Road Trips

Germany’s National Parks: Müritz National Park

Whether you’re from the coast or from somewhere inland, there’s something magical about water. Müritz National Park, which is located in the northeast German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is definitely magical…. Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park

Located less than an hour from Kaiserslautern, Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is Germany’s newest national park. It is also one of its best. Established in 2015 with territory in both Saarland… Read more

7 Tips for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Germany

story by Susan Melnyk Although Valentine’s Day has long been celebrated in one form or another, the essentials have evolved to be about the same in Germany as in the… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Saxon Switzerland National Park

It might surprise you to learn that Saxon Switzerland National Park is nowhere near Switzerland. In fact, the park is nestled just against Czechia. Don’t let that deter you from… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest is world-famous, for good reason. The thickly wooded, mountainous terrain has a powerful mystique that goes far beyond its cuckoo-clock reputation. It is also home to one… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Berchtesgaden National Park

Set in a tiny nook in southeast Bavaria, nearly surrounded by Austria, Berchtesgaden just might be Germany’s most beautiful national park. The park summons so many superlatives: majestic, breathtaking, raw,… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Jasmund National Park

Jasmund National Park feels like Germany’s last frontier. Located on the island of Rügen (Germany’s largest), Jasmund (Germany’s smallest national park) is beautiful, tranquil, and historic. The park’s chalky white… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Bavarian Forest National Park

Germany’s Bavarian Forest National Park is wild, rugged, and beautiful. Nestled against the Czech border, just a short drive north from Passau, the park is a safe haven for the… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Eifel National Park

Germany’s Eifel region is often overlooked. Just a short trip from Kaiserslautern, this land of lakes, ancient volcanoes, forests and rolling hills is ideal for bikers, hikers, road trippers and… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Lower Oder Valley National Park

Lower Oder Valley National Park is a special place. Germany’s only wetland national park is filled with water, reclaimed land, incredible views, and unique wildlife. Nestled against the border of… Read more

Unbe-leaf-able: 4 places to see amazing autumn colors in Germany

Forests are an essential part of Germany. Naturally, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons around. Gold, orange and red leaves are yours to see all over the country…. Read more

Karlsruhe: Germany’s overlooked gem

For many of us, Karlsruhe is a mostly just a familiar name on a blue Autobahn sign. From Kaiserslautern, we zoom past it heading south to the Alps. From Stuttgart,… Read more

Turin: 7 reasons to go to Italy’s amazing Alpine city

Turin is one of Italy’s best and most unexpected cities. Located at the foot of the Alps and packed with parks and tree-lined boulevards, this isn’t hot, touristy Italy. This… Read more

Passau: Three Rivers and the World’s Largest Church Organ

Passau is one of eastern Bavaria’s best destinations. Located at the confluence of three rivers (including the mighty Danube), the city has history, an amazing castle, brilliant Baroque churches, and… Read more

Salzburg: Austria’s shining star

For a town of only 160,000 people, Salzburg is a cultural star. A UNESCO world heritage city, this Austrian gem offers music, festivals, art, beer, food, history, architecture and so… Read more

Maastricht: A city of history and mystery

Maastricht is special. It’s the oldest city in the Netherlands (settled around 50 BC), yet in many ways feels like the newest. Maastricht is vibrant, historic, creative, international, and easier… Read more

Bremen: A city explorer’s paradise

Alive with music, food, drink, culture, parks, and water, Bremen is a brilliant place to visit. It has the vital energy of a Northern German city, but is much easier… Read more

Burghausen: see the world’s longest castle

Nestled in southeast Bavaria on the Austrian border, Burghausen is an ideal destination for a long weekend. A small, walkable town, Burghausen features the longest castle in the world and… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Oppenheim

Oppenheim is a place of wine and water, a small town on the banks of the Rhine where the circle of life is very much present. It is a place… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Pforzheim

Pforzheim embodies so much that is good about Germany. With more than 100,000 people, it’s large enough to offer something for every traveler, and small enough that navigating it doesn’t… Read more

Klagenfurt, Austria

Discover beautiful Klagenfurt in Austria

Klagenfurt, Austria – experience gorgeous lakes, spectacular views of forest covered hills and soaring mountains which tower over the cityscape.

