Let’s do crazy

Yep. You read that correctly. Only on electricity, 0.0L of fuel used. To show that an electric car is more than a city vehicle Nico and I drove from Belgium to the Arctic Circle and back. We never shy away from a challenge, but for this project we had a nervous voice inside our heads – especially since we had never travelled with an electric vehicle before – for me it was even the first time driving an electric car. While looking at our routeplanner it looked doable, but… what if it was not possible after all?

As a writer and photographer we often have to take the plane, a way of travelling that is extremely bad for the environment, and this is weighing more and more on us and on our desire to travel as responsible as possible. Mobility that does not emit any harmful substances is a step towards tackling the climate problem.

With this project we wanted to show that you don’t always need to take the plane, that you can travel more environmentally friendly and that it is possible to travel far with an electric car – even all the way to the Arctic Circle! I mean, if we can make it to the Arctic Circle, you can make it to France or Spain.

We teamed up with Audi Belgium, because they are always in for a crazy challenge, and they were curious to see how their first all-electric car would do: the Audi e-tron.

Off we go!

After weeks of educating ourselves about electric cars and planning our trip, it was finally happening. We get in the car, and off we go! It was such a strange feeling to start a trip you’ve been looking forward to for such a long time. Yes, we might have pinched ourselves a few times.

The first day we drove through Belgium and the Netherlands to Bremen, a charming city in Germany. It’s a walkable city, with lots of charming pubs, little streets and quaint houses. After a good drive, we enjoyed some German food and beer.

Of course we allowed ourselves to have some fun on the German highways (where there’s often no speed limits) and got the car easily to 200km/h. But the faster you go, the more your battery consumes, so we had to top up the car afterwards.

If you want to do more road trips, read about my road trip to Italy: Road trip in the Dolomites.

The world of charging

Being electric newbies, we entered this entire new world of electric cars, kWh, chargers and much more. We were a bit nervous at our first charging stop, because the charging station wasn’t working. But once we connected the car to another charging station nearby, it was all fine.

The charging went incredibly smooth – especially with the high power chargers, that can charge the car at a capacity of 150 kWh. In only 15 minutes, the car jumped from 30% to 80%. We usually combined our charging stops with a coffee or toilet break – but the car was often ready before we had finished our coffee. The fact that we didn’t have to change our rhythm and adapt to the car was a very nice surprise. 

After three days we saw that our planning was good – and even too cautious – so we started skipping charging points. Your knowledge and confidence definitely increases while travelling. It’s a mindset and in the end it’s not much different from charging your phone – just a bigger size. 

We took the Audi e-tron through beautiful landscapes in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. We passed picturesque fishing villages, visited the Lego Museum (our inner child was happy) and went on the most amazing hikes. You can see these stories on my Instagram highlights. I’m preparing a guide to travel electric in Norway, so more info on those locations and charging stops later. 

The Arctic Circle

On day 6 we reached the Arctic Circle.

And it was surprisingly easy…

 It took us 2985 km and 20 charging stations to get there. The car (and drivers) did a great job and we even arrived faster than we expected. I loved that the charging never felt like a burden. We always had breakfast, coffee or a toilet break. It’s also a great way to avoid getting tired while driving. We didn’t have any hiccups or problems to overcome, besides twice a charging station not working.

On one hand I almost wish we had encountered some obstacle to figure out to reach our goal, since that would have been a bit more exciting to share. On the other hand, I wanted to show you that electric travel is possible – and what’s a better example than driving to the Arctic Circle without any problems? 

You just need a little bit more preparation, like knowing where the charging stations are located. A Better Routeplanner is btw a great website to plan a route and find charging locations. The e-tron card also made the trip a lot smoother, because it gives you access to a large network of charging stations in different countries. You just hold the card against the charging station and that’s it!

Lofoten bound

Because the e-tron had done such a good job – and let’s be honest… we didn’t want to go home yet – we continued our trip to the Lofoten, a mountainous island group of Norway.

We even found hotels with their own (free) charging stations. What a luxury to be able to charge your car while you’re sleeping or going on a hike. Going to the Lofoten was a good choice, because it is one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever seen and because the e-tron thrives in a mountainous environment. 

Recuperation is the answer

Due to the built-in recovery system you can easily recover energy while driving. Especially in mountainous areas, like the Lofoten, this is efficient. We sometimes saved up to 30% of the radius, which allowed us to get a 400 km range with one charge. Our average consumption of the entire trip was 25,7 kWh/100km (keep in mind we drove fast in Germany ).

After doing about 800 km in a day we noticed it is absolutely no problem to cover many kilometres, without having to stop and charge all the time.

Our takeaways of travelling to the Arctic Circle electric

Travelling electric is easy! We drove 6694 km in 18 days and it was much easier than expected.

There are plenty of charging stations on the road, just make sure you have a look before you go on your adventure. We mainly used the 150+ kWh fast charging station on main roads, which would charge the car from 20 to 80% within 20 min. If there weren’t any 150+ kWh stations, there was usually a 50 kWh around. This will take a bit longer to charge, but is still very doable.

I absolutely loved the silence of driving electric. We passed reindeer, and they didn’t even look up when we passed. You can really enjoy your surroundings to the fullest. Definitely an absolute plus of travelling electric. 

Regarding the Audi e-tron itself, we were immediately hooked. It’s a very nice and well-designed car and we couldn’t have wished for a better electric car. Not only was the large range a plus, the comfort while driving was also great. And in case we would’ve been stuck with an empty battery – the trunk is super big and looks great for sleeping too.

The exterior mirrors took some getting used to. These have been replaced by virtual ones that display camera images inside the car. After looking in the wrong place for a few days, the virtual mirrors became a habit and their quality is incredibly good. The displays are razor-sharp and indicate if there is someone in your blind spot. Contrary to what you might think, the mirrors work great in the dark with clear images.

18 days later we were back in Belgium. What a trip. Not only did we discover beautiful scenery, we also proved that electric travel is possible and a lot of fun!

Have you ever travelled in an electric car? Would you be interested in doing it?

Disclaimer: This article was in collaboration with Audi Belgium. All opinions are, as always, my own.

The post My road trip to the Arctic Circle in an electric car appeared first on The World is a Circus.

