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Germany 2025
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Germany 2025

Une aventure de 28 jours par Flying Kangaroo En savoir plus
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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Paddle. Pickle. Palace.

    17 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today was just awesome!

    We got up early, had a quick breakfast at the hotel, and then hit the road to Lübbenau. Our destination: Kanuverleih Richter, where I had reserved a comfort canoe—because let’s be honest, with every year that passes, a little more comfort goes a long way!

    After a brief intro and a route suggestion, Sanjay and I set off into the maze of Spreewald waterways. And wow—what an experience. The world slows down on water. We paddled through wide canals and narrow channels, shaded forests and open meadows, with the sun warming our backs and a soft breeze in our faces. It was serene, meditative, and just plain stunning.

    Eventually, we glided into Lehde again—this time from the water, which made the fairytale village feel even more magical. A fun detail: a proper village sign greeted us at the canal entrance, just like you’d find on a regular road. But here, the waterways are the streets, and signs on water are a must.

    We took a short break at the museum pier to grab some drinks and a snack, then made our way back. After three hours of paddling, we returned the canoe and strolled straight over to the harbor, where Lübbenau’s famous Gurkenmeile—pickle mile—awaited. It’s still early in the season, so it was more of a pickle corner, but we sampled our way through the local specialties and stocked up on our favorites for later.

    On the way back to the car, another regional treat caught my eye: Quarkkeulchen—like doughnuts’ fluffier cousin, rolled in sugar and just impossible to resist.

    But the day wasn’t over yet! We made our way to Straupitz to visit the Holländermühle, Europe’s only fully functioning triple mill. One single windmill powers a flour mill, a linseed oil press, and a sawmill. Fascinating and beautifully preserved!

    After a bit of a rest back at the hotel, we ended the day in style with dinner at Restaurant Linari in the palace of Lübbenau. We went for the 5-course tasting menu. A perfect end to a perfect Spreewald day.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Stargates, Borders and Pickled Fish

    18 avril, Pologne ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today we left the Spreewald behind and made our way to my small, sleepy hometown of Wittichenau—just in time for Easter with my parents, and for Sanjay to experience some of the local Sorbian traditions. But of course, I couldn’t resist planning in a few detours to squeeze a little more wonder into the journey.

    After breakfast and check-out, we hit the road—and were quickly greeted by something truly unexpected. Entering the small town of Döbern, known for its glassblowing tradition, we turned a corner and BAM! A giant glass pyramid. And flanking it? Stargate-style Anubis warrior statues. I had to do a double take. As a Stargate fan, this surreal scene in the middle of rural Germany had me both baffled and delighted. Still not entirely sure why it’s there… but I’m not mad about it.

    Our first actual destination: Fürst Pückler Park in Bad Muskau. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sprawling park is a masterpiece of landscape design, created in the 18th century by the eccentric Fürst Pückler himself. The rebuilt palace is stunning, but the real magic lies in the grounds—and in the fact that the Neiße River runs straight through the park, serving as the border between Germany and Poland. With just a short stroll across a bridge, you’re in a whole new country. Gotta love the EU for moments like this!

    Next up: Rakotzbrücke, the social media darling of eastern Germany. We knew we were close when we saw license plates from all over the country in the parking lot. This thin basalt bridge forms a perfect circle with its reflection in the water below—pure visual poetry. Yes, it was crowded, but even the influencers couldn’t ruin the moment. It’s every bit as magical as the photos suggest.

    Finally, we made our way to Wittichenau, where my mom was already waiting with Plinsen (those delicious yeasty pancakes!) and coffee. Time flew by as we caught up, and before we knew it, it was time for our traditional Good Friday dinner. As Wittichenau is part of the Catholic Sorbian region of Upper Lusatia, we loosely follow the traditions—so no meat today.

    Instead, we feasted on all kinds of fishy delights: smoked trout and salmon, Rollmops (pickled herring rolls with gherkins), Brathering (sweet-and-sour fried herring), shrimps, and of course—all the pickles we brought from the Spreewald. A delicious end to a delightfully unexpected day.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    From Görliwood to Grützwurst

    19 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    After a relatively early breakfast, Sanjay and I hit the road to explore more of Eastern Saxony. Our destination for today: the beautiful town of Görlitz.

