Tag Archives: Timeless

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: Bavaria, Germany

The historic monastery in Amorbach.

With its unique history, rural traditions and independent streak, the Free State of Bavaria, the largest German state, epitomizes authentic German icons that have been made famous worldwide. From men dressed in lederhosen enjoying beer and pretzels in front of an Alpine backdrop, to fairy-tale castles in dark forests to half-timber geranium-covered houses in quaint little towns, the region of Bavaria is one of the most timeless in Germany.

Regensburg, Bavaria.

Regensburg
Regensburg is one of the few German towns that managed to come out of the second world war with no major damage, making it the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. The Porta Praetoria, a gateway built by the Romans remains in the Old Town, as do plenty of other Roman settlement remains, just one of the many historical aspects of Bavaria that OROGOLD believes makes it timeless. With over 1500 listed buildings, 984 of them being on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the architecture around the city is one of Regensburg’s treasures. Although a city with deep roots in its heritage, it is a lively and vibrant place, with plenty of entertainment and dining options tucked away in narrow lanes.

Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg
Rothenburg is the main tourist destination along Germany’s Romantic Road, and with its cobbled lanes and towering walls that have held on to their charm throughout the years, it is easy to see why Walt Disney chose this medieval town as the inspiration for the village in the 1940 Pinocchio film. Rothenburg has the strictest preservation orders in the whole of Germany, often making the town feel like a medieval theme park, but OROGOLD recommends staying overnight, because once dusk sets in and all of the day-trippers have returned to their home towns, the floodlit cobbled streets are all yours for the evening.

Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden
Nestled into Austria and framed by 6 towering mountains, the Berchtesgadener Land is a stunningly beautiful corner of Bavaria, said to have been formed when angels distributing the wonders of the planet were startled and dropped them all here. In Berchtesgaden you will find the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany, and the serene waters of the Konigssee, one of the most photographed bodies of water in the country. In the past, salt was the main income source for the region, and is still important to all the wellness centers today, leading it to be declared a ‘health resort region’ and placed on UNESCO’s biosphere list. One of the main attractions in the area is Eagle’s Nest, a lodge that was built for Hitler up in the mountains. There is also a popular dark-tourism destination, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a museum that documents Berchtesgaden’s sinister Nazi past.

A region steeped in history, tradition and natural beauty, Bavaria’s cheerful villages and romantic landscapes have earned it a place on the list of OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destinations around the world. Any season is good to visit the region, as the winter months offer skiing and winter sport opportunities, while the summer months are perfect for idly wandering around the Bavarian towns and soaking up the vibrantly authentic atmosphere.

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: Texas Hill Country

A flowing waterfall with giant gnarly roots and cypress trees in Texas Hill Country,

Being the second largest state in the US, Texas seems to have it all, from the bright lights of the big cities to the simplicity of the small towns to the stretches of white sandy beaches and other natural wonders. Texas Hill Country, the pride of Texas, comprising of 25 county regions, has a landscape of rugged hills, underground caverns, countless creeks, unique vegetation and open roads that seem to go on forever. Once an independent nation, the 25 million residents of Texas are bound together by a shared history and culture, and their pride in their state’s heritage is why OROGOLD considers these Texas Hill Country destinations to be timeless.

A cowboy riding riding into the night.

Bandera
Bandera, the self-proclaimed cowboy capital of the world, was once part of the ‘Wild West’, and clings to their roots more than other country towns, giving visitors a taste of an authentic western atmosphere. Bandera hosts many rodeos, from local open competitions to top-name rodeos, attracting talent from all over the country. Bandera is also known for their honky tonks, and several nights a week sees many of these bars open their doors to customers. If you want to catch some live country music, the weekends are the best time to visit. The area around Bandera is also sprinkled with many different dude ranches, from ones that cater exclusively to visitors to working ranches that allow visitors to help out with day-to-day tasks, giving them a true western experience. For more outdoor activities, the Hill Country State National Park has some picturesque horse riding trails, and is also great for fishing and walking, while the Medina River is extremely popular in the summer months with swimmers, inner-tubers and canoeists.

