Saunas are more than just places to sweat; they're sanctuaries of relaxation, culture, and rejuvenation. From the ethereal landscapes of Scandinavia to the depths of Estonian tradition, each sauna offers a unique experience worth travelling for. Here we unveil some of the world's most exceptional saunas that redefine the art of sweating.
Björholmens Marina, Sweden
In the little old fishing village of Björholmen on the charming west-coast island of Tjörn, an hour's drive from Gothenburg and si
Bujar I Gashi
Europe´s newest independent country – just 18 years old – is small, youthful, and still something of a blank spot on the European travel map, without the polished tourism industry of neighboring Croatia or Greece. But that’s exactly a key part of its appeal: Kosovo feels real, raw, and a little bit undiscovered. Plus with a population of roughly 1.8 million and slightly smaller than Wales and the U.S. state of Connecticut, it´s compact enough to explore easily, yet varied enough
A First Look at Bulgaria’s Cultural Depth
Bulgaria is often overlooked when people plan a European trip, but that is exactly what makes it special. It offers a mix of history, culture, and local life that feels real and untouched. When you begin exploring, the first step is to understand its deep roots. Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, and its traditions are still alive in daily life.
Start your journey in cities like Sofia or Plovdiv. Sofia introduces you to a blend of old chu
The Adriatic Sea coastline is a beautiful sailing destination, but also a living tapestry of history, culture, food, and traditions shaped by centuries of seafarers, fishermen, and island communities. When you sail Croatia, you experience the coast the way locals do: slowly, intentionally, and with respect for nature and heritage. This guide can bring you closer to the authentic Adriatic, from Dalmatian flavors and fishing traditions to ancient stone towns, local wines, and ti
Like pretty much every country where it gets nippy at this time of year, Hungary offers its own menu of delights both frosty and toasty. In fact, this central European country is a veritable winter wonderland, whether it’s ice-skating in fairytale castle grounds; browsing luminescent Christmas markets; warming your hands and mouth with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine; or bathing in a historic thermal spa. Check out these half dozen options and you’ll see what we mean:
Strap on Your Skates
W
For travellers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe stand out as destinations that promise unforgettable experiences. From majestic fjords and serene lakes in the north to vibrant medieval towns and architectural wonders in the east, these regions offer a unique combination of adventure, culture, and scenic charm that appeals to every kind of traveller.
One of the highlights of Scandinavia is its breathtaking natural land
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the Balkans’ most intriguing and emotionally rich destinations. Often overlooked by mainstream travellers, the country offers a deeply rewarding experience shaped by centuries of cultural influences, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality. From historic cities and spiritual landmarks to rivers, mountains, and quiet villages, Bosnia & Herzegovina invites visitors to slow down and discover a land where history and everyday life exist side by side.
One of the mos
Every year since 1985, the cultural grand poobahs of the European Union have designated one to three of the continent's cities as Capitals of Culture, focusing not only on their own cultural offerings but also allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Since the first was Athens (then Gre
by Felice Hardy
Apart from those who want to try something a little different, the main reason for choosing Eastern Europe for a skiing/snowboarding holiday continues to be value for money whilst still enjoying decent quality. Lift passes, for example, are almost a quarter of the cost of those in French or Swiss resorts, while après-ski prices are pleasingly low. You can expect to pay around £2 for (67 US cents) a local beer and £6 (7.75 USD) for lunch on the mountain. Ski tuition is
One of Eastern Europe´s most handsome cities, Hungary´s capital is packed with remarkable architecture and historical landmark such as the House of Parliament and Buda Castle, as well as plenty of cool things to do – most notably luxuriating in its atmospheric hot-springs bathhouses, which date back centuries. And here´s a quintet of the best districts for exploring these and more:
Time Travel in the Castle District
Over on the Buda side of the Danube River, Várkerület (also known as Bu
This small Balkan country of packs an abundance of unforgettable experiences into its 43,000 square miles (111,000 sq. kilometers), from tranquil as well as and lively coastal towns to breathtaking mountain retreats, tasty cuisine, compelling historical and cultural heritage. It´s also considered one of Europe´s most affordable destinations for visitors and foreigners who choose to live here part- or full-time (for example, very affordable real estate opportunities make Bulgaria the perfect p
I´m excited to introduce you to one of the foremost gems of Croatia´s Dalmatian Coast on the beautiful Adriatic Sea: the island of Hvar. It´s true paradise that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant nightlife, and gourmet cuisine.In 2023 it placed in the top 10 of Condé Nast Traveler´s Readers´ Choice Awards, and last year it placed first on Forbes´ list of "European Island Destinations To Visit This Year," with writer Alex Ledsom writing that it´s "best
kasto80
The capital of this little jewel of an Alpine country is a charming, untouristy treat with a poulation of just over 288,000, gracious architecture, lovely green spaces, laid back vibe, tasty cuisine - and very affordable prices. And long under the radar, Ljubjliana starting to gain wider notice among travellers, and is on many lists of hot destinations for 2025. So let´s dig in a bit, shall we?
YayaErnst
First off, once you're here, one thing you can't help but notice is dragons, dragons e
Fani Kurti
Interested in a highly rewarding destination in Europe that´s a little “different” and off the beaten track (and which probably no one else you know has visited)? Check out one of Iberia´s newest destinations, the intriguing capital of Albania (Shqipëri in Albanian), the small, mostly Muslim in the Balkans with an impenetrable language which spent 46 years of the postwar 20th century isolated under the secretive and Stalinist totalitarian dictatorship of Enver Hoxha. After a rough f
For several years in the early 1990s, in the wake of the breakup of Yugoslavia, this small country in the Balkans was constantly in the news because of the brutal civil war it suffered between the Muslim Bosniaks and the Orthodox Christian Bosnian Serbs. It has been at peace since December 1995, and more travelers have been discovering its myriad natural, historical, and cultural appeals. But others come for "dark tourism," a trend which involves visiting places associated with trage
"Overtourism" is a hot topic these days in the travel sector, and the popularity of a number of destinations continues to burgeon, cities especially in Europe such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Prague, and Venice have found themselves grappling increasingly with its challenges. With the influx of visitors, the delicate balance between tourism and local life is at risk. In response, the Czech Republic (aka Czechia) is implementing measures such as bar-crawl bans and str
When you say you’re taking a European holiday, everything always imagines medieval towns, picturesque cafes with great food, and fashionable cities with chic people and hundreds of museums and historical buildings. But there’s more to this old continent. It’s actually a really good destination for adventurers, especially those who want to be (relatively) close to civilization while experiencing their crazy stunts. And on of the best adrenaline things you can in Europe is try rafting.
And here’s
Croatia´s second-largest city (pop. a bit over 176,000) is both bustling and beautifully sited on the Dalmatian Coast, with a breathtaking coastline, set on the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and offering beautiful beaches, which can be explored via or private and group boat excursions. It´s a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience this country´s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, and it´s a particular draw within Europe with visitors especially from Eastern E
Happy Halloween! And what better day to explore the dark side of one of Europe’s most atmospheric big cities. Since its founding in the 9th century, the Czech Republic’s enchanting and enchanted capital has certainly accumulated its share of ghosts, ghouls, and grim goings on – including plenty that’s mysterious, occult, and blood-soaked. Prague was known in the Middle Ages as a capital of alchemy and astrology, and of course the legend of the Golem – the red-eyed clay monster created