    Tucked right on the border with Poland, Görlitz is often called Germany’s most beautiful town you’ve never heard of. Its immaculately preserved old town showcases over 500 years of architectural history—from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Art Nouveau—and it’s no surprise that it's been used as the backdrop for many films.

    After a short one-hour drive, we arrived and immediately began a self-guided walking tour through the historic city center. We passed the impressive City Hall, the towering St. Peter’s Church, and the legendary Historic Kaufhaus—a stunning department store that famously served as the Grand Budapest Hotel in Wes Anderson’s film.

    Along the way, we stopped at a cozy local bakery where Sanjay tried a slice of Eierschecke, a regional cake layered with custard and quark. Sweet, creamy, and totally unique!

    After two hours of strolling, we continued to Löbau to climb the Gusseiserner Turm—Europe’s only surviving cast iron viewing tower. Though the skies were a bit overcast, the panoramic views over Löbau and the rolling hills beyond were still well worth the climb.

    We wrapped up our little road trip and returned to Wittichenau for the classic afternoon ritual: Kaffee und Kuchen with the family. By now, more relatives had arrived, and the house was officially full—just in time for a hearty regional dinner.

    On the menu: Schlachteplatte, a true local tradition. A rustic feast of sausages like Grützwurst and Semmelwurst, tender boiled pork (Wellfleisch), tangy sauerkraut, hearty bread, spicy mustard, and of course—beer. Farm-fresh and full of flavor, just the way it should be.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Horses, Hymns, and Heritage

    20 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Easter Sunday in Wittichenau isn’t just about chocolate eggs and family dinners—it’s a day full of deep-rooted traditions, community spirit, and a lot of dashing between home and the market square.

    Breakfast was at 8am sharp, because by 9am we were already standing among hundreds of others on the market square, basking in the sunshine and blue skies, waiting for the Osterreiter procession to begin.

    The Osterreiten (Easter Riding) is an old Sorbian tradition—centuries old and deeply symbolic. In this Catholic minority culture, men in formal attire ride on beautifully decorated horses from one village to another to proclaim the resurrection of Christ through hymns and blessings. It’s a blend of faith, heritage, and pageantry that turns towns like Wittichenau into living history books once a year.

    And what a sight it was! Nearly 400 men in tuxedos and top hats, trotting through the streets, their voices rising in song as they carried the Easter message from house to house, town to town. Religious or not, it’s a spectacle worth witnessing—solemn, moving, and also just really impressive.

    Growing up here, I bumped into quite a few familiar faces along the way. Old friends stopped to say hi, ask about life and travels, and share in the Easter spirit. Once the procession left town for Ralbitz, Sanjay and I returned home—along with a few friends we’d met en route—for the traditional Frühschoppen. Basically: morning drinks and catching up. It’s not quite brunch, but it’s certainly cheerful.

    After everyone had left, we changed again and made our way back to town. This time to greet the incoming Osterreiter from Ralbitz, the neighboring village. Two processions cross paths in this tradition—an elegant dance of routes and roles.

    Back home, a festive Easter lunch awaited: Hochzeitssuppe (a rich wedding-style soup), goose, lamb, and all the traditional trimmings. A quick nap later, we moved to the garden for Kaffee und Kuchen beneath the blooming cherry tree—a postcard-perfect spring moment.

    As the day wound down, we changed once more for the final procession. At 6pm, the church bells rang out over the square, announcing the return of the riders who had left that very morning. They brought their regalia back to the church and gathered for their last hymns and prayers. The sunset cast long shadows over the cobbled square, the horses gently pawed the ground, and the riders’ voices rose one last time. Truly touching.

    There, we also ran into my old friend Yvo—a quick catch-up and a few laughs later, Sanjay and I made our way back home for one final Easter feast: a rustic dinner of local sausages, potato salad, meats, cheeses, and (naturally) beer.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    From Sparkling Wines to Spark Plugs

    21 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After our final breakfast in Wittichenau, it was time to say goodbye to the family and hit the road again. Our first stop was Schloss Wackerbarth – a place that holds a special role in Saxony’s wine heritage. As Europe’s first adventure vineyard, it blends baroque elegance with modern viticulture and is one of the oldest sparkling wine producers in the region. Nestled in the Radebeul vineyards, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

    Naturally, we couldn’t resist a bit of shopping and left with a bottle of sparkling joy for later.

