Berlin, Brandenburger Tor

Berlin is a very popular destination from Prague, and it is only 4-5 hours by train. For some reason, I have never visited the Germany's capital before. It should be exciting experience.

My first city's sight was the Charlottenburg Palace, the largest and most opulent palace in Berlin, built in the late 17th century. I could not go inside the palace, but the gardens around are also stunning, with their perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, and classical statues. I have heard, that this place could be an ideal peaceful escape from the city.

Before I continue with exploring the city, I need to check in at the hotel. Very good location, comfortable room and everything is just perfect. If someone is interested in a good accommodation for a good price, it is definitely Martas Hotel Berlin-Mitte.

Now I am on the western end of the Unter Den Linden. Making photo under the Brandenburg Gate, built in the late 18th century. It originally served as a neoclassical city gate, marking the entrance to the historic center of Berlin. During the Cold War, it stood as a symbol of division, as it was located near the Berlin Wall, but after the wall’s fall in 1989, it became a powerful symbol of German reunification.

Here is The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Indeed, a deeply moving and somber site in Berlin. You have a strange feeling of being lost, confused and isolated here.

Finally, it is time to eat and to try some local delicatessen. Currywurst is one of Berlin's most beloved street foods, famous for its simple and delicious combination of sausage and curry sauce. The dish consists of a fried pork sausage, sliced and smothered in a spicy ketchup-based sauce mixed with curry powder. I really love it!

And the evening was in a popular rooftop bar Monkey. Good vibe, nice music, delicious cocktails, stunning panoramic views. You should book it in advance!

Hallstatt, Lake and Mountains

Hallstatt is a village in Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region. It is famous for its stunning alpine views, historic salt mines, and well-preserved architecture, and it is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. A good thing, it is well connected by train and you can come here from the city Linz, for example (the trip would take around 2 hours).

To reach the village of Hallstatt from the train station, you typically need to cross the lake. You can take a short boat ride across the lake to the village. This boat ride is part of the experience, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the village itself.

Hallstatt is a small but vibrant village with a population of around 800 to 1000 people. It is characterized by narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, featuring colorful facades and flower-filled balconies.

So, this peaceful atmosphere and stunning mountain views attracts each year so many travelers! During peak tourist season in the summer, it is estimated that around 10000 to 15000 visitors can come to the village in a single day!

The Hallstatt lake is about 8 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, making it a relatively small but stunning body of water. The surrounding Dachstein Alps rise to impressive heights, with the highest peak, Dachstein Mountain, reaching 2995 meters above sea level.

I really would love to see, how the lake reflects the mountains at sunrise and sunset, because it must be making the scenery especially lovely.

I have stayed in Hallstatt for 7 hours, but I was a little bit bored. I think, with some organised tour this place would bring more fun, so I would come here again and would try some guided excursions. Not sure, if I would love to stay here solo for a night, but if with someone it could be definitely the best romantic experience.

Vienna, Reunion

I go to Vienna for a good occasion. Three friends from one home city, living in different countries these days, are going to meet in one place. 

After 4 hours in train, of course, we decided to settle in a restaurant. It was a very traditional Viennese restaurant. A traditional means elegant, old-world decor, with wooden furnishings, vintage chandeliers and a formal but cozy atmosphere. 

And of course very traditional food to taste here. Wiener Schnitzel, which is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, served with potato salad. And Apfelstrudel, a warm apple pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, served with vanilla sauce.

All was very delicious and with very nice company and heart-to-heart talks.

Several hours in fantastic city with fantastic friends, what can be better? Only another chance to meet together, maybe in a bigger company.

Brno, Short Visit

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, the capital of Moravia, the eastern region of the Czech Republic. The journey from Prague typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

I came here for several hours, just to check how the city looks like, without any prepared plan. People claim that in comparison with Prague, Brno offers a quieter, more youthful experience with a strong local identity. And I would agree with this popular opinion.

Streets in Brno blend historic charm with modernity, reflecting the city's unique atmosphere. So, there are many narrow cobblestone streets and more modern wider streets. 

To observe  a stunning view of the city center and the surrounding areas I climbed the the Old Town Hall Tower (Stará radnice). So, from the top I could enjoy a panoramic view of Brno, including the nearby Špilberk Castle and the iconic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

My next stop was the Spilberk Castle, located on a hill in the heart of Brno, which is a historic fortress dating back to the 13th century. The hill itself provides a scenic vantage point, making it a popular spot for both history lovers and those seeking a beautiful view of the city.

Honestly, Brno, while charming in many ways, did not quite meet my expectations. The city felt quieter and less vibrant than I had imagined, with fewer things to do compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The mix of modern and historic architecture was interesting, but some areas felt a bit underdeveloped and not as well-maintained as I hoped.

I believe, Brno definitely has a lot to offer, and giving it another try could reveal more of its hidden gems. So, I would need to come back here one day.