to kind of clean your feet after walking the barefoot park. If you walk the trails here at Leguano Barfußpark you will face all kinds of different terrains and surfaces to walk on. You get the opportunity to walk on grass, wood logs, mulch, sand, stones, water, and even a peat pit that is full of mud. Honestly, walking through the peat was my favorite. Walking through the muddy water was fun, kind of gross, but felt great on the feet. Then the sand and mulch feels really good. The stones are a tad painful, it’s really hard to walk normal on the stones. But hey, whether it’s painful stones or muddy peat it’s all great for the feet and overall exercise. Getting to the Park Getting to Leguano Barfußpark is somewhat tricky because you can’t actually park there. Instead, you need to park further down the road. Don’t worry, there is a free shuttle us that takes visitors back and forth. If you type in Leguano Barfußpark in Google maps the pin actually takes you to the correct parking lot right by a local cafe. The quick 5 minute or so shuttle bus ride will drop you off directly at the park. Admission and Hours Admission Up to 6 Years Old – FreeAges 7 – 17 – €4.5018 Years and older – €9.50 Hours Open April until the end of September. April – May: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:00 am – 18:00June – August: Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 18:00September: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:00am – 18:00 **For the latest information on admission and hours, it is recommended to visit the official Leguano Barfußpark website. Conclusion When visiting Germany, why not try something new? Find the nearest barefoot park and if in northern Germany specifically in the state of Lower Saxony, go to Leguano Barfußpark. Do your mind and your feet a favor. Walking the trails at barefoot parks not only is a great nature escape but the health benefits are worth it. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇩🇪 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting Langeoog: One of Germany’s East Frisian Islands
Langeoog is one of Germany’s East Frisian Islands located in the North Sea. Langeoog is known for it’s long beaches, seaside village, and relaxed atmosphere. Langeoog can be reached by ferry but keep in mind that vehicles are not allowed on the island. The best way to explore the island is by foot, bike, or taking a horse-drawn carriage. When visiting Langeoog make sure to pack your beach gear and enjoy the relaxing island vibes. I created this post to share my day trip to Langeoog, including how to get to the island, what to do, and how to make the most out of your time on one of Germany’s most popular East Frisian Islands. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Langeoog Langeoog makes up one of the East Frisian (Ostfriesland in Germany) islands. In total, there are seven inhabited islands which include: Borkum Juist Norderney Baltrum Langeoog Spiekeroog Wangerooge The East Frisian Islands belong to the German state of Lower Saxony. These islands are in the Wadden Sea which makes up a part of the North Sea. Langeoog is a long island, the beach is 14 km long which is about 9 miles. Langeoog is primarily dunes and grassland with natural beaches. Langeoog is car free, so all visitors need to park at the ferry terminal. Once on Langeoog, you can rent bikes, walk, or take horse-drawn carriages. Langeoog relies on tourism especially during tourist season which is around the summer months. Parking and Taking the Ferry to Langeoog Since no cars are allowed on Langeoog, all visitors must park at one of the parking areas in Bensersiel. Am Hafen20 Parking is the main parking lot. When we visited it was full, I ended up parking just down the street in a grassy parking area. Of course, all parking areas are paid parking, but I think I paid €5 for the entire day. I visited in July and the place was packed, unfortunately, I had to get a ferry ticket an hour later then planned. So I recommend either coming to the ferry port earlier then expected or book online through the Langeoog website. The ferry from Bensersiel to Langeoog goes 5 times a day. The ferry journey takes anywhere from 30 – 45 minutes. The ferry is large with plenty of seating options both inside and outside. There are also children areas in the ferry. There are bathrooms on board as well as food and drink options. Once arriving at Langeoog, there is a small train that takes passengers from the pier to the train station in town. The train ticket is included in the ferry price. If visiting Langeoog for one day, you can get a roundtrip ferry ticket for €33 which includes the ferry and railway to get from the pier to the train station in town. For updated times and prices, I recommend looking on the Langeoog offical website. Things to do While Visiting Langeoog While Langeoog is a small island in relative terms there is plenty of activities and things to do here to keep you busy for a full day if not multiple days. My guide to Langeoog below is more of an itinerary for a Langeoog day trip, but many vacationers stay here for several days to weeks. In fact, I met a man from New York that was staying on Langeoog for 3 weeks. Here is how I spent one day on Langeoog Explore the downtown area The downtown area of Langeoog is easy to explore by foot. