Travel calendar: When is it most beautiful where in Europe?
25.4.2023
Translation: machine translated
2023 will be a great year for travelling - if you know where in Europe is the best place to be and when. Here is inspiration for every taste.
Travelling is also the art of finding the right time: relaxing in spring, action in autumn or places to extend the summer - but where exactly? Thanks to the expertise of "Lonley Planet", it's easy to find out. It's not on the market yet, but it will be in April 2023. That's when the long-awaited, even more comprehensive sequel to "Wann am besten wohin" will be published. Back in 2020, the travel experts from "Lonley Planet" published what everyone should know when setting off for new shores.
I was allowed to browse through the new comprehensive illustrated book in advance to gather tips on how to plan your next holiday. Because the same place can look completely different at different times: St. Moritz, for example, is home to the hectic high society in winter - and invites you to relax in August with its flower meadows and idyllic lakes.
Nature observations should also be thought through in advance: aurora hunting only makes sense from September to April, from May onwards the spectacle can no longer be seen (not in St. Moritz, of course, but in the northern part of Norway, for example).
You can now avoid disappointment without a great deal of research: With the help of a decision tree in the book, the right destination for the month in question can be harmonised with individual wishes. Recurring events, the value for money and the family-friendliness of the destinations are also presented - however, the editorial team at "Lonley Planet" does not take much account of statutory school holidays. This is quite understandable, as the best time to travel to certain destinations does not always coincide with the family calendar.
"Sometimes it can make sense to avoid the sunniest days or the most famous events, because a forest is best explored after heavy rain, and prices rise astronomically during festival season," say editors Sarah Baxter and Paul Bloomfield: "Many places are bursting at the seams in the summer months, so it's worth thinking outside the box - or at least outside the peak season."
How you get around can also be an unforgettable part of a trip. Especially if you choose a Co2-saving option instead of a quick flight, perhaps an idyllic train or river journey or even a bike tour. Here are my favourites for the 2023 travel season from spring - in the two books from "Lonley Planet" you will find many more great tips for incomparable trips.
Travel month April: more sea or underground?
The Dordogne offers a "best of France": picturesque landscapes, a rich history, markets with local products and wonderful vineyards. Highlights include the Lascaux Cave, the underground system of Rouffignac Font-de-Gaume, where multi-coloured cave paintings can be seen, and Cougnac, where you can find thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. When the wildflowers bloom in mild April, the crowds are not yet here.
Fancy the sea? The Peloponnese is a real highlight in April: the sunny spring is the best time to visit Olympia, Mycenae or Epidaurus in pleasant temperatures and enjoy Greek cuisine.
Ireland, which is usually very wet, is now safe from the rain: April is one of the driest months there. This makes it a good time to travel by train - a green option for a green island. It's also fairly quiet after St Patrick's Day and before the peak season.
Guidebooks
CHF23.95
Reiseführer Irland
German, Birgit M�ller-W�bcke, Manfred Wöbcke, Bernd Biege, 2023
Travelling in May: Cycling through Europe
Watch out cyclists: Cross the continent by bike and experience history up close - you can do this on the Iron Curtain Trail. The Iron Curtain divided Europe into East and West for almost 50 years after the Second World War and ran from the Black Sea to the Barents Sea. The 9950 km long EuroVelo 13 cycle route - which runs through a total of 20 countries from Bulgaria via the Balkans through Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany, continuing along the Baltic Sea to and along the Finnish-Russian border - traces this division. The most pleasant temperatures prevail in May, and the interesting shorter sections include the 18 Austrian stages totalling 700 km, which are of particular historical interest. One of these sections runs along the entire eastern border of Burgenland, today one of the largest contiguous natural landscapes with many rare species of flora and fauna. Particularly beautiful in May: the fragrant cherry blossom cycle path on the western shore of Lake Neusiedl.
Whether by bike or on foot: Prague is now also worth a visit. The big "Prague Spring Festival" starts on 12 May. The largest music event in the Czech Republic has been a highlight for classical music fans for over 70 years.
Guidebooks
CHF17.90
Iron Curtain Trail / Iron Curtain Trail 3 German-German Border Trail
English, Michael Cramer, 2019
Guidebooks
Prague MM-City travel guide Michael Müller Verlag
German, Michael Bussmann, Gabriele Tröger
Travel month June: time for amore
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has always been a crossroads of cultures. Colonisers and visitors from all over the world have left their mark here. The rich heritage is reflected in the extraordinary historical sites: the monuments of Agrigento, Syracuse and Taormina, the Norman palace of Palermo and the nearby cathedral of Monreale - all of which are less crowded before the high season in July and August.
Source: Oliver Fischer
For those who want to stay in Italy: the historic "Regata Rionale di San Ranieri" is a breathtaking event that is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of Pisa on 17 June.
Watery things are now also happening in Germany: how about a river cruise along the Rhine past medieval villages? You won't be alone in the Rhine Valley in June, but that's bearable when the sun is glistening on the water and you have a glass of Riesling in your hand.
Travel month July: Nordic by nature
Want to experience what few have experienced before? Then head to Finland, home of the bizarre. On 4 and 5 July, the "World Women's Carrying Championships" will be held in Sonkajärvi. In the middle of the Land of 1000 Lakes, it's all about the honour over a distance of just over 250 metres - the world record for completing the adventure is 55.5 seconds.