There are plenty of occasions when you need a present for a friend or a family member. Christmas, Valentine, birthdays, graduations… You know they like hiking, but wat to gift them? “Should I buy a jacket? Or a pair of hiking socks? Or maybe a camping cooking set?”

These are good ideas, but let’s be honest: they aren’t really original. If you want to take a different road, have a look at these 7 original gifts for hikers and outdoor lovers. Surprise them with something different. Believe me, they’ll be happy! (I know I would )

1. DIY hiking gift basket

Have you ever thought of creating your own hiking basket? You can add as much as you want. To get you started: buy some cereal bars, water purifying pills, a water bottle, a warm buff, a map, head torch… The list is endless and it works for any budget. You decide how many items you include and how much money you spend.

For the perfect finish you can even buy a cool fanny pack to put all the different gifts in. I love making and giving presents like these. They’re way more creative and personal.

2. Personalised outdoor clothing

You can never go wrong with some good outdoor clothing. But what about making it extra special? The team at Decathlon offers a personalisation service. For only a few euros extra you can print a text or design on a shirt, jacket or even gloves.

I got my boyfriend and photographer Nico a jacket with his logo. Now he can be recognised even if he doesn’t want too. It looks just amazing! Don’t you think so?

To surprise my little brother I had some running shirts made. On both of them it said: “Team De Brauwer”, because we’re an awesome team.

He opened the gift and got a big smile all over his 13-year-old face! His mum reacted: “You should get one for your dad too, so you can all go running together”. Wouldn’t that be a great sight?

I’m a big fan of personal gifts. You’re doing that little extra for someone you love. Which is why I like Decathlon’s personalisation print service. I love the quality and the uniqueness it. It’s the perfect original and outdoorsy gift!

For more information about giving your clothes and gifts a personal touch, have a look here: Decathlon personalisation.

3. Give a survival course!

Give one of the ultimate gifts for hikers: survival training. After a quick google search you’ll notice that there is something for everyone.  You can find half day, one day, two day or even week-long courses.

Go for a bushcraft or foraging course; or choose the more adventurous mountain expedition skills training. Your family member or friend will learn essential survival skills and you know that you’ll always be safe when you’re out on an adventure with them. Win-win. Isn’t that a good investment of your money?

4. A camera to capture your adventures

Do you have a large budget available? Then look into buying a camera. Get a DSLR if the lucky one is into photography. If they would just like some memories of their outdoor adventures for fun, you can go for a compact camera or gopro. It’s a lot of fun to take some shots of your hikes and adventures.

I use a Canon 70D and have been happy with it for quite a few years now. I went with Canon because I knew their cameras were good for videography, which I was doing a lot back then. The 70D is a good semi-professional camera and great for making videos and taking pictures. It is a bit heavy taking it up the mountains though. There are now a lot more and lighter camera’s on the market, like the Sony cameras. If you want to surprise your friend or family member with a camera, I recommend taking them to the shop – this way they definitely get something they love.

5. Tickets to Reel Rock or Banff Mountain Film Festival

Get inspired by the most adventurous people at the Reel Rock or Banff Mountain Festival. You’ll see short (and long) documentaries about adventurers on a wild expedition, beautiful parts of the world and incredible stories from incredible people. And it’s a fun night out for the two of you!

There are screenings worldwide. Have a look if there is one nearby you. Do you want to go all the way to Canada? Here is an overview with some hikes to do: hiking Canada.

6. Buy a membership

Get active! Even better: do it together. Climbing, kayaking, sailing, rowing, the list is endless. Maybe your friend has been thinking of going climbing for a long time, but never followed up on it. This is the moment! Give them a membership and they’ll be happy that you pushed them in following up on their plans and dreams.

7. Go on an adventure together

Because there’s nothing more fun than going on an adventure with a loved one. They like to bike? Prepare a biking trip. They like to hike? Organise a surprise hike up a mountain. Take some tasty snacks or even a bottle of wine if you wish, and watch the sunset together on top of the mountain. Those are the moments they will remember, way more than any material gift. And you will too.

It’s the simple and personal things that mean the most.

There you go, those were my top gifts for hikers. Did you find something you like? Or do you know some other unique gifts? Let me know in the comments below!

This article is sponsored by Decathlon Belgium. All opinions are, as always, my own! Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. Thanks for helping me buy my coffee 

Like it? Pin it!

The post 7 Original Gifts for Hikers appeared first on The World is a Circus.

I was 26, quit my job and got on a plane with destination: other side of the world. I was ready for a new adventure: a 1-year trip to Australia and New Zealand. I wanted to travel by myself and explore the world.

That year turned into many more. Although I promised my mum to not fall in love on the other side of the world, I couldn’t help it. When I visited New Zealand I met Nico and I ended up staying more than 3 years. Sorry mum…

Seeing new places, meeting people, doing fun and crazy activities got me writing and sharing those experiences on my website. I can’t believe it has been FIVE years.

More than I expected

My travel blog developed into something bigger, which I never expected or which wasn’t even my goal. I just wanted to share moments and places with family at home. Not only has my knowledge of the world improved, my photography got a great deal better too.

My blog has brought me many places and I am so grateful for every single moment. I ended up working with many companies and brands and can’t believe what I got to do. Flying in helicopters over the New Zealand mountains, discovering Belgian quaint villages, driving through the Italian mountains, staying in luxury lodges in the Canadian parks, going canyoning and documenting a kiwi release are just a few of them.

Sometimes I pinch myself or tell Nico how lucky we are to be able to experience these things. We’re so privileged, but we know it.

If I would die tomorrow (but let’s hope not), I can say that I have truly lived. I have no regrets and gave it all to get everything out of life.

Want to get inspired? Here are a few links to some of my favourite adventures:

A Week in Mount Assinboine National Park – Canada

Visit Dinant: Belgium’s little gem

Everything you need to know to hike to Liverpool Hut – New Zealand

How to spend a romantic weekend in Queenstown? – New Zealand

Hiking Roys Peak in Wanaka – New Zealand

Before I end this little bloganniversary I wanted to say thank you. For being there and for following my adventures. I hope you all get inspired and start thinking about your next adventure. Thank you.

