Ljubljana

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. The origin of the city's name is unclear. In the Middle Ages, both the river and the town were also known by the German name Laibach. This name was in official use as an endonym until 1918, and it remains frequent as a German exonym, both in common speech and official use.

During antiquity, a Roman city called Emona stood in the area. Ljubljana itself was first mentioned in the first half of the 12th century. It was under Habsburg rule from the Middle Ages until the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. Situated at the middle of a trade route between the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region, it was the historical capital of Carniola, a Slovene-inhabited part of the Habsburg Monarchy.

The city, with an area of 163.8 square kilometers, is situated in the Ljubljana Basin in Central Slovenia, between the Alps and the Karst.

The city's architecture is a mix of styles. Despite the appearance of large buildings, especially at the city's edge, Ljubljana's historic center remains intact. Although the oldest architecture has been preserved from the Roman period, Ljubljana's downtown got its outline in the Middle Ages.

The central square in Ljubljana is Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) where the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is located. Built between 1646 and 1660, it replaced an older Gothic church on the same site.

Ljubljana is famous for its bridges. The most notable bridges of Ljubljana are the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), the Trnovo Bridge (Trnovski most), the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most), the Hradecky Bridge (Slovene: Hradeckega most), and the Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski most). The Trnovo Bridge crosses the Gradaščica, whereas the others cross the Ljubljanica.

Each year, over 10,000 cultural events take place in the city, including ten international theater, music, and art festivals. The Ljubljana Festival is one of the two oldest festivals in former Yugoslavia (the Dubrovnik Summer Festival was established in 1950, and the Ljubljana Festival one in 1953).

Frankfurt

Frankfurt, the fifth largest city in Germany, has plenty to offer. A cosmopolitan city with historical and modern sights is waiting for you. The city is located southwest Germany in the most important economic area. Frankfurt is located at the northern end of the Upper Rhine Deep Plateau, one of the warmest regions in Germany.

If you want to visit Frankfurt, you should do the following:

Take a look at the city from the Main Tower - If you are coming to Frankfurt for the first time and want to orient yourself in the foreign city, than the Main Tower is the most highest place where you should start. The two observation platforms of the skyscraper make it possible to get an overview of all the districts and the surrounding area around Frankfurt.

Watch the colorful hustle and bustle at the Römerberg - The Römerberg as well as the city hall of Frankfurt, the Römer, are the most famous landmarks of the Mainmetropolis. Just because of the staircase-shaped three-peaked front of the Römer, countless tourists are flooding the historic town square. Located directly in the center of the old town, the Römerberg is the ideal starting point to start an exploration tour through Frankfurt.

Visit the Paulskirche in Frankfurt - German history comes to life in the Frankfurt's Paulskirche: on 18 May 1848 the first freely elected National Assembly met in the Paulskirche during the German Revolution. Today it represents  the foundation stone for democracy in Germany. Nowadays a permanent exhibition provides interesting information on the beginnings of democracy up to the development of German unity.

Relax in the exotic Palm garden - In order to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours, a trip to the Palmengarten is an option. In the largest botanical garden in Germany everyone finds a quiet place. Surrounded by rare flowers and colorful plants, it is easy to come to rest and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

Enjoy a delicious "Ebbelwoi" - This hessian national drink is, of course, also served in Frankfurt. If you want to taste the delicious specialty, you should make your way to Sachsenhausen. Many old restaurants and traditional cider vine stores are lined up in old Sachsenhausen. With cold "Ebbelwoi" Frankfurter usually order substantial amount of food, such as ribs with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Climb on the Goethe Tower (Goetheturm) - After climbing 196 staircases, you have reached the observation tower built entirely of wood. Next to the view of the famous Frankfurt skyline from a height of 43 meters, an adjacent forest playground attracts families with children to the Goethe Tower.

Discover Frankfurt from the water - With a boat trip on the River Main you can experience Frankfurt from its most beautiful side. In a relaxed atmosphere, the ships sail along historic landmarks and pass through secluded landscapes or urban architecture. Even if you have already walked the sights on foot, you discover the Mainmetropole from a completely new perspective on the water.

Frankfurt is versatile – with business, trade fairs, shopping on one side, and culture, cosiness and traditions on the other, Frankfurt offers something for everyone.