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The Rax cable car: A modern gateway to the world of the Vienna Alps

Amely Mizzi 28 April 2025 05:32

The Rax cable car in Lower Austria is considered a significant landmark of the Vienna Alps and welcomes around 200.000 passengers annually. Since its opening in 1926 as Austria's first passenger cable car, it has been a mainstay of tourism in the region. Extensive modernizations have been undertaken to ensure it continues to meet the demands of modern visitors. The new attraction concept, "Pioneers & Free Spirits," not only honors the region's history but also sets a contemporary tone. With targeted investments in infrastructure and visitor offerings, the Rax Alps are emerging as an ideal destination for both those seeking relaxation and mountain lovers. Tradition and Innovation: The History of the Rax Cable Car. The Rax Cable Car opened in 1926 and was a technical sensation at the time. It was developed to make the Rax Alps, one of Vienna's most popular hiking areas, more accessible. The construction of the cable car made it possible to overcome the approximately 1.000 meters of altitude difference between Hirschwang and the high plateau in a short time – a previously arduous undertaking. Over the decades, the Rax cable car has established itself not only as a means of transport, but also as a starting point for numerous mountain tours and hikes. Due to its historical significance, it was added to the Austrian cable car inventory, which lists technical monuments particularly worthy of preservation. "Pioneers & Free Spirits": A new concept for a destination steeped in tradition. As part of the "Pioneers & Free Spirits" program, new experience points were created along the Rax Alps. The "Infinity Gate" installation symbolizes the departure into the unknown and invites visitors to broaden their horizons. This motif is complemented by the enormous "140" sculpture, which commemorates the 140th anniversary of mountaineering on the Rax.

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Slavonia: The unknown paradise in eastern Croatia

Belinda Borg 25 April 2025 13:45

While Croatia is widely known for its stunning coastal regions and the Adriatic Sea, the Slavonia region in the east of the country remains a hidden gem for many. Yet this very region, characterized by a rich history, impressive natural beauty, and authentic culture, offers travelers a wealth of undiscovered treasures. Slavonia entices with a combination of traditional hospitality, unspoiled nature, and culinary delights that captivate every visitor. One of Slavonia's greatest strengths lies in its exceptional cuisine, deeply rooted in regional tradition. Particularly noteworthy are the traditional dishes that immerse visitors in the region's history and culture. Kulen, a spicy sausage made from pork and paprika, is one of the region's most famous and popular products. This spicy delicacy is often served with Čobanac, a hearty stew made with various meats and a variety of spices. Both dishes are true masterpieces of Slavonian cuisine and reflect the region's rich tradition. But it's not just the hearty dishes that attract gourmets. Slavonia is also known for its excellent wines. The region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to ancient times. The "Slavonia Wine Route" leads through picturesque villages where visitors have the opportunity to tour wineries and sample the world-famous Graševina or the powerful Traminac in traditional wine cellars. The region around Požega-Pleternica, in particular, has established itself as one of the leading wine regions. Here, wine lovers can not only taste exquisite wines but also experience the craftsmanship of the winemakers firsthand.

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Easter in Croatia: Between centuries-old tradition and cultural identity

Belinda Borg 17 April 2025 06:34

In Croatia, Easter is far more than a religious holiday – it is an expression of living culture, religious roots, and familial community. Especially in the Dalmatian region and on the Adriatic islands, Easter is associated with a multitude of customs, some of which have been practiced for centuries. These traditions combine the religious with the everyday, the communal with the spiritual – and at the same time offer travelers deep insights into a unique cultural world. While spring temperatures are already pleasantly mild and nature is in full bloom, a celebratory atmosphere unfolds in the country's cities, villages, and churches, characterized by deep symbolism, historical rituals, and festive togetherness. Palm Sunday: Symbolic start to Easter Week The Easter season begins in Croatia with Palm Sunday, which in many places is considered the first important feast day of Holy Week. A particularly impressive custom is "Umivanje u cvijeću" – washing with flower water. On the Saturday before Palm Sunday, believers collect spring flowers such as gypsophila or violets, place them in a bowl of water, and wash themselves with them on Sunday morning. This symbolic act represents a cleansing of body and spirit and simultaneously marks the transition from winter to spring. Also central to Palm Sunday is the blessing of olive or palm branches, which are distributed to believers in churches. These branches, often artfully woven, are hung on picture frames or doorframes in many households and are considered a symbol of protection. In southern Dalmatia, for example in the region around Dubrovnik, children bring the traditional "Pome" -

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Croatia off the beaten track: Discovering secret gems