Visit Dresden

5 Cities to Visit in Germany

Here are five amazing places to visit in such a country so rich in diverse attraction and culture.

Stone Age Dwellings at Pfahlbau Museum

Pfalhbau is an interactive and educational museum. It presents archaeologically reconstructed versions of lake dwellings of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Round, orange and good for the soul: German pumpkin fests

The American love affair with pumpkins is well documented. On the other side of the Atlantic, autumn is the season in which decorative gourds pop to life all across the… Read more

Weimar – cultural capital of the 18th century

Let Weimar’s rich cultural and literary history enchant you during a cozy weekend away in former East Germany. Here’s the thing: I love historical figures. There’s just something about learning what inspired… Read more

Bamberg

Neuschwanstein Castle and The King of Kitsch

Corona update: the castles are open, masks are mandatory. Admission only with a guided tour- available in English or German so make sure to plan ahead. I have lived in… Read more

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle opposite Neuschwanstein

Conveniently found in the foot of the Alps, Hohenschwangau Castle is undoubtedly one of the best strategically placed castles of all time.

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Idar-Oberstein

Something about Idar-Oberstein feels almost mythical. During the journey there, shadows and light dance through trees while two-lane roads wind through valleys and forests. When you arrive in the large… Read more

Follow the German Timber-frame Road — Part 2

Click here for part 1 Celle: Returning to the Timber-Frame Road, to the west of Quedlinburg and south of Stade, is the village of Celle. Celle has the largest collection of… Read more

Follow the German timber-frame road (part 1)

For many a road-tripper, traveling through Germany evokes images of storybook villages surrounded by lush forests, castles perched high on mountaintops, or mysterious Roman or Celtic artifacts in unsuspecting locations…. Read more

The Five Best Outdoor Breaks in Europe

For those seeking an outdoor adventure of a lifetime, here are five of the best outdoor breaks Europe has to offer!

Camp in a Castle

by Kat Nickola “I see it!” my son yells. He adjusts his backpack. It is full, with his sleeping bag, mat, and clothes for the night. “Where?” I ask, hustling along… Read more

Go Back in Time at the Keltenpark in Otzenhausen

by Kat Nickola I’m standing outside a Celtic longhouse watching the Celtic way to make and hold fire. Herr Klaus Zahneisen is a docent at the Keltenpark Otzenhausen. He shows us the special… Read more

A Provincial Masterpiece

Van Gogh knew it. Monet knew it. Picasso knew it. I know it. Soon, you’ll know it, too: it doesn’t get much more picturesque than Provence in South East France. The… Read more

Exploring the Grim Nuclear Bunkers of Area One

by Kat Nickola Roughly an hour south of Kaiserslautern is a fascinating remnant of the Cold War era. What had been a special weapons depot is now a site preserved in… Read more

Need an Adventure? How About Kili?

“Time to get up,” was the soft but forceful sound my tent mate and I heard at 11:30 p.m. That’s right, 11:30 p.m. That was just six hours after being… Read more

6 Sunny Getaways to Help You Beat the Winter Blues

Betty Williams was definitely onto something when she said: “When all else fails, take a vacation!” With winter still going strong and temps still dropping, it’s only natural to want… Read more

Paris: More than just the City of Love

Though traveling in the world today can be a bit nerve-wrecking, here are a few tips from a traveling artisan to experience Paris.

Konstanz- A Calm Lake City

Konstanz (Constance) is a lively, yet relaxing famous university town offering a wide range of leisure activities for visitors of all ages.

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Worms

Worms makes an excellent destination for a day trip. It is packed with outstanding architecture, pedestrian zones and green space. It is steeped in history, too. As one of Germany’s… Read more