Bohemian Switzerland Day 5: Bad Schandau

The last day of our journey wasn't strictly specified in our plan. We could choose from a couple of places and in the end decided to see Bad Schandau - a small German city on a way back home. Since this was our return day, we calmed down a bit and reduced the attractions for the day. Bad Schandau is well known for two things: 1) a historical tram that goes all the way up to natural reserve (the only tram that is allowed into a natural reserve) 2) a viewpoint tower. We decided to go check out the tram and miss the tower. The track led up very slowly through a forest and stopped at a very small waterfall. There were a couple of short walking routes around but we didn't have a sling this time and were tired of walking with children so we just hanged around the final stop a bit and returned to the village. The ride itself was pretty pleasant because the view on the trees and rocks was nice. After the ride and a small walk around the city we packed the kids and came back home. This was a really nice get away trip that filled up my batteries. Time to plan the next one :)

Bohemian Switzerland Day 3: Bastei and Königstein

Ok, time to explore a bit of Germany too. The most famous place at this side of the border is by no means Bastei which is a complex of beautiful paths, beautiful sandstone rock formations, a bridge, Elbe river and a neighbouring resort. As you see, a lot to explore :) Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones who had this idea and there were swarms of people! I mean it, there were so many it was actually irritating. I didn't expect that at the end of September but apparently it is a very famous place and on top of that easily reachable for elderly, families with children or even handicapped.

At first we headed to Schwedenlocher which is a trail of 900 steps situated in a lovely environment of rocks, woods and boulders. Sometimes it gets really narrow. I was lucky enough to have checked the route earlier and we made it going down. Of course, later on we needed to regain the elevation but the path up was a bit milder than Schwedenloche. Plus, we visited Rathen resort before going up, so refreshed after a meal and a beer, we were able to climb up straight to Bastei bridge from where we had a view on Elbe river (one of many this day) and stunning rocks at the other side.

It was a cool place but I was relieved to leave it. Simply too many people to enjoy it properly. Another attraction of the day was a fort named Königstein. We decided to visit it mainly because of the magnificent view it gives on the Elbe river (see the first photo). I'm not particularly into military history but the view was worth seeing. Plus, Wojtek enjoyed the cannons scattered around the place.

Another good day! See you tomorrow!

Discovering Poland and Germany in summer

This summer was a special one for many reasons. The end of my pregnancy and birth of our precious daughter were by no means the highlights but other than that you can see a couple of shots from Radek's sailing adventures, his work trips to Berlin, our weekend at Wiejce Palace and a couple of other snapshots. Enjoy.

Dicovering Poland and Germany in spring

Although I was pregnant, we managed to squeeze in a couple of outings and a long weekend trip in spring, so this time I may share with you a bit more photos from this period. We did a couple of excursions around Szczecin and one longer trip to Rugen island. Spring is such a perfect time to take photos. Plants grow, flowers bloom, the sun shines, people are happy and willing to go out. I love spring.

Poland:

Germany: