Hungary got us hungry for more

 

The view from Jubileumi Park

While making a long drive through Europe, we decided to make a short stop at the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. We had no idea what to expect. After going to so many other countries and visiting their capitals, Budapest (despite being at the heart of the Old Continent) has always somehow eluded us. But not this time! So, we booked our BnB and our Walking Tour, did some research on what not to miss and drove off.

We parked the car, got a shower, put our shortest clothes on (yes, it was almost 40°C) and headed to the nearest park, as we had about an hour until our tour started. The Jubileumi Park is the home of the Hungarien "Liberty Statue" (also known as the "Citadella") and it also offers a lot of great high view points to the Danube river and the other part of the city. Yes, Budapest actually has two parts: Buda and Pest, coming from the old words for Water and Heat and which are also connected by 15 beautiful bridges.

St. Stephen's Basilica

As this was only a one-day trip, we had  our concerns on how much we could understand the cultur, the people and the history, but Budapest turned out to be so open and friendly that we forgot all the worries and enjoyed this lively city and its welcoming atmosphere.

So, here are our highlights with some small tips and tricks if you plan a short visit:

1. The Parliament: a total must-see. The architecture, the view from and to it is breathtaking.

2. St. Stephen's Basilica: aka The Founder of Hungary. Most beloved and celebrated historical figure of the Hungarian people.

The Fisherman's Bastion

3. Of course, the View to Buda: some say that the beat part about Pest is the view to Buda.

4. Fisherman's Bastion: it looks more like a fairy castle. Its architectural style comes from the year 1000, when the first Hunagrian king (Stephen I) started his rule.  It is a historicla monument for the millennial Hungary. Its 7 towers reprsent the 7 chieftains who had led their tribes to the present day Hunagry.

5. Buda Castle: a definite must-see castle complex! Built in the year 1265, destroyed during the First World War and built again years later, it stands proud in the southern hill of Buda, attracts thousands of locals and tourists and now serves as home to the National Gallery and the National Library.

Citadella, The Liberty Statue

6. Citadella (the Liberty Statue) - once built as a thank you to the Soviet Liberators, now is a monument celebrating Freedom.

                                      

Once upon a time busy policeman

 

Tips and trcks:

1. It is a very safe city, since...forever. There is even a small statue of a policeman, showing how 'busy they were with crime'.

2. Very cheap place. It depends of course where are you coming from, But based on our experience many other countries inside and outside of Europe, it is safe to say that you would not need much for a good vacation here.

3. Take precautions if you are visiting in summer. A hat, a susunscreen and a lot of water will be needed.

4. There are many public places where you can refill your water bottles. Absolutely safe and free.

5. The language is almost impossible to read or pronunciate. Almost everybody speaks English, but still be prepared with Google Translate or any other preferred translator.

The Parliament Building

A view to Buda Castle

Hiking: In the footsteps of... from Häusern to St. Blasien and back Rundwanderung

A view from the Wittlisberg Hütte

🌻Distance: 13.5km

🌻Time: 3,5 to 4 hours

🌻Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

🌻Our rating: 💚💚💚💚💚/5

Winter is leaving

The start of this really relaxing hike is at the sweet town of Häusern. At the weekend there are many possibilities to park. We chose the parking spaces in forn of the city-hall of Häusern (Rathaus Häusern). Right across from it is a bus station with B+R (Bike and Ride) option and some interesting book-brochures about the region and its all-year-round activity suggestions. Also right behind it is an Aldi shop, in case you forgot your snacks or drinks.

From there take the street behind the fast food stand and walk up to the 'Wittlisberger Hütte'. This is a great place for eveybody in yor group. There are some grills with an alcove, a small waterpool to freshen up on a hot day and many benches situated in the best possible way to enjoy some wondeful views.

From there the path becomes really wide and forest-like. The highest point of this route is at the Wittemlehütte, which is a good place for lunch and relaxation. If you go before April, it would be highly possible that this part of the path is fully covered with deep snow. It is nothing scary, it is even fun to walk. Or in our case, to fall through every step into 40cm deep snow.

Part of the Windberg Waterfall

From there, the next 5km take you to the city of St. Blasien. You would not actually need to go down to the town itself, but thanks to the Schmidt Company from this city, you would have a great view of it from a really comfortable bench-couch. Make sure you do this hike and you will see what I mean.

