A journey to the north
Destination Ireland and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a captivating destination full of history and natural beauty – perfect for a five-day trip. From dramatic cliffs and ancient castles to vibrant cities, there’s plenty to discover. Swiss flies direct from Zurich to Dublin, from where you can easily explore Northern Ireland by hire car. Round trips can be put together individually according to your wishes and organised individually or with a guide.
The iconic Titanic Belfast building
Probably the most recognisable building in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast – a structure that incorporates maritime metaphors such as water crystals, ship arches and the White Star logo. In ten interactive galleries, visitors can discover the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the Titanic and the people and city that built it.
Black Cab Tour
For the inquisitive, a Black Cab Tour is the perfect way to discover different facets of Northern Ireland. The «Political Murals Tours» drive along the historic murals and shed light on the political aspect of the city’s history, while other tours take Game of Thrones fans to filming locations or provide insights into the country and the famous Giant’s Causeway.
Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery
Bushmills is home to the oldest whiskey distillery in the world. Whiskey has been produced here for over 400 years – a craft that has been passed down from generation to generation. On a tour of the distillery, a whiskey instructor explains how the traditional art is carried out and then invites you to a tasting.
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is located on the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an area of around 40’000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The breathtaking coastal scenery and dramatic views make a visit well worthwhile and can be combined with a trip to Bushmills.
Hotels throughout the country
Northern Ireland also has a wide range of accommodation options: from luxurious accommodation to historic buildings and small farms. The traditional Lough Eske Castle is a particularly beautiful place to spend the night. In Newcastle, the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa welcomes guests and at Blackwell House, tradition meets modernity with luxurious cottages and authentic country house rooms. The Culloden Estate and Spa promises a wonderful retreat with breathtaking views in Belfast.
Traditional Irish and haute cuisine
Anyone travelling to Ireland should not miss out on a traditional Irish stew and the famous Irish coffee. For gourmets, we recommend the OX Belfast restaurant – a Michelin restaurant just a few minutes’ walk from the harbour – as well as The Great Room Restaurant and The Muddlers Club Restaurant. Culinary delights of the highest calibre await guests at the award-winning Wine and Brine just outside Belfast.
Rügen
Baltic Sea island of Rügen
The laid-back Baltic island of Rügen, Germany’s largest and most populous island, enchants visitors with its cultural and natural experiences, crashing Baltic waves, extensive meadows and fine sandy beaches. You can reach Rügen daily by night train from Zurich via Berlin.
Raging Roland
The steam-powered narrow-gauge railway Rügensche BäderBahn – also known as the “Rasender Roland” – connects Rügen’s seaside resorts. Since 1895, it has been chugging across the island every day at a leisurely 30 km/h, taking passengers on a journey through the different landscapes of Rügen.
Cape Arkona cliffs
Cape Arkona is a cliff over 40 metres high on the Wittow peninsula in the north of Rügen. It consists of chalk and boulder clay and was inhabited by a Slavic settlement around 1,400 years ago. Today, two lighthouses and a former naval direction finding tower on the cape invite you to combine the exploration of a sea mark with a panoramic view over the island of Rügen, Hiddensee and as far as Denmark.
Jasmund Nationalpark
In the north-east of the island of Rügen, on the Jasmund peninsula, lies the national park of the same name. At 3’003 hectares, it is the smallest national park in Germany and is home to part of the beech forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park can be wonderfully explored on foot on numerous hiking trails and a rich spectrum of natural ecosystems can be admired.
Baltic seaside resort Binz
If you’re on holiday on Rügen, you can’t miss Binz. The Baltic seaside resort is known for its kilometre-long fine sandy beach and is home to numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels. The always lively beach promenade and the white villas of the spa architecture offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation, but also entice visitors with a wide range of leisure and activity options.
Fresh fish and seafood
Lovers of fresh fish and seafood are in the right place on the island of Rügen. The Kuse fish smokehouse has been serving fish dishes in all variations – whether smoked, salted or elaborately prepared – for five generations. Seafood lovers will also get their money’s worth at Bootshaus Binz, where fresh Baltic Sea dishes are served against a beautiful seaside backdrop. If you prefer something more savoury, the trendy Dolden Mädel is the place to go for good beer and home cooking.
Spend the night in Binz
Binz is not only a great place to spend the day, there are also some great places to stay along the coast. The Hotel Ceres am Meer is a design hotel and promises a luxurious stay nestled in the picturesque coastal landscape. The Hotel Am Meer & Spa is also located directly on the beach promenade in Binz and is ideal for sports and wellness enthusiasts.
Hurtigruten
Norwegian mail boat route Hurtigruten
The Hurtigruten has been an icon along the Norwegian coast since 1893. It calls at a total of 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes to connect communities, deliver cargo and bring guests from all over the world closer to the beauty of Norway in an authentic way. More luxurious cruises to explore the waters and places are offered by Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.
34 harbours, endless impressions
The cruise ships stop at 34 harbours along the north coast of Norway. Each location captivates with its own magical atmosphere: from the lively cultural scene in Stavanger to the historic Bryggen district in Bergen and the dramatic nature of the Lofoten Islands with majestic mountains and small fishing villages.
Spectacle of the Northern Lights
Travelling with Hurtigruten is one of the best ways to experience Norway’s fascinating light spectacle. The Northern Lights occur most frequently from September to March, when the Arctic sky is dark enough, between 17:00 and 02:00. Generally speaking, the further north you go, the better the chances to witness this amazing phenomenon.
Norway’s long summer days
Between May and August, another unique phenomenon occurs in the Norwegian Arctic: the midnight sun. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the sun does not disappear behind the horizon during this period and lights up the sky all night long. Here too, the further north you go, the more intense the natural spectacle and the more never-ending days there are. An unforgettable experience that can only be found in a few regions of the world.
Sleep and enjoy on the high seas
The Hurtigruten ships offer space for up to 90 guests on board, who are accommodated in comfortable cabins. Travellers heading north enjoy the best view on the port side, while those heading south enjoy the best view on the starboard side. The catering concept on board is local and sustainable, with a focus on the products and culinary heritage of the Norwegian coast.