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and places to stay. I recommend visiting the Langeoog Church, mainly just because the style in East Frisia is unique to this region of Germany. Walk to the Langeoog Water Tower (Wasserturm) The water tower or wasserturm in German seemed to be a popular attraction in Langeoog. It’s up a few flight of stairs on the way to the beach. You come here for the views. You get a 360° view of the island and village itself. Explore the Hauptstrand Langeoog (Main Beach) Most tourists visiting Langeoog will come primarily to spend time on the beach. Langeoog has no shortage of beaches. Hauptstrand or the Main Beach in Langeoog stretches for 14 km. I was here in July and there were people swimming in the beach, although the water was still somewhat cold, at least for my likings. The beach here can be crowded. You will see people swimming, relaxing, playing games, or even participating in sport activities on the beach in Langeoog. We did spot a few jellyfish on the beach washed up. Doing research on jelly fish in the North Sea, they appeared to be Compass Jellyfish and were quite beautiful. Sample Local Food If visiting Langeoog, chances are you are coming at least a half day if not a full day or longer. Instead of bringing your own lunch, why not try some local island food at one of the many restaurants in the downtown area. I ended up going to a restaurant called Ebbe & Flut. Ebbe & Flut had a nice selection of local seafood options to vegan dishes. I ordered the Schollenfilet mit Queller. Schollen is a Plaice which is a type of flatfish. Queller is Salicornia which is a plant that grows in salt marshes and beaches found in the North Sea and other parts of the world. Other dishes ordered included the vegetarian lasagna and the potatoes vegetable curry. Keep in mind that prices on these islands are typically higher then you would find on mainland Germany. Stay at an Inn or Guest House I only did a day trip to Langeoog so I never stayed at an Inn or Guest House in Langeoog. But I have family that has stayed in Langeoog and it is highly recommended. Walking around Langeoog, there were plenty of vacation rentals and guest homes to stay at from single apartments to entire homes. Bike, Hike, or Walk to Explore more of Langeoog Since motor vehicles are not permitted on Langeoog, the best ways to get around the island is simply to walk, hike the trails, or rent a bike and ride around. There are bike rental shops on the island and some of the places to stay on Langeoog do have rentals. On a bike, you can travel the trail to the eastern most beach on Langeoog and perhaps even see some Grey Seals resting on the beach. We found a trail that went through the dunes that we hiked/walked for a bit. At high points, you get awesome views of the island. Conclusion If visiting the North Sea region in Germany I recommend taking a day trip to one of the East Frisian Islands. I had the opportunity to spend a day visiting Langeoog and highly recommend it. The main sites in Langeoog can be explored in a day but if staying longer, trust me you won’t get bored. Langeoog has plenty of beaches to walk, a cute downtown area, great bike paths, and tasty local restaurants. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇩🇪 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
10 Day Trips from Frankfurt, Germany that are Worthwhile
If you are visiting Germany, chances are you will fly into Frankfurt Airport. Don’t get me wrong, Frankfurt has a lot of great attractions and things to do. You can easily spend a day in Frankfurt and see Römerberg, visit a world class museum, and try great German food. But most visitors tend to avoid Frankfurt and venture elsewhere. Afterall, there are so many beautiful cities and traditional towns throughout Germany, many of which can easily be reached in a day from Frankfurt Airport. Whether you are renting a car in Germany or relying on the fabulous public transportation, here are 10 recommended day trips from Frankfurt that are worthwhile. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Frankfurt, Germany: Many visitors to Germany are going to fly into Frankfurt Airport. Since you are in Frankfurt already, might as well spend some time here and check out the surrounding area. Top Day Trips from Frankfurt: Mainz and Wiesbaden Würzburg Rothenburg ob der Tauber Where to Stay in Frankfurt: If you want to stay near the city center, look into the City Centre Hotel Neue Kraeme Am Roemer if you want to stay closer to the airport and have shuttle service, look into the Vienna House by Wyndham Frankfurt Airport. Day Trips from Frankfurt, Germany There are so many day trips from Frankfurt that are possible within either a short drive or train ride. You can go to cities like Mannheim and Heidelberg or even Koblenz or Köln (Cologne). The 10 day trips from Frankfurt I have listed are my personal favorite destinations and ones I’ve visited within the last decade or so. This is a good list of decent sized cities to medieval towns. I ordered the towns below by nearest driving distance from Frankfurt Airport. 