I sort-of expected Salzburg to be a smaller Vienna, but not even close. The Old Town is tucked into a sheer-cliff mountain range, home to Fortress Hohensalzburg & a Monestary/Katacombs to touch the surface. Stunning churches, countless passageways…
Christmas Markets Europe 2023
Europe embraces Christmas Markets with a clear passion. (or is it all about socializing around Gluhwein & Punsch ?) Lights, color, crafts and soooo much to see. As a solo traveler, its an easy way to feel a part…
Sigmaringen Castle Germany
After an eventful regional train journey, I arrived at Sigmaringen, home to Germany’s second biggest city palace. The best view of the Palace is from the other side of the Danube, standing imposing upon an original Castle foundation. The audioguided…
Hohenbaden Castle Germany
After enjoying (original condition) Loket Castle in Czechia, discovering a Ruins castle behind Baden-Baden in Germany was exciting. A leisurely (lol) 3km elevated walk from the Spa town centre, was great for cardio, but just the start once there, climbing…
Baden-Baden Germany
7 years ago, on a drive through the Black Forest, I stopped at Baden-Baden, and indulged a few hours in the old-world Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish Baths/Spa. I returned to enjoy this experience again over a few days, instead of a few…
Dresden Germany
If you google Christmas Markets, there is an often famous photo of the massive Striezelmarkt in Dresden. (photo to the right by others). So what better way to start my German leg of this journey, heading south to Salzburg for Christmas,…
Loket Castle Czechia
A short day trip from Karlovy Vary gave me opportunity to visit the largely original Loket Castle I understand that many of these heritage buildings have either been re-built or evolved over time. Restorations can sadly take away from the…
Spa Towns of Czechia
I am returning to Baden-Baden on this trip, originally a lunch stop on a black forest drive-day, this time a few nights to indulge in the spas and its Christmas Market So coming out of Vienna, heading to Dresden, the…
Vienna Austria
Ahhhh Vienna (thank you Midge Ure) Architecture, beauty and a solid embrace of Christmas. What I didn’t expect, being the last week of November, was SNOW. No complaints, but…. I booked a City & Christmas Markets 3hr Segway Tour, to…
Budapest Hungary
This time 7 years ago, I literally flipped a coin. Prague, or Budapest…. 7 years later, (post that interruption), I got to fly into Budapest, and leave planes behind me until February. Christmas markets are in full swing, snow falling…