You probably don’t know these 10 holiday tips in Europe yet

Reto Fehr

Yes, yes, I know it. Insider tips, that’s one thing. And perhaps not the right term for the holiday tips below. I’ve already explained here that insider tips are very subjective (and also why we should reveal them).

What I can say with certainty: the following places are not the classic holiday destinations in the countries in question and are probably quite unknown, at least for the Swiss. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you will be the only tourist there. But it will certainly be less busy than the beaches of Mallorca, Italy or the south of France.

We start at Bohinjsko jezero (Lake Wochein) in Slovenia. We all know Bled with the church on the island and the castle, but Lake Bohiner also has a lot to offer – and is not so busy.

There are numerous accommodation options in the towns of Ukanc, Ribčev Laz or Stara Fužina. You can walk around the lake within three hours and you have various water sports options. And of course, as usual for the time-out: you can enjoy a nice walk there.

Have you ever crossed a mountain lake on foot? This is possible at the Lac des Vaches (Cow Lake) in the Vanoise National Park in the French Alps. At least if it has enough water to present itself as a ‘real’ lake.

The beautiful hiking area at Pralognan-la-Vanoise can be reached from Geneva by car in about two and a half hours. You are on a dead end road here and not in the largest tourist cities such as Albertville or Val d’Isère.

We will stay nearby, but move to South Tyrol. Yes, the MMM Corones (Messner Mountain Museums) is not an insider tip. But it’s so remote that there aren’t endless other people around.

Traditional mountaineering is demonstrated at 2275 meters above sea level on the summit plateau of Kronplatz. The building alone is worth a visit.

We can’t get any closer to Switzerland. And no, during this tour past castles and palaces the path does not lead to the Principality of Liechtenstein, but to Lichtenstein Castle on Albtrauf.

The “fairytale castle of Württemberg” is located spectacularly on the rock above the town of Honau. But that’s not all: within driving distance you can also reach Hohenzollern Castle in Bisingen (just two hours from Zurich) and the slightly less well-known Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen on the Danube. You can also easily explore the three castles on a relaxing two-day tour.

Germany has a lot to offer not only in the south, but also in the north. We stay near Bremen. In the south – halfway to Osnabrück – lies the Dümmermeer. Or as the locals say: “Our little sea.” Yes, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but that doesn’t matter when you look at all the water sports you can do there.

But the location described according to the tourist website is definitely exaggerated: between Dammer Bergen and the Stemweder Berge. They rise 146 and 181 meters above sea level. Anyway, it’s nice there.

A few days in Bremen would also be a good option. Then you can also go to the Zwischenahner Meer (a very small lake). And don’t miss the trip to Schwerin. It is often forgotten, but it offers a lot not only with the impressive castle in the lake landscape.

Have you ever heard of the Bosnian Himalayas? This refers to the Prenji Mountains with eleven mountains above 2000 meters and Zelena Glava (2155m) as the highest peak. The Prenji is considered one of the most challenging and rugged mountains in the country, which should not be underestimated.

There are numerous hiking trails and mountain huts in the region and it is worth diving into them. If you prefer to take it a bit easier: in the north of the mountains there is the Jablanicko Jezero, a 30 kilometer long reservoir that meanders through the mountains and offers various water sports activities.

The Neretva River, which you may know from the old bridge in Mostar, also flows through the mountains here.

We are packing another city trip here. It goes to the Netherlands, but not to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven. Sondren to Nijmegen. The Romans settled in the area 2,000 years ago, making Nijmegen one of the oldest cities in the country.

No wonder the area is rich in history. But we will stay in the city for the time being and stroll through the oldest shopping street in the country: the Lange Hezelstraat. In between you can relax in one of the numerous terraces. The city even has the highest density of such people in the Netherlands.

But we wouldn’t be at Rauzeit if we didn’t also go into nature. In the Rijk van Nijmegen region you can walk over a number of ‘mountains’ and enjoy the view of the beautiful river landscape from these hills.

When you think of Llandudno, do you think of one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa? I can’t blame you, it’s definitely worth a visit.

But there are more in Llandudnos. In North Wales for example. The approximately 20,000 inhabitants live here in the largest seaside resort in the country. At 572 meters the pier is the longest in Wales and an impressive structure.

Also interesting is the cable car to the Great Orme (207 metres), which opened on a headland in 1902. And yes, you can also go up the “mountain” with mini gondolas. And no joke: there is a ski and snowboard center with an artificial snow base. Awesome.

Oh yes: in the neighboring town of Conwy there is not only an impressive castle, but you can also visit the smallest house in Great Britain. Spoiler: it’s very small.

We stay in the British Isles, but travel further north. You probably know the Isle of Skye. But try the Isle of Mull further south. Yes, Tobermory is a tourist hotspot. But the island has much more to offer.

And plan your trip in May or November. The weather is still good (if you’re lucky and otherwise it helps with the mystical atmosphere) and there are fewer tourists.

And one more thing: what would a trip to Scotland be without visiting a castle. On the island you will find: Aros Castle, Ardtornish Castle, Calgary Castle, Duart Castle, Glengorm Castle, Moy Castle and Torosay Castle. I especially like the Duart Castle with its location.

Finally we go to the north of the Czech Republic, almost to the border with Poland. Here you can imagine yourself in Avatar in the Adrspach-Teplice Landscape Park:

The impressive sandstone cliffs are known as the Rock City. In fact, the narrow paths between the “high-rise buildings” are reminiscent of a big city.

Or maybe it’s more reminiscent of a scene from Lord of the Rings?

The gorges and gorges formed by nature are up to 100 meters deep. But the same applies here: the rocks may be an “insider tip” for us Swiss. The natural phenomenon is so well known in the area that during peak hours you must purchase tickets in advance and there is a daily visitor limit.