1. Wiesbaden Perhaps one of the easiest day trips from Frankfurt is Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden is about a 25 minute drive from Frankfurt Airport or a 40 minute train ride. If you have a half day or better yet a full day, Wiesbaden makes for the perfect visit from Frankfurt. Wiesbaden is home to the Goldgasse, Heidenmauer, Kurpark, the beautiful Marktkirche, and so much more. You can get a traditional meal at Der Andechser and enjoy a great German Bier! 2. Mainz Just on the other side of Wiesbaden across the Rhine River is the historical city of Mainz. Mainz is about a 35 minute drive or a 30 minute train ride from Frankfurt Airport. You could theoretically tack on a quick visit to Mainz on the same day as Wiesbaden, but I don’t recommend it, just because there is so much do see in each city. In Mainz, pay a visit to the Mainz Römisches Theater (Roman Theater), the Mainz Cathedral (Dm St. Martin), 3. Aschaffenburg Aschaffenburg, a 40 minute drive from Frankfurt Airport or a 50 minute train ride is a city in the German state of Bavaria. Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg is worth the day trip from Frankfurt alone. This palace was built in the early 1600’s but was destroyed during WWII. It has since been fully rebuilt. Aschaffenburg is just a beautiful city to explore. The main street is full of beautiful buildings, shopping areas, and great restaurants! 4. Limburg an der Lahn About a 42 minute car ride or a 20 minute train ride from Frankfurt Airport is the medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Limburg an der Lahn is that typical German town you think of with timber-framed buildings, “fachwerk” in German. Many towns will have timer-framed houses usually around the old town market. Even then, there might only be a few. But Limburg an der Lahn had hundreds of timer-framed buildings throughout the entire town. Limburg an der Lahn can be seen in a half day although I recommend spending an entire day here. Outside of the timer-framed buildings, Limburg an der Lahn has a beautiful cathedral and castle. For a good German meal in Limburg an der Lahn, I recommend trying Gatshaus Burgkeller. You can find great German food here inside of an old 17th century half-timbered building. 5. Mespelbrunn Castle Less then an hour by car is one of Germany’s most beautiful and peaceful castles, Mespelbrunn Castle. Mespelbrunn Castle is most notable for its beautiful moat that surrounds the castle. Its origins begin in the 15th century. Mespelbrunn Castle never did see war and was spared during the Thirty Years’ War due to it’s secluded location. Today, visitors are free to walk the grounds and tour the insides of Mespelbrunn Castle. Mespelbrunn is only a 25 minute drive from Aschaffenburg, so it can be combined as a day trip from Frankfurt. 6. Würzburg Würzburg, Germany one of my favorite cities is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Frankfurt Airport and can be reached by train in about an hour and a half. Würzburg is a moderately sized city and you need a minimum of a full day here but I recommend at least two days if time permits. If you have one day to spend in Würzburg, I recommend starting at the Residence. The Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. After visiting the Residence in Würzburg, head to the altstadt or old town and make your way across the Mainbrücke or Old Main Bridge. From here you get great views of the Marienberg Castle. After taking some photos and enjoying the views from the Mainbrücke, you can either hike to the Marienberg or take a taxi to the top. I recommend walking to the castle. It’s not a bad trek and there are several historical sites that you pass by. Other recommended sites to see in Würzburg include the Kappele, Würzburg Cathedral, New Munster Church, and simply explore the city. Würzburg has a great food scene, you can find great Bavarian food, Greek food, vegetarian restaurants, and of course places selling Döner Kebabs. If you are looking for a more in depth review on Würzburg, I have a post on What to Do, See, and Eat, in Würzburg. 7. Fulda Like Würzburg, Fulda is about 1 hour and 15 to 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Frankfurt Airport. Fulda makes for a great day trip from Frankfurt and probably isn’t really on anyone’s radar, meaning you won’t bump in to to many tourists in Fulda. I’ve been to Fulda dozens of times and it’s one of my favorite cities in Germany. Fulda is very pedestrian friendly and has much to offer. The Fulda Cathedral, St. Michael’s Church, the Schlossgarten (Palace Gardens), and altstadt (old town) are all a must when visiting Fulda. 8. Bad Kissingen About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Frankfurt Airport is the spa town of Bad Kissingen. Bad Kissingen is a famous spa town but not well known to outsiders and is considered to be one of the Great Spa Towns of Germany which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When visiting Bad Kissingen, I just recommend wandering the town and relaxing whether it be at one of the spas or at a local ice cream dealer. You get a sense of a tropical island here making it really feel like a vacation destination. 9. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s especially Bavaria’s most famous towns. At 1 hour and 45 minutes from Frankfurt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is quite a ways from Frankfurt but totally worth it. A day trip from Frankfurt is certainly possible and Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not that big o it can be explored in a half to full day. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval city surrounded by a city wall. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is very pedestrian friendly once inside the walls. I highly recommend visiting the altstadt, most notably the market square. Don’t miss out on the Medieval Crime Museum or Kriminalmuseum in German. This museum has a lot of examples of methods of torture and torture equipment that was used back in the day. I wrote more about Rothenburg’s torture museum in my Dark Tourism Post. You have to try a Schneeball (snowball). It’s a specialty in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and can be found in several shops. It’s a fried pastry that is in the shape of a snowball. You can get a variety of schneeball flavors from plain sugar to Nutella. 10. Nuremberg The furthest recommended day trip on my list is Nuremburg at 2 hours and 30 minutes. Nuremburg can easily reached by either car or train. Nuremburg is a big city with many attractions. Ideally, you would want to spend an entire day here if not two. But if you do only have a day to explore Nuremburg from Frankfurt. I recommend making your way to the Frauenkirche (church) and then walking to Nuremberg Castle. Between the church and castle, there are many other churches worth seeing and historical buildings that are interesting to look at. The whole downtown area of Nuremberg is amazing to just walk around in. For a meal, try Nürnberger Bratwursts. Nürnberger Bratwursts are smaller then regular bratwursts but taste just as great! You can get them fresh off the grill from a street vendor or at a local restaurant. Conclusion There are so many day trips from Frankfurt and many I haven’t even listed or even visited. I’m sure, others would agree or disagree with my recommended day trips from Frankfurt but I personally chose these locations based on my experiences and audience. Provided are amazing destinations in Germany that are close to Frankfurt Airport like Wiesbaden and other locations that do take some planning like Nuremburg. But whatever destination you decide on, I guarantee it will make for a great day trip from Frankfurt. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇩🇪 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Hildesheim, Germany: Exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Hildesheim, Germany, located in Lower Saxony is probably not on most peoples radar when they travel to Germany. In fact, I’ve never heard of Hildesheim until I looked up a route from Würzburg to the North Sea and wanted to see if there were any UNESCO sites. Sure enough, Hildesheim showed up because two churches, St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If, like me, and you are trying to visit UNESCO sites in Germany, then spending a day in Hildesheim is well worth the effort. This post covers information on Hildesheim’s UNESCO sites and a few more sites to see in the city. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Hildesheim on a Map Hildesheim is a city located in the German state of Lower Saxony or Niedersachsen in German. It is conveniently located right off the Autobahn 7 (A7), so traveling via car is really easy and the most recommended way to visit Hildesheim. Hildesheim is about an hour and a half from Bremen and a half hour south of Hanover. Hildesheim UNESCO World Heritage Sites In total, Germany has 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim are part of UNESCO and were added to the list in 1985. According to UNESCO, these churches were built around the years 1010 and 1020 and are perfect examples of Romanesque Churches of the Holy Roman Empire. St. Mary’s Cathedral St. Mary’s Cathedral also known as the Hildesheim Cathedral is known for it’s unique art and architecture. St Mary’s Cathedral first started as a chapel in 815 and the cathedral was built in 872. During WWII, the cathedral was destroyed and was rebuilt in the 1950’s and 1960’s. What makes St. Mary’s Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not the cathedral itself but the artwork and treasures within the cathedral. Bernward of Hildesheim, a Bishop has many works of art that are still at the cathedral, to include the famous Bernward Doors. According to information at the church, the doors depict events that took place from the book of Genesis and the life of Christ. Make sure to walk in the courtyard to see the Thousand year Rose. This is a rosebush that is said to date back to the year 815. St. Michael’s Church The other major church in Hildesheim that is part of UNESCO is St. Michael’s Church. According to the UNESCO website St. Michael’s Church was built with two apses that are seen in a lot of Ottonian Romanesque architecture. Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim is said to have started the construction of this church and dedicating it to the archangel Michael. Bernward of Hildesheim died during the construction of the church and his successor, Bishop Godehard completed the construction of the church in the year 1031. Like St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s Church was heavily damaged during a bombing raid in 1945. The church was rebuilt in the 1950’s. Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim lies in the churches western crypt. The beautifully decorated wooden ceiling of St. Michael’s Church is a masterpiece that stands out. Other Things to do in Hildesheim You can easily spend a half to a full day in Hildesheim. St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church are not the only attractions in Hildesheim. We spent about a half day in Hildesheim en route to the North Sea. Below are a few of the other attractions and sites we saw in Hildesheim that are worthwhile. St. Andreas Church Not part of UNESCO like the other two churches, St. Andreas Church is still an impressive church to see in Hildesheim. St. Andreas Church is considered to be the tallest church in Lower Saxony at a tower height of 114.5 meters. The majority of the church burnt down in 1945 during WWII but has since been rebuilt almost exactly to what it was prior to the war. Marktplatz (Town Center or Market Place) When visiting Hildesheim, do not miss out on the old town center (Marktplatz in German). The town center here is beautiful! Prior to WWII there were hundreds if not thousands of half-timbered homes in the area. Today, there are only a handful. Most notable buildings surrounding the marktplatz are the Rathaus (townhall), Knochenhauer-Amtshaus (Butcher’s Guild House), and the Wedekindhaus. There is also a great information center here at the marktplatz with free brochures, souvenirs, and local beer and wine. Walk Around the Pferdemarkt and Hoherweg If you need to do some shopping or looking for a place to eat lunch/dinner. I recommend heading to the Pferdemarkt and Hoherweg area. Hoherweg is your typical German shopping street lined with generic stores. Pferdemarkt and Judenstrasse are similar. There are lovely restaurants, ice cream shops, and bistros found around the area. We found a nice Döner Kebab place called Lawinia. Conclusion Hildesheim, Germany is home to St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church, both listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most visitors who come to Hildesheim primary visit these two heritage sites and for good reason. These sites are prime examples of Romanesque Churches with a long history and important artifacts. After visiting both St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church there is still much to be discovered in Hildesheim. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇩🇪 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Exploring the Dark Side: Dark Tourism Sites Visited Around the World
Is dark tourism a growing trend among travelers around the world? Visitors seeking out attractions and locations that are associated with death, tragedy, bizarreness, and the macabre. Dark tourism includes visiting sites that are considered to be unordinary, tragic, and sometimes even scary. I myself have always been fascinated by dark tourism, even before it was a thing. I enjoy learning about the darker side of history and realizing that travel is not always pretty and perfect. This post we’ll take a look at some of the dark tourism sites I’ve visited around the world. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! ***Warning*** There are images and topics in this post some viewers might find disturbing. What is Dark Tourism? To me, dark tourism is defined as visiting attractions and places that involve some sort of tragedy or unusual place of interest. Everyone has their own version of what dark tourism truly is. To some it might be visiting a war museum and to others it can mean visiting a site of immense tragedy. Dark tourism generally involves traveling to places or visiting attractions that are associated with death, catastrophe, haunted places, locations where horrific events occurred, or even places with bizarre artifacts and unusual oddities. When it comes down to it, every traveler has visited a dark tourist spot whether it be the catacombs in Paris and ruins of Pompeii in Italy or the atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima. Dark Tourism Sites We’ve Visited I’ve always been fascinated by dark tourism. I’d say I have morbid curiosity when it comes to traveling. I enjoy learning and seeing as much as possible, both good and bad. Traveling is not always pretty. Many people travel to Poland just to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or maybe