Bratislava

The cities of Bratislava and Prague are only about 330 kilometers apart, making travel between them quick and easy. 

Slovakia and Czechia were once united as Czechoslovakia, a country formed in 1918 after the end of World War I. Czechoslovakia existed as a single nation until it peacefully split into two independent countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, on January 1, 1993.

Nowadays, both countries have similar customs, like enjoying hearty food, traditional folk music, and a love for sports, especially ice hockey. Many Slovaks travel to Czechia for work, study, or leisure, and the shared history keeps them culturally close. So, it's time to see this unique, yet closely connected country with my own eyes.

The Old Town of Bratislava is a charming maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic squares.

I love my hotel BEIGLI, because it is located in the city centre, and the room is very spacious, even with the view to The Castle, which I am going to visit today with my friend.

My friend often travels from Vienna to Bratislava, which feels like a second home to her due to its proximity (only 60 kilometres). The short distance between the two cities makes it easy for her to visit regularly, and she’s grown quite familiar with Bratislava over time. For her, this close connection makes the city feel like an extension of Vienna, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Bratislava Castle is a famous landmark sitting on a hill above the Danube River (at 85 metres). It was built in the 9th century, with much of its current structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle has served as a royal home and a military fort over the years. After a fire in 1811, it was rebuilt and is now a popular tourist spot. 

Interestingly, the castle’s shape resembles a four-pointed crown, symbolizing its royal history, and its towers were once used for defense and as watchtowers.

The view from Bratislava Castle also offers a stunning panoramic vista of the city, the Danube River, showcasing the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture.

As my time in Bratislava comes to an end, I am grateful for the memories made, and already looking forward to the next adventure. While the Old Town is beautiful, I wish I had more time to explore outside of the central district to fully experience the city's diverse character. So, I will come here again to check, what the city has to offer.

Berlin, Museum Island

The second day in Berlin is devoted to exploring art. I am visiting the Museum Island, on the Spree River, the home of the city's most famous museums, which are hosting the unique collections of art, history and archeology. 

I am very interested in the expositions with paintings and sculptures, so it was a paradise for me. For example, Neues Museum is known for its Egyptian collection, including the famous bust of Nefertiti. But Alte Nationalgalerie is my favourite, because it specializes in 19th-century art, featuring works by German Romantic artists and French Impressionists.

In addition to the museums, Museum Island is also home to the Berlin Cathedral, Berliner Dom, which is an impressive baroque-style church. The Berlin Cathedral is renowned for its grand dome, elaborate interior, and beautiful altars. And the dome rises to about 98 meters!

Of course, I could not but visit the remains of The Berlin Wall, which is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the city, symbolizing the division of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was erected in 1961 and fallen in 1989, marking the end of the Cold War era.

As far as I understood, Berlin is a city that constantly evolves, with new experiences, events, and hidden gems to discover each time you visit. A short trip gave me this taste. So, I would love to come to Berlin many times. And my next trip here should be planned also for summer.

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.