Why do travellers love exploring Germany on a bike and barge holiday?

It's easy to see why: waking up to a different waterfront view every morning, having to unpack just once, soaking up the beautiful riverside scenery and experiencing delicious German food and local culture as you pedal along dedicated cycleways and quiet roads.

 

 

You'll get to experience the beauty of Germany's rivers at handlebar level as you cycle through picturesque scenery past ancient castles and monasteries. Discover medieval castles, Roman ruins and vineyards in grand cities such as Mainz, Cologne, Passau and Berlin as you explore Germany by bike and barge.

 

Everyone has their own reasons for choosing to go on an active holiday in Europe. Some prefer walking or cycling as a means to truly appreciate a country, others get a great sense of achievement from completing a trail. For Sam Smith, a New Zealander diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a walking holiday was something even more special.

 

Read on to discover Sam's inspiring tale of walking King Ludwig's Way in Germany.

 

 

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Hello, fellow active travellers! Allow me, Sam Smith, to take you on an exhilarating journey through the beautiful countryside, charming towns, and fairytale forests of the Bavarian landscape. 

 

But first, let's start with some context, shall we? In 2015, I was diagnosed with MS and lost the ability to walk. With the help of my doctors and family, I regained my mobility, but long distances were always a challenge.

 

Then in 2019, I received a grant from Mastering Mountains, a group of legends who support people with MS to embark on exciting physical missions. The one I chose was to trek to Schloss Neuschwanstein in Southern Germany. That's the castle that inspired Disneyland. 

 

However, before I could begin the trek, I had to wait for a wee little global pandemic to blow over. It did, and finally, on June 8th, 2023, I flew into Munich with my wife Meg to begin my quest.

 

We took the train to Starnberg and started King Ludwig's Way. The walk traced the life and death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, starting from the point where his body was found in Lake Starnberg. 

 

With Meg by my side, we set off along the shores of the lake, getting our first glimpses of Bavarian nature, sprinkled with lavish lakeside mansions. We returned to our comfortable hotel to prepare for the big day ahead.

 

The next morning, we indulged in a delicious German breakfast and continued our journey towards Diesen. We wandered through enchanting forests, quaint Bavarian towns, and picturesque fields, passing churches, a dam, and stunning landscapes under the bright blue sky. We even stumbled upon what we thought was a church, but it turned out to be the most beautiful derelict prison I had ever seen. 

 

The lunch stop in Andechs treated us to amazing pork and potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and the best cola we have ever tasted – maybe because we had earned it with our walking. We visited the church atop the hill before descending to the Hersching ferry, where I enjoyed a delightful ice cream treat called spaghetti Eis. The ferry ride was calm, and we arrived at our hotel in Diesen, exploring the town before retiring for the night.

 

The following day, we embarked on the longest stretch of the journey, covering 27 kilometres to reach Hohenpeisenberg. We passed stunning churches, summer fields, and only a few other walkers along the way. The tracks were all ours. Shaded by fairytale forests and passing numerous shrines, we arrived for lunch in Wessobrun only to find the town closed—no lunch for my hungry tum. Luckily, however, we had packed enough snacks and found a sports field with a tap to refill our water bottles. 

 

The afternoon led us through towering forestry blocks and up to the summit of Hohenpeisenberg, where we discovered a truly Bavarian restaurant with breathtaking alpine views. I couldn't resist ordering Schnitzel for mains and Apfel Strudel for dessert before descending the mountain and finding our accommodation for a good night's sleep.

 

The next day, we embarked on the shortest but most technical leg of the journey, walking through a gorge often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Germany." We traversed wooden bridges, climbed soggy steps, and ventured through Jurassic vegetation, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

 

After lunch by the river, we emerged from the gorge, strolled through more charming country towns, and reached Rottenbuch for the night. We stayed in a cosy room at someone's house, had dinner at a nearby restaurant, and slept soundly after walking nearly 100 kilometres in just a few days.

 

My feet were tired and blistered, but my legs, body and mind were still strong. With another fulfilling German breakfast, we set off for Trachgau. We visited a stunning church before immersing ourselves in the picturesque German countryside once more. The weather remained perfect throughout the journey, and we sang songs from The Sound of Music as we walked through forests and meadows. 

