January: Until the end of the world
by Roman Kloibhofer
The tranquility in these climes, at the southernmost end of the continents, is poignant. Anyone who crosses the fjords of southern Chile and southern Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes, with a ship will experience what it means to have traveled to the end of the world. From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to Santiago de Chile – this trip offers insights into one of the most beautiful regions in the world. You will soon read a report about it in the OÖNachrichten.
February: From the city to the slopes
by Herbert Schorn
Only a few cities have that to offer: In Innsbruck, anyone who wants to can ski directly from the center onto the slopes. It is not uncommon to see skiers booting through the city center with their two boards on their shoulders. The Patscherkofelbahn takes you to 2000 meters, from where you wag down into the valley. But the Tyrolean capital also has a lot to offer aside from sports. Maria-Theresien-Straße is recommended for shopping, if you need time to rest, the pretty, nostalgic Café Munding is recommended, animal lovers can watch ibex, chamois and marmot in the Alpine zoo. Culture fans will also get their money’s worth (when there is no lockdown): Mozart’s “Magic Flute” will be played in the Landestheater in February, and Bryan Adams has announced himself for February 6th. The best thing about Innsbruck, however, is its inhabitants – and their dashing, gnarled dialect.
March: When the desert is in bloom
by Bernhard Lichtenberger
An unbearable 54.4 degrees Celsius were measured in Death Valley on July 10, 2021. Anyone who goes to this glowing furnace in summer, in which California and Nevada have a share, is your own fault – the car and RV rental companies advise against it anyway.
In spring the desert shows a different, fascinating face, when wildflowers bloom and the pleasant temperatures tempt you to hike through the otherwise inhumane national park. There is plenty to discover: the narrow gorge of the Mosaic Canyon, the salted Badwater Basin 86 meters below sea level, the 1669 meter high Dante’s View, the Mesquite sand dunes towering up to 50 meters or the bizarre Landscape from Zabriskie Point, immortalized in the film of the same name by Michelangelo Antonioni 1970.
April: Déjà-vu in the East
by Verena Gabriel
When I first came to Krakow, I was looking forward to seeing a good friend again, who spent her semester abroad there and raved about the cheap (beer) prices. Apart from the fact that ten euros were enough for a portion of pierogi (filled dumplings) and two cold drinks, the southern Polish metropolis attracts with its historical treasures. If you stroll from the medieval old town to the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, you will discover many of them. Places that served as a film set in “Schindler’s List”, the market square with the Cloth Hall, the monumental St. Mary’s Church or the Wawel Castle. Only the poorly insulated buildings I had to complain about on the New Year’s Eve trip. My resolution at the time: Cracow will see me again sometime in the spring. I want to experience a déjà-vu with Pierogi and Polish beer outside in the sun.
May: Dolce Vita once in Slovenian
by Barbara Rohrhofer
If you think of Grado on short trips to the south, you should take a detour to Ljubljana in 2022. The Slovenian capital, Ljubljanica in German, has a lot to offer for tourists: real Mediterranean flair, romantic alleys to stroll through, many magnificent buildings, unique bridges, a promenade on the Ljubljanica with many cafes and fine restaurants. Here people drink, eat, chat and laugh. The apparent lightness of being of the residents of the city that has long been one of the top culinary addresses in Europe is impressive. Above everything is the medieval fortress (photo) on a rocky promontory and of course the dragon, the landmark of Ljubljana – which can be reached in less than four and a half hours by car.
June: Almost like Hawaii
by Sigrid Brandstätter
Last year I was confident at this point that I would be able to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Some Greek letter will probably prevent that again this year. If you postpone your Pacific long-distance travel plans, you will find an alternative in the Atlantic: a short stay for one or two days in Lisbon – one of the safe vaccination capitals of Europe – and then: on to the Azores. The nine islands are – like Hawaii – far away from the continent, are of volcanic origin and therefore very scenic with natural swimming pools and waterfalls, offer flowering vegetation and even whale watching at the right time of year. At the beginning of June that should still fit. Whether two, three or even four islands – this decision has not yet been made …
July: There is no heat on the peaks
by Heidi Riepl
Not only mountain lovers should go to Lungau in summer. There are many unique advantages to discover in the Salzburg region around Tamsweg: The Lungau is the sunniest area in Austria. But it’s never unbearably hot there.