Denmark should also be on every bucket list. Aarhus, the country's second-largest city, is a party town: At the height of summer, there is always a festival somewhere paying homage to flowers, jazz or the legacy of the Vikings. In addition, the gentle Nordic sun (up to 20 ºC) now lures out the long-awaited Baltic Sea beach feeling: "Permanente" near the centre, "Bellevue" in the north and the wonderfully empty beaches of the "eco-island" Samsø, which is easy to reach by ferry. It is a showcase project for climate protection and is considered almost energy self-sufficient.
Source: Oliver Fischer
Travelling in August: escape the heat
Fun for the whole family is guaranteed in Buñol, Spain. The legendary "La Tomatina" festival takes place here on the last Wednesday in August. Every year, this event attracts guests from all over the world, i.e. anyone who is willing to throw tomatoes at each other happily. Buñol is located just 39 kilometres from Valencia in a mountainous area near the coast and is therefore immune to the monkey heat - so the only thing at risk is your clothes.
Still too hot? You can cool off in Sweden in August: The "allemansrät" there guarantees that everyone has the right to move freely in the countryside, visit any beach, swim in any lake, fish anywhere along the coast, pitch a tent on (almost) any patch of earth and forage for food anywhere. And in a country with so much wonderful wilderness, the possibilities are endless - even in August there's enough space for everyone. It's also a great month to forage for mushrooms and berries in Skuleskogen National Park.
Source: Oliver Fischer
The Faroe Islands offer even more tranquillity in midsummer. There are more sheep than people here, but it is the independent spirit of the locals that makes a visit so unforgettable - especially in dry August, when the daylight seems to last forever.
Travelling in September: adventure is calling
Although Barcelona is often considered synonymous with "overtourism", its surroundings are an example of sustainable travel: Catalonia has been awarded the certificate for responsible tourism. The region between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees has plenty to offer in a pleasant September (average maximum temperature 25 °C): Water rats are drawn to the Mont-Rebei gorge, birdwatchers to the bird-rich Ebro Delta (autumn migratory birds can now be seen here) and adventure seekers to the wild Noguera Pallaresa river. Pro tip: The "Grand Tour de Catalunya", introduced in 2021, combines exciting outdoor activities with cultural highlights.
Scotland also offers something extraordinary: the Great Glen region, which stretches from coast to coast, is home to the highest mountains in the United Kingdom and mystical lochs, including the home of Nessie. In the mild days of September, things are quieter than in summer - and so are the mosquitoes. The "Great Glen Trail" is 125 kilometres long, which you can complete in around six days by canoe or on foot and in two days by bike.
Speaking of cycling: the "Bike Slovenia Green" is a 250-kilometre cycle route from Kranjska Gora to Koper and connects destinations that have been awarded the Slovenian Green Certificate for sustainable tourism. It ends at the Adriatic Sea, where you can take a refreshing dip in September.
Guidebooks
CHF26.70
Reiseführer Slowenien mit Triest - mit 15 Wanderungen -
German, Daniela Schetar, Frederick Köthe, 2022
Travelling in October: extend the summer
Want to reach for the stars? The "Dark Skies Festival" in Exmoor, UK, offers a full programme of astronomy lectures, films, music and stargazing for several weeks in October. And you can also do it actively: the "Dark Sky Discovery Trail" is a two-mile route through open moorland that leads to some of the best places to see the sky twinkle.
For those who prefer the fruits of the earth: truffles, wine and other delicacies are on the trail in the Italian Marche region (the Marche is still considered Italy's insider tip). Autumn offers pleasant temperatures for touring the medieval towns and hiking in the Monti Sibillini National Park. Or you can feast in Acqualagna and Apecchio, where many truffle fairs are held in September.
There is even more sunshine on Menorca now - in the Balearic winter spring. In the first weeks of autumn, known as "primavera l'hivern", the tourist facilities are still open and the Mediterranean is warm.
Travelling in November: icy waves or soft beaches
The "Iceland Airwaves Music Festival" is the northernmost music and industry festival in the world and takes place halfway between North America and Europe: in Iceland's capital Reykjavik. Up-and-coming musical talent, forward-thinking international acts and plenty of parties can be experienced this year from 3 to 5 November - and then set off on a road trip through the land of the elves. Fortunately, there are always hot springs waiting for travellers to warm up in.
It is now much warmer in southern Andalusia. The soft T-shirt weather is perfect for sightseeing without the crowds and for a glass or two of sherry. Little Malta is also still a big attraction this month. The Mediterranean climate ensures swimming fun at around 21 degrees into November.
Travel month December: And let there be light
Not in the mood for classic Christmas lights? On 12 December, the day of St Spiridon, Corfu is covered in lights and ginger beer and ouzo are served in the churches.
Not sparkling bright enough for you? Off to the Swedish Arctic: in Jukkasjärvi, one degree of latitude north of the Arctic Circle, the sun never rises in the last three weeks of the year. There are no better conditions for observing the northern lights of the aurora borealis in the sky. In Jukkasjärvi, you can also go cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, pet reindeer and learn about traditional Sami culture - a magical place for children and adults alike.
The German Black Forest is cheaper and closer: it is one of the most romantic regions in Germany, especially in December, when the hills are already covered in snow and Christmas is everywhere.
Cover photo: Oliver Fischer
Janina Lebiszczak
Autorin von customize mediahouse
oliver.fischer@digitecgalaxus.chHealth, sexuality, sports and sustainability. Delve into all aspects of this life less ordinary with the right amount of curiosity, humour and a pinch of salt.
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