 

Accompanied by the tinkling of cowbells, we arrived at Weiskirche, another remarkable church, where we stopped for lunch. Afterwards, we followed the valley, sharing the road with cyclists, until we reached our accommodation with a welcoming swimming pool and a stunning view of the Alps. Dinner featured a plate of cheese spaetzle before we retired for the night, content and satisfied.

 

The final day of walking arrived, and we were thrilled to finally see Schloss Neuschwanstein in the distance. The finish line. We approached, passing through villages, crossing rivers, and admiring alpine lakes while paragliders soared above us. We also realized that June 13th, the day of our visit, marked the 137th anniversary of King Ludwig II's death, adding a coincidental significance to our journey's end. 

 

We knew we were approaching a tourist hot spot as the number of German accents dipped away as the tourist voices increased. The last climb was demanding, but we persevered until we reached our destination.

 

And there it stood, magnificent and awe-inspiring. We stood in the shadow of Schloss Neuschwanstein, gazing out over the Bavarian plains that had been our footpath over the past week. I real felt a sense of accomplishment. A lazy comedian with MS, once unable to walk across a room, had traversed 120 kilometres to witness one of the world's architectural wonders.

 

I cannot recommend the experience enough—every sight, smell, sound, taste, and feeling was incredible.

Thank you, Mastering Mountains, for giving me the grant that made this dream a reality. I am eternally grateful. A huge thanks to UTracks and the World Expeditions Travel Group for their support also.

 

 

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>> If you wish to help other people like me achieve their dreams, please consider donating to Mastering Mountains. 

  

 

From Spain and France to Slovenia and Bulgaria, we’re unveiling six secret places in Europe that are atypical travel destinations. With their charming local people, iconic buildings, and attractive architecture and landscapes they will make for everlasting memories (and photos)…

 

1. Alpujarras, Spain

 

The Moors inhabited the hills of the Alpujarras in Granada, south-eastern Spain, resisting the Christian Reconquest in the 16^th century. Their origins are still reflected in the area. Here you will find white-washed Moorish villages scattered around high mountains with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. 

All sorts of crops thrive in the warm climate, from lemon groves to olive orchards. Walk among terraced fields and along centuries-old irrigation channels while enjoying the dramatic views of the mountain range. From the Alpujarras it is easy to reach the spectacular Alhambra in Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed monument, also built by the Moors.

SEE IT :: Granada and the Alpujarras – 8 days self guided walking holiday

 

2. Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

 

 

SEE IT :: Bulgaria on foot – 8 days guided walking holiday

 

3. Matera, Basilicata

 

The village of Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the arch of Italy’s boot. Visiting here feels like being lost in time. Historically cut-off from the rest of Italy (there is no Ferrovie dello Stato or national railway), it has gained international fame for its ancient town, the ‘Sassi di Matera’, one of the first human settlements in Italy. The houses here are dug into the rock and the streets in some parts are located on the rooftops of other houses!

 

Although Matera is in the region of Basilicata in Italy, our Puglia itineraries visit this must-see town.

SEE IT :: Cycle Puglia – 8 days self guided cycling holiday

 

4. Bled Island, Slovenia

 

The only natural island in Slovenia is set in a picturesque environment, the heart of Bled Lake, which is surrounded by mountains and forests. The main building is a 17^th century old church decorated with remains of medieval frescoes. Weddings are held here regularly and according to legend it is good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the 99 steps on their wedding day before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church!

SEE IT :: Slovenia Cycle and the Parenzana Trail

SEE IT :: Walking in the Julian Alps

 

5. Ronda, Andalusia

 

The dramatic El Tajo gorge is located in Ronda. Another reason why you should visit this area is its breath-taking Puente Nuevo: ‘new bridge’. It straddles the 120-metre chasm below and despite it being called the ‘new bridge’, it actually dates back to 1751. Back at the time, it took more than 40 years to complete Puente Nuevo! Ronda sits on a plateau of a large rock outcropping and it is because of these cliffs that it was one of the last Moorish cities to fall during the Reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs.

