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The Netherlands

5 things to see in Arnhem 0

Most of the tourists who visit Holland for a city trip, focus on Amsterdam. But the Netherlands has many more charming cities, with a rich history that are worth to visit. Like Arnhem, like Arnhem, which is only an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Today I’ll tell you what you can do in Arnhem.

The Party Aardvark

In the centre of the city of Arnhem, you will find a gigantic work of art. It’s a party aardvark. For children it is quite an invitation to climb on it. It is made of concrete and steel, is 30 meters long, 9 meters high and 13 meters wide. It is a gift from Burgers’ Zoo to the city of Arnhem, in honor of their 100-year anniversary. You will find the sculpture in the Bartokpark, next to Rozet.

Nelson Mandela Bridge

The Nelson Mandela Bridge in Arnhem is a bridge over the river Nederrijn that connects the inner city of Arnhem and Arnhem-Noord. At first sight it’s just a brid ge. But the words HUIZEN – WIND – DE STROOM – DE VERTE – DE UTOPIE – INDONESIE – DE BOTEN – DE ZEE – BLAUWE LUCHT, a remnant of the Sonsbeek event in 1993, are striking. Under the bridge you will find various street art, which is very entertaining to watch.

The Sabelspoort

The Sabelspoort is a city gate of Arnhem. Super special how this gate from the 15th century is shining between two modern buildings in Arnhem. When I ask my children what they like better, the Sabelpoort or the buildings next to it, they unanimously agree: The Sabelpoort! It looks the most like a castle. But it wasn’t used for that at the time. The Sabelspoort was also called Geckenpoort because it was used to lock up insane people and prisoners.

The 7 streets in Arnhem

If you love shopping, then Arnhem is the place to be. Strolling through the 7 streets of Arnhem, with its various shops and historic buildings is the most fun. The 7 streets Arke Noachstraat, Bentinckstraat, Eiland, Kerkstraat, Pastoorstraat, Wielakkerstraat en de Zwanenstraat are in the old center of Arnhem. Besides the nice shops such as Fuchsia full of artifacts and Tout Petits with the coolest nostalgic toys, there are also many small terraces to be found.
From the 7 streets you can walk straight into the large shopping street, with its famous chains of shops. And this also makes Arnhem an excellent shopping city.

The Eusebius Church

The Eusebius Church or Great Church in Arnhem is the largest and most important Protestant church in Arnhem. The church serves as a multifunctional location. A church service is held once a month. In addition, the Eusebius is used for a variety of activities. If you have steel nerves, you can take the panoramic lift in the tower to the Belvedere at 73 metres and visit the exhibition on the Battle of Arnhem.
The Netherlands

Where is the I amsterdam sign 2020? 0

The letters I amsterdam could be found on the Museumplein until 3 December 2018. The letters were a tourist attraction and stood in front of the Rijksmuseum. It was a very popular sign of Amsterdam where many pictures were taken. The letters were removed at the request of the municipality. Many tourists now in 2020 wonder where the letters I amsterdam can be found. The I amsterdam sign is now being placed in lesser-known neighbourhoods to make events and attractions more attractive for tourists.

Is the I amsterdam sign still there?

Yes, but not in the museum square. The original I amsterdam letters travel around. The red-and-white I amsterdam sign, more than 2 metres high and 23.5 metres wide, covers a variety of events and attractions.

Where can you find the I amsterdam letters?

Outside at Schiphol plaza. Wherever the buses can be found. There the I amsterdam letters are ready to take a nice picture.

The I amsterdam letters can also be found at Sloterplas in West. This I amsterdam sign is designed as a free-running and parkour track. Some letters are flat and others are pulled apart. You’re not in the right place for a nice Instagram picture.

The set that travels around the city, appears at various events, festivals and celebrations. On this page you will find where it is at the moment.

A popular place to find the I amsterdam letters is in front of the A’DAM Lookout on the Overhoeksplein. You’ll find this place on the IJ in Amsterdam North. Here you can take a picture with the letters and also have a nice background of the water and the Central Station.

France

Beautiful Gorges du Verdon 0

In the south of France you will find the beautiful, more than 180,000 hectares of regional natural park Verdon. By the many pedal boats and kayaks that you’ll see in the river, it’s not a secret place. But it can be high on your list of destinations. Because it is beautiful here. Even my children agreed and there is often a ‘wow’ rolling out of their mouths. And I can totally understand that, because ‘wow’, Gorges du Verdon is so beautiful!