Historic public library in Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, founded by German immigrants in 1846, is home to a thriving German community, as well as one of the most successful wine industries in the country. Texas is the fifth largest wine producer in the country, and most of this comes from Hill Country, with over 20 different award-winning wineries on your doorstep that you can visit. Fredericksburg is also known for its German influened cuisine, as well as its delectable Texan BBQ delights, and OROGOLD especially loves the variety of dining establishments available, from outdoor patios to indoor Biergartens (beer gardens). Fredericksburg is also an ideal place to learn more about the German, Native American and military history of the region, with the impressive state-of-the-art National Museum of the Pacific War being a great starting point, followed by a tour of the private ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. For some timeless outdoor adventure, head to the nearby rock climber’s playground, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a looming dome of pink granite that rises 325 feet above the small stream that flows around its base.

From the fine craftsmanship of its German towns to the pocket canyons and sparkling rivers, the Hill Country is the geographic and emotional heart of Texas. The gentle hills doused in wild-flowers, relatively untouched by the oil industry, and its deep cowboy culture roots makes the Hill Country OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destination in Texas.

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: The United Kingdom

Sunset views of Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, UK

The United Kingdom, comprising of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, is a patchwork of fascinating history and modern culture. London, the capital city, is hugely influential all over the globe, and has a whole host of attractions that are bound to enthrall visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Although most people head straight for the bright lights of the city, the UK has some truly timeless hidden gems that OROGOLD wants to share with you, from charming countryside villages steeped in history and tradition to soaring snow-capped mountains on an isolated Scottish island.

Dockens Water, New Forest National Park, Hampshire.

The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest, created to be royal hunting grounds in 1079 for King William I, is anything but new, and was once part of a primeval forest that covered the whole of southern England. Today, it is a national park that measures over 93,000 acres with woodlands, scrubland, open heaths and more, and enjoys unique laws and privileges, making it one of OROGOLD’s favorite rural playgrounds in England. The New Forest is home to plenty of wildlife, but the most popular are the New Forest ponies, who roam semi-wild around the area. Several species of local deer can also be spotted, darting in between the ancient oak and beech trees. The quaint and picturesque countryside villages are also not to be missed, with Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst being two of the more popular ones.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye, part of the Inner Hebridean islands of Scotland, saw its first settlers in 4000 BC, and underwent Viking colonization from 700 AD onwards. Although the area went through significant historical turmoil, and changed hands many times, the locals fiercely clung on to their language, traditions and way of life. Skye’s more alluring attraction is its scenery, and the sparkling lochs, towering cliffs and mountains of all shapes and sizes form some of the most dramatic scenery, making it no surprise that it was recently given the title of 4th Best Island in the World by National Geographic. Since the majority of tourists tend to stay at the quaint towns of Portree and Trotternish, it is easy to find corners of the island where you can get away from it all, and have the majestic landscape all to yourself. When the mist begins to set in and you need to warm up, there are plenty of historic castles, museums, whisky distilleries and local pubs to keep you occupied.

Lake Buttermere, Lake District. Cumbria, England

The Lake District
The Lake District, a region and national park in Northwest England, is the most popular national park in the country, welcoming over 15 million visitors a year. With its landscape reminiscent of fairy-tale postcard panoramas, it is easy to see why many Romantic poets ended up settling in the area in the 19th century. The region has plenty of literary connections, with its craggy hilltops and glittering lakes providing inspiration to the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Lake cruises are a great way to explore the area, or, for a more unique birds-eye view, a Tree Top Trek will have you gliding through the canopies of the ancient oak woodland, giving you unobstructed views of Lake Windermere.

Although the cities of the UK may receive the most visitors, the timeless magic of this charming country can only be truly experienced in the majestic countryside. Traveling through the UK is like a journey through history, giving you a better glimpse into the extraordinary eccentricity that makes the UK so intriguing.