SEE IT :: Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema – walking holiday

SEE IT :: Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema – cycling holiday

 

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

 

Schloss Neuschwanstein is Germany’s very own fairytale castle and symbol of romantic architecture. The Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned in 1869 by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat (he paid for it out of his private fortune). Although it was intended as a personal refuge, it was opened to the public after his death. If it feels familiar it is likely because it was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland!

SEE IT :: King Ludwig’s Way – walking holiday

If you got inspired to visit any of these hidden European treasures or if you like to know about other secret places to visit in Europe, you can get in touch with our experienced team of travel consultants.

A reward is in place after you’ve mastered the tracks and trails of Europe on foot or by bike, so find below the best places to raise your glass. Cheers!

 

 

 

See all trips to the Netherlands

 

Bonus Trivia | The alcohol content in medieval beer was often very low, 1% or less, so it was not uncommon for children to drink what was called a ‘small’ ale!

4. Belgium

Belgian beer has been produced long before Belgium became an independent country. At that time, people preferred drinking beer because of the drinking water’s unsanitary condition. Trappist beer, which is brewed in Trappist monasteries (there are only 10 in the world!), is an extremely popular European beer.

See all trips to Belgium

5. Iceland

Although beer is the drink of choice for most Icelanders, the country’s long battle with prohibition included a ban on all beer above 2.25% ABV until 1989. A small-but-impressive number of upstart brewers have come on the scene since then and 1 March is celebrated nationwide as ‘Beer Day’.

See all trips to Iceland

> View all walking holidays for beer lovers

> View all cycling holidays for beer lovers

6. United Kingdom

From traditional beer styles to small scale microbreweries, beer in the UK has a long history and distinct traditions. London even suffered a Great Beer Flood in 1814, when a giant vat of porter burst in the centre of the city and over a million litres of beer flooded the streets, drowning eight people.

See all trips to the United Kingdom

7. Ireland

Ireland has been brewing pints of its famous Guinness stout in Dublin since the mid-18th century: the company originally leased its Dublin brewery for 9000 (!) years and the lease included free water supply. Today it is one of the most well-known European beers, with 10 million glasses of Guinness consumed every day around the world.

Bonus trivia: There is an official guide on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, which includes six steps. According to the guide, you must wait 119.5 seconds for the beer to settle between the first and second pour.

See all trips to Ireland

8. Spain

One of the last bars on the Camino, Casa Tia Dolores is easy to spot, as it’s impossible to miss from all the beer bottles you will see hanging, from the exterior walls to the surrounding trees. Anyone can sign their name on their beer bottle and then put it on a nail among the thousands of other pilgrims’ bottles.

See all trips on the Camino

 

9. Italy

Italy may be the country of good wine but beer has also been enjoyed since ancient times. Roman Emperor Agricola became a fan during his service as governor of Britannia so, when he returned to Italy in 83 AD, he brought with him three master brewers from Glevum (modern Gloucester).

See all trips to Italy

10. Greece

Have you added beer to the list of drinks you must try on your next trip to Greece, along with ouzo, raki and tsipouro? The flagship Fix brewery may long have been converted into the National Museum of Contemporary Art but beer remains an important part of the local culture.

See all trips to Greece

 

10+1. Corsica

For a truly unique European beer, Corsica remains one of the very few places to enjoy a chestnut beer. Named ‘Pietra’, the beer became first available in 1996, following years of studying, testing and tasting to fully assess the brewing qualities of chestnut flour. Today, this unique beer keeps growing in popularity.

See all trips to Corsica

What’s your favourite place to enjoy a European beer? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Wine lover instead? Here are the best walking and cycling trips through Europe’s vineyards.

 

While the Rhine River is generally seen on an active bike and barge holiday, it is also growing in popularity to explore the charming German villages on foot. This is partly due to the development of the Rhine Trail, or Rheinsteig as it's known in German.

 

 

Recently Arthur walked the Rhine Trail on a self-guided walking tour with UTracks. Read his account of the trip below and see why he rated this a five-star holiday. (All photos by Arthur Hanlon)

 

 

I've just finished an 8-day walk down the Rhine Gorge. UTracks' organisation and accommodation was excellent, the food was very good and the scenery, of course, was spectacular. 
 