The region of Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon is best known for its Grand Canyon du Verdon. This is a gigantic gorge that is even one of the largest gorges in Europe. Through the 25 kilometer long river Verdon you can see rock walls up to 700 meters high. These have been worn out over the centuries. This amazing natural phenomenon ends in the reservoir ‘Lac de Sainte-Croix’. In the Grand Canyon there are many tourists, but the nature reserve has much more beauty to offer and is worth a longer stay.

Many come from the Côte d’Azur to visit the Grand Canyon du Verdon for a day. During our holiday we stayed at a campsite in the Verdon nature reserve… The campsite was our base and from the campsite we explored what the area has to offer. And I can tell you now, we are not finished yet and therefore there is a good chance that we will return again to Gorges du Verdon.

There are many campsites in the area of Gorges du Verdon. Are you looking for a large campsite with many swimming pools and a complete entertainment programme? If so, you’d better continue your search on the Côte d’Azur and take the Verdon as an excursion. In the Gorges du Verdon area you’ll find mainly small nature campsites. Some directly on the Verdon, others more in the forest with a small swimming pool.

What to do in the Gorges du Verdon

Holidays are for relaxing. That’s right! Yet last summer we did a lot of activities in the Gorges du Verdon, simply because the area invites you to do so. For that reason alone it was very nice that we stayed a bit longer in this area, because no matter how much I like to go out every day, the children sometimes want to stay on the campsite for a day or two. You know, swimming a bit, making friends and just playing.

It may be quite touristy, but skipping a water activity in the Grand Canyon of the Verdon is like cursing in the church. So well we rented a pedal boat at the gate of the Grand Canyon. However, we didn’t choose the right day to do this, as the wind was quite strong, with the result that entering the Canyon was a piece of cake, but leaving the Canyon caused us unnecessarily much muscle pain.

In addition to pedal boats, you can also rent a kayak or an SUP-board. If you’d rather be lazy than tired, I advise you to rent an electric boat.

There are several places where you can rent electric boats, SUP boards and canoes. Motorboats are forbidden in the Verdon.

Renting a pedal boat in the Gorges du Verdon will cost you +- €15 per hour. Renting a kayak also costs about €15,00 per hour. For both, it depends on how many persons pedal boat or kayak you choose.
Renting a SUP will cost you +- €10,00 per hour.
Renting an electric boat will quickly cost you around €45.00 per hour.

Rafting and Canyoning in the Verdon

One of the enjoyable things about the ageing of my children, is that the activities are also becoming more enjoyable. The swimming bands are exchanged for a raft boat and the playground is exchanged for a climbing course through the canyon.

Our goal was rafting. We tried to arrange this via ‘Les Guides’. You could call them for an appointment, but given the size of our group, we thought it would be better to stop by and arrange a tour in person. The office of Les Guides is located in the town of Les Salles, not too far from the Grand Canyon du Verdon. Upon arrival we had our first disappointment: rafting was not possible due to the drought. Flexible as we are we switched from rafting to canyoning.

And what is canyoning? We also wondered… In the end it turned out to be a combination of climbing, abseiling, ziplining, jumping from a rock and swimming in ice cold water. All this in a 3mm wetsuit. After the zipline and the 10 meter high climbing course in Sweden, I thought that my daughter would be experienced enough for the family tour. However, this turned out to be quite a challenge for her and some fears had to be overcome. Tough as she is, she completed the two and a half hour course in the canyon of the Verdon. But when asked: “next year again?”, a convincing “no, really not!” came out. Too bad for me, because with this ‘canyoning’ I could have entertained myself all day long. Next year child 2 but bring along then …

Children can participate in the activities from the age of 8 years and about 30 kg. Provided they have good swimming skills and a little guts. The cost is about €40.00 for half a day (2.5 hours).

Rafting is logically only possible when the water is high enough. The costs for a 1.5 hour raft trip are €40.00.

Office address:
Les Guides
2 rue Margaridon
83630 Les Salles sur Verdon

But you can also call to participate in one of the activities: +33(0)494842255

The most beautiful car route along the Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon offers a lot of water activities. But it also has a beautiful car route.
And so we get in the car for one of the most beautiful car routes in the world. This route even deserves a place in National Geographic’s dream ride book. In general we don’t do the kids any fun with a sightseeing trip by car, but this route is quite spectacular. Especially when we pass a bungyjump point. “Are these people seriously going to jump off the bridge?”
For this route you need to have a strong stomach, because of the many hairpin bends you can see some green. Also spray enough deodorant, because the deep rock walls can cause splashing armpits.