Since the entire region is over 1000 meters above sea level, the nights are always pleasantly cool. And what’s more: if you want to enjoy unique views over the entire Alpine panorama, you don’t need to be an extreme climber. Away from the main tourist routes, you can also climb impressive peaks over 2000 meters in simple hikes and with children. Allergy sufferers should also consider the Lungau as a holiday destination: house dust mites hate the mountain air there.
August: From Cannes to the Calanques
by Annette Gantner
Planning a vacation in the south of France is not easy. Too much is tempting, too much wants to be discovered and yet it doesn’t matter where you settle down.
It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy the savoir-vivre in Cannes, bury your feet in the golden sand on the Île de Porquerolle, watch the locals jump off the rocks at the Calanques or be inspired by the light and Provence.
The south of France is a delightful mixture: the temperatures are pleasant, the sea so refreshing that jellyfish do not feel comfortable, the sand is velvety. The vegetation is lush: palm trees and grapevines grow side by side. The day begins in the patisserie and ends with an ice-cold glass of rosé while you watch the pétanque players. Nowhere is idleness more beautiful.
September: Owa from the gas in the mountains
by Klaus Buttinger
Since the invention of electricity, the world has revolved around volts, watts, bits and bytes. The person hangs on the cable like the dog on the man. Now the word should not be spoken about withdrawal from the dog, but the temporary turning away from the electricity. In a halfway lonely mountain hut you can really crash down, get up with the black grouse and go to bed with them. You have time again to go hiking with your partner, to talk, play cards or otherwise balance the relationship. Incidentally, it is also possible to take a dog with you in many huts.
More information: huetten.com, huettenland.com, huetten-mieten.at, almliesl.com etc.
October: Sarajevo – as beautiful as it is underrated
by Ulrike Griessl
Do you think you already know all of the must-see capitals in Europe? In all likelihood you have missed a worthwhile travel destination: Sarajevo – one of the most underrated capitals of our continent. Shaped by its history and several hostile takeovers in the past centuries, this city, which is located in a basin surrounded by green hills, fascinates with its various cultural influences. Large mosques stand next to Christian and Orthodox churches, as well as Ottoman ones next to socialist and modern buildings. In the narrow streets of the old town you feel like you have been transported to another world, you can enjoy an oriental flair.
November: an island for every taste
by Karoline Ploberger
While the neighboring island of Mauritius is considered a honeymooner’s paradise, hardly anyone is aware of the unique natural treasures just 200 kilometers away on La Réunion. Tropical forests in the east, paradisiacal beaches in the west and south, and not to forget: the fabulous taste of real bourbon vanilla.
The Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, watches over this natural paradise: La Réunion captivates everyone who has set foot on the French island in the Indian Ocean. With daytime temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees, a trip to the overseas department lets the gloomy November days fall into oblivion.
December: Off to the cold north
by Roswitha Fitzinger
Rome is to blame. Getting to know the Eternal City in November has proven to be spot on. So I am daring the next visit to a European capital at an unusual time of the year: Helsinki. If cold, then neat. If cloudy, it is because the sun is reluctant to rise. I want to ice skate and cross-country ski in the middle of the city, warm up again with a Glögi, a kind of mulled wine, or sweat in Löyly, a modern sauna by the sea, and watch the Finns ice swimming. The Design District is also a must-see, as is the Oodi Library, the latest masterpiece of Finnish architecture, and Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s official Christmas street. There is a lot to discover.
Source: Nachrichten