I started by catching a train from Mainz to an overnighter in Rudesheim, a very popular tourist town.

 

From there I caught a cable car up to a giant statue of Germania and then started the walk proper. The weather was hot and the paths narrow and sometimes difficult. There were three very steep sections over the whole journey where sturdy cables or ropes were essential.

I walked 20km the first day, 15km on the second and eight on the fourth. I had a little assistance from trains or ferries on the other days.

 

My suitcase was sent on to the next riverside village every morning and I carried a 30-litre backpack, mainly for water. 

The walk ended in Koblenz, a fascinating city where the Mosel meets the Rhine.

 

Overall, my knees held up well but muscle soreness was an issue.

Chatting to walkers and cyclists en route was fun. The overall sense of achievement -- along with sights of at least 20 hilltop castles -- was strong. 

 

 

Discover Germany's most popular region on the recently developed Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig). The Rhine Gorge stretches 65km along the river between Bingen and Koblenz in Germany and with its rich history, geological characteristics and unique culture it was understandably listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The river has carved through the predominantly slate rock to produce dramatic cliffs up to 200m, the most famous of which is Loreley Rock. 

 

 

Dotted with castles, many of which were reduced to ruins during the Thirty Years War, and with the southern slopes covered by vineyards producing the famous riesling varietal, the region is as picturesque as it is fascinating. Walking through pretty wine villages with half timbered houses, ascending to the historic castles high above the river and arriving in Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle are just some of the highlights of this week long walking holiday. 

 

In the evening stay in comfortable hotels specially chosen for their location and character.

 

 

>> View the Rhine River and Castles Walk

>> View all walking and cycling trips in Germany

 

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Munich, with the Bavarian Alps in the background Almost every country has its own version of Oktoberfest but it’s the Munich Oktoberfest that is the world’s largest folk festival. It has attracted an average of six million visitors a year who then consume almost seven million litres of beer, thousands of bratwursts, chickens, giant pretzels, wild oxen and even gingerbread.

 

The first Oktoberfest was held in October 1810 to honour the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen (hence the name Theresinwiese). For five days, the townspeople of Munich were invited to eat, drink and be merry to celebrate the union. There was even a horse race! The event was so enjoyed that the decision was made to stage the race and continue the indulgences every year.

 

Featuring colourful parades, fairground rides, eating, drinking and dancing, and of course that horse race, today Oktoberfest is known for traditional Bavarian gear, beer and food.

Pouring Beer at a Bavarian brewery With more than 200 breweries in Franconia, UTrack’s Beer Cycling Route offers an average brewery per kilometer in the Aisch Valley. This is the highest concentration of breweries in the world! Further, due to the oldest food regulation in the world, the “Bavarian Beer Purity Law” also referred to as the “German Purity Law” (Deutsches Reinheitsgebot), Bavarian beer is second to none as you’ll only find hops, malt, yeast and water in your stein – nothing else.

 

Oktoberfest is not just about beer in Bavaria, it’s also home to a wealth of culinary delights. Today’s Bavaria includes what was Franconia and part of Swabia, so both Franconian and Swabian cuisine are considered to be part of Bavarian cuisine. Here are just a few of the tantalising tastes you will find… Alter Simpl Nuremberger Sausages

Breathtakingly beautiful, Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Bavaria has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and is home to art museums, the UNESCO heritage listed Bamberg, and Nuremberg, known for its colourful history and of course many, many local breweries.

 

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There are 4 similar versions of this trip:

> Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle

> Prague to Dresden Self-Guided Cycle

> Prague to Vienna Guided Cycle

> Prague to Vienna Self-Guided Cycle

In this article, we're featuring on the Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle. This is a 7 day guided cycle that explores two countries: Germany and the Czech Republic.
 

Four Reasons How the Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle Trip Adds to Your Travel Experience.

 

1. See More of the Czech Republic Beyond Prague

Ask yourself – can you name a place in the Czech Republic other than Prague? The Czech Republic is a hot tourist destination in Europe and every year seems to see record breaking numbers of foreign visitors, with 10.6 million in 2018, almost equal to the country's population. Of this, 6.7 million people (63%) visit Prague. This statistic includes all foreigners (i.e. including other Europeans) and we're guessing if it was overseas travellers like Australians and Americans, this percentage would be even higher, This boom in tourism for Prague has unfortunately led to the adverse effects of overtourism, like needing to regulate Airbnb rentals.

