Last week my family and I went for a little roadtrip through Austria. Our first stop was in Oberkrimml to explore the Krimml Waterfalls. To be honest I didn’t expect too much, because I have already seen a few waterfalls and they didn’t differ from one to another. I was really impressed by the Krimml Waterfalls, because they are the largest ones in Europe and the fifth highest in the world. It was really refreshing to walk next to the water and enjoy the views at the numerous viewing points along the path.
The Lapland Experience
Today it’s time for the last post of the Lapland series. We have been in Saariselkä just a few days and we had so many different light conditions which is always great when you would like to shoot a variety of different moods. It’s just my guess, but the colder it is, the more beautiful it gets. Our last day in Lapland was the coldest and already the morning offered a wonderful lightening sky in a purple/pinkish colour. I have never seen such a sleepy and beautiful mood before. After breakfast the sky turned light blue and half an hour later the sun came out. It was really sad to leave this beautiful place, but I am sure this was not my last Lapland trip. All in all the whole experience was just breathtaking and I am very thankful for all these amazing moments.
The East and the West
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is divided into an east and a west village. While the east village is the older and more charming one, the west village is definitely the one where the magic happens. We stayed in the east village and really enjoyed the hygge feeling there. While we were walking around in our village we rarely met any other guests even when all igloos and cabins were booked out. The west village is the starting point for many activities like the reindeer or husky safaris. They also have an igloo tower which provides an amazing view all over the village. Another treat is the art gallery inside the igloo tower. During Christmas time it must be the most wonderful place on earth, because you can visit Santa Claus (called Joulupukki in Finnish). There is not only Santa’s home, but also a Christmas crib, you can spot an elf tower and a huge celebration house. Another special accommodation possibility is the kelo-glass igloo which is a combination of a cabin and a glass igloo located in the west village. During our stay we visited both villages and even came across some reindeers.
Lapland by Night
There aren’t many places in winter which are also breathtaking by night, but Lapland definitely is. I have never felt so excited just because it turned dark. The view out of the glass igloo turned into a dreamy and magical winter fairytale. Just watching those snow-covered trees and hundreds of stars makes you feel calm, but also thankful and entirely happy. And then, all of a sudden, there was a light spectacle in the sky. Yet visible, although very weak a long-cherished dream came true. It actually makes you forget the cold and all you want to do is to get outside and get closer to the northern lights. Yes, now after I have seen the aurora borealis, all I want to do is go back there one day and watch them again.
Lago di Fusine
Last week we went to Italy and came across the Fusine Lakes which are surrounded by the Mount Mangart mountain range. I have been there a few times before and it was always worth visiting. While I was taking a walk by the lake the weather changed from cloudy to sunny and later on to foggy. Not only the weather, but also the colours of the lake were changing. Those unique shades and the beautiful reflections made this place even more magical.
Arboretum
My last Tampere related blog post is about the Hatanpää Arboretum which is a city oasis located two kilometres from the centre. If you love roses as much as I do, you should definitely go there: Hundreds of beautiful roses can be admired in the rose garden at the arboretum next to a collection of gorgeous trees and plants. Yes, the arboretum is definitely a gem of the city.
Mix and Match Tampere
Whenever I get asked why I like to travel to Tampere I always answer I love to go there because of the great mix of nature and city life. These two elements perfectly complement each other and for someone like me who needs both aspects to be completely happy, it is a great possibility to combine them. Depending on what you would like to do, it is easily to get around and it only takes a ten-minutes-walk to reach the city centre or some great outdoors.
One of my favourite places in the city is the Finlayson art area which is always worth to check out. I must admit I also fell in love with those little design shops like Forget-Me-Not, Taito, Seele, PikkuPutiikit or Uhana Design and I bought some really lovely Finnish handmade products there. This time I also visited the reopened Moomin Museum which can be found in the Tampere Hall. There would be so many interesting museums in Tampere, but unfortunately my stay was too short to visit them all. I can promise you that you will never be bored in Tampere – there are so many possibilities waiting for you to be grabbed.
Dreams of the Future
One day. Me and this beautiful little wooden house. In the north. My beloved home in the future. Dreams.
On the 4th floor
Alma’s apartment has always been a place which inspired me. Also this year her home felt like a great source for refreshment and spirituality. During sunset the apartment turned into a magical stage with shadow shows and light effects. It is sad to know that the apartment is sold now and I can’t come back there anymore. I will miss it, but those great and lovely holiday memories will stay forever.
Spotlight the Forest
When you are in Finland walking through the forests is an absolute must. I personally spent the majority of my time in the Finnish forests or near the lake. I figured out that I can relax the most when I walk somewhere alone just listening to the birds and my feet hitting the ground. Also the sound of the waves makes me feel grateful. I absolutely loved experiencing the calm.
Tampere | Travel Film
Holidays are great to try out something new. I spent ten days in Tampere and wanted to capture Finland’s beauty in a bit more vivid way – so I decided to make a little film. It was my first time using my camera not only for taking pictures, but also for filming. The film is far from perfect, but it was so much fun to do it!
In the video you can see the districts Pyynikki, Pispala and Rauhaniemi as well as the lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. I visited the brandnew Moomin Museum at Tampere Talo, the Amusement Park Särkänniemi and the wonderful Arboretum. One of my favourite places was the Finlayson Art Area with the colourfully painted streets.
In the next couple of weeks I will also post my travel photographs, but until then I hope you will enjoy this video!
Vagabondo
One highlight of my holidays was the visit of the Vagabondo Resort in Buttrio, Italy. The resort looked a bit like a fairytale home – no wonder that many couples get married there! The atmosphere and the rustic style of this pleasant place were just amazing.
Trieste for a day
On Thursday we were heading to Trieste to discover this very charming city. Our first stop was at Castello Miramare where we joined a guided tour through the chambers and the throne room. We had some time to stroll around the park along its numerous paths which leaded to a little castle, beautiful botanical species and old greenhouses. In Trieste we took a walk through the town where we unfortunately just had a short time to admire the architecture, take a look at the beautiful sea view, get some food and enjoy the lovely atmosphere in the city. All in all it was a really nice trip and I hope to return there soon.