    Next stop: Zwickau – more precisely, the August Horch Museum. As Sanjay is a car enthusiast, this was a no-brainer. The museum dives deep into the life and work of August Horch, who was not only the founder of Horch, but also of Audi – making him responsible for two iconic German car brands. A fun twist of history: after WWII, Horch didn’t survive, but Audi went on to global fame. And here’s a cool tidbit – the Trabant, the beloved little car of East Germany, shares roots with Audi, making them unlikely cousins in automotive history.

    The museum showcases everything from glamorous pre-war models to the quirky and pragmatic vehicles of the GDR era. A total nerd-out stop, and absolutely worth it.

    Then it was time to hit the road again—destination: Bayreuth.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Bayreuth Brews and Bavarian Charm

    21 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    In Bayreuth, we stayed at the Liebesbier Urban Art Hotel, part of the Maisel Bier-Erlebniswelt – a former brewery turned cultural hotspot. The entire area has been redesigned into a creative playground of beer, art, and architecture. The hotel itself is a stunner: modern, artful, and super cozy, with murals and installations everywhere you look.

    And this isn’t just a pretty place – in 2024, the World Beer Awards in London crowned the Maisel Experience World as “Best Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Not too shabby!

    For dinner, we wandered down Maximilianstraße and found our way to Wirtshaus Oskar. I went full Franconian spring with Spargel (asparagus) and a crisp Kellerbier, while Sanjay had a hearty combo of soup and Sauerbraten. The perfect way to wrap up a day packed with culture, bubbles, and horsepower.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Walking in Wagner’s Footsteps

    22 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today was our exploring morning in Bayreuth, and we made the most of it before heading west. Breakfast was at Kraftraum – a cool little café with great food, good coffee, and the perfect vibe to fuel our exploration.

    Armed with the phone app again, we set off on a self-guided tour of the city. Bayreuth truly deserves a spot on any travel bucket list. Its blend of baroque elegance, musical legacy, and unique architecture makes it a hidden gem for culture lovers. From palaces to opera houses, this city has a story to tell at every corner.

    Our route took us from the iconic City Church, with its two towers connected by a skybridge, along Friedrichstraße with its noble palaces and the renowned piano manufactory. We wandered past the New Palace and Palace Gardens, passed by the Wagner Museum and the composer’s final resting place, and wrapped things up with a visit to the crown jewel: the Margravial Opera House.

    I had booked us a guided tour through the opera house, and it was absolutely worth it. The intricate baroque details, the royal boxes, and the moment we stood on the actual stage? Goosebumps!

    And then… it was time to hit the Autobahn towards Frankfurt.    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Ebbelwoi & Goodbyes

    22 avril, Allemagne ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    In Frankfurt, the final chapter of our holiday began. First, the practical bits: check into the airport hotel, fill up the gas tank, and return the rental car. And with that, the road trip officially ended.

    But we weren’t done just yet – we hopped on an Uber into Frankfurt’s Old Town for one last evening of exploring. A quick tour through the charming alleyways led us to the Römer and the heart of the city’s historic core.

    Our destination for the night: Ebbelwoi Unser, a cozy tavern named after Frankfurt’s most famous drink – apple wine. There, we met up with my friend Tobi, who came all the way from Ludwigshafen to join us for dinner. Great catch-up, lots of laughs.

    For starters I had Handkäs mit Musik – a pungent but tasty Hessian specialty, while Sanjay went with a warm bowl of soup. And for the grand finale? One last round of Schnitzel. All washed down with a proper Bembel full of Ebbelwoi. Cheers to this trip and all its memories!    En savoir plus

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  • Flying KangarooGermany 2025Voyageur

    Homeward Bound

    23 avril, Allemagne ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    The final day of our journey started very early — wake-up call at 4:30am! After an easy check-in and security process, we were grateful for lounge access and, thanks to Sanjay, a sweet upgrade to business class.
    Our route took us via Montreal — an airport that always keeps things interesting — before a five-hour layover and the final stretch home to Vancouver.

    As we descended, we were greeted by a breathtaking sunset over the coastal mountains.

    What an amazing trip! So many memories made — but as always, it’s good to be home.    En savoir plus

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    Fin du voyage
    23 avril 2025