Wales & Northern Ireland

The Snowdonia National Park — in Welsh Eryri (officially since 2022) — is Wales' hiking paradise: 2,132 square kilometers of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, abandoned slate quarries, and the feeling of having reached the end of the world.

At its center towers Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (1,085 m) — the highest mountain in Wales. Six different routes lead to the summit, from the leisurely Llanberis Path (14 km, 5–6 hours) to the challenging Crib Goch ridge walk (one of Britain's most exposed ridges — only for experienced mountaineers!). At the summit: A café (Hafod Eryri, the highest café in Britain) and — in clear weather — a view over all of Wales, the Irish Sea, and as far as Ireland.

For those who don't want to hike: The Snowdon Mountain Railway (rack railway, since 1896) runs from Llanberis to the summit (45 min., £39 return). A nostalgic experience with Victorian carriages and steam locomotives.

Next to Snowdon:

• Zip World Velocity 2 — The fastest zipline in Europe (160 km/h!) over a former slate quarry in Bethesda. Surreal and adrenaline-charged
• Beddgelert — One of the prettiest villages in Wales, at the confluence of two rivers. The legend of the faithful dog Gelert (wrongly killed by the prince) is heartbreaking
• Portmeirion — A surreal Italian fantasy village on the Welsh coast, built by the eccentric architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1925–1975). Known as the filming location for the TV series "The Prisoner". Like a dream from Amalfi in North Wales

Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh) has been the capital of Wales since 1955 — a compact, vibrant city that has transformed from an industrial coal port to a dynamic cultural metropolis in recent decades.

The highlights:

• Cardiff Castle — In the heart of the city: a castle that combines Roman, Norman, and Victorian excess. The opulent rooms, decorated in the fantasy Gothic style by the eccentric Marquess of Bute in the 19th century, are so lavish they would be kitschy — if they weren't so breathtaking. The Arab ceiling in the Arab Room and the golden murals are unique
• Principality Stadium (Millennium Stadium) — The national stadium with its retractable roof dominates the cityscape. Rugby is a religion in Wales, and experiencing a Six Nations match (February/March) here is electrifying. Stadium tour: £15
• Cardiff Bay — The former Tiger Bay docks (once one of the busiest coal ports in the world) are now a modern waterfront district: the Wales Millennium Centre (opera, theater), the Norwegian Church (where Roald Dahl was baptized!), and waterfront restaurants
• National Museum Cardiff — Free! The most impressive collection of Impressionists outside Paris (Renoir, Monet, Cézanne) and an excellent Welsh archaeology department

The Pembrokeshire Coast in southwest Wales is one of Britain's smallest national parks — and one of the most beautiful. 300 kilometers of rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, hidden sandy beaches, and wildlife that will leave you in awe.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path (300 km, part of the Wales Coast Path) is one of Europe's great long-distance trails — 35,000 meters of elevation gain over 300 kilometers (more than the Everest Base Camp trek!). Individual day stages are manageable for everyone and offer world-class coastal walks.

The highlights:

• Barafundle Bay — Regularly voted Britain's most beautiful beach: golden sand, turquoise water, no road — just a footpath through dunes and woods. In the sun: Caribbean feeling in Wales
• St Davids — The smallest city in Britain (1,600 inhabitants, but city status due to the cathedral). The St Davids Cathedral is hidden in a valley — you only see it when you're right in front of it. The purple-red sandstone walls and the Norman nave are spectacular
• Skomer Island — Bird island off the coast with the largest puffin colony in southern Britain. Between April and July, puffins waddle just meters away. Boat trip from Martin's Haven (limited places, book!)
• Tenby — Picture-perfect coastal town with pastel-colored Georgian houses, town wall, and three beaches. The view from the harbor wall of the colorful houses is the Instagram shot of Wales

Belfast has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 25 years — from a city associated with the Troubles to one of Europe's most exciting travel destinations. The Northern Irish capital pulses with energy: new restaurants, craft beer scene, street art, and a growing cultural self-confidence.

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is Northern Ireland's most visited attraction and one of the best museums in Britain. The striking building at the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard (where the Titanic was built in 1911) tells the story of the world's most famous ship through nine interactive galleries — from construction to maiden voyage, sinking, and the discovery of the wreck. The ride (a gondola through the recreated shipyard) and the exhibits are top-notch. Plan for 2–3 hours.

The Troubles & the Murals

Belfast's recent history is written on the walls — literally. In the neighborhoods of Falls Road (Catholic/Nationalist) and Shankill Road (Protestant/Unionist), massive murals tell the story of the conflict. The Peace Walls — up to 8 meters high, separating the neighborhoods to this day — are a sobering testament. A Black Cab Tour (£15/person, 1.5 hours) with a local taxi driver, who often has personal connections to the conflict, is the most poignant way to understand this history.

Cathedral Quarter

Belfast's nightlife and cultural district around St Anne's Cathedral: pubs, live music, galleries, and the Duke of York (one of Northern Ireland's best pubs, with a street-art-adorned alley). The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) showcases contemporary art and theater.

The Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world — and the Giant's Causeway is its crown jewel.

Giant's Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage)

40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns rise from the Irish Sea — perfectly shaped, as if someone had stacked them with geometric precision. Geology explains it with volcanism 60 million years ago: basalt lava cooled slowly and evenly, forming these hexagonal columns. The Irish legend is better: The giant Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) built the causeway to reach his Scottish rival Benandonner — but changed his mind when he saw the size of his opponent.

The visitor center (£15, including audio guide) offers a good introduction, but the real experience is the Cliff Walk along the coast — dramatic cliffs, seabirds, and ever-new formations. Come early in the morning or late afternoon — the tourist buses are fullest between 11 am and 3 pm.

Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges near Ballymoney are one of Northern Ireland's most photographed places: an avenue of ancient, gnarled beech trees whose intertwined branches form a tunnel that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Famous as the "King's Road" in Game of Thrones. Best photographed in the morning mist or at dusk when the light falls through the branches. Note: The road is closed to cars (residents only), park at the official parking lot and walk the 500 meters on foot.

Other Highlights of the Antrim Coast

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — A 30-meter-long suspension bridge over a 30-meter-deep chasm between cliff and island. Not for the faint-hearted, but the view of the Scottish coast is fantastic (£9)
• Dunluce Castle — Dramatic castle ruins on a basalt rock directly above the sea. Parts of the castle collapsed into the depths with the kitchen in the 17th century. Inspiration for Pyke in Game of Thrones
• Bushmills Distillery — The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world (since 1608). 10 minutes from the Giant's Causeway. Tour + Tasting from £17