WEINHEIM, a town of Germany, in the grand-duchy of Baden, pleasantly situated on the Bergstrasse at the foot of the Odenwald, 11 m. N. of Heidelberg by the railway to Frankfort-on-Main. Pop. (1905) 12,560. It is still in part surrounded by the ruins of its ancient walls. The Gothic town hall; the ruins of the Castle of Windeck and the modern castle of the counts of Berckheim; the house of the Teutonic Order; and three churches are the principal buildings. The town has various manufactures, notably leather, machinery and soap, and cultivates fruit and wine. It is a favourite climatic health resort and a great tourist centre for excursions in the Odenwald range. Weinheim is mentioned in chronicles as early as the 8th century, when it was a fief of the abbey of Lorsch, and it was fortified in the 14th century. In the Thirty Years’ War it was several times taken and plundered, and its fortifications dismantled.
Tag Archives: Travel
Wildlife: Keas – The Alpine Parrots Of New Zealand
Keas are remarkable birds: playful, belligerent and smart. So smart in fact that some scientists believe they have the intelligence of a 4-year old human.
The kea is a species of large parrot in the family Nestoridae found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. About 48 cm long, it is mostly olive-green with a brilliant orange under its wings and has a large, narrow, curved, grey-brown upper beak.
Amalfi Coast Tour: A 16th-Century Saracen Tower
Set into a rock dropping sheer down to the sea, this ancient 16th-century Saracen Tower is located in Maiori, one of the most exclusive areas of the Amalfi Coast.
This is truly a unique object standing between sky and sea, in a panoramic, high position less than a kilometer from the town center of Maiori, protected by a majestic chain of mountains: from here the view sweeps from the mountains to the charming town below, to then get lost in the infinite blue of the sea, offering one of the most picturesque views of the entire Amalfi Coast.
Built as a watchtower to defend this stretch of coast from invasions by the Saracens and pirates, who in past times attacked it by sea, this property has helped preserve the wonders of the Amalfi Coast, of which it is a splendid example. Developed on the panoramic road from the coast to the sea, with exclusive access to a wonderful private platform with sun loungers, this estate is part of a natural setting of incomparable beauty, characterized by dense Mediterranean scrub.
A true maze of paths crosses the 6,500-sqm park, arranged in terraces, along which the various living areas are located, including the Belvedere, the Canonica and the Saracen Tower.
German Castles: Secrets Of Neuschwanstein (DW)
Prince Leopold of Bavaria takes you on an exclusive tour of the famous castle commissioned by his ancestor, King Ludwig II, who had the castle built in the picturesque landscape of the Bavarian Allgäu in the 19th century. Today, the castle is one of Germany’s most famous tourist attractions and is famous all over the world. On his guided tour, the prince will share 5 lesser-known facts about Neuschwanstein!
Cinematic Travel: ‘The Iceland Adventure’ (4K)
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history.
It’s been a year since I made a trip to Iceland with my sister. This was when the Faggrasjadal volcano was still active and we really wanted to see it with our own eyes. And this was definitely one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had.
In addition, we drove through almost all of Iceland in five days and we visited a lot of spectacular places with the most beautiful views. Five days is of course way too little to see everything and that’s why I really can’t wait until I can go back to visit Iceland.
Tim Roosjen
Summer Walks: Streets & Cafes In Central Paris (4K)
Cutting through the very heart of the Paris, the Seine River is the epicenter of the vibrant French capital. The gentle waterway is an integral part of the city and its fascinating history. Lined with traditional booksellers and bordered by beautiful boulevards, historic cafés and charming neighborhoods, the river is an attraction in its own right.
Walking along the banks of the Seine or taking a relaxing boat tour down its waters is an excellent way to get acquainted with the City of Light. Along the way you’ll encounter a series of beautiful and historic bridges, along with some of the French capital’s most famous buildings and monuments, including the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Miniature Views: Oslo – Capital Of Norway (4K)
A tilt-shift timelapse ride through the city via the Akershus Fortress, Opera House, Dome, Port, Tjuvholmen, Vigelandsparken, Ekebergparken, the ski jump in Holmenkollen and the peninsula Bygdøy in 4 amazing minutes.
Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.
A film by Little Big World
October 2022: National Geographic Traveller (UK)
The cover story this month focuses on Tokyo. Japan’s capital is a megalopolis made up of distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own character — from the outré trends of Harajuku and the neon maze of Shinjuku, to the technology and subcultures of Akihabara and the world’s best sushi in Ginza.
Elsewhere in the issue:
Belize: Discover Maya heritage, conservation triumphs and a kaleidoscopic barrier reef.
Kent: A hike from Deal to Folkestone reveals storied landscapes and arty seaside towns.
Namibia: A portrait of life in Kunene, a remote region of desert-adapted wildlife and star-studded night skies.
New York: Sampling the soul food, jazz clubs and markets of Harlem, Manhattan’s most famous Black neighbourhood.
Prague: Beyond the walls of the Old Town, the Czech capital is being reimagined by a new generation of locals.
Tenerife: Discover the wilder side of the Canary Island on its northern coast.
Trondheim: A new-found love of local produce is bringing fine cuisine to the former Viking capital.
Toronto: The Canadian city is upping its hotel game with a host of new openings and high-profile restorations.
Walking Tour: Eindhoven In Southern Netherlands
Eindhoven is a city in the province of North Brabant in the south Netherlands. Known as a technology and design hub, it’s the birthplace of Philips electronics, which built the Philips Stadium, home to the PSV soccer team. The Philips Museum traces the company’s design history. Nearby, the Van Abbemuseum focuses on art and design. Northwest, the former industrial complex Strijp-S houses design shops and restaurants.
Indonesia Views: South Sea Cultured Pearl Farms
South Sea pearls are the largest cultured-pearl variety, sometimes reaching over 20 millimeters in diameter. The Pinctada maxima oyster can take up to five years to produce a single South Sea pearl, whereas more common freshwater oysters can take as little as three months and create dozens of pearls. This long cultivation process makes South Sea pearls rarer — and more expensive. A single South Sea pearl can cost $1,500, and a necklace can reach over $200,000. So, how are these pearls grown? And what makes them so expensive?
Boomers Daily 