This Freiburg Feeling! A Day in Freiburg Germany

A Euro trip will not be complete without walking along the cobblestone streets. Although it did not happen in the romantic alleys of Paris, the vibrant, old city of Freiburg Germany bestowed to me that unique feeling of happily getting lost and mindless wandering...

This is the Freiburg feeling. 

The vibrant, multi-culture vibe of Freiburg im Breisgau is explained by the fact that it is a German university city inhabited by students from Europe and parts of the world. It is a small, lovely city where anyone can get lost in the old streets and historical structures that date back as early as the 11th century.

One of the buildings of the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg. The university was founded in 1457 making it one of the oldest universities in Germany.

 Freiburg Minster (Freiburgur Münster) is a Gothic-style church finished in 1230; it was initially constructed around 1200 with Romanesque style. 

The market in Cathedral Square where regional products like honey and sausages are sold. 

The Schwabentor and Martinstor, the last two remaining Medieval city gates that survived many wars. 

Bächle is small canals that run throughout the old town. These little streams transported fresh water into the city. Today, it provides fun for the kids. I was also told of a legend in which if a tourist accidentally falls into one of the streams, he/she has to marry a Freiburger and live in the city for the rest of her/his life!

  

One of the random things in the streets. The Universalis Cosmographia is a world map created by cartographer Martin Waldseemuller originally published in 1507.

This is a reproduction of the Old Synagogue that was destroyed during the Nazi period. The destruction was a turning point when the Jewish citizens were discriminated against and persecuted. The glossy, modern building in the background is the University Library (Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg).

Unlike in the Philippine and American libraries, the books in the Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg are arranged by date of acquisition rather than by subject. The library provides comfortable workstations for the students. It is also open to the public.

The Wiwilíbrücke (Wiwilí Bridge) is one of the most important and popular bridges in Freiburg that connects the city center to the pedestrian and cyclists. It's also a favorite hangout of the younger people where they sit on top of the blue metal arches to eat lunch, talk or watch the sunset with their feet dangling. 

Situated in southwest Germany and surrounded by the black forest, this little old town of Freiburg is considered the sunniest place in the country. It is known for the high cost of living and advanced environmental practices. 

Freiburg harmoniously blends with nature. Beautiful flowers on the terraces give Freiburg a touch of French flair.

To complete our afternoon walk...

Among other cities in Germany, Freiburg is the closest to France and Switzerland. It actually shares its airport with Basel, Switzerland, and Mulhouse, France. It is a perfect jump-off point for a laid-back travel experience.

Danke schön, Freiburg! 🍻

Slovenia, A Hidden Paradise in Europe

Slovenia is perhaps not the first pick when jetting off to a relaxing holiday destination or exciting adventures. Some people probably have heard of it for the first time. While most tourists flock to France, Italy, Germany, and other popular European countries, this little country in the central part becomes underrated. 

However, first-time travelers won't get disappointed with Slovenia's beautiful landscape, nature-made wonders, folk culture, and interesting history. I, myself, can attest to that. Here are few of the jaw-dropping experiences that only in Slovenia can be found. 

• Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Postojna Cave is the second largest cave system in Slovenia. Visitors will be transported into the 24-kilometer limestone cave carved by the Pivka River. Words are not enough to describe the feeling while exploring the limestone stalagmites formed by tiny droplets thousands of years and the haunting interior bubbles. Other things not to miss are the large cave known as Concert Hall for its perfect acoustics and the dragon, an endemic olm.

About 9 kilometers from the Postojna Cave is the Predjama Castle built in the mouth of a cave on a 120-meter cliff. More than being the feat of human engineering and natural wonder, the castle tells rich history of famous Slovenian nobles including the legendary knight-turned-robber named Erazem Lueger. Inside the castle is a network of secret channels and caves for adventure seekers and which were also used as filming locations and for paranormal activity investigations. 

• Ljubljana

Ljubljana [lyoo-blyah-nuh] is Slovenia's capital. By city standards, it is quite small. In fact, you can walk from the historic center to the opposite side in just 15 minutes. If you have a day to relax, take a laid-back stroll along this old town, sip the best European coffee in the outdoor cafes, and more. There are more reasons to love about this beautiful city.

The Triple Bridge, Tromostovje in Slovenian, is a group of three bridges across the Ljubljanica River that connects the medieval town and modern city of Ljubljana.

The Dragon Bridge that crosses the Ljubljanica River between the Kopitar Street and Ressel Street was built in the early 20th century. This is one of the dragons that Jason, the legendary founder of Ljubljana, and the Argonauts killed.