Lakes of the Verdon

Lac de Sainte Croix

Don’t only focus at the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, the Verdon has a lot more to offer. Including some beautiful lakes. The largest lake of the Verdon is the reservoir of Sainte-Croix, or ‘Lac de Sainte Croix’. Lac de Sainte Croix has several beaches and picturesque, semi-touristic villages (Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon) with a nice boulevard where you can eat an ice cream. Most beaches are quite crowded, especially in the weekend when the local French people enjoy their day off at the lake. At the end of the day we visited a beach near Bauduen, where we enjoyed a bbq picnic (no coal or open fire!).

Lac d’Artignosc

A lot less touristy and therefore a lot quieter was the lake near our campsite and the picturesque village of Artignosc, ‘Lac d’Artignosc’. This lake felt a bit like our own local recreational lake, but with a big rock on the other side and the lack of blue green algae. Also here you can rent a pedal boat, a kayak, an SUP-board, or an electric boat. And again there are many French people on the weekends who put together a picnic on the spot. The disadvantage (for us) is that no dogs are allowed on this stretch. Although most recreational enthusiasts don’t mind, as long as you don’t go swimming with the dog. One friendly French couple even advised us that if anyone would give a damn, we could just say we didn’t understand them. “Je ne comprends pas…”

Lac de Quinson

A little further on, near the village of Quinson, lies the lake ‘Lac de Quinson’. Again, there is the possibility to rent a pedal boat or kayak, which is certainly worth it, as this lake has a mini-canyon.

Lac d’Esparron

Lac d’Esparron is also worth a visit. You have to love the crowds and in my opinion there were a lot of young people here as well (not that I consider myself to be one of the old people now). There is a small supervised bay, given the many toddlers in this bay, I would call it the paddling pond. If you walk a little further over the rocks, you end up at a larger lake with beautiful cliffs and mysterious views.

Gorges du Verdon and its beautiful surroundings certainly belong on your must see list!

Gorges du Verdon on Google maps
France

Parc & Shows: Puy du Fou in France 0

In France you’ll find a park full of shows. The park is called Puy du Fou. I experienced the park and I could describe it in one word: spectacular! But since there is much more to tell about it, I will share all my experiences in this review about Puy du Fou.

What is Puy du Fou?

Puy du Fou is not an amusement park with roller coasters. But it is still a great adventure to be in Puy du Fou. The term ‘adventure park’ is probably the most appropriate for this park. Puy du Fou is an experience with lots of spectacular sensations. No less than 19 performances (averaging 30 minutes) in the park and one evening spectacle (of 1 hour and 40 minutes) just outside the park, make your showtime heart beat faster. All shows are about the history of France and has a link to the Vendee region. The region where the park is located. Whenever you think it can’t be crazier, it becomes even more special, even more spectacular. It’s difficult to describe, that’s why I think you should experience Puy du Fou yourself.

Where is Puy du Fou?

As I said, Puy du Fou is located in the Vendee region. Vendee is a region in the west of central France. It is just under a 9 hour drive from Amsterdam. The nearest airport is Nantes. A flight from Schiphol Amsterdam takes about an hour and a half.

Because I visited the park for one weekend, I went by plane. At the airport of Nantes I picked up a rental car. From the airport of Nantes and with that it is another hour’s drive to Puy du Fou.

After an hour of driving I arrive at Puy du Fou. I spend the night in one of the Puy du Fou hotels: La Citadelle. I can park my car next to the town wall. As soon as I walk through the town gate to check in, I immediately end up in the Middle Ages. Everything is in style, even the toilet reminds me of centuries ago. Luckily I can flush the toilet normally.

La Citadelle is one of the five official hotels of Puy du Fou. Besides this castle, Puy du Fou also has an inn from the 18th century. A tent camp from the Renaissance. You can spend the night in a hut on poles, which comes from the early Middle Ages. Or you can spend the night in Roman style. All five of these official Puy du Fou hotels are within walking distance of the special hotel entrance to the park.

Puy du Fou: spectaculaire shows!