And as always, if you have any questions or want to get in touch: flick me a message.

Love, Lieselot

The post 5 Years of Travel, Outdoor & Fun appeared first on The World is a Circus.

For many people Italy equals wine, pasta and picturesque towns, but it’s also home to huge mountains. The Dolomites are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and they’re waiting for you in northern Italy. Imagine steep mountains, beautiful lakes and winding roads. This beauty makes the Dolomites the perfect place for an incredible road trip.

In this extensive article (get ready!) I will share practical information, photo’s and my 4 favourite roads in the Dolomites, with map and a video!

You’ll be all set for your road trip in the Dolomites!

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a mountainous area in the northeast of Italy, right under Austria, in the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. With 18 peaks exceeding 3000 meters, it’s a real feast for your eyes. The little and winding roads through quaint villages make it the perfect destination for a road trip. 

People here speak Italian, German and Ladin. The latter is a Rhaeto-Romance language going back more than 2000 years. They speak it in schools and use it in public offices in certain places in the Dolomites. You sometimes forget you are in Italy, as you get a more Austrian vibe.

Learn some Ladin words!
How are you? = co vala?
Good morning! = bon dí!
Good night! = bona nuet!

A bit of history

If you’re a history buff, you’re in the right place. The Dolomites are also rich with World War I history. During the war, the Dolomite front was fought over between Italy and Austria. The challenging terrain made that the military had to be innovative, by using mine tunnels and via ferratas. They used the latter to carry soldiers and weapons up the mountains. A lot of the history remains visible in the mountains, like old trenches and tunnels.

In 2009 the Dolomites were also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its beauty and uniqueness, and scientific importance in terms of geology. 

4 Roads You Can’t Miss On A Road Trip In The Dolomites

Who doesn’t love a good road trip, right? I absolutely love the area and have explored the Dolomites quite a bit, but on my very first road trip to the Dolomites a few locations stood out for me. Those are the ones I ‘m mentioning below, so you know where to go (and be impressed) on your trip. 

To be honest, wherever you go in the Dolomites there are cool roads, mighty mountains and quaint villages. But there are those few roads that are a bit better than others, and luckily for you I’m sharing them below. At the end of the article you can find my map with exact locations. Audi Belgium was so kind to let me use one of their Q5’s for this trip, which was a real pleasure with the mountainous terrain. 

1. The Great Dolomites Road

The most famous road is the Great Dolomites Road or Grande Strada delle Dolomiti in Italian. You can find some different routes online, but it stretches about 100km long and covers many, many beautiful areas. The Great Dolomite Road starts in Bolzano and ends in Cortina D’Ampezzo.

Itinerary:
– Go from Bolzano to Cardano, where you take the SS241 to Ponte Nova.
– Continue to Carezza, where you’ll pass the popular Lago di Carezza.
– Cross Passo di Costalunga to Vigo di Fassa.
– There you turn left on the SR48 to Canazei.
– From Canazei you go to Passo Pordoi, following a steep and winding road until Arabba.
– Continue on the SR48 through Livinallongo to Passo Falzarego.
– From Passo Falzarego you descend to the Ampezzo valley all the way to Cortina.

Enjoy the beautiful road to Passo Pordoi as seen from a drone!

Take your time to enjoy this road. There are lots of great viewpoints and resting areas to have a picnic. We did this road in a few days, since we made some stops and enjoyed little villages and took lots of photos. I recommend it doing this way, since you have more time to take everything in.

2. Sella Pass

Not far from the Great Dolomites road is Sella Pass. You’ll enjoy this beautiful drive with a great view on the huge Langkofel mountains. These mountains are also called Sassolungo or Saslonch, so don’t get confused if you suddenly hear a totally different name. The name actually means ‘long peak’, and you’ll get why when you have your eyes on it. They’re candy for the eye and are also nicely visible from the Val Gardena valley.

Where to find this road?

Follow the SS48 from Canazei, which turns into the SS242. This leads you to Sella Pass, with beautiful views on the Langkofel mountains. Find the exact location on the map below.

3. Passo Gardena

This road turns and turns and turns. Be prepared! Especially during summer, when lots of motorcyclists and cyclist use the road. Since I’m from Belgium, I’m not used to roads going up and down and keep on turning. I don’t think I’ve ever done this many turns during a holiday. Thank God for the Q5, which made driving in the Dolomites way more pleasant.

This mountain pass has an elevation of 2,136 meters. You can imagine the views will be nice from the top!

Where to find this road?

The Passo Gardena connects Selva in the Val Gardena valley with Corvara in the Val Badia valley. Look on the map for its exact location.

4. St. Magdalena

Finding this road and view was a bit of a challenge. We had seen a picture we liked on Instagram and tried to find the location. We often do this when going to new places. This little street in the Dolomites was no given and took us a bit of work.

After turning into a few wrong roads we finally found the correct spot. It was definitely worth the effort, since it was a beautiful view. So no need for you to try and figure out its exact location!

Where to find this road?

This little road is the Magdalenaweg. You go via the Magdalena village and then on to small roads. Have a look on the map for the exact coordinates. It’s a small street, so be comfortable driving on little roads.

Want to discover other beautiful locations in Europe? Have a look at Dinant, a cute and historic village in Belgium: Visit Dinant. 

Detailed Road trip in the Dolomites Map:

Why should I visit the Dolomites?

You have mountains, pasta and amazing roads all in one place. Should I say more? 

More seriously: the Dolomites are a destination with something for everyone. Whether you enjoy cycling, food, hiking or history, the Dolomites have it all. In general: if you enjoy nature, you’ll have a blast. There are lakes, mountains and great walking and biking tracks. A road trip in the Dolomites can link all of these activities together! Here is a list of activities to pursue when visiting the Dolomites. 

Via Ferrata

A via ferrata is – in my opinion – the coolest way to explore the mountains. I enjoy it even more than hiking, since it has a bit of everything: you hike and you climb. You basically use your legs AND hands – and you’re always rewarded with an incredible view, especially in the Dolomites. When you do a via ferrata, you follow a steel cable along a route on the mountain. With a via ferrata kit you attach yourself to the cable, protecting you from falling. Several via ferrata routes in the Dolomites date from World War I, when they were used to aid the development of troops.

Two via ferratas I highly recommend are Torre Toblino and the Oskar Schuster Steig. We wanted to do a few more, but the weather was very unstable and because we visited in June, some via ferratas were still closed because there was ice in the tunnels. 

We ended up doing the Torre Toblino, north of the Rifugio Locatelli and it was just incredible. I’m not exaggerating. If you aren’t very experienced, this is a great one to do. One prerequisite: you can’t be afraid of heights. The first part up you have to climb 17(!!) ladders, on the side of a mountain. I absolutely loved it. I’m working on a detailed description and video, which will come online later this year. 

The one I did a few years ago is called Oskar Schuster Steig to climb Sasso Piatto. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the start, but you’re rewarded with awesome views. You first take a cable car up to Langkofelscharte, do a hike and then the via ferrata begins. 

For most via ferratas you require equipment: a harness and via ferrata kit (to lock yourself to the ropes). Do you just want to try out an easy one? No problem. Google ‘via ferratas in the Dolomites’, and find great ones for people without experience. There are even routes just following tunnels, where you don’t need any equipment. If it makes you more comfortable, you can also join a guided tour.

Rock climbing 

There are lots of climbing routes in the Dolomites. It’s a real playground for rock climbers, there’s multi-pitch, trad climbing, big walls, steep faces – there’s something for everyone. The best time to go rock climbing is in summer, from July to September. 

Cinque Torri, Sella Towers, Vajolet Towers, Sassolungo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sass Pordoi, all of them give great views. Find more detailed routes here.

Hiking 

The Dolomites are THE place to go hiking. I mean, how could they not, with all those mountains around? 

Hiking is the ideal activity in summer, autumn and spring.  The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from June to September. Try to avoid peak season (July and August), ‘cause there will just be too many people.

Each hike gives you access to some of the most beautiful scenery of the Italian Dolomites. Often you have to take a cable car up and then you have a myriad of hiking routes to choose from. 

Some hiking areas to check out:

• Seceda: cable car up, lots of different hikes along the top and down to the valley
• Cinque Torri: great place for history geeks. Drive up or take the cable car and explore the trenches of World War I. Besides impressive views, there’s lots of information signs about World War I. Interesting place!
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo: expensive toll road up, but gorgeous area. It’s a bit less green, but nice mountains and beautiful lake. 
• Selva to rifugio Puez: start at dantercepies cable car station
• Lago di Braies: aka Prager Wildsee. Clearblue, popular lake. Not really hiking, but nice walk along the lake.
• Lago di Sorapis: nice hike for people who aren’t afraid of heights.

Cycling

Especially in summer you’ll see many cyclists. The steep and winding roads are a dream for cyclists. I would hate it and suffer, but I’ve seen many happy sweaty cyclists on the road. Be cautious when driving your car; there might be a cyclist nearby.

Another great cycling destination is St. Anton am Arlberg, in Austria. Read here to about a visit to St. Anton am Arlberg, mountain bike options included!

Photography

With mountains and lakes around every corner, the Dolomites are a photography walhalla. There are photography opportunities around every corner, but there are some locations you can’t miss. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged when you’re out exploring! The Dolomites offer multiple photography opportunities, but make sure to put Tre Cime, Passo Giau, Langkofel, Seceda and St. Magdalena on your list.

When to visit the Dolomites?

This depends on the kind of activities you want to do. Summer gets very VERY crowded, so I suggest going in spring or early autumn. Unless you don’t mind getting stuck behind campervans. If you’d like to do via ferratas, then summer or early autumn (September) are best. In spring some of the routes aren’t accessible, because there is still ice and snow in the tunnels. 

Weather in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are perfect for year-round active adventures. Every season has something to offer.

In every season the mountain areas will get some rain – that’s the way it goes in the mountains. Also note that in the mountains the weather can change quickly, so always be prepared. It will also be quite a few degrees colder in up there than down in the valley.

Where to stay in the Dolomites?

To get the real Dolomites experience I recommend to stay in villages or small cities. Therefore I would avoid Bolzano. I’m listing three locations that I enjoyed and recommend. 

Ortisei

You find this picturesque, small village right in the centre of the Dolomites, in Val Gardena. The colourful buildings, carved wooden structures and cosy streets are a pleasure to discover. The pedestrian zone invites you to do some window shopping and try out some local delicacies. Take your hiking boots with you, because this is a real hiker’s paradise. 

I highly recommend staying at some of my friends’ accommodations: Villa Quenz Family Suites, this is especially recommended if you’re going with a family. For other accommodation options, have a look here.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Surrounded by high mountains, Cortina is the ideal starting point for many hikes, cable cars and other activities. It is mostly known as a ski destination, but definitely worth a visit in other seasons too. 

Accommodation in Cortina D’Ampezzo: discover here.

Santa Maddalena (St Magdalena)

This small and peaceful village is the perfect spot to spend a night. Careful, there is also a Santa Maddalena more northeast, close to the border with Austria. Make sure that you don’t book in the wrong village. 

Lastly, you can also rent a camper van and sleep at campgrounds or designated rest areas. Freedom camping is not allowed. We switched between staying in a tent and in hotels/B&B. 

Some final extra tips:

If you’ve made it this far in the article, I think you can handle a few more extra tips!

• The parking fees and cable cars can be quite expensive. If you’re staying at a hotel, make use of the guest cards offered by most hotels in the area. They usually include free public (local) transport and give discounts on cable car rides. 
• The currency in Italy is the euro. In most places you can pay by card, but it’s always good to have some cash on you, especially when visiting smaller villages. You find ATM’s in most villages.
• To all the Brits and Australian/kiwi’s: People drive on the right side of the road. Roads are well maintained. In summer it gets quite busy, with a lot of cyclists and motorbikes on the road. Be extra cautious. There are fuel stations in most villages. 

How to get to the Dolomites? 

Since this article is about going on a road trip, I assume that the majority of you arrive by car. Nonetheless, I’m sharing some public transport options, since it is quite straightforward. 

