Topoľčianky Palace (Zámok Topoľčianky) used to be the summer retreat of the first president of Czechoslovakia. Near the castle, you find a stud for Lipizzaner horses and a reserve for European Bisons. [German]
Čachtický hrad in Čachtice
In May 2008, I visited Čachtický hrad (Čachtice Castle). This castle was a residence and later the prison of Erzsébet Báthory. She died there in the year 1614. The “Blood Countess” was considered a serial murder.
Trenčín Electric Railway
On a sunny spring day, I made a trip with the Trenčín Electric Railway from Trenčianska Teplá to the Slovakian spa Trenčianske Teplice. I was surprised to hear that the announcements on the train loudspeaker ran in Slovakian, English, and German!
Roman inscription in Trenčín
In the winter of 179/180, Marcus Valerius Maximianus and the Roman Legio II Adiutrix camped in the Vah valley. They were on a campaign against the Quadi at this time. They left this inscription on a rock of the later Trenčín. [German]
Zámek Slavkov in Slavkov u Brna
Austria and France signed an armistice in Zámek Slavkov (Slavkov Castle) on Dec 6th, 1805. At that time, the place and the mansion were known by the name Austerlitz. Taking a guided tour, I had the chance to see not only the interior of the Baroque building but also the room where the armistice was signed.
Murinsel in Graz
The Murinsel in Graz is a floating platform in the Mur River. US artist Vito Acconci designed this construction in 2003. Two footbridges connect the platform with both banks of the river. Inside the dome, visitors find a café where they can watch canoeists driving by. [German]
Peacock at the ticket shop of Schloss Ambras
While visiting Schloss Ambras (Ambras Castle) in Innsbruck, I came across this peacock. The beautiful bird walked confidently into the ticket shop of the castle. I wonder what he did there? Any ideas?
Mandarin Duck at Ambras Castle
While walking on the grounds of Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras), I came across this Mandarin Duck. I love these animals for their colours and elegance.
Scenery on a train journey in winter
On a train journey through Styria I took this photo through the windows of a local train.
Crystal Worlds in Wattens
The water-spouting giant at the entrance of the Crystal Worlds (Kristallwelten) in Wattens. Inside, I came across several artistic installations and a fabulous crystal dome with 590 mirrors.
Sources / More info
- Kristallwelten (Website)
Lion at Mirabell Gardens
City walls of Radstadt
On a train journey through Pongau, a region of the Austrian state Salzburg, I took this photo through the windows of my train. It shows parts of the city walls of Radstadt. The city dates back to the 13th century. Today, it is a member of the Small Historic Cities (Kleine Historische Städte) in Austria.