The recently-opened Butcher's Bridge where lovers symbolically padlock their love and throw the keys into the river.

Also known as home to the dragons is the Ljubljanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle) that sits atop of a hill overlooking the entire city and surrounding areas. It was constructed in the 11th century as a medieval fortress. It was rebuilt for several times, now sporting some modern architecture as a museum.

• Bled Island

Bled Island is the one and the only island in Slovenia. It is surrounded by the lake Bled that features the clearest water I have ever seen. Small and big fishes can be easily spotted in the area. 

The island can be reached via the peaceful wooden boat ride (called pletna) across the Lake Bled. 

The 52-meter tower of a pilgrimage church in Bled island dedicated to Assumption of Mary.

Never leave this place without eating the town's famous kremna rezina, an extremely rich cream pastry.

• Maribor

Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia, an old town boosting the real-life vibe, nature retreats, and incredible wine vineyards. While the charming capital Ljubljana is a non-disputed tourist destination, Maribor is relatively more relaxed and distinctly different. In fact, it was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2012 making it the best place to experience and learn all about the local culture of Slovenia.

Maribor sits along the River Drava in the northeast of Slovenia. It suffered intense bombing during the World War II and many re-built and replaced buildings are plain and nothing special. The architectural designs in Maribor were also Venetian-inspired. 

The Plague Column was originally built in 1681 as a symbol of gratitude for the end of the 1680 plague epidemic that took one-third of the city's population.

The 400-year old Žametovka is the oldest vineyard in the world.

There are many historical structures in Maribor, but at the start of 21st century, plans for the construction of modern businesses, residential, and entertainment areas were made.

One of the most colorful graveyards I've seen is the one from Fram, a peaceful town near Maribor. 

• Ptuj

Ptuj, located in the northeastern area, is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia. It was inhabited since the late Stone Age and was a Roman military fort. It was traditionally part of the Styria region and Austria-Hungarian Empire. The majority of the residents in the 20th century were Germans, but it is now inhabited largely by Slovenes.  

One of the most popular landmarks, and probably the very first castle I entered, is the Ptuj Castle. It is located along the Drava River overlooking the town.

 

 

The Ptuj Castle was built in the mid-12th century as a defense against the Hungarian forces.

In the years after 1945, the buildings around the castle were converted into a museum of regional history. 

 

Although it was only in 1991 when Slovenia achieved its sovereignty and independence from Yugoslavia, this Slavic country has been inhabited since prehistoric times which tells so much about its rich history and culture. It has over 2 million population in 2018 and was economically and politically integrated with western Europe in the 21st century. 

Hvala lepa, Slovenija!🍻

The Karst World of Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Postojna Cave

Located in the Coastal and Karst region of Slovenia is the Postojna Cave [post-oy-nah]. Also called Postojnska Jama in Slovenian, it has 24,340 meters or 24 kilometers of explored areas of underground passages, galleries, and halls. It is the second largest cave system in the country and probably the most captivating natural wonder I have ever visited!

The Postojna Cave was first described in the 17th century, but the oldest graffiti found inside date back as early as 1213. During the World War I, it was used as a hideout by the the Russian forces for the aircraft fuel which was destroyed and burned the cave for 7 days. 

Few of the fascinating stalagmite formations by tiny water droplets of thousands of years.

The small entrance leads to a breathtaking out-of-this-world wonder. 

Postojna Cave's popular symbol called Brilliant, a five-meter tall white stalagmite.

The bridge constructed by the Russian prisoners of war during the World War I. 

There are approximately 1 million visitors in the cave every year. This is the same bridge by the Russian prisoners of war.

The Pivka River, an underground river that carved the cave for over millions of years.

Visitors take the train ride inside the Postojna Cave. It is the world's first railway inside an underground cave opened in 1872. 

The temperature inside the cave is 10°C throughout the year. 

Predjama Castle

Few kilometers away from the Postojna Cave is a fascinating medieval castle embraced by the mountain. Among the hundreds of castles scattered in Europe, the 800-year old Predjama Castle stands out because it boosts human skills and natural wonder. In fact, it was listed as Guinness World Record's largest cave castle in the world.

The Predjama Castle does not only feature a romantic picturesque but also tells historical legends of Slovenia's early nobles. 

I was here!

The Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are two unpopular gems in Europe and in the world that can only be experienced in Slovenia. You can find more of my adventures in this little European hidden paradise in a separate post. Cheers! 🍻