This is not to say Prague isn’t worth seeing; it’s a delightful medieval city with the world’s largest ancient castle and its historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle, we discover lesser known towns such as Melnik (in the heart of Czech wine region), Litomerice (a royal city considered one of the most beautiful in the country) and Decin (a lovely city split by the Elbe River that features the recently restored Decin Castle).


 

2. Explore the Countryside by Bike

Cycling in the Czech Republic is fairly relaxed and gentle, with the cycle paths generally paved and the terrain quite flat because it follows the splendid Elbe River in sections. Of the five days of cycling, you can expect to pedal between 25 to 70km a day (16 to 44 miles). There are some hilly stretches on day 2 from Prague to Melnik. We consider this trip as suitable for beginners and children with a good level of fitness.

According to our honest Trip Grading System, we rate this holiday as Grade 2: Introductory to Moderate. 

If you are a competent cyclist but want an extra zoom zoom on your journey, there are also electric bikes available. 


 

3. Bohemian Nature is Good for the Soul

The Prague to Dresden cycle journeys through the western Czech region of Bohemia, the largest and most historical part of the Czech Republic.

The Elbe River is claimed to be one of Europe’s most spectacular but underrated rivers, as “the river rises from a bubbling spring of crystal water high in the beautiful Bohemian mountains, winding through silent forests before splashing down the rock face near a pine-scented hiking trail.” 

On the day you cross the Czech border into Germany, there’s time to explore the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and to discover the many rocky passes, deep gorges and rugged hills of this area. The highlight is the impressive Pravcicka Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe.

The traditional spas of Germany’s Bad Schandau are a must-do activity and the perfect way to unwind after a day outdoors. There are many spas in Bad Schandau, with some featuring panoramic views of the river and forests while you relax in their wellness centres.


 

4. After a day of cycling, the food and wine tastes so much better!

Dine on some of Central Europe’s most indulgent foods and drinks – guilt free! After a day of pedalling you’ll have worked up an appetite and on the Prague to Dresden trip will satisfy your cravings.

We visit the heart of the Czech wine region in Melnik, which is renowned for its pinot noir. For beer lovers, the Czech Republic is home to the world’s biggest beer drinkers at 142.4 litres per capita, and they love to knock back pilsners like Pilsner Urquell, Kozel and the original Budweiser (yes, predating the American version!). For non-alcoholic beverages, you can sample the local compot, a sweet drink made with fruit, water and sugar. 

Food-wise, you can sample hearty meals typical for Central Europe. Try roast pork or beef with potato dumplings; thick, creamy stews filled with vegetables and meats; or fried mushroom side dishes. And for dessert you can’t miss the apple strudel – on an active holiday, you’ve earned it.

Considering an active self guided trip for the first time? Great news! There are many benefits to a self guided trip but if you’ve never done one before we completely understand if you have some hesitation.

 

✓ Most self-guided tours depart daily, giving you greater flexibility when planning your European holiday.

✓ Ideal for independent travellers who love the freedom of exploring at their own pace but with all the logistics sorted.

✓ The peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.

✓ Self-guided trips are more affordable than group tours.

 

Below you will find a list of trips that we think are perfect for self guided trips for beginners – some of them absolute classic active European experiences. Following designated cycle ways and well-marked walking paths, these trips only require rudimentary experience in navigating or map reading.

 

It is also possible to organise a local guide to accompany you on a private guided tour if you do want an extra layer of cultural immersion.

 

Blue Danube Cycle: Follow the waltz of the Blue Danube, from the medieval German town of Passau to grand Vienna, and discover the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers.

 

The Spanish and Portuguese Camino walks: Walk the entire Camino trail or choose smaller sections to suit your interests. With many options departing daily, flexibility takes on a whole new meaning to this style of organised travel.

 

 

Cinque Terre: This centre based trip (you return to the same accommodation each night) on the stunning Ligurian Coast offers a multitude of walking options to suit your ability.

