mountains
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Gates Pass: Where Desert Drama Unfolds in Tucson
Arizona’s sun-scorched landscapes hold a rugged beauty, and few places capture it better than Gates Pass. This dramatic cleft slices through the Tucson Mountains, offering a thrilling drive, jaw-dropping panoramas, and a gateway to the Sonoran Desert’s secrets. Prepare for Gates Pass where cactus sentinels stand guard, sunsets ignite the sky, and ancient stories whisper…
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Nezame-no-toko Gorge: Serene Beauty in Agematsu, Kiso
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Agematsu in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture lies a hidden gem of natural beauty and tranquillity. Nezame-no-toko Gorge, with its awe-inspiring vistas and serene atmosphere, beckons travellers seeking an escape into the wonders of Japan’s countryside. From the emerald-green waters of the Kiso River to the vibrant hues, this enchanting gorge…
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Mount Wakakusa: A Moderate Hike with Major Payoff
Nestled in the heart of Nara Prefecture (near the city of the same name) in Japan, Mount Wakakusa is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience, and a rich cultural history, there is something for everyone. From the annual…
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Yufuin: An Idyllic Japanese Getaway
Nestled in the rolling hills of Oita Prefecture, Yufuin is a charming little town. It is known for its hot springs, picturesque scenery, and laid-back atmosphere. Located about 10 kilometres inland from the Beppu and near Mt Tsurumi, Yufuin has long been a popular destination for travellers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle…
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Exploring Sakurajima – Japan’s Most Active and Beautiful Volcano
Sakurajima, located in the Kagoshima Prefecture of Japan, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. With a rich history of volcanic activity dating back over 22,000 years, this stunning volcanic island has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and culture of the region. The history of Sakurajima The earliest recorded…
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Schiefergebirge, Germany – My Heart’s in the Highlands
The Thüringer Schiefergebirge, known as the Thuringian Highlands in English, is an area of the German federal state Thuringia (German: Thüringen) featuring steeply hilly areas on the border between Bavaria and Thuringia, through which the Saale River cuts. As the German name suggests, this area contains a lot of slate rock. There are very few…
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Pedraforca, Spain – The Double-Peaked Mountain
Pedrafroca, located between the Provinces of Barcelona and Lleida in Spain, is a mountain in Catalunya. Mountains in Catalunya, you say. What is so special about a mountain when the Pyrenees run along the northern border? What makes this mountain not only special but also a symbol of Catalunya is its rare shape. It is a…
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Parc national des Écrins, France – Hiking a glacier
On the French-Italian border, above the Parc Natural de Mercantour and below Mont Blanc/Chamonix, lies the Parc national des Écrins. Within this park, I came face-to-face with something I had never experienced before: a glacier. It was amazing! Until 27 August 2018, I had never seen a glacier before. Well, that is not true. Hiking…
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Loarre Castle, Spain – The final defence
Loarre Castle is quite a special place due to its history; it is not only one of the oldest castles in Spain, but also a fortified abbey. Originally built as the line of last defence in northern Huesca (Aragon) against the Moorish invaders. Then it became a fortified religious site and expanded over the next…
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Balzers, Liechtenstein – On the valley floor
Balzers is a small town in Liechtenstein that is located in the south-west portion of the country, across the border (and the Rhein River, which is the border) from the Swiss town of Sargans. Balzers (like all places in Liechtenstein) is a small town a few thousand inhabitants. What sets it apart is the castle,…
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Llacs de Tristaina, Andorra – Andorran beauty
If you are going to Andorra, most likely you are going either to hike or ski. Or you are going to evade tax, but that is a different story entirely. We ended up in Andorra after visiting France to spend time with parents and enjoy nature. One of the places that you can hike in Andorra,…
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Montserrat, Spain – One of Catalonia’s religious mountain
So you have visited Barcelona and, frankly, you have seen it all in the city. Are you bored of the sunshine, the moonlight, and the boogie? But what else is there to do? Well, if you can take day trips (either in your own or public transport), Montserrat is the place to go! But what…
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Pyrenees Mountains, Spain – Hiking the border
If you are ever on the Spanish-Andorran-French border, you have to be blind to miss the Pyrenees Mountains. Or I guess you are passing through the tunnel that now runs underneath the mountains on the motorway. The mountains rise high in the sky. Much of the Pyrenees Mountain range is in national parks; the respective…
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Sierra Nevada, Spain – The foot of the peninsula
The Sierra Nevada Mountain range in the province of Granada is 100% worth a visit. No matter who you are, if you like the outdoors, you will find what you are looking for (skiing, hiking, climbing, stargazing, etc.) The Sierra Nevada has the third highest peak in Europe, called the Mulhacen, which rises over 3,450…
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Los Cahorros (Monachil), Spain – Cooling off in the desert
Near the town of Monachil runs a river called Río Monachil. It has cut a gorge and V-shaped valley over millennia. Erosion has left a wonderful area for hiking, climbing, and getting away from Granada’s summer heat (over 40°C, 100°F). The temperature in the valley is often 10°C lower than most of the surrounding areas.…
