Spending my summers in Europe has become something of a routine. And I quite enjoy it. That said, after many months in Phuket, however, returning to Europe is always a refreshing change. The climate and culture are certainly very different. Although when I return to Germany can vary depending on the weather, this year my first trip back took place in March. Was I ready for the cold weather? Not really, and I certainly felt it when I encountered a cold snap and snow while visiting family in Poland. But I knew the best of Europe in summer was still to come.
So, what did I do during my summer in Europe? From Sweden, to Düsseldorf and Berlin, I think I did quite a lot actually. Read more below..
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Summer in Europe
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 kinds of destinations in Southern Europe but couldn’t find any sunshine 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 that I would travel north to find my sunny weekend? Gothenburg, here I come!
I had been to Gothenburg before, many years ago, during my midsummer madness in Sweden (read – Midsummer madness in Sweden), 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, and rode a scooter around town. This time, I certainly saw more of Gothenburg than I did the first time around. And I really like Gothenburg!
I enjoyed the sunny weekend to the fullest…
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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 made a quick visit with my bicycle, and the city left a great impression on me. Read my blog post here: The pretty towns of Nordrhein-Westfalen. It had been on my list to revisit ever since, so when the opportunity came to see my friend, I jumped at it. This time, however, I came without my bicycle.
It was a great weekend, from walking through the old town and enjoying a refreshing drink at the popular fish market to drinking wine while watching the sunset over the Rhine. The atmosphere and vibe in Düsseldorf were amazing! The people are friendly, the shopping is great, and the local Altbier* is delicious.
*Altbier is a style of beer brewed in the Rhineland, particularly around Düsseldorf, Germany. It is a copper-coloured beer whose name refers to its top-fermentation process, an older method than the bottom fermentation used for lagers.
I met some amazing people, and I am sure it won’t be the last time I visit Düsseldorf. Next time, however, I will bring my bicycle again. Cycling in and around Düsseldorf, as well as along the Rhine, would be great. I really enjoy it.
Where to next during my summer in Europe?
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Best of Europe in summer continues…
Big City Berlin
I actually visited Berlin twice this year, and with every trip, the city grew on me a little more. My first visit was in May, just after my trip to Düsseldorf. Funnily Berlin was experiencing a heatwave, so I explored the city using its public bikes. I returned in October, at the beginning of autumn, when the cooler weather was perfect for discovering Berlin on foot. Without being too cold.
Read about my previous Berlin trip here: Potsdam, the lakes and Tempelhof Berlin
Berlin is a city filled with history, culture, and creativity. Its famous landmarks include the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie. Beyond these well-known sights, there is plenty more to discover. From the Mauerpark flea market and Kreuzberg’s colourful street art to the tours offered by Berliner Unterwelten, which take you through underground tunnels and bunkers dating from World War II and the Cold War.
Staying in a different area of Berlin on each visit has allowed me to explore its neighbourhoods in more detail and experience a different side of the city every time. There is always more to discover in Berlin, and I know I will continue to enjoy coming back.
May trip
October Trip
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Porto in Portugal
I have already written a full blog post about Porto, but I had to mention it again because it was such an important part of my best of Europe in summer experience. Perhaps it was even the highlight?
Read my blogpost and check out the amazing photos here: Once upon a time in Porto – my trip to Portugal.
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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.
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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)
