Spending summers in Europe has become quite a routine for me now, but after many months in Phuket, it is always a nice change. The climate and culture are certainly very different. However, this summer, I have spent more time in Phuket than in Europe, which I also enjoyed. Nevertheless, the short time I was in Europe this summer was amazing. Despite my first return to Europe back in March starting with a cold snap and snow in Poland when visiting family, I knew the best of Europe in summer was yet to come.
So, what did I do? Quite a lot actually..
_______________________
Gothenburg, Sweden
After the cold snap in March, the sun still wasn’t ready to show itself, and the rain wouldn’t stop for weeks. I was back in Germany and in need of an escape, quickly! I searched for all possible destinations in Southern Europe but couldn’t find the sun or a good travel deal. Where was it sunny?
Then, my friend called me from Sweden, saying they had a sunny weekend ahead. “Come over,” she said, “I am going to a 90s party.” I booked my flight straight away! Who would have thought I would go north to get my sunny weekend? Gothenburg, here I come!
I had been to Gothenburg before, many years ago, during my midsummer madness in Sweden (read here), and I really liked it. As the second-largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg is a vibrant city with lots of culture, hip bars, and amazing seafood restaurants. Exploring the city with my friend was great. I met lots of fun people, went to my first-ever 90s party, watched a marathon event, and scootered around town. This time, I certainly saw more of Gothenburg than the first time around, and I really like Gothenburg!
I enjoyed the sunny weekend to the fullest...
_______________________
Beautiful Düsseldorf
From Poland and Gothenburg to Duesseldorf. The best of Europe in Summer continues..
It was my second visit to Düsseldorf as well. Last time I did a quick visit with my bicycle and the city left a great impression. Read my blog post here. It has been on my list to revisit ever since, and so, when the opportunity came to see my friend, I jumped on it. This time without my bicycle.
It was a great weekend. From walking the old town, enjoying a refreshing drink at the popular Fishmarket, to drinking wine while watching the sunset over the Rhein River. The atmosphere and vibe in Düsseldorf was amazing! The people are friendly, the shopping is great and the local Altbier* delicious.
*Altbier is a style of beer brewed in the Rhineland, especially around the city of Düsseldorf, Germany. It is a copper coloured beer whose name comes from it being top-fermented, an older method than the bottom fermentation of lagers.
I met some amazing people and I am sure it wasn’t the last time I am visiting Düsseldorf. Next time however, I come with my bicycle again. Cycling in and around Düsseldorf as well as the Rhein River would be great. I really enjoy it..
The best of Europe in summer continues..
_______________________
Big City Berlin
I managed to go to Berlin twice this year and the more I go, the more the city is growing on me. The first time was back in May, after my trip to Duesseldorf and during a heatwave, where I used the city bikes to get around. The second time was in October, at the beginning of autumn, which was great for walking.
Berlin is a city full of history, culture, and creativity. Some of the must-see landmarks include the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie. However, the city also has many hidden gems, such as the Mauerpark flea market, the street art in the Kreuzberg neighborhood, and the ‘Berliner Unterwelten‘, an underground network of tunnels and bunkers used during World War II.
Staying within a different area of Berlin each time I come is a great way to explore certain parts in more detail.
There is so much to see here, I will always enjoy coming to Berlin.
May trip
October Trip
_______________________
Porto in Portugal
I already wrote a blog about Porto, however, I had to mention it again because it was part of the best of Europe in summer experience for me. Maybe even the highlight? Read my blogpost and check out the amazing photos here.
________________________
My place
How could I forget the place where I am based every time I visit Germany. From my little village with endless bikeways to the Schwarzwald and Strasbourg just across the Rhein River border. There is always an activity here. I went shopping in Baden-Baden, did a day trip to Stuttgart and even went to Basel a few times. It is a great spot with endless places to see and to visit.
This spot is certainly part of the best of Europe in summer.
…
Oh yes.. and then there was France and Honfleur, which was an amazing trip and always a great place for me to come to. There is something about this place its charm that is worth while the distance for me.
I wonder what next European summer will bring… but next, back to Phuket!
(post 191)
