Discover the age-old continent through these Europe travel stories, its curious, unsung places as well as its more familiar spots.
You may notice a few countries that may not traditionally be considered European. Europe’s borders are never easy to define. So I’ve decided to go by the old definition I learned in school: In the east, Europe ends at the Ural Mountains. That means the Caucasian countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – are part of Europe, according to Sophie’s World. This is probably also according to the countries themselves: all three are members of the Council of Europe and cooperate with the European Union with a view to future membership. Also, all three countries participate in the Eurovision Song Contest; can’t argue with that.
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Holy See (Vatican)
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Latest Europe travel stories
The Danube Limes: Roman Vienna
Austria's newest world heritage site is the frontiers of the Roman Empire, specifically the ancient borders known as the Danube Limes. Odd word, isn't it, limes? The Romans didn't call it that - limes is a more modern term. But what does it mean? Well, when you take a closer look, and forget about English pronunciation for a bit, you'll [...]
In transit: Przemyśl and the Polish-Ukrainian border
Przemyśl, 10 April 2022 Sunday is the day of rest at the Free Shop in Krakow. But there's no rest for the wicked. I've rented a car and headed for the Ukrainian border. I'm writing this, eh, let's call it an Insta Story story, at a cafe in Przemyśl. Just by the railway station. Can't find the name of this [...]
Halcyon Hallstatt
Continuing my little exploration of world heritage in Austria, I've left Salzburg, after circling the city centre a few times. The SatNav girl and I, we never seem to hit it off. But finally, I'm on the road heading south on B158, better known as Romantikstrasse, Austria's romantic road. And it's not hard to see why. Pretty landcapes along the [...]
Prehistoric dwellings at Moon Lake
As I’m standing on the shore, looking out over Mondsee, the large Alpine lake with the mystical name, I can’t help but think of a woman of caliber. The woman I’m thinking of is fictional. Her name is Lisa Engel and she is – or rather, was – a police commissioner in an Austrian turn-of-the-century TV series called Eine Frau [...]
Finding Wolfgangus Theophilus in Salzburg
I'm out searching again, this time for a childhood crush. He was a contemporary of Maria Antonia; the two of them met gleefully once during their childhood, so the story goes. I'll tell you about it in a bit. And there is a surprise at the end! Festung Hohensalzburg (fortress) guarding Salzburg's Altstadt (Old Town). This one you will have [...]
Cologne Cathedral: a glimpse of heaven?
Kölner Dom - Cologne Cathedral in English - is imposing. More than 600 years in the making, this structure was built to inspire awe. Awe of the Christian god. And of Prussian power. Some think the proximity of the railway station makes the cathedral – and indeed the city of Cologne – ugly. I don’t. I rather like that juxtaposition [...]
World at a Glance: Holy Mary!
In the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 20 km from the border with Croatia, is a little town with a peculiar story. On 24 June 1981, on a hill ca. 3 km from the town of Međugorje, Virgin Mary allegedly appeared before six local children - Ivan, Jakov, Marija, Mirjana, Vicka and Ivanka - for the first time. [...]
Searching for little Maria Antonia
This is Schönbrunn. One of the best preserved Baroque palaces in Europe. And since the competition is pretty stiff, that's really saying something. After having their home completely destroyed by Turkish invaders in 1683, the Habsburgs needed a new place. First they built a hunting cottage. Then, as work progressed - and Habsburgian power expanded - it wound up being [...]
The terrors of Torgau
A sinister house in Torgau The lovely 1000-year-old town, best known for being a major hotspot of the Protestant Reformation, has been venue of important historical events. Martin Luther stopped by 60 times. The people of Torgau were loyal followers, so he was preaching to the choir. The local Hartenfels castle church was the first protestant church in the world, [...]
11 Romantic Reasons to visit Oslo in winter (and 1 extra if the romance goes wrong)
If you love winter and snow, Oslo might just be your dream destination. The snow-covered pine forests with hundreds of frozen lakes and wide, white meadows are right out of a fairy-tale. City lights sparkling on the hills are reflected in the waters of the fjord. Snow brightens up the long winter nights and candles are lit everywhere; it is [...]
Istanbul not Constantinople
A new year, folks! With new opportunities. Where do you want to go in this year of lucky 2's? Or, just as importantly, where do I want to go? Travel is still limited. Let's believe this will all end with Omicron the Onerous, though. In 2020, a short road trip in Greece replaced a longer one through Benin, Togo, Ghana [...]
11 things you’ll love in fun and friendly Birmingham
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter from 9 stories up on a fine Sunday morning in December. You're in for a treat today, folks: England's second city. I know! You're from Manchester and you beg to differ. It's a tale of two cities. And since we are still in the age of wisdom and the age of foolishness, in the epoch of belief [...]
