Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

And how did the period get its name? Just after Hallstatt village, which was at that time an important trading center. There was the salt mined in its vicinity, which was also exported to far away places. The history of the local salt mining extends at least from 2nd millennium BC up to the present and gave the region not only wealth and prosperity, but also created a specific cultural landscape, where nature blends with human activity in unusual harmony. It also led the Commission of UNESCO to add this area “Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape” on the list of World Heritage in 1997.

Very interesting on Hallstatt is that it has long been accessible only by boat across the lake, or along narrow mountain trails. The first road was built along the shore in 1890, but only thanks to the power of explosives. Despite of this apparent inaccessibility the people settled here anyway seven thousand years ago. The rich history recalls not only architecture of Hallstatt, but also the local museum, which collects extensive archaeological excavations. Many of them come from the necropolis on the plateau above the town, where were discovered the remains of 4,000 people. And those remains were the main reason to name the period as “Hallstatt period”.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Party Lin

It is understandable that many places in Hallstatt are related to salt. The local salt mines are reportedly the oldest in the world and you can see them in an unusual museum. Why unusual? Well, how many museums have you visited which had 64 metres long wooden roller coaster…? But the underground salt mines offer much more than this unusual attraction. You can learn about the life of people who mined salt here for thousands of years. The body of one of them was found here in 1734, perfectly preserved by salt. Notable is also an underground salt lake with an area of ​​1400 m2.

If you already have enough salt, you can target the other wonders of the underground world – Dachstein ice caves. And because we are in the Alps, it is not necessary to say that you can see lots of interesting also on the surface. Whether it’s a remarkable historical buildings, or simply “just” beautiful countryside with fresh air and a nice panorama of mountain giants.

There are lots of Austria hotels in the town as well as camp sites at the shores of the lake. Hallstatt is also a great starting point for your hiking tours around the mountains.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean & Nathalie

Those who visit Madeira and hike through the island, soon discover that everything on the island is either downhill or uphill. Plane landscape can not be find here. However, Paul da Serra will surprise you. It is a huge plane. Another World.

If the weather is nice, you can see both a northern and southern coast of the island. But it is very occasionally and rather do not expect to be so lucky.

Do not underestimate the clothes, as here on the plateau may be a lot colder than at the sea. Also fogs can be formed very quickly and remain long enough. Therefore, be prepared for those natural changes. It is also recommended to go on guided tours.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jörg Schmalenberger at wikipedia.com

Paul da Serra attracts tourists by its unusual landscape and beautiful scenery. At the road to Porto Moniz you can get into a nice valley of Rabacal. Here you can choose from two popular hiking trails leading along the irrigation canals Levadas. The first route is easy, it’s more comfortable for walking. After fifteen minutes you get to the Risco waterfall. The second route is more challenging. The steep climb takes you to 25 Fontes (which means to 25 springs). The whole tour takes about three hours. Both routes are very attractive and should be included in all the maps of Madeira.

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Falls from the Ice Age
Pericnik Waterfall consists of two parts. Higher one is 16 meters high and the lower one 52 meters. A beautiful waterfall is a relic of the Ice Age, when the local largest glacier in the valley of Vrata, located on the northern side of the Julian Alps, created the beautiful valley stretched from the village Mojstrana to the northern foothills of Triglav.

Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia.

Above the waterfall there is Vrtaška plateau, which is known for its rich fauna and flora. Waterfall flows into the stream of Bistrica. The waterfall is beautiful also in winter, when there are countless icicles that have subtle shades of blue and green colors.

Peričnik Waterfall is protected as a natural phenomenon and is included in Triglav National Park.

Access to the lower waterfall is easy, since it is possible to get almost here by car from Mojstrana. In Mojstrana be aware of the exit road to the valley of Vrata. After about three kilometers of driving, you come to the Cottage under Peričnik. Here there is a sign of the administration of Triglav National Park with information on the waterfalls. Then walk just a few steps through the trail and you’re already under a magnificent 52-meter-high lower Peričnik Waterfall. You can also walk around, but it is recommended to take a waterproof jacket (and helmet) with you.

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• 4 red slopes (new 2011!)
• 2 blue slopes
• 2 green slopes

Transportation is provided by 3 lifts.

The development of the plateau began with the creation of the access road in the 1970s. Infrastructure has been installed from 1976 with the creation of the first lifts.

You can enjoy the best skiing in February and March, when there is much more snow than in other months. However you should call to the ski resort and ask if the lifts are in operation. There is a ski rental, and lots of restaurants, bars and car parks.

The basic whole day ski-pass costs 17 Eur.

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The core of the park consists of the limestone and dolomite plateau with karst formations. The overall length of karst landscape from the settlement of Červená Skala (part of Šumiac) to the town of Tisovec is about 25 km.

There are more than more than 300 caves, which are inaccessible to the public and 15 abysses. The highest point is Fabova hoľa at 1,439 m AMSL, however, a higher peak, Stolica at 1,476 m is located in the buffer zone. Its terrain is refreshed by sink holes, grikes, canyons, rock towers, and rock windows.

Forests cover about 90% of the area.

Tourist attractions include 300 km of marked hiking trails and two educational trails. The best access to the park is through the surrounding villages and settlements, like villages Tisovec, Muráň and Červená Skala. Attractive places for hiking also include Závadka nad Hronom and saddleback Zbojská.

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