To Bolzano, from Innsbruck

By car: 125 km – approx 1h30. Straightforward route, passing Brennero/Brenner (A13) and Bressanone/Brixen (A22) 

Don’t forget  – if you’re driving in Austria, you will need a road tax sticker to drive on motorways and on the S16. There is no road tax sticker in Italy. There is a toll to pay though in Italy! When you exit the toll road (autostrada) you must pay the toll. Do not use the Telepass lane.

By public transport: there are plenty of trains available between Innsbruck and Bolzano. On our last visit we took a train from Innsbruck to Bolzano, which took 2 hours and was 9 euro per person. You can find tickets on Öbb (Austrian railway) and the Trainline (that’s the two I use).

To Cortina D’Ampezzo, from Venice

By car: 267 km – approx 2.5-3h – drive direction of Padua, then follow to Verona and Trento until you reach Bolzano. If you have time, drive along Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) for some extra nice views from your car window. Go direction of the lake after you pass Verona. If your plane arrives in Treviso airport you can skip Padua and Verona and go straight to Trento (via Feltre).

By public transport: Train prices are between 9-30 euro, depending on the day, time and how much you book in advance. You’ll reach Bolzano in 2.40h – 4h, with a transfer in Verona. (tickets via Trenitalia or the Trainline)

To get good prices, you do have to do a bit of searching and compare different days and times. For example the train ticket of 9 euro was another time of the day 30 euro. 

I also found this handy bus routes schedule in Val Gardena, in case you are taking the bus there: bus.

Getting around by public transport is easy, you just need a bit of patience. Buses and trains aren’t always on time, but it is easy to get from village to village. If you have to make a transfer, take enough time into account, because your train might be delayed. I would go for a minimum of 30 minutes between train

Is it your first road trip and you’re a bit nervous about how to get ready? Read up on how to prepare for a road trip here. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up in the Dolomites! 

Unfinished business

Every time I leave the Dolomites I’m already thinking when my next visit could be. I’ve been three times so far and every time my road trip in the Dolomites was over before I knew it. I really could spend a few months in this mountain paradise and I will be back!

Are you ready for your road trip in the Dolomites? Let’s start packing!

Liked it? Pin it for later!

The car for the first road trip to the Dolomites was sponsored by Audi. All opinions are, as usual, my own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

The post 4 Roads You Can’t Miss On A Road Trip In The Dolomites appeared first on The World is a Circus.

After 8 months of mountains, beautiful sceneries, clear blue lakes, sun and lots (and lots) of snow I left Canada.

From hot summer to ice cold winter

My story in Canada started last year, in August 2017, with hot temperatures in Vancouver. I welcomed them, since I was coming from winter in New Zealand. The temperatures and dryness was so intense that there were some serious fires.

For four months the boyfriend and I travelled around in our van, hiking our way through British Columbia and Alberta, two gorgeous provinces. We hiked Garibaldi Lake, Assiniboine Provincial Park, Iceberg Lake and many more.

Then winter arrived… The hard and cold winter really did a number on me. I experienced cold I had never felt before. Going outside in -40 degrees Celsius (-40F) is not something I’d recommend. Luckily it was generally around -20C or higher, but that’s still cold. I did learn how to dress properly for this winter weather!

In the beginning we still cooked dinner and slept in the van. But when we realised that this ice cold snap wasn’t going to end after a month we rented a place.

While having the luxury of a warm house and shower, we explored the region. Our home: Canmore, a lovely little town in the mountains and 20 minutes away from busy Banff.

At the same time New Zealand was experiencing a very hot summer and we were getting a bit jealous. Some upcoming trips to Europe in summer and celebrations in our families made us decide to leave Canada.

It wasn’t an easy decision, as Canada really is a beautiful country, and there is so much left to discover. But I’m so happy with what we got to explore those 8 months, and I’ll definitely be back one day! There are still a lot of blog and Instagram posts in the making, so stay tuned for more snow stories, cool hikes and dorky smiles.

Different roads and mountains

But now it’s time for… Europe! I have the urge of getting to know my own continent a bit more. These next months you’ll see me and Nico going on some European adventures – yes, we still love mountains, so that’s where you’ll find us.

First destination on the list, after our original home countries France and Belgium, is Italy! More especially: their beautiful Dolomites in the north.

A few years ago I spent a week over there and it left an impression. The impressive mountains, picturesque villages and cool roads are some of the prettiest around. I can’t wait to explore the area a bit more. We’ll be road tripping, doing via ferratas and taking lots of pictures! In July we have another big trip planned, a bit more remote, but more about that later!

Now I have a question for YOU! Is there a place in Europe that you’d recommend? Something beautiful, special and worth a visit? Let me know!

The post Different Roads and Mountains appeared first on The World is a Circus.

I never had the habit of visiting those lovely towns in my own country. Growing up in Europe, it was easy to travel. From city trips to Berlin to holidays in Portugal, everything was easy. Why explore your own country when there are so many other countries to visit, right? I think many of us are guilty of this (unfortunately!).

Having travelled a lot, I’m starting to appreciate the things my country has to offer – yes I’m talking about the chocolate and beer, but also the history! In Perth (Australia) I once joined a guided city tour, and they were talking about a historic monument – it was 100 years old… In Belgium my granddad’s house is older than that.

So I decided to visit Dinant, a medieval town in Wallonia, the south of Belgium. I was ready to explore this hidden gem, walk through the historic streets and of course try the local beers. Have a read, and you’ll understand why you should visit Dinant too!

Dinant’s story

Dinant’s story is one of many battles. First of all, Dinant has been there a long time. The first mention dates from the 7th century. Isn’t that amazing? I love walking around towns and realising it has been here for ages!

Dinant was exposed to quite a few battles in the Middle Ages, as it had a strategic location on the Meuse river. Also in World War 1 there was a lot of destruction, when French and German troops fought for the town in the Battle of Dinant. 80% got destroyed. But just as every place that saw destruction, it got rebuilt and is a beautiful place to visit now!

Because exploring is always more fun with two, I asked my friend Sarah to join the party! Here’s what we got up to!

1. Being a nun at Hotel La Merveilleuse

La Merveilleuse means wonderful. It used to be a convent, which is kind of a monastery for nuns. Hello Saint Lieselot! I behaved, because you never know if those nuns are watching from above…

If the nuns had rooms like this, life was pretty good… It turned into a hotel in 2008, and I absolutely love what they did with the place. The wood in the rooms and peaceful interior match perfectly, add some historic artefacts, and you get a real feel of the monastery.

