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Waddenzee – a unique natural habitat in Netherlands

Claire — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:47:00 +0000

Waddenzee is a unique natural habitat in the north part of the Netherlands. It is situated on the Dutch coast from Den Helder to the mouth of the river Ems. Waddenzee is a coastal plain that becomes the sea twice a day and twice daily remains moist land. It is a large unique biosphere reserve covering an area of approximately 2500 km2. Waddenzee is bounded on the northwest with islands that this country protects against shock waves from the North Sea. This allowed the creation of the most varied ecosystem on Earth.

Approximately every 12 hours influx and outflow of the North Sea are repeated. Thanks to this fact, there are many diverse species of fauna and flora living here, such as mussels, snails, starfish, seals and many migratory birds.

When a shoal dries, it makes the Waddenzee the popular tourist area. In the Waddenzee, there are many guides that you can follow for hiking and never go alone as the flora and fauna is protected. Waddenzee is in UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009.

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Balaton in Hungary – the largest lake in Central Europe called Hungarian Sea

Claire — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:54:32 +0000

Lake Balaton is the largest lake in all of Central Europe, located in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. This lake is a very popular destination for tourists and is referred to as the “Hungarian Sea” by many of the locals. The Zala River feeds into Lake Balaton and Sio is the sole source of outflow for it. The northern shore of this lake is surrounded by a large mountainous region which is considered to be a very significant historical natural landmark as well as a popular area for making wine.

Balaton lake, Hungary by Rain Rannu

The southern shore of Lake Balaton is known mostly for the resort towns which border it. Some of the towns surrounding the southern shore region include Balatonfured as well as Heviz, which are historically known for being a place for the wealthy to stay. Late into the 19th century landowners began to build summer homes around this part of the lake, renting them out at more affordable prices to working middleclass travelers.

Those who live in Hungary know this lake as “Balaton”, which is derived from the Slavic word meaning “swamp” or “mud”. Lake Balaton has a significant impact on the amount of precipitation that the area experiences each year. The Lake Balaton area receives around two to three inches more precipitation than the rest of the country. As a result this area experiences quite a few cloudy days along with milder temperatures.

Yachts on Balaton, Hungary by arth2o

Tourism is certainly a significant source of income for those who live in this region, with a number of major resorts which thousands of people travel to each year. A few of the larger resorts around Lake Balaton include Siofok, Zamardi, and Balatonfured. From the month of June till the end of August there is a significant amount of tourism, mostly due to the beautiful scenery which is made up of grassy beaches which attract those who like to sail and fish.

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Lake Bohinj – the most beautiful place in Slovenia

Claire — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:56:43 +0000

You will find the majestic Lake Bohinj in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. This massive 318-hectare glacial Lake is considered to be the largest lake as well as the most beautiful place in all of Slovenia. The entirety of Lake Bohinj is situated within the Triglav National Park; less than 30 kilometres away from Lake Bled, which is another pearl of Slovenia.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia by Nigel Swales

The lake itself is more than 4.2 kilometres in length but only one kilometre in width. It is fed by the Črno jezero via the large stream of Savica. It is also believed that there is a subterranean source of water, which feeds Lake Bohinj. At the easternmost part of the lake, the water flows out via the Jezernica Creek before finally making its way out to sea.

There are many different species of marine life that call Lake Bohinj home. The most common of these include the brown trout, European chub, burbot, minnow as well as the Arctic char. There are also eight different seas of mollusks that live within the lake and a number of different algae species, which can be found along the shores.

Lake Bohinj is a popular destination during the summer months. Countless people make their way to the region every single year in order to swim and partake in a number of different water-based sports. For most visitors, the lake is a popular day trip and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living. It is also a great base for hiking around the area.

Lake Bohinj in winter, Slovenia by Mari (Maria Giovanna Colli)

Of course there are also some interesting aspects along the shores of Lake Bohinj that are a must-see attraction. The most important of these is the legendary statue of Goldhorn chamois who was immortalized in a popular poem authored by Rudolf Baumbach. There are also a number of hiking trails that lead out into the countryside and up into the mountains. If you do not feel like walking, then you can simply take the cable car to the mountains to visit the Savica Waterfall.

There are also a number of festivals and events that take place in the area at a reasonable time of the year. The biggest event around Lake Bohinj is the International Wild Flower Festival, which occurs the last week of May. There are parades, great food, flowers everywhere during the festivals which is definitely an interesting and unique place to visit Slovenia.

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