Belinda Borg March 27, 2025 06:33

Croatia has been a popular destination for vacationers from all over the world for years. But while the coastal regions and large cities like Dubrovnik or Split are often flooded with tourists, this Mediterranean country is home to numerous hidden paradises, away from the hustle and bustle, beckoning with untouched nature, historical beauty, and authentic charm. Martina Hirzberger, a passionate travel expert, has made it her mission to show travelers these unknown sides of Croatia. With over 100 free travel guides, she wants to inspire people to discover the lesser-known corners of the country and venture off the beaten track. "Croatia has so many beautiful places, some of which are still far from the hotspots," explains Martina Hirzberger. "Many travelers today are looking for unique experiences and want to escape the crowds," she adds. In her article "Insider Tips in Croatia," she presents three particularly impressive places that have remained largely undiscovered until now. These destinations promise not only peace and relaxation, but also unforgettable experiences amidst a rich history and culture. Ugljan – The island pearl off Zadar. Just a short ferry ride from the city of Zadar lies the island of Ugljan. This true insider tip is a true paradise for all those seeking nature and tranquility away from the usual tourist destinations. Ugljan offers impressive diversity: hidden bays, idyllic fishing villages, and vast olive groves characterize the image of this island, which transports its visitors to another world. The nature on Ugljan is largely untouched, and the island offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead to secluded beaches.

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A decade on the road: The Grand Tour of Switzerland celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2025

Stephen Steiner March 26, 2025 08:36

In 2025, the Grand Tour of Switzerland will celebrate its tenth anniversary and once again invite travelers to discover Switzerland's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures on a unique route. This scenic route stretches over 1.643 kilometers and leads through all four language regions of the country, past 22 lakes, over five Alpine passes, and to 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Inspired by the traditional Grand Tour of the 18th century, on which young Europeans undertook educational trips, the modern Grand Tour of Switzerland was launched in 2015 by Switzerland Tourism and a private sponsoring association. The goal was to offer individual tourists a structured yet flexible way to explore Switzerland by car or motorcycle. The route runs along existing roads across the entire country and has been signposted with official brown clockwise signposts since 2016. The eight stages of the tour The Grand Tour is divided into eight stages, each offering unique landscapes and cultural highlights: Highlights of the route There are numerous sights worth visiting along the Grand Tour: Practical information for travelers The entire route of the Grand Tour is marked with around 650 signposts to help travelers find their way around. It is recommended that you allow at least seven days for the round trip, with a daily driving time of around five hours. As the route crosses several Alpine passes, it is not entirely accessible all year round; the best time to travel is between April and October. To mark the tenth anniversary in 2025, various events and special promotions are planned along the route.

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Union Ivkoni: Chaotic journey in a smoky long-distance bus

Jan Gruber 10 December 2024 06:37

Due to the dominance of Flixbus, there is little competition in the European long-distance bus market. A few remaining competitors such as Regiojet are trying to stand up to the industry giant. But how is the Bulgarian company Union Ivkoni doing, which offers its services between Austria and Germany, for example? Starting in Germany, Europe has been experiencing a real long-distance bus boom for a good ten years. What was previously spurned as "guest worker buses" - apart from countries with barely any railway infrastructure - has now become an indispensable part of the intermodal transport system. Step by step, Flixbus has blossomed into a quasi-monopolist. There are only a few providers left, such as Blablacar Bus, Regiojet and Union Ivkoni, who are trying to stand up to the industry giant. While the French and Czech companies are making a positive impression, a test drive on the Vienna (Erdberg)-Munich (ZOB) route left a completely opposite impression. Long-distance bus journey lasting several days: From Sofia to London According to the Austrian Ministry of Transport, Union Ivkoni holds, among other things, the concession for a long-distance bus service from Sofia to Liverpool and back, which is offered several times a week. This is an extremely long route, with passengers spending several days on the bus. In practice, most of the routes are "short" and end or start in London, which is still an extremely long distance. However, only partial routes can be used, for example Vienna-Munich. Due to the complete liberalization in Germany, domestic transport also takes place there. This is not the case in Austria, as Union Ivkoni operates on an international concession and is therefore not allowed to transport within Austria, but is allowed to transport internationally. The booked test drive was

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Newly renovated Hilton Sofia: Points deducted for breakfast

Jan Gruber 8 December 2024 06:27

The Hilton Hotel Sofia, located in the heart of the Bulgarian capital, is one of the most famous international hotel brands in the region. With a strategic location in the immediate vicinity of the National Palace of Culture and the city park "South Park", the hotel combines luxury, business functionality and a touch of modernity. Nevertheless, some aspects of the offer and the quality of service are in the tension between the high expectations of international guests and the regional reality. The location of the hotel has its advantages and disadvantages. The accommodation is quickly accessible from the airport and numerous sights in the city center can be reached in a few minutes on foot. However, there are extremely busy roads on two sides of the building. Due to the soundproof glazing, you don't really notice this in the hotel, but it is still worth pointing out. The Hilton Sofia is easy to reach by public transport, as there is a bus stop in the immediate vicinity, for example. An exhibition on a pedestrian bridge diagonally opposite the hotel - on the way to the local branch of a fast food chain - seems a bit odd. This is sponsored by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and deals with the Chinese space program. It defies all logic why it is located on a pedestrian overpass on a highway-like road. Modernly equipped rooms The Hilton Sofia offers a wide range of amenities tailored to both business and leisure travelers. The rooms have been recently renovated and are decorated in warm colors. They feature modern technologies such as 40-inch LED TVs, Smart TVs and desks for business travelers. Other features include a minibar,

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Canifor Hotel: Upper middle class – a matter of definition

Jan Gruber 4 November 2024 15:26

The Canifor Hotel in Malta is an "upper middle class" hotel and is located in the heart of the lively tourist town of Qawra. At first glance, the location of the hotel may seem advantageous, as it is close to many restaurants, cafes and shops and is well connected to public transport. A closer look, however, reveals some weaknesses that put the hotel in a less favorable light - especially if you consider it a resort with a focus on the beach and relaxation. The Canifor Hotel's best days are long behind it. It may once have been "upper middle class", but it has simply gotten old and is shown by many tour operators and hotel room agents as inexpensive accommodation when searching for "San Pawl". You have to accept one or two limitations, because it is not a luxury hotel, but definitely not a "flophouse" either. Location and surroundings First of all, the location itself: The Canifor Hotel is strategically located and benefits from its proximity to the Qawra coast and the coastline of Bugibba, a popular and busy tourist area in the north-east of Malta. Qawra is one of Malta's largest tourist resorts, but the place suffers from overdevelopment and heavy traffic, which is not necessarily conducive to the ambience. It is difficult to escape the hustle and bustle, traffic jams and a certain artificiality that is created by a large number of hotel buildings, apartment blocks and concrete surfaces. The Buggiba bus station is within walking distance, which is advantageous because from here you can reach many destinations in Malta by public bus.

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Paradise Bay Hotel: Hard-working staff, but best view of ferry boats

Jan Gruber 3 November 2024 06:38

The Paradise Bay Hotel, located at the northern end of Malta, raises high expectations. Nestled in the Maltese coastal landscape, the hotel sits on a headland between the Paradise Bay of the same name and the Cirkewwa ferry, which regularly crosses to the sister island of Gozo. From the hotel balcony you can look out over the deep blue water and the rugged coastline, and you almost get the impression that you have landed in a peaceful and secluded oasis. However, this first impression only partially holds up to the everyday life of the hotel and the surrounding area. Location with advantages and disadvantages The Paradise Bay Hotel cannot deny that its location is one of its biggest attractions. With the ferry to Gozo right outside the door and some of Malta's most famous sights relatively close, it seems to be an ideal starting point for exploration. It is also possible to take the scheduled boats to the island of Comino and explore the Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay, for example. However, the tourist buses and ferries, which arrive and depart continuously, create a permanent background noise. The traffic on the adjacent main road, which is essential for accessibility, often creates an unwanted background noise. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will be disappointed here. Especially in the early morning hours and in the afternoon and evening, when commuters are travelling to/from Gozo, there can even be long traffic jams right in front of the hotel. The ferries, on the other hand, with the exception of the Nikolaos, are hardly noticeable, as they are rather quiet in direct comparison to the road traffic. The hotel itself has the potential to be a

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Sharaton Astana: Good hotel, but lacks charm

Jan Gruber 2 November 2024 06:34

The Sheraton Hotel in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is considered one of the city's leading hotels, attracting both business travelers and tourists. Since opening in 2006, it has established itself as a central part of the hotel landscape, but there are some aspects that require closer examination. The Sheraton Hotel is located in the heart of Astana, close to the business district and major attractions. The building's modern architecture is in keeping with the city's futuristic design. However, not everyone finds the striking facade appealing. Critics complain that the building complex seems rather cold and impersonal, which does not necessarily contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. There is a shopping center within walking distance, which also has a supermarket, so the hotel's sometimes high drink and food prices can be avoided. The hotel's location is advantageous for business travelers, as it is close to government buildings and companies. However, the area is not particularly lively, which means that leisure options outside the hotel are limited. There is a connection to Nur-Sultan International Airport, but the journey can be time-consuming depending on traffic. Rooms and facilities The Sheraton offers 421 rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are modernly furnished and offer a range of technical gadgets. A positive aspect is that in addition to normal sockets, there are also USB-A charging sockets, for example for smartphones. The wardrobes are large and offer sufficient storage space for travelers' belongings. In terms of service, for example, a kettle, a

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