Great destinations for the early summer

The name is a little misleading: Bohemian Switzerland feels less like Switzerland and more like something out of a fairytale. Just a few kilometres beyond the German border lies a striking landscape of sculptural rock formations, dense forests and gently flowing streams.

Follow enchanting paths up to the Pravčice Gate, Europe’s largest sandstone bridge, while the Kamnitz bubbles through the Edmundsklamm gorge below you, coursing into the valley between 100-metre-high, moss-covered sandstone walls. And if you listen closely, you’ll maybe even hear the howling of the mischievous forest spirit, Hejkal!

Welcome to Iceland  in the heart of France. With its cratered landscapes, steaming hot springs, and seemingly infinite vastness, this inland region calls to mind the harsh Atlantic island of Iceland. Whether you’re exploring the high plateaus of Aubrac and Cézallier or the Chaine des Puys chain of 80 dormant volcanoes, you’ll discover that the nature in this region is untouched and wild in its beauty, with more than 20 thermal springs offering an opportunity to bathe.

There is, however, one clear difference between Auvergne and Iceland: here, wild and unspoilt landscapes are combined with the French way of life. And while the volcanoes may be dormant, the passion for good food and good company is very much alive. Hearty truffade and rustic aligot alone make the journey well worth it.

Spiritualità all’italiana: in the green heart of Italy, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, nature, history and tradition exist in quiet harmony. Visitors can enjoy a distinctive sense of calm while exploring the narrow streets, exposed stone houses, historic churches and abbeys of medieval towns such as Perugia, Orvieto and Assisi – the birthplace of St Francis.

The small town of Spello is particularly atmospheric during the Feast of Corpus Christi in June. As part of the traditional flower festival, intricate carpets and images made entirely from flower petals transform the streets into a vibrant, colourful work of art.

The most popular activity on this Danish island? Relaxing! The slow trundle of the turquoise-blue waters, the sway of the ancient beech trees in the wind: everything here seems to follow the same soft, flowing patterns, calming visitors as soon as they arrive. Take a moment to breathe, take it all in, and simply enjoy the moment with a series of walks along the chalk-white cliffs and through tiny artists’ villages, where cosy cafés invite you to linger a little longer.

After a day of pure relaxation, you can expect the nightlife to take a somewhat more thrilling turn, thanks to the unparalleled view of millions of stars in the night sky from the roof bed of your California. You might even spot the Milky Way if you’re lucky. Thanks to its exceptionally low light pollution, Møn has officially been designated a Dark Sky Community, making it one of the best places in Europe for stargazing.

Camping here is a bit like a trip through time. Just north of Umag lie the ruins of the sunken city of Sipar, a dream destination for all amateur archaeologists. The city was destroyed by pirates in early medieval times and can be explored when the tide is out. Further south, in Pula, you’ll find one of the most impressive Roman arenas to have ever existed. The amphitheatre and its splendid archways, which call to mind the colosseum in Rome, is also worth a visit.

Cape Kamenjak takes the journey even further back. On the peninsula’s dinosaur trail, visitors can follow fossilised footprints left by prehistoric reptiles – an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Which of the adventures would you like to try out? Whether it’s nature, culture, or history that you’re looking for, there are loads of opportunities to discover new locations. Do you have any insider tips for a trip in the early summer? Comment on our post on Instagram.