In Puy du Fou you will find mostly shows. Many of these can be called spectacular shows. Because the setting, the stunts, well, actually the whole experience is one big spectacle. I visited 13 attractions in two full days. That’s a lot of shows and I can’t recommend this program when you visit the park with children. The advantage is that I can now share my experiences about most of the different shows.

Show: ‘Le mystère de la Pérouse’

This attraction / show is new in 2018 and is slightly different from the other shows in Puy du Fou. When entering a ship from the year 1785, I think we’re in a line for the next show. But it soon becomes clear to me that we are on board of the ship. And that is the start of the show. In this show you are on a voyage of discovery over unknown seas. A few actors who are completely in their role play so convincingly that the story soon becomes clear. Even though it is spoken in French and there is no translation possible at this attraction. The ship takes us on wild seas. The moving scenery and the sound effects really disorient you. So much for disorienting you, you’d almost get seasick from it. The attraction ‘Le mystère de la Pérouse’ is certainly not a show where you sit still and watch. This is what they mean by an ‘show experience’.

Birdshow: Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes

We are looking for a place on a large grandstand, this is where we are going to experience Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes. This is a show, or rather a spectacle with birds. I’ve seen a bird show before, also in France at an old castle. Where a falconer let his owl and falcon fly back and forth and the audience said ‘oooooh’. You can perhaps imagine that I did not have too high expectations at ‘the bird show’. Also in Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes a story was told. This could be followed by a translation, but I had to get used to listening via a crackling box. Fortunately I later discovered the app by Puy du Fou, which made the translation sound a lot better. Anyway, I don’t think the story stole the show either. No, that honour really goes to the more than 200 birds such as falcons, owls and vultures, which fly right above your head. And when you think you’ve seen all the birds after half an hour, the final comes. Where all the birds, including pelicans, storks and marabous, cover the sky.

Theatre show: Mousquetaire de Richelieu

We go from one adventure to another. A completely different adventure, though. Because while I’m still recovering from all the flying birds’ violence, we’re going to experience a performance in a monumental 17th century theatre. Mousquetaire de Richelieu, also the Musketeers. Fine, let’s have a quiet look at a performance, thats what I think. But after having already had two shows, I should have known better. Mousquetaire de Richelieu, is full of action. Logical, because you know, the Musketeers. Different fencing duels, equestrian arts and an unexpected setting make this show a true spectacle as well.

Small show: Le Secret de la Lance

We are now going to watch a small show, according to our personal guide. Le Secret de la Lance tells the story of Marguerite, a young woman who is left alone in a castle, while the knights leave for Orléans. She has only one task: to unravel the secret of a lance with magical properties in order to protect the enchanted walls of the castle.
It will rest on your shoulders…
Of course, I’m not gonna tell you if she’s gonna be able to do it. I can tell you that this performance is far from small. Okay, the decor might start small, but now I’m starting to discover that at Puy du Fou, nothing is what it seems.

Water show: Les Orgues de Feu

In the evening, ‘Les Orgues de Feu’ is on the programme. A show on the water, with real people coming out of the water, says our guide. You can imagine a very surprised look around my face. People out of the water, how? But I can’t unlock the secrets of Puy du Fou with our guide. You’ll see it tonight’, is what I have to do with. The weather gods make us feel the ultimate experience of a water show by letting the water crash on us during the show. But it won’t spoil the fun, because my attention is focused on what happens on the water. It is now dark and soon it becomes clear to me why this show has to be seen in the dark. Costumes whit lights that sway fabulously over the water, with real people in them! It is a spectacular sight. When a grand piano with a man comes out of the water, I’m totally amazed! How do they do that?
The fountains and the water organ complete the performance, making ‘Les Orgues de Feu’ a great way to end the day in Puy du Fou.

A walk through a trench: Les Amoureux de Verdun

After a night’s sleep in our luxurious room in the hotel La Citadelle, we have another day in Puy du Fou.

The first show on our program today is a fierce one. A love story is told by means of the love letters of a soldier. A story that you see, feel and experience when you walk through a trench in the winter of 1916. It is the evening before Christmas and the war is in full swing. The shooting, the soldiers, the explosions and their consequences in the dark trench may be a little too intense for small children. The actors take their roles very seriously. It’s highly recommended! And for the children there are several exits during the trip through Les Amoureux de Verdun, if it gets too scary.