The last 2km were a big surprise to us, as we made it to the Windberg Bridge and the Windberg Gorge. Honestly, we didnt know it was part of this trail. It is a really beautiful waterfall and the path goes down the river and back into the town of Häusern.

Another Viewpoint this a landscape map

Some remarks: The first half of the trail is mainly ascend, but a very mild one. The second part is mostly descend, with very short ascending spots.

It is a pretty nice trail, but I would mostly recommend it to people who are not seeking for some hardcore hiking, It is a  family and dog friendly path and it is a great idea for a  weekend outing.

Dublin, Ireland

The Christ Church Cathedral

One of the biggest surprises to me personally. I fell in love with this city so hard, that this was probably the first time ever I was really sad to leave and to have to go back home. And it wasn't just because of the usual reasons like beautiful architecture, rich history, amazing views. No, not at all. Those responsible for my sadness for leaving were the extremely nice and sweet people and the whole mood that the city of Dublin has.

Porto, Portugal

 

A view to the Doro River

Oh, how lucky we were, having our Bnb right next to the Crystal Palace Gardens of Porto. 

At first we thought

Crystal Palace Gardens

we could spend some 30-45min time here before going to dinner and a couple of hours later we were still wandering around the many gardens, enjoying smart and beautiful arrangings, unseen plants and stone strucures. This place also offers a perfect view to the river and big parts of Porto.

One of the biggest surprises at the Gardens were actually its feathery habitants. There were hens and cocks loosely walking around, accompanying us on our walk. But still they were not the highlight of this place. That would be the freely walking around peacocks. There were os many of them, not bothered  at all of all the human visitors. That made us feel almost, as if we were at theirr home and had to be careful not to bother them too much.

Hiking: Klösterle-Schleife and Burgbachwasserfall

Looking up is rewarding

🌀Distance: ~8km

🌀Time: ~3 hours

🌀Difficulty: Moderate/Easy

🌀Our rating: 💚💚💚💚💚/5

This tour is a real pleasure for the senses. It offers everything you might need for a nice walk at the weekend with friends, family, kids and dogs. So collect the gang, make sure you charged your devices for some amazing photo...und los! Let's go!

First and foremost start off early. The parking spaces in the immediate vicinity are scarce. Your best options are "Wanderparkplatz Vor Burgbach" or at "Kurhaus Bad Rippoldsau". The good news is that there is enough place for street parking, but be careful when walking along the street to the beginning of the path or when crossing, because it is a busy state road. 

Hiking: Schramberger Burgenpfad

🌼Distance: 12km

🌼Time: 4 to 5 hours

🌼Difficulty: Moderate

🌼Our rating: 💚💚💚💚💚/5

Going up to the first castle

Do you know this feeling when you go to a new place and without the slightest idea you fall in love and you instantly know that you'll come back again? Well, that's what happened to us with the charming town of Schramberg in Schwarzwald. More about the town itself, you could find in a soon-upcoming blogpost on "Some of the best towns to visit in Schwarzwald". 

We found this trail by chance. One Saturday morning, while having our first and probably sweetest cups of coffee, I was browsing through a list of hikes and the name "Schramberg" grabbed my attention for some reason. I showed it to my always-ready-to-go-for-a-hike husband and in half an hour we were already in the car. After finding a free street-parking just outside of the town's center, we headed to the starting point of the Genißerpfad. What is this word? And what's the difference with Qualitätsweg? You can find out here.

Hiking: Hausacher Bergsteig

🌳 Distance:14km

🌳 Time: 5 to 6 hours

🌳 Difficulty: Moderate

🌳Our rating: 💚💚💚💚/5

There is this picturesque region at the heart of Schwarzwald (Black Forest) in Germany, which I call the Ach-Square. Its four corners are the towns of Gutach, Schiltach, Wolfach and Hausach. This area offers a variety of hikes for every taste and fitness condition. There are short, middle and long trails. Some will lead you through the history of the towns and their most notable people, others will satisfy all your senses - your eyes will be "blinded" by splendid views, your ears will be dazzled by peace and bird songs, your whole being will be surprised by calmness and beautiful nature. 

A view from the castle to Hausach