There’s also a cave complex underneath the site, with a passage of 6km and three big rooms. Doesn’t that sound right out of a James Bond movie?

What I also loved about visiting Wallonia again, is talking in French! The receptionist at Hotel La Merveilleuse was incredible nice, and happy to let me speak French. He offered to speak Dutch, but I refused! Poor guy

Hotel La Merveilleuse also has a sauna, which is open to public. Sarah and I treated ourselves on a sauna and wellness visit in the morning. Girls will be girls!

2. History lessons at the Citadel

The Citadel of Dinant is this impressive building, towering high above the town. You can walk up many stairs, take a cable car or drive to the top (note: the cable car doesn’t run in winter).

When we entered the citadel, it started raining… (that’s Belgium for ya…), but we didn’t let it change our mood or plans!. A lot of the Citadel visit was inside, making it accessible in any kind of weather – and no one is going to die from a splash of rain anyway.

You walk through cool halls with visual effects showcasing the Citadel’s history. I was surprised by how interesting and fun they made it. Sometimes the history of a place can be told in a boring way, which was definitely not the case here.

You’ll learn a lot about World War 1 in an interactive way. You see pictures, read heart-breaking stories, and ‘experience’ an attack. On top of that it is literally on top of a mountain, so you get a great view.

Follow the tour all the way to the end, as there is something really fun at the last part. I’ll give one hint: you’ll get dizzy!

Entry fee is only 8.50€ and gives you a few hours of fun and exploring. Find more info on their website, as they also offer deals with boat tours. And if you’re really in to old buildings; another castle you can visit in the area is Ruines de Crèvecœur.

3. Mussels at Chez Bouboule

A local favourite is Chez Bouboule, a restaurant known for tasty mussels. They’ve been serving mussels for over 50 years, and are also referred to as: “The King of the Mussels” – definitely my kind of place.

I couldn’t pass on that, right? I’m a huuuuge mussel fan. It’s my go-to dish every time I visit my family in Belgium (thanks Dad for making the best mussels and fries at home).

Chez Bouboule offers 40 different ways of serving mussels, I went for mussels with garlic. It was as I expected: perfect. I finished the entire pot, all 1.2kg… And I don’t feel bad – there’s no stopping me when eating mussels.

You can have a browse on their website. It is in French, but this way you already get a feeling for their food.

4. Maison De Sax

Who would’ve thought that the inventor of the saxophone was born in Dinant? It’s true! Alfons Sax was born in 1814 in Dinant.

La Maison de Monsieur Sax (literally: The house of Mr. Sax) is a little, free museum, teaching you the history of the saxophone. Don’t expect too much though, it’s very small. But it’s a nice quick stop if you want to learn more about the invention of the saxophone.

5. Tasting Leffe beer!

Belgium is a country of many beers, often brewed by monks in abbeys. That’s no different for Leffe.

Monks in the Middle Ages started brewing Leffe, to check if the water was potable. The filter process made sure the water was free of epidemics like typhus. An added bonus was that it was tasty – lucky us!

Because there are still monks living in the The Abbey of the Notre-Dame Leffe, only guided visits are allowed. There are also other places to learn more about the history of Leffe (and to taste it of course!).

Maison De Leffe is a great stop for a taste of the beer and of the history! It’s located in Hotel La Merveilleuse, so you’ll get a feel of the old nun monastery too.

You can also visit one of the beer shops in town and take some beer home, or drink one (or two) at Café Leffe!

6. Couque de Dinant

The Couque de Dinant is probably the weirdest biscuit I’ve ever had. This biscuit can be dangerous, if you don’t know how to eat it.

That’s because… it’s hard as stone! No kidding. The bakers use only two ingredients: flour and honey, making it very hard. They don’t even use water! If you try to bite a piece off, you’ll seriously lose a tooth.

Because I don’t want this to happen to you lovely people, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Break off a SMALL piece of the Couque de Dinant
2. Place it in your mouth and let it get gooey – Don’t chew!
3. Wait a few minutes until you feel it getting softer
4. Start chewing
5. Enjoy! (You’ll taste the honey now)

This biscuit is obviously not for the impatient one! The recipe goes back all the way to the 15th century, when the people of Dinant didn’t have a lot of food. They made some sort of dough with ingredients they did have: flour and honey.

7. Chateau de la Poste

A 20-minute drive from Dinant you’ll find the beautiful castle Chateau de la Poste. When you’re driving through the gates, you’ll feel like you’re starring in a royal movie. Can you already see your prince or princess waiting?

The hotel is quite large, with 42 rooms, but it didn’t feel crowded at all (did you see how big that castle is?!). There is a lot of space, beautiful dining rooms and a large outside area to discover. Sarah and I spent the night in a room on the corner, meaning we had two windows giving us a nice view. Lucky us!

The room is compact, and has everything you need. I loved the large mirror, decoration and modern style! The bathroom and toilet were a bit small, but definitely good enough. The only thing I missed was some tea in the room.

After my princess sleep and some sunrise photography, Sarah and I had a big breakfast. The breakfast was beyond impressive. I could’ve stayed all day, just eating food. Of course, that isn’t princess-like, so I watched my manners…

Chateau de la Poste is located on a huge domain – seriously huge. We went for a stroll after breakfast, through the forest and past lakes, taking in the fresh air (no rain that morning!).

Read about another cool hotel I stayed at in Belgium: my stay at Europe’s most sustainable hotel! 

Practical Information to Visit Dinant

How to get there?

Brussels to Dinant is some 100km, with many options to get there!

Car: the highways in Belgium are well maintained and easy to navigate. It will take you an hour and fifteen minutes. Try to avoid rush hour though, as there might be a lot of traffic on the road!

Train: the train from Brussel-Centraal to Dinant takes two hours, with one transfer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through Belgium. You arrive in the centre of Dinant and can walk easily to your accommodation. It will cost you 13,40€ one way. Buy online or at the counter.

Bus: Belgium has a good network of busses, but I wouldn’t recommend taking the bus from Brussels to Dinant, it will take you a long time and you’ll have to change busses a lot. If you’re already in Wallonia, you could take a TEC bus. From Namur it will take you an hour. But I’d still recommend taking a train, as that will be faster.