Great show: Les Vikings

After this depressing (the story doesn’t end well) beginning of the day, I’m ready for something light-hearted. Savage, wild and rough Vikings, yes that makes me happy. With about 3000 more people we go to one of the main performances of Puy du Fou, Les Vikings. The sun is shining, the scenery is fantastic again and we are going to watch Vikings. Moreover, I have now installed the app for the better translation.

The story starts quit peacefully in Fort de l’An Mil. The people are cheerful and the and the decor looks great. A couple gets married. Some boys are knighted. And suddenly the rough Vikings from the north are there. Then another spectacle starts with fire, stunts, complete ships that float upstairs and there are horses. The violence is really coming at you and I don’t know where to look. This is one of those shows where you can go three times and see something different every time.

After this show lunch is on the program. Which is great, because I really need to recover from this.

Spinning show: Le Dernier Panache

After lunch we get to see something complete different. Not a single performance in Puy du Fou falls under the heading of standard theatre show and also this one does not. Le Dernier Panache is a show inside with a audience revolving around the stage. Through different scenes we get to see a piece of history from the Vendee again. This time it’s the French Revolution with a French naval officer in the leading role. Whether children can actually follow this story, I wonder. In any case, it is spectacular to see.

In a Colosseum: Le Signe du Triomphe

And then there’s really the greatest spectacle. Whether it’s because of the gigantic Colosseum, or because we make our debut as actresses, I don’t know. But Le Signe du Triomphe is grand, it’s wild and most of all, it’s spectacular.

So we play in this show, but we’re not the only one chosen. About 40 people are picked from the audience and asked to participate in the show. Playing along is not difficult. You are brought behind the scenes for a short explanation and of course a costume party.
There are two groups. The Romans and the Gauls. I belong to the Gauls and to get directly into the role, we yell at the Romans loudly BOE when they past (still behind the scenes). It’s a bit uncomfortable, but our leader clearly has more experience and helps us well on our way. Before I know it I’m in in the Colosseum, yelling at the Romans with about twenty other players. And that while the ‘normal’ audience still comes in and goes looking for a place.

Because I play along with this story, I can’t turn on the translation and I just have to imitate what my Gallic leader does. But because I play along with that story, I can’t turn on the translation and I just have to imitate what my Gallic leader does. It soon becomes clear to me that love is back in the game. A kind of Romeo and Juliet, but with a Roman guy and a Gallic girl. Why other Gallic prisoners are involved is not clear to me. Anyway, they have to win the circus games in front of the Roman governor, according to the description. What I see, shouted in between my BOE, is an unequal fight between the Romans and the Gallic prisoners. A horse race which is directed very well with of course a lot of stunts.

And as if it wasn’t crazy enough, a tiger, a lion and three lionesses enter the arena. Of course we end up with a ‘they live happily ever after’ and my voice sounds like a false crow. But what a pleasure we had and that combined with another spectacular show. Le Signe du Triomphe is one of my favourites of Puy du Fou.

The evening show: La Cinescenie

When you think you’ve had it all and you can’t be more spectacular. Then you haven’t seen La Cinescenie yet. The evening performance of Puy du Fou, for which you have to buy separate tickets, is world famous. Twice a week 14,000 people come to watch this ‘mindblowing’ show of almost two hours with an open mouth. The stage covers an area of 23 hectares. The number of actors playing along is 2,400, not counting horses, cows, sheep, and so on. Fireworks, 3D video projections, overwhelming decors and lots of special effects.

Can you imagine it? I really had no idea before we went to see the evening show La Cinescenie. And once in the grandstand, watching the gigantic view, all I could do was ask myself, “How? During the performance, everything becomes clear to me. La Cinescenie is a performance that cannot be explained, but you really have to experience it yourself. Because something so great and overwhelming is really hard to describe.

Puy du Fou, the tips and info

Tickets: Actually, I would advise you to book an overnight stay in one of the hotels at Puy du Fou. Simply because this way you can quietly discover the park. And what one day doesn’t succeed, the next day maybe succeeds. In Puy du Fou you can have a great time for two days. When booking an overnight stay, make sure you also book your entrance tickets. These are not standard for a hotel stay.

Puy du Fou app: When visiting Puy du Fou, put the Puy du Fou app on your phone! With this app, you’ll be up to date at all times. When does the next show start? You can see on the map where you are in the park and that is very handy, because the park does not promote your sense of direction. And the translation via the app is also much easier to understand than through the crackling translation box.

