My places – 2017 – travel destinations of the year
Year 2017 is comming to the end and it is high time for some kind of summary. This year was full of unexpected events and trips. I visited a lot of places, which were on my “to see” list, but I also discovered many more, which I haven’t heard about before.
Some of the descriptions were published on the blog, and those ones are linked to the specific post. Others are still on the waiting list, but for sure one day I prepare them too.
Here is my little summary of my travel destinations of 2017:
- Warsaw – winter lights
During Christmas time the city is beautifully illuminated with tons of lights. Trees and lamps are covered with colourful decorations. There are also some carousels, trains or sleighs. Definitely worth seeing!
The newest train station in the city. I really liked the combination of modern architecture with original old elements.
3. Darmstadt
This is one of my biggest discoveries. I was always discouraged by people to go to Darmstadt. Most of them say that it’s ugly and grey. Personaly, I really liked it! And there are plenty of colourful places.
Have you heard about the mermaids who sing so beautifuly that sailors loose their mind and die? Even Tolkien was inspired by this story. It is one of the most popular places at the Rhine river.
5. Hoechst
My first stop on the German Timber-frame Road, but not the last!
6. Idstein
Still on the German Timber-frame Road. It is such a small town, that I managed to visit Bad Camberg (No.7.) on the same day.
7. Bad Camberg
8. Limburg
More timber-framed houses, beautiful cathedral, Lahn river – great place for one day trip.
9. Alzey
I never heard about it before, but I saw there is a train from Mainz going there, so I took it;) The best to see – Alzey castle (Schloss Alzey) from 13th century.
10. Burg Frankenstein
It had absolutely no connection to the story of famous Frankenstein. But because of the name it is commonly visited destination.
11. Frankfurt –Chinese Park
That’s where I found a bit of Asia in Germany.
12. Frankfurt -Zoo
Not as impressive as the Zoo in Berlin, but still a very nice place to visit.
13. Cologne
I had only few hours there. My obvious favourite – Botanic Garden.
15. Maurzyce
This time in Poland – museum of polish countryside.
16. Externsteine
I found a photo from this place on the Internet and I knew that I have to see it live… It was even better than I expected.
17. Ustka
My holiday destination from teenage time. I have been there so many times, that now I decided to prepare a mini guide of what to see in Ustka and nearby.
18. Łeba
Dunes were amazing. It’s definitely one of my favourites this year.
Bacharach is often described as the most beautiful village at the Rhine. No surprise I visit it every year and still find more to explore. This year I was on the beautiful path to the ruins of the castle – Stahlberg Schleife.
Living in Mainz makes it difficult to find the common tourist spots still interesting. That’s why I try to explore the city and find new inspiring places, which not many people heard about, but definitely should.
21. Wiesbaden
Apart from being great shopping destination it also has a nice selection of museums or hiking trails.
22. Bad Kreuznach
Well known as spa-town. It offers a bit of history, health, beautiful views, nice hiking trails. You can eat lunch on a boat or sail and admire green hills surrounding the town. You can also buy old books in one of the antique stores.
23. Geierlay – suspension bridge and Burg Eltz
It is the longest suspension bridge in Germany. Great place if you like a bit of adrenaline. Not far away from there – one of the most beautiful german castles – Eltz (Burg Eltz). On both trails I was lost and made extra kilometers of hike, but they are definitely a must see!
24. Eppstein
It is located near Frankfurt and can be easily reached by train. I saw it from the windows of one RE and knew that I have to come back and explore it more.
25. Kassel
Another city that wasn’t recommended by others, but to my surprise was really nice. I visited Park Wilhelmshöhe with impressive water cascades.
The most “exotic” trip this year and a new country that I haven’t seen before.
27. Idar -Oberstein
Not far from Bad Kreuznach. Interesting place if you like jewellery and minerals. There are also 2 castles and unique Church in the Rocks.
Very important stop along It has a great view to another side of the river with Ruedesheim. There is also a castle (Burg Klopp), very old bridge, Mouse Tower and the coolest playground for kids. In the forest you can find another suspension bridge, much smaller than the Geierlay one, but you don’t need to be that brave to cross it.
29. Botanic Garden Mainz
My last two places are botanic gardens, which I visit frequently. I go there when the seasons change, to different events or just for inspiration or practicing photography skills.
30. Palmengarten Frankfurt
Thank you for going through the summary of my travel destinations of 2017. Have you been to any of those places? How did you like it? Do you recommend any inspiring locations for 2018?
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