I have always been blessed with the opportunity to travel. Splitting my time between school years in Buffalo and summers in Ostrava, Czech Republic, the summer is my time to explore some of the hidden wonders that Europe has to offer. I decided to compile a list of 8 places, some of which may not be well known, but should definitely be seen! (And okay, I haven’t been to one of these places, but it’s so cool that I have to include it).
8. BERLIN, Germany
Although I only spent a brief 6 hours exploring the city as I waited for a layover, Berlin left quite an impression. The city was bustling with life, littered with shops, cafés and clubs. The food sold on the street corners smelled amazing. I decided to brave my fear of non-properly cooked food and devoured some sort of, what else, sausage and sauerkraut dish. It was delicious. I will definitely return to Berlin, to see what else the city has to offer.
7. PRAGUE, Czech Republic
All right, this is slightly biased. However Prague is truly a gorgeous city. It houses Europe’s largest castle, an amazing nightlife, great, cheap beer, shops and museums. I’ve been to Prague so many times and yet still find myself learning new things.
Things to do: check out the Astronomical Clock. If you have time, venture to Sedlec Ossuary-a church made of human bones. At night, of course, go to Karlovy Lazne, a five-story club.
6. PARIS, France
As cliché as this is, Paris is awesome. The city is beyond beautiful, the people are friendly (although I’ve talked to many people who disagree with me) and the food is to die for. Some parts of Paris are relatively expensive, some shops, restaurants, etc. where are other parts are incredibly reasonably priced.
Things to do: the Eiffel Tower at night. The lightshow is beautiful and the view is breathtaking. Check out the Louvre too. The line is insanely long and moves insanely slow, but it’s worth it!
5. BLUE LAGOON, Iceland
This is the place I have not yet been to. But plan on it. Check this out. Blue Lagoon is located about 60 km from Reykjavik, and is a geothermic spa. The waters are naturally heated by lava; the views are to die for. Basically, it’s an amazing spa in a beyond spectacular location. The waters are enriched with minerals and salts that are great for your skin. Relaxing in a place that looks like this, and is great for my skin? I’ll take it! (What do you say Hercampus ladies? Spring break anyone?)
4. WIELICZKA SALT MINE, Poland
The tour of the salt mine is located a whopping 210 feet below ground. Producing, what else, salt, the mine was shut down just recently in 2007. What makes the salt mine so cool, is that there are figurines, statues and even an entire chapel carved out of salt. It was super cool to see, and after you’re done, grabbing bite at the local restaurants will prove to be absolutely delicious. Trust me. It’s pretty chilly when you get down in the mine so appropriate clothes are recommended. And, like with most tours, you have the option of a self guided, or guided tour.
3. PLITVICE LAKES, Croatia
The national park located in Croatia is truly stunning. You take walking tours across bridges and such and see gorgeous, aquamarine lakes that make you want to jump right in and never leave. Unfortunately, the water is so clean, swimming in prohibited. Nonetheless, everyone should go. Water this clean and gorgeous is only seen so often.
2. JANOSIKOVE DIERY, Slovakia
This was the most badass hike I’ve ever done. It was long and it was hot. but the thing that set this hike apart from others is this: you had to scale ladders, and rely on chain link ropes to help you climb over some of the giant boulders. It was insanity. Climbing up a ladder as a river flows under you, and a waterfall flows beside you. Worried about falling? The ladders aren’t that steep or that slippery. Wear proper tennis shoes, hold on tight and prepare for a super fun time. There are restaurants as you make your way up, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
1. AUSCHWITZ, Poland
My great-grand father was killed by Nazi’s, along with his wife, for hiding Russian soldiers in their basement. That’s why I went to, arguably, the world’s worst concentration camp. This is, without a doubt, a place that I wholeheartedly believe every single person needs to see. It’s one thing to learn about the horrors in our classroom. It’s another thing to be standing in a gas chamber where millions of people were herded to die. The entire thing is like an out of body experience. It’s eerily quiet. Nail marks are still visible from where people clawed on their bedposts. Dried blood is visible on walls. It’s horrifying and heart-wrenching. You leave and your heart is heavy. It cries for the innocent lives of people lost. But you need to go. There is nothing like it.
Picture credit:
Salt mine:
http://www.kuriositas.com/2011/08/wieliczka-salt-mine-astounding.html
Auschwitz:
http://www.holocaustresources.org/
Berlin:
http://www.berlinhotelsoption.com/
Prague:
http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wander-tales/europe/lost-and-found-in-prague/
Plitvice Lake:
http://beautifulplacestovisit.com/lakes/plitvice-lakes-national-park-croatia/
Blue Lagoon:
http://www.extremeiceland.is/exotic-bathing/the-blue-lagoon
Paris:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/sallyhoward/2011/07/20/paris-still-seduces-for-now-finds-nation-branding-report/
Janosikove Diery:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/39195061
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.