Travelling whit a dog: When we go on holiday, we always take the dog with us. However, dogs are not allowed in the Puy du Fou park. This is because of the wild animals in the park. Assistance and guide dogs are welcome, but you have to mention this in advance. However, taking a dog with you does not have to stand in the way of your visit to Puy du Fou. Puy du Fou has a dog boarding house where your dog is taken care of all day (for a fee). Here, too, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Behind the scenes at the falconers: It is possible to get a tour behind the scenes with the falconers. Here you can see the daily care of the more than 530 birds in the Puy du Fou. Including the experience of a very high cuteness of the newborn birds. This tour takes about 90 minutes.

The opening hours of Puy du Fou: The opening hours of the park can be different every day. For this purpose, Puy du Fou has made a calendar that clearly shows which day and which opening hours it has. On Friday and Saturday there is also the show Cinéscénie. Check out the Puy du Fou calendar. Or download the app, where you can immediately see whether the park is open or closed.

Eating and Drinking in Puy du Fou: The food and drink in Puy du Fou is totally the French way. Tasty and extensive. There are several restaurants in the park. There are also a number of fast food restaurants, although these are pretty concealed. My recommendations for good food and drink are:

  • L’Echansonnerie
  • Les Deux Couronnes
  • La Mijoterie du Roy Henry
  • L’Ecuyer Tranchant
  • Le Bistrot

Dressed up to Puy du Fou: A good tip to know is that for artistic reasons it is expressly forbidden to come to Puy du Fou in costume. So no bachelorette parties!

Tip: Put on closed shoes! All paths are covered with fine gravel. And when it rains, put on old closed shoes, which will damage your shoes.

Address Puy du Fou and map: Puy de Fou is easy to reach by car. You can even park for free at all the parking lots of the Puy du Fou.

The address of Puy du Fou is:
85590 Les Epesses
France
Germany

Ferienhof Wahls – a child friendly holiday home in Vogelsberg, Germany 0

When I ask my children what they liked most during the holidays, all three of them shout “the go-karts at the holiday home”. And once again it’s clear to me: Children don’t need much to have fun on holiday. Except for fresh air, a playground and time to discover.

During the school holidays we stayed two nights at holiday farm Ferienhof Wahls. Ferienhof Wahls is located at the foot of the Vogelsberg region in Germany. If you are looking for a child friendly holiday home in the Vogelsberg region in Germany, I can recommend it to you. It is a very child friendly place, where the feeling of ‘in the middle of nowhere’ arises in a positive sense. At first, when I see ‘no service’ at the top left of my phone screen and the phone keeps searching for a WiFi signal, I feel a bit anxious though. We’ll literally be ‘offline’ for a while, and there’s no other option than to accept it. Faster than I expect, I embrace the peace and enjoy the beautiful holiday home, my vacation and the children playing. And miraculously, during our stay, the children haven’t even thought about their iPad or phone.

The volcano Vogelsberg

Did you know that Germany has a volcano area? The last eruption was more than 7 million years ago, but still. The Vogelsberg is the result of these volcanic activities and that result is impressive! We discovered this area in the autumn. The autumn colours are beautiful and the foggy weather creates a fairytale setting. Hesse is not called a fairytale region for nothing. The only disadvantage is that there is not much to see of the views. And that’s a pity, because because of the height of 763 meters, we could even see Frankfurt from the core of Hesse.

Holiday farm Ferienhof Wahls

At the foot of the Vogelsberg volcano you will find the holiday farm ‘Ferienhof Wahls’. In the Netherlands we’ve stayed at farms several times, but such a typical German farm feels a bit different. The house arouses Pipi Longstocking feelings and the foggy environment reminds me of the fairy tale Hans and Gretel.

The farm is so much fun for the kids. The children can go wherever they want in the protected playground. A ride on the cable car. Baking cakes in the sandpit. A game of table football in the barn. Take a look at the animals and the favorite of my children: ride the go-karts!

Child friendly holiday home and apartments in Germany

Holiday farm Ferienhof Wahls has a holiday home for nine people, which is the red house. In the blue house there are three apartments. One for four people, one for five people and the last one is for six people. We stayed in the basement, which in itself does not sound very cozy. But above expectations it was cozy. This apartment is suitable for four people. But as you would expect on a farm, the apartment is also wonderfully spacious. We have views over the garden, where the children play. According to my children the decoration was rather ‘old-fashioned’, personally I would describe it more as farmer style.