 

Backroads to Venice: Cycle from the heady heights of the Dolomites to the famous canal city of Venice following a dedicated series of cycle ways and a route made even easier thanks to our own trip route markings.

 

 

Berlin to Copenhagen Cycle: You might actually find it more difficult to drive between Germany and Denmark than to follow the dedicated cycle path and connect a few ferries and trains. If you need more ideas, just call our team and they will be happy to help you choose the right self guided trip for you.

 

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Food, wine, landscapes – there are many reasons to travel to Europe and without doubt the varied architectural styles, both modern and historical, also help to provide a fascinating insight into the influences that have helped shape the various regions you may travel through. Experience some of Europe’s best buildings your own way on one of our self guided or small group active holidays.

 

For lovers of modern buildings go no further than Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Made of titanium, glass, and limestone, the unique structure was heralded as one of the most important of our time when it opened in 1997. It’s worth walking around the Guggenheim to make sure you appreciate its many different shapes, angles and featured artworks. 

 

> View trips to Bilbao

 

While Romania’s most famous landmark is also referred to as Count Dracula’s castle, the man who inspired Bram Stoker’s famous character, Vlad the Impaler, never actually lived here. It fits the description however of an imposing castle perched ‘on the very edge of a terrific precipice . . .’ and your time here is bound to get the imagination running wild!

 

> View trips to Romania

 

It’s pretty easy to see how this building inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Set in a spectacular location in Bavaria, the castle of the fairy-tale king is enjoyed by many thousands each year, but King Ludwig, the shy man who built the castle, never had the pleasure to withdraw to Neuschwanstein as was his plan. He died seven weeks before it was open to the public in 1886.

 

> View trips to Bavaria

  

Granada’s Alhambra is perhaps the finest example of an architectural legacy that was left by a mixture of cultures. The famous Moorish citadel and palace complex contain buildings influenced by the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths and a visit here will transport you back to what life was like in the 14th century.

 

> View trips to Granada

 

Not a building, more a style of architecture, this medieval building technique of exposed timber structures have become an important part of the landscape in many parts of Europe, particularly the Alsace region in France and parts of Copenhagen. Their colourful exteriors help add to their fairy-tale look and a walk through the villages to observe the different styles is a day well spent.

 

> View trips to Alsace or Copenhagen

 

Wow. That’s what you’ll keep repeating to yourself as you approach this Italian hill town perched high on a volcanic rock and surrounded by classic Umbrian landscape. Once inside the city walls you can easily lose track of time as you explore old Orvieto, made up of traffic free cobbled stone alleys, medieval piazzas and the intricate facade of the Gothic inspired Duomo. Do yourself a favour – go.

 

> View trips to Orvieto

 

A magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture (and some Renaissance and Baroque influences as well), this is the third largest Parliament building in the world. To help showcase their independence from Austria, the Hungarians held a competition for the building’s design which was won by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, who was partly inspired by the Palace of Westminster.

 

> View trips to Hungary

 

History and geography go hand in hand on the secret trails that lead to the mysterious Cathar castles. The architectural remnants of Catharism, a sect that shunned conventional Christianity and was hence branded as heresy, will help you understand the story behind the short lived crusade a well as provide you with some of the most spectacular walking in France.

 

> View trips to the Cathar region

 

At 3571 metres above sea level, The Sphinx observatory at Jungfraujoch doesn’t just provide a unique place to research meteorology, astronomy, glaciology, physiology, radiation, and cosmic rays – it also provides an amazing 360 degree panorama of the Swiss Alps. You’ll travel to Europe's highest railway station, through a tunnel hewn in the rock of the Eiger and Mönch, just to get there.

 

 

There are windmills, and then there’s Kinderdijk. These UNESCO listed Dutch icons are loved by the Dutch as they are a shining example of their innovation. They’re not just tourist attractions, at their zenith they drained the swampy lowlands via canals, ground grain into flour and helped raise the Netherlands from the sea to create its fertile fields and feed it growing population.

 

> View trips to Kinderdijk

 

What did we miss? How many of Europe's grand designs have you been to? Let us know in the comment section below.

 

 

 

 

 

> Explore Germany on our affordable self guided and small group tours. Click here to view them all.