Here are 11 unknown – but beautiful – travel destinations for this year

When the days are short, the longing for summer, sun and vacation is greatest. In addition, you can plan your next trip at the beginning of the year. So that you don’t always have to go to the same places, here are a few tips of often lesser-known but beautiful destinations.

Let’s start right away with my favorite region: Transylvania. Here is this beautiful castle in Hunedoara. Those who love old castles and palaces are in good hands in Transylvania anyway. There is also the Dracula Castle in Bran.

Hunedoara used to be known for its ironworks, which is where the German name Eisenmarkt comes from. And you don’t even have to fly. Romania is also easily accessible by train or road trip.

How amazing can a place be when it’s called the Giant Mountains? In the border area between Poland and the Czech Republic is the national park Karkonosze (Polish) or Krkonose (Czech).

Lynx and bison live here, and nature with its meadows, forests and mountains offers everything for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking to mountain biking and climbing. This area is also easily accessible with a multi-day road trip from Switzerland.

We staggered between Kotor – the small coastal town with the imposing winding road “Ladder of Kotor” and the area around Kolasin in Montenegro. We then chose the small town in the north of the country with its monasteries and churches. And yes, you can ski here in winter – if there is snow.

Other highlights in the area: the Bogradska Gora National Park, with one of the last rainforests in Europe, or the Dumitor National Park with its dark rocks and lakes. In both places you can walk endlessly.

The university city of Leiden is located between The Hague and Amsterdam. Typically Dutch, you can explore them on foot or by bike and according to our Netherlands expert Corsin Manser, the “density of pubs is great”.

In the 17th century, the city was one of the richest and most important in the Netherlands. Nowadays, visitors are impressed by the many canals (it is said that they have the most beautiful canal in the country here, among other things) and of course the large windmill or the many courtyards and courtyards are also worth a visit.

Scotland expert Leo Helfenberger says: “Everyone always goes to the Highlands or the Isle of Skye, but the East has something to offer too.” Above all, everything is not so mega-touristic, but still “real”.

Peterhead comes highly recommended. You can surf, watch seals or walk along the endless beaches. And if you still want to see a spectacular clifftop ruin, Slains Castle is about 20 minutes outside.

Do you know the oldest inhabited city in Europe? Maybe if you are a football fan. It is Plovdiv in Bulgaria. History and present meet here. The Romans, Persians and Ottomans were already here and the first traces of settlement date back to the 5th millennium BC. No wonder the place was elected European Capital of Culture in 2019.

You will find historical places everywhere. The most impressive thing in the city on both banks of the Maritsa is probably the Roman amphitheatre, discovered by accident and excavated over a period of ten years. In the past, 7000 spectators could follow the spectacle here.

Those who have seen the Roman aqueduct on the Plaza del Azoguejo should never forget it. Our Ralf Meile is still enthusiastic about the building.

And that’s not all. Also impressive is the Alcazar of Segovia, one of the most imposing castles in Spain. The masterpiece is enthroned on the narrow ridge between the rivers Eresma and Clamores on the northwest side of the city. Incidentally, Segovia can be reached by car within an hour from Madrid. And day trips to Toledo and Avila are worth it.

Miles can not only Spain, but also Northern Europe. The best way to explore Lofoten is from Svolvaer. The largest city in Lofoten serves as a hub for exploring this unique island world.

It doesn’t matter if it’s winter (with the northern lights) or summer – a trip is worth it all year round. Both nature lovers and adventurers will get their money’s worth with this offer.

A little further away and the only metropolis on our list. Tbilisi is still an insider tip. And which ancient city can score with a waterfall? Also worth seeing: The 20 meter high statue of Kartlis Deda on the ridge of Sololaki. From here you have a beautiful view of the city.

Georgia’s capital is nestled in a rocky gorge, luring with historic neighborhoods and good food. Wine lovers should come here in October for the Georgian wine festival. You can reach Tbilisi from Switzerland in about 8 hours with a stopover.

Wales is great anyway. I liked it best in the seaside town of Tenby. A picturesque town with colorful facades, city walls and narrow streets. In addition, the castle and St. Catherine Island with the fortress (accessible on foot at low tide).

And yes, you can also swim in the (slightly cool) Atlantic Ocean in Tenby when the sea has receded. The area has much to offer with beaches, secluded coves and cliffs. We recommend, for example, Broad Haven South Beach with the imposing Church Rock about 130 meters from the coast.

Albania is still a wallflower when it comes to holiday destinations. Completely wrong. Because whether in the capital Tirana or in the mountainous hinterland – you will be amazed everywhere.

Durrës is also often touted as a beautiful seaside resort. With us, the place has already made it in a ranking of tourist traps. We therefore recommend the places further south along the coast, such as Vlora or Saranda. There are dream beaches and few tourists.