Breakfast at Café Barista Izabela

Right next to Ferienhof Wahls you will find the most charming coffee house of Vogelsberg called Dorfladen Metzlos – Café Barista Izabela. When you drive through the village, you can’t imagine that there is such a cozy and idyllic place to have your breakfast and a cup of coffee. You really have the feeling that you are entering a German living room, where there is also thought that the little ones should be able to enjoy themselves. In front of us there was an extensive set breakfast table ready for us, where nothing was missing. I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

We definitely recommend this child friendly holiday home in Vogelsberg when you visit Germany!
Denmark

What to do in West Jutland? Here are some child-friendly highlights! 0

Now that the summer holidays are approaching, Denmark is a good place to be. We have been to West Jutland. West Jutland is Denmark’s West Coast. It is a beautiful region to spend holidays with children. Jutland is the peninsula above Germany. The northern part of Jutland belongs to Denmark and the southern part to Germany. West Jutland is located on the Wadden Sea and is a beautiful area with nice child-friendly highlights.

What is there to do in West Jutland?

And what did we do when we were on holiday in West Jutland? In this article I will show you the best highlights and the trips we have done. And I’ll give you some tips for various campsites and holiday homes in West Jutland.

Legoland Billund

First of all, when you go to Denmark with kids, you go to Legoland Billund. It depends on where you stay in West Jutland, but on average it is an hour’s drive to Legoland. We went to Legoland for one day, that was enough for us. But you can certainly go to Legoland for several days, there is enough to do. If you want to go to Legoland for several days, it is best to stay at Legoland resort. A tip is to do this before or after your holiday in West Jutland to do.

Jyllands Akvariet

In other words, this is the Jutlands Aquarium. Because West Jutland is located on the North Sea, a visit to an aquarium cannot be avoided during your holiday. Jyllands Akvariet can be found in Thyboro, half an hour above Hvide Sande. Here you can even pet the fish! It’s not a large aquarium, but a nice activity, especially when you go on a seal safari afterwards.

On a seal safari

Because seal safaris are really something you have to do when you’re in West Jutland. The seals of the North Sea are so cute. Yet the Danes are not always happy with them, because if there are too many seals, it becomes a plague.
There are different ways to go on a seal safari. For example, you can take a boat to look for seals. But you can also take a tractor on the beach to go to the seals. Just pay attention to the weather, when you go on a seal safari in West Jutland with your family. Because when the wind comes from the sea, you will have a wet suit on a small boat in no time.

Bork Vikingehavn Hemmet

Denmark has a very rich history of which Vikings are a big part. They were called the plague from the north. Because Vikings were best known for looting, murder and robbery. But the Vikings were also true explorers and traders. In the reconstructed Bork Vikingehavn Hemmet you will experience this history as if you were there yourself. Children love it.

The climbing forest: WOW Park

Denmark is known for its child-friendly activities. The climbing forest WOW Park is one of them. There is only one thing that WOW Park wants: ‘let the children play and discover’. Well, I completely agree with that, which is why WOW Park in West Jutland is highly recommended. A great activity for the children during a holiday in Denmark!

When you’ve done all these activities, your holiday week is already quite full. But in West Jutland there are also some highlights that should not be missed.

The beaches of West Jutland

West Jutland is situated by the sea, which is why West Jutland also has beautiful beaches. These beaches are wide, spacious, and above all quiet. Here you and your children can play to the fullest without bothering anyone. The beach of Nymindegab is ideal for looking for shells, stones and (sea)animals. If you go down a little further, to Henne Beach, the beach is even quieter and you can take your kite with you. A little more excitement can be found on the white beach of Hvide Sande.

Lyngvig Lighthouse

In Hvide Sande you will find the lighthouse ‘Lyngvig Lighthouse’. Not only the lighthouse is an attraction and very photogenic. But after a steep climb up, the view from the lighthouse over the west coast is also a highlight. You just shouldn’t suffer from vertigo.

Churches in West Jutland

The churches can be found not only in the centre of the Danish towns, but also in the landscapes of West Jutland. The typical church towers require to be photographed. Here are a few worth seeing recommendations:

  • Venø Church. The address: Tangles 1, Struer 7600
  • Lemvig Kