One of the most beautiful beaches on the Flemish coast is to be found in the small village of De Haan in the north of Belgium.
between Blankenberge and Bredene-aan-Zee. In summer it can get busy here, but never too crowded. In winter you are almost alone. Especially in the cold season, it is particularly charming to walk along the seashore. A cap and scarf protect you from the often sharp wind. Whether leisurely along the waterline or briskly through the dune landscape criss-crossed by paths - a few hours of exercise in the fresh, spicy sea air is not only healthy, but also makes you hungry. A wonderful place in the middle of the dunes to catch your breath over a punch or a snack is Chalet Westhinder. In winter, however, the beach hut is only open irregularly. On the other hand, numerous cafés and restaurants along the wide beach promenade invite you to take a break. You can regain your strength with delicious Belgian waffles or tasty moules-frites.

Winter in South Tyrol is still characterised by slowness and silence in many places. The focus is on contact with nature. When snowshoeing, these wishes come true as if by magic - only the crunching of the snow under your feet can be heard.

If you are on snowshoes for the first time, the tour (1) to the Frin is a good recommendation. It is easy, runs in avalanche-safe terrain and offers a magnificent view of the mountain world of the Dolomites. This wonderful panoramic hike starts at an altitude of 1570 m north of the village of Karersee. Already here a breathtaking view of the Rotwand opens up. With the Catinaccio in view, the snowshoe hike leads on trail no. 16 over the Frin and further over a unique alpine pasture area. The hike is easy with little difference in altitude.

Another rewarding snowshoe hike leads through the Karerwald forest with a view of the Latemar (Tour 2). The starting point here is the idyllic Karersee lake. Along the Agatha Christie Trail, the hike leads via trail no. 11 to the Mitterleger viewpoint. You return to the starting point on trails no. 21 and 13.

The city founders of Bern had the foresight to look after the well-being of their citizens and visitors and equipped the old town houses with protective arcades that accompany them through the city like covered pavements. The approximately six-kilometre-long network of arcades runs through the entire old town, which still looks as it did five hundred years ago and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Strolling under the arches has its advantages not only in rain and snow, but also in high summer, when you are glad of any shade. Galleries, studios, boutiques and "Lädeli" - unique shopping gems await you under the Bernese arcades and in the typical vaulted cellars, making a shopping trip in Bern's Old Town a very special experience.

The promenade is enlivened by artistically designed fountains, the oldest of which is the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice) dating from 1543. The Zytglogge, a clock tower dating from the Middle Ages with an astronomical clock and chimes, marks the end of this typically Helvetic boulevard.