Where to sleep?

It’s not because Dinant is small, that there aren’t a lot of accommodation options available. I had a great experience at the two hotels I stayed at (see above), but if you’d like to have another look, check here: hotels Dinant.

So next time you’re travelling through Europe, don’t just DRIVE through Belgium. Please, make a stop and visit Dinant! Enjoy the food, drinks and history in cute little towns like Dinant!

Disclosure: When I was visiting Belgium I really wanted to explore my backyard, so I reached out to Wallonia Belgium Tourism. They hosted me on this trip, but all opinions are as always my own. I had done my research and suggested what to do, so you can count on it being true! Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

Did you like what you read? Pin and save it for later!

The post Visit Dinant: Belgium’s Hidden Gem! appeared first on The World is a Circus.

Although I had a good year, in 2017 the world wasn’t always a safe place, with terror attacks, hunger and the ongoing climate change. We definitely have a lot of work to do in 2018, but let’s not loose hope. I suggest we start by being nice to each other and take care of our planet.

My love for our planet grows with every moment I spend outside, whether that is in New Zealand, Canada or Belgium. Of course with my camera by my side to capture it all.

Below you find my 2017 highlights in photos! 

1. Weekend Adventures in Wharariki – January 2017

I spent a lovely long weekend at one of my favourite places in New Zealand: Wharariki Beach. Me and some photography friends had a lot of fun capturing sunsets and sunrises. It’s a wonderful feeling when everyone is on the same page and just loves being out there with their camera.

2. West Coast Heli Flight – February 2017

I’m a lucky girl, I’ve seen quite a bit of New Zealand from above. My flight over glacier country with West Coast Tourism though was by far the best. Sometimes I have to pinch myself by the amazing things I get to do with The World is a Circus. This helicopter flight almost got me emotional, as it was incredibly beautiful to see the glaciers, the crevasses and patterns from above. If you want to do one flight in New Zealand, do this one!

3. 30^th Birthday at Liverpool Hut – April 2017

2017 was also the year I turned 30… Yes, I’m starting to feel (get?) old. Just think about it, the year 2000 is almost 20 years ago! I still remember being in high school, and don’t know where the time went. To make the transition less painful Nico and I decided to hike to Liverpool Hut, in Mount Aspiring National Park. I spent my last day as a 29-year old in the mountains, and that was a great decision. At least I could tell myself that my ‘old’ legs were still able to climb high

4. Romance in Queenstown – June 2017

My boyfriend and I often go shooting (photography ) together in the most beautiful locations. That’s pretty awesome, but you’re mostly busy with your own stuff and not with each other. So I got the idea to focus on romance one weekend in Queenstown. You’d be surprised how many romantic activities are available in the adventure capital of the world! In need of some ideas? Get some inspiration: Queenstown romance. 

5. Jane Goodall Talk – June 2017

After years and years of admiring and following anthropologist and activist Jane Goodall, I finally got to see her speak in Christchurch. She’s 83 years old and still radiates inspiration. Her work is so important for this world, and I hope she has a good influence on you too. Visit the Jane Goodall Institute if you want to learn or do more.

I took some pictures that night, but unfortunately can’t find them anymore. I still wanted to mention it, as she is a kick-ass woman!

6. Mount Cook Goodbye – July 2017

I’ve visited Mount Cook many times, but this was a special visit, as it was my last New Zealand weekend before going to Canada. It was hard to say goodbye to New Zealand, because it is the most amazing country. Nico and I wanted one last roadie, and of course we went to Mount Cook.

7. Garibaldi Lake Hike – August 2017

In August we hopped on a plane to Canada. It felt quite nice to go from New Zealand winter to Canadian summer. August was all about hiking. It was the end of summer, so we had to make the most of it. And we did. Our first longer trip once the smoke cleared was Garibaldi Lake, with a sunrise hike to Panorama Ridge.

8. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park Week – August 2017

I spent a week in nature, when hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. A week without phones, computers or civilisation is something that everyone needs once in a while. We hiked, laughed and took many photos. The only thing we forgot was a bottle of wine. Beautiful area and on the list to return!

9. Multi-Day Maligne Lake Canoe Trip – September 2017

Canoeing Maligne Lake was one of my highlights. I discovered that I didn’t like canoeing, but still absolutely loved the experience (if that makes sense?). We got wind, snow and most of all insane scenery.

10. Family Christmas in Belgium – December 2017

I ended an amazing 2017 with some long overdue Christmas time in Belgium. It had been four years since I spent it in Belgium. The previous years I was in Australia, India and New Zealand, so 2017 was the year to have a winter Christmas with lots of presents!

I also spent a lot of time with family and friends and even explored my own backyard a bit (including spending a night in a castle in Wallonia!). My Belgium trip was the cherry on the cake of a memorable 2017.

Time has flown by, when I look at all these amazing things I’ve done. I’m ready to enjoy 2018 and can’t wait to see what it has in store.

What were your 2017 highlights? Tell me about your favourite moment!

The post My 2017 highlights in photos! appeared first on The World is a Circus.

Not only because of the food and wine, but more important because of a special local encounter.

Here’s my story of that day:

Tick. A raindrop lands gracefully on my leg. It’s a pleasant, almost soothing sound. Another one follows. Before I know it, my trousers are getting wet. The only option is making myself as small as possible and letting my boyfriend catch the increasingly heavy raindrops.

Why did I agree to go motorbiking in Italy again?

The thought of dry clothes only makes me sadder, so I ignore it.

We’re in the Alpi Apuane, a beautiful, mountainous region in northern Tuscany. It is day nine of our trip through Italy and so far it has been good. The nature is mind-blowing; and today we can take that quite literally.

If you’ve never been on a motorbike in the rain, I can assure you: it is horrible. The day turns into a hide and seek game with the rain until we stop in a little town lost in the mountains.

Murphy’s Law is at its best when we hear the kitchen has closed for the day at the only restaurant in town. Our sad faces and wet clothes must awake some empathy in the owner, because he brings out his best cold food.

While we’re enjoying the cheese and bread a serious-looking cop enters. “Is that your motorbike outside?” he says. Our faces, by this time silly red from the cosy warmth, nod a hesitantly yes. We had quickly parked the motorbike somewhere on the street where it definitely shouldn’t be.

“It is getting wet, would you like to put it somewhere sheltered?” We did not expect this.

“I have a garage where you can place it. And if you want you can come to my house and warm up at the stove.” We definitely did not expect this.

The cop turned out to be Azelio, a proud Carabinieri in his fifties. He is tall, handsome, and exudes authority. Of course we follow his lead. Azelio opens a few bottles of beer and we start talking at the fire, while his son is making his homework.

Nice story, right? But Azelio’s generosity didn’t stop there. He found us a B&B, the only one in town, and walked us up to the door. We felt immensely grateful for his kindness.

Once we showered the cold day off us we went to the kitchen to prepare some food. When we entered the table was set with fresh ravioli and a bottle of wine. Azelio had secretly passed by to give this to us.

I wonder if he ever realised how special he made us feel, and how rare it is for a person to behave like that. Encounters like this make me love the world even more. That’s what travelling is about. Getting lost, wet, feeling miserable and then being surprised by the beautiful people in this world.

Have you had special encounters with locals on your travels? Let me know what happened!

Pictures in this article by Nico Babot, my partner in crime and the motorbike driver

The post My unexpected police encounter in Italy! appeared first on The World is a Circus.

Worldwide 2016 hasn’t been the best year with terror attacks, Brexit, wars, Trump and the climate change, but I don’t want that to keep us down. There is so much beauty on this planet and we should strive to keep it that way. Get to know your region, country, state, continent and once you fall in love with it you will want to fight for it. In 2016 I’ve explored my new home country even more and fell in love (even more). But there is still so much left to discover!

Looking back at my photos, I realise how much I’ve done. So here is my 2016 highlights in photos.

1. Sunrise Roys Peak Walk – March 2016

I’ve done Roys Peak in Wanaka a few times, but when some friends visited me in March I got convinced to do it once more. Nico and I had only one condition: to do it for sunrise. We woke up at 3am and started walking. It was an unforgettable experience and it is amazing to discover a place you’ve been plenty of times before in a new light.

2. Weekend in Wellington – April 2016

I spent my 29th birthday in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Such a lovely city and thanks to my boyfriend I got to discover all the cutest and quirkiest places!

3. Autumn in Otago – May 2016

The entire country changes when autumn kicks in. The colours just blew my mind. Here are a few of my favourite snaps: autumn in Otago.

4. Precious Belgium – June 2016

2016 was the year that New Zealand started feeling more and more like home, but it also made me miss my home country Belgium a bit more. Therefore in June I visited my amazing family and friends, went to a friend’s wedding in the Belgian countryside and enjoyed a lovely (and busy) time drinking beers, wine and talking. Those three weeks in Belgium were amazing, but definitely not enough – so I’ll have to go back in 2017.

5. Dunedin Wildlife – July 2016

New Zealand has a rich wildlife and I am falling more and more in love with it. This year I was able to be part of an amazing instameet in Dunedin. I profiled some of the nature organisations and made this little video: https://theworldisacircus.com/2016/07/video-wildlife-in-dunedin/

6. September 2016: Skippers Canyon

Nico and I try to get out exploring every weekend. One weekend we went to Queenstown to discover Skippers Canyon. I realised I am a wimp and scream very easily I end up doing (almost) everything, but with such a tiny heart! Nico made a little video with the drone of me climbing up one of the cliffs.

7. November 2016 – Grampians

As you can see, most of our travels have been in New Zealand – that’s the cool thing about this country. You can work and live here and still travel all the time. We did go on a little holiday to Australia – exploring the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians in Victoria. One word: MIND BLOWING.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LIESELOT (LIS) (@theworldisacircus)

What a year! Let’s see what 2017 brings… I can promise you it will be very exciting!

The post My 2016 highlights in photos! appeared first on The World is a Circus.

I don’t know why, but I just love the view of a house in a square, with an entrance gate and a patio in the middle.  I guess I’ll need a lot of money before I can make that dream come true. But I just love the set up. That’s one of the first reasons why I fell in love with Kasteelhoeve Wange.

The farm chateau is a little green paradise lost in the Belgian countryside. It has a lot of charm, keeping the history of the farm alive and visible. Did you know “Chateau de Wanghe” has been around since the 13th century?! Unfortunately it got destroyed at one point, and this version was rebuilt in the 17th century, when warlords and generals would stay here to prepare for battle!

I was so lucky to spend a weekend at the farm during my recent holidays in Belgium. My friend Eline was getting married in the idyllic countryside and decided to gather the family and best friends together for a cosy stay at Kasteelhoeve Wange. Very good decision Eline!

I love how the farm incorporates the mix of history and modern. The building is historic and a bit rusty outside and neat, simple and classy inside. The farm is lost in nature and surrounded by acres of orchards and fields and there even the odd horse that likes to say hello.

But isn’t only visually beautiful, it is also sustainable. And that’s where it differentiates from other hotels. It has even been awarded as the most sustainable hotel in Europe in 2016. The focus of this years’ award was on water waste management and Kasteelhoeve Wange does that splendidly!

The farm purifies its wastewater with a biological treatment plant. Waste water is purified in an entirely natural way. They also have a basin of 100,000 litres which collects the rainwater. And in the courtyard there is a natural spring, producing roughly 7,500 litres of water every day. This way they reduce the environmental impact of a guest’s stay. I think they definitely deserved that award!

The rainwater that has been captured is used for the natural swimming pond. And it is cleaned by special plants in the pont, isn’t that amazing? It’s not only ecological, it’s also beautiful. It’s a win win!

Oh and before I forget: the breakfast is delicious!! Everything organic and just yum!! Fresh eggs, home made jam and bread, fresh fruit, what do you want more when waking up in the countryside?

If you’re looking to escape for a weekend of busy life and open to some tranquillity and quietness, this is the place to be. Re-energise or have a lovely weekend away with family and friends.

Have you stayed at sustainable hotels before? Is it important for you that your accommodation cares about nature?

The post My stay at Europe’s most sustainable hotel appeared first on The World is a Circus.