Reviews – Page 30 – European Traveler

Frankfurt’s Liquid Gold

Photos Courtesy Frankfurt Tourist & Congress Board

Locals and tourists alike enjoy this beverage in rustic apple wine pubs all over the city. The “core” apple wine scene is in Old Sachsenhausen; numerous apple wine pubs line its streets where they serve customers their infamous “liquid gold.”

In the Middle Ages, beer and wine were the beverages of choice. As with many products today, apple wine came into being because of an unavoidable circumstance rather than an idea for a new product. In the middle of the 16th century, the Rhine-Main area went through a climatic change that negatively influenced wine production. Because of this, many vineyards transformed into fruit orchards, thus beginning apple wine production. During the Goethe era, taverns made the switch and became apple wine pubs. Today, apple wine remains a staple in Frankfurt and is growing in popularity.

It’s easy to spot a local apple wine pub: just look for the wreath hanging above the door. There’s even an old saying, “A wreath on the door means apple wine and more.” Traditionally, apple wine is served in a blue-gray stoneware jug called a Bembel. Other necessary glassware for apple wine drinking includes a ribbed glass called a Gerippte.

For an unforgettable Frankfurt experience, take a tour of old town in the “Apple Wine Express.” The Apple Wine Express is the city’s most popular streetcar and takes guests on a sightseeing tour around the city. For one hour, visitors can munch on pretzels, listen to music and sip apple wine while experiencing the city in a new way.

For more info, go to: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Hike Through Switzerland’s Sunny South on the Trans Swiss Trail

Photos courtesy Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland is a hiking paradise, especially in fall, when the trees turn colors, the light is magical and the views most clear. With more than 37,300 miles of marked footpaths, 9,300 miles of cycle routes and mountain bike trails as well as charming canoe trips on lakes, outdoor activities are easily accessible to all.

Switzerland has integrated its outdoor trails into a single network: Switzerland Mobility. Thanks to high quality trails, all clearly marked, you can explore Alpine peaks, rolling hills, traditional villages and historic towns in delightful backdrops all by yourself.

FOUR SCENIC STAGES FROM BELLINZONA TO MENDRISIO
If you are looking for a hike through the sunny, southernmost canton of Switzerland, called the Ticino Canton, the section from Bellinzona to Mendrisio of the Trans Swiss Trail includes four scenic stages, passing through glades of ferns and forests of birch, by pretty lakes and over panoramic peaks.

1ST DAY: BELLINZONA–TESSERETE (12.5 MILES)
Bellinzona’s three castles, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, make a fine backdrop for the start of this hike, which begins with a dramatic climb of 2,300 vertical feet until you are high above the Magadino plain. The trail then drops into the Val d’Isone and climbs the other side to the former lake of Gola di Lago, now just a marsh. You continue through glades of ferns and thin birch woods towards Monte Bigorio and then down to Tesserete, passing Switzerland’s oldest Capuchin monastery: Santa Maria, occupying a heavenly position high above the surrounding villages.

2ND DAY: TESSERETE–LUGANO (5.5 MILES)
The trail continues along a thickly wooded ridge until the chapel of San Bernardo, where it reveals spectacular views over Lugano and its lake, draped between the surrounding hillsides. You experience Lugano’s Mediterranean charm down in the city center, especially on warm summer evenings, when people gather in the outdoor cafes and along the lakefront to chat, stroll, celebrate and relax in style.

3RD DAY: LUGANO–MORCOTE (8.5 MILES)
The funicular ride up San Salvatore, a climb of 2,000 vertical feet, starts your day. The walk onward to Vico Morcote is a classic, ideal for all the family. The spectacular trail falls gently as it passes in and out of woodland and through pretty villages. All along the way, you’re never far from the next “grotto” (traditional Ticino restaurant).

4TH DAY: MORCOTE–MENDRISIO (8 MILES)
The day starts gently with a romantic boat ride across the lake from Morcote to Terniciolo, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio. The mountain is famous around the world for its fossils: see some of the finest at the new museum in Meride.

For more info, go to MySwitzerland.com

Experience the Panorama of Switzerland from Atop Mount San Salvatore

Photo courtesy Switzerland Tourism

The majestic Swiss mountain San Salvatore, at 1,970 feet, rises into the sky of Lugano, offering a unique perspective of the lake, the Lombardic plain and the magnificent range of the Swiss and Savoy Alps.

The site is enchanting, thanks to its restaurant with a veranda and panoramic terrace, where visitors can combine gastronomic pleasures with relaxing moments.

The funicular, running since 1890, takes passengers up to San Salvatore in 12 minutes and starts in the Lugano suburb of Paradiso. A footpath leads from the intermediate station to a 150-meter-high fixed rope trail.

A 15-minute stroll from the mountain station takes climbers to the peak, where there is a viewing tower, offering a breathtaking view of the region of Lugano, Lake Lugano, Lombardy and the Alps.

For more info, go to Switzerland Tourism

Hohenwerfen Fortress: A Well-Preserved Antique

Photos Courtesy Austrian Tourist Office and Tourism Salzburg

High above Salzach Valley near Salzburg and built with an unyielding stone facade, the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Fortress has undergone centuries of development to become one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Europe.

Tour the interior of this historic structure, visit the impressive falconry displays at Austria’s first Falconry Museum or enjoy concerts, theater performances and heritage evenings throughout the year.

Isolated high above the Salzachtal Valley near Salzburg, Hohenwerfen fortress has a history of protecting archbishops and archdukes from enemies, as well as keeping prisoners locked up behind the impenetrable castle’s walls. These days, the stronghold’s doors are wide open to visitors to explore the history of this “Castle of Adventure.”

GREETINGS FROM THE MIDDLE AGES
A guided tour takes you through the venerable fortress’ chapel, kitchens, battlements and bell tower. Check out weapons from throughout the ages on display in the armory and arsenal, and inspect the residential rooms of former castle governors.

THE HIGH ART OF FALCONRY
Every year, a wide variety of special events including concerts, theater performances, and folk heritage evenings take place at Hohenwerfen. Many consider the highlight of this lineup to be the daily demonstrations of falconry put on by the Provincial Falconer. To learn more about the history and skill of falconry, visit Austria’s first falconry museum along the Bird-of-Prey Path.

For more info, go to: www.austria.info

Get Your Swiss Christmas Fix

Photos courtesy Switzerland Tourism

Christmas is around the corner. In Switzerland, Christmas markets and events are as much a part of the holiday tradition as chocolates, cookie baking and family gatherings. Here is a sampling of festivities that vary in scope from the month-long markets in St. Gallen to weekend events in villages like Bad Ragaz, yet all share the basics: Christmas ornaments, gifts, local specialties, plenty of traditional Swiss atmosphere and snow.

Handmade products of Switzerland and local
treats bring visitors from around the globe.

Swiss Christmas Markets combine holiday festivities and historic locations.

For more info http://www.myswitzerland.com/en