Tag: Road trip

Travel/

The perfect day road trip: Roßtrappe – Quedlinburg

January 2023 – Alright if you are as lucky as I am and have the chance to visit Germany with a local then the experience will definitely exceed your expectations. That’s what we did, planned a day trip from Berlin to two iconic destinations Roßtrappe & Quedlinburg.

I was overjoyed visiting both of these destinations and I would totally recommend them. So what are you waiting for? Add them to your bucket list.

A glimpse of Roßtrappe

Let me tell you about this beautiful valley, which takes its name from what is supposedly a horse’s hoof print, visible in stone on the cliff, left by the mythical Brunhilde when she sprang over the gorge on horseback to avoid marrying the giant Bodo. He leapt after her, landing in a watery grave, horse and all. (Source: Lonely Planet).

We drove directly from Berlin and got to the valley by driving through Thale, a town in the Harz (454 m above sea level, district in Saxony-Anhalt). We parked right next to Akzent Berghotel Rosstrappe and made our way to the view point which was really close in proximity walking distance. I was really excited when I realized that the valley was covered in snow.
It felt like pure magic! we walked to the view point and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. But why don’t you see for yourself.

A glimpse of Quedlinburg

Following the breathtaking views of Roßtrappe beautiful valley, we headed to the UNESCO world heritage town, Quedlinburg. A town known for its medieval streets, its castle complex and for the best cheesecake out there as per German media or Käsekuchen as the Germans call it. Wondering around this beautiful town has been a wonderful experience, it truly felt as if we were walking into a fairytale. A picture is worth a thousand words, that’s what they say isn’t it?

You have to get to “Vincent Cafe” and try out the different variations they offer and you will definitely not regret it. We did! It was the perfect end to a really cold day.

Oh by the way, as we were driving to Quedlinburg we stopped quickly at Thale. There was a local carnival parade which was nice to watch from the comfort and warmth of our car of course. I am from Cyprus after all, not exactly made for snow.

How we got there

I definitely suggest renting a car for the day, it makes things easier and more convenient.

Travel/

Thermal waterfalls in Tuscany: Cascate del Mulino

October 2021, the second day of an amazing road trip in Italy and following an overnight stay in Pitigliano, a beautiful town located in the Tuscany region, we took our rental car and headed very early in the morning to Cascade del Mulino, thermal waterfalls located just a few kilometers from the village of Saturnia. Looks amazing doesn’t it? The entrance to the springs of sulfuric water is free and that is exactly why you have to go very early in the morning as soon it will get packed with locals and tourists. The temperature of the water is 37.5° C, creating open-air thermal pools. The experience is amazing and relaxing once you get the chance to secure a comfortable spot and the best part is Cascate del Mulino is open all year round 24/7.

What to bring

1. Your swimsuit
2. Water shoes (to protect your feet from the rocks as they can get slippery)
3. Towel / Bath rope
4. Dry clothes
5. An underwater sports camera (if you have one)

How to get there and where to park

We got there by car from Pitigliano, about a 30 min drive (23km away). There is a car park right outside the thermal waterfall which is easily accessible. It is strongly recommended to rent a car if you are keen to explore the Tuscany region in Italy. It’s worth it! You will be able to take your time at every stop and enjoy your adventures abroad. If your trip abroad is approaching, hurry up. Due to the pandemic lately a rental car is the preferred means of transportation.
Just download a navigation app like Waze. It’s absolutely amazing, helps you navigate and warns you about speed cameras or hazards in the road.

 

Where to stay

As previously mentioned we stayed at a near by town, Pitigliano, an absolutely stunning ancient town built on tuff rock. Also known for as “Little Jerusalem” for the historical presence of a Jewish community, Pitigliano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We rented an earth house via AirBnB for the night, La Grotta, which means cave in English. Surprisingly enough it looked exactly like a cave inside, with an amazing panoramic view of the town. It is by far the most unique accommodation I’ve stayed in the past decade.
Stay tuned, there’s more to read and explore!
Note that Cascate del Mulino is different to the Terme di Saturnia – the latter is a luxurious spa resort so don’t get confused when you get to Saturnia.