to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to catch a glimpse of Ötzi the Iceman. I’ve found myself traveling to destinations specifically for a dark tourist attraction, like the Mummies of Guanajuato in Mexico or paying a visit to the Yde Girl in Assen, Netherlands. If you are like me and curious about dark tourism, here is a list of dark tourism sites around the world that I have personally visited broken down by region. Asia Cambodia Siem Reap Killing Fields The Siem Reap Killing Fields are a tragic reminder about Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Located between downtown Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is the Killing Fields of Siem Reap and this museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the Cambodia genocide. Today, visitors can go to the Killing Fields and learn about the atrocities that took place here. Some of the information and depictions are pretty graphic. There is well here on the site where upwards to 50 to 60 bodies were recovered from. There is also a mass grave site. Japan Aokigahara Forest (Japan’s Suicide Forest) When it comes to dark tourism, Japan’s Aokigahara Forest or informally known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest” is probably one of the world’s most famous sites. Known around the world as the “Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest unfortunately received this name due to the high volume of suicides that occur at this location. Aokigahara Forest has been the subject of many horror films, folklore, and stories. Today, anyone can visit Japan’s “Suicide Forest.” Honestly, the forest is quite beautiful. There are hiking trails throughout the forest and visitors can even explore Narusawa Ice Cave and Wind Cave. Okinawa Battle Sites During the Battle of Okinawa, anywhere from 12,000 Americans and over 100,000 Japanese lost their lives. The island of Okinawa has a long history, unfortunately WWII is one of the most notable historical events that occurred on and around Okinawa. Some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific occurred on Okinawa. There are many sites in Southern Okinawa related to the war that can be visited today. I’m surprised dark tourists don’t flock to Okinawa. Some of the famous sites include Hacksaw Ridge, the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, and the Peace Memorial Museum. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is not to be missed especially if seeking out the darker side of history. Visitors can walk through the tunnels and view some of the special rooms. One room that stood out to me had holes all over the walls and ceiling from a grenade that was used by an officer to end their life. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Besides visiting Aokigahara Forest, dark tourists will most likely find themselves visiting either the cities of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Both cities were devastated by atomic bombs during WWII and there are still remnants remaining around each city left as a reminder of the devastation that took place. If visiting Hiroshima, you can pay a visit to the hypo center, A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Honkawa Elementary School, and Bank of Japan. Although Nagasaki is less visited then Hiroshima, there are many sites related to the war that are of interest. Visitors can go to the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Sokushin-Butsu (Buddhist Mummies in Japan) Japan might be one of the last countries you’d think would have mummies. But in northern Japan in Yamagata Prefecture, there are Sokushin-Butsu, which is a Buddhist Mummy. I am definitely interested in visiting dark tourist sites in Japan. I visited the Buddhist Temple of Dainichibou while on a road trip through the Prefecture of Yamagata. This temple has the mummified remains of Shinnyokai-Shounin. According to information at the temple, Shinnyokai-Shounin was a Buddhist Monk during the Edo period who became a Sokushin-Butsu. These monks sacrificed their lives and practiced ascetic disciplines according to the temple. The monks would not eat grain, instead they ate nuts, tree roots, bark, wild plants, among other natural edibles. They then fasted on saltwater for 42 days and drank Urushi (An ingredient in lacquer) basically beginning the mummify process while still alive. After self mummification, Shinnyokai-Shounin buried himself alive. Again, according to the temple, after 1,000 days of being buried, the body would be exhumed. Today, visitors can go to Dainichibou and see the mummified body of Shinnyokai-Shounin sitting there. You can partake in rituals. Just be warned, photographs of the mummy are not allowed. Vietnam Hoa Lo Prison No trip to Hanoi, Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hoa Lo Prison. Vietnam has many dark tourist sites, mainly around Ho Chi Minh City but Hanoi has its fair share like the Vietnam Military Museum or the notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Hoa Lo Prison, or “The Hanoi Hilton,” is a historical prison that was built in the late 1800’s during the French occupation. First, the prison was built to house political prisoners. Then it was used by the Vietnamese as a prison for US prisoners of war. During the French occupation, Hoa Lo Prison was a place of nightmares. Prisoners were kept in horrendous conditions where sickness spread, food was poor, and the prison was at max capacity. Europe Croatia Froggyland More bizarre then dark is the Museum of Froggy Land in Split, Croatia. While exploring Split, we stumbled upon this museum by accident and of course our curiosity led us to visit one of the more bizarre museums I’ve ever visited. Froggy Land is a museum in Split, Croatia. The museum has taxidermied frogs on display. Each display has several taxidermied frogs that appear to be doing human day to day activities like going to school, working in a shop, or getting into some sort of trouble. According to the Froggy Land website, the collection consists of 507 stuffed frogs. Germany Berlin Wall The Berlin Wall was a 155 Kilometer (96 Miles) long wall that separated West Berlin from East Berlin. The Berlin Wall was nearly built overnight on August 13, 1961 separating neighborhoods and even families in an instant. The Berlin Wall was heavily guarded and guards were ordered to shoot on sight if anyone attempted to flee into Western Germany. Overall, around 140 people lost their lives before it finally fell on November 9, 1989. Today, there are portions of the Berlin Wall that still stand in certain parts of the city. Medieval Crime Museum (Rothenburg Torture Museum) Who doesn’t love a good torture museum? Well, the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber has thousands of exhibits related to history, humiliation, punishment, and torture. You can spend hours at this museum viewing the shame masks, torture devices, and other historical artifacts. There is even an Iron Maiden on display and various types of axes and swords used for beheadings. Italy Capuchin Crypt in Rome In Rome, visit the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. This is the site of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The museum itself was interesting, you get an audio guide and learn about the Capuchin Friars. But the reason I visited the church was to check out the crypt. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 4,000 Capuchin friars. In the crypt there are interesting displays from bone chandeliers to wall art made from the bones of the Capuchin friars. Rome Colosseum If you think of the Roman Colosseum, you probably would not think of it as a dark tourist site. In my opinion, it fits the whole concept of “Dark Tourism” based on the historical events that took place. Think about it, you are visiting a monumental site known around the world, the Roman Colosseum which was home to brutal gladiator battles, public executions, and animal hunts where at times tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered. The colosseum although impressive is kind of a symbol of violence and human suffering. Netherlands Bog Bodies of Europe I took a road trip from northern Germany to Assen, Netherlands, just to visit the Drents Museum and see the Yde Girl. The Netherlands has plenty of dark tourist sites and seeing the Yde Girl, a Bog Body is one of them. Bog bodies are mummified bodies that have been discovered in bogs, primarily in Northern Europe to include the United Kingdom. Bog bodies can be thousands of years old. Many of them, so well preserved they have been mistaken for recent murder victims. The Yde Girl is a well preserved bog body at Assen’s Drents Museum, in the Archaeology Department. The Yde Girl was dug up in the Netherlands in 1897. Found with a noose around her neck, which appeared to be quite common among other bod bodies, she most likely died from being a victim of sacrifice or from wounds inflicted of being tortured. Veenhuizen: National Prison Museum Another dark tourist site in the Netherlands is the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen. We stopped at the prison museum while en route to the beautiful city of Groningen. What we know and see today as the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen was at one point an actual prison housing criminals. The prison is pretty interactive and starts off with torture and forms of punishments that date back hundreds of years. From here you can walk through the rest of the prison. Visitors can see what cells where like, get to know, more like read about some of the prisoners that stayed here in the past, and learn a little about the Netherlands past and current legal systems. Poland Auschwitz-Birkenau One of the most intense, sad, and chilling places I’ve ever visited has to be Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Auschwitz is huge, you can spend most the day here walking around the concentration camp. Visitors will see the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, Gate to Auschwitz, crematoriums, barracks, the “death wall,” gallows, and even the site where Josef Mengele performed medical experiments. Some of the rooms that really hit me hard were the evidence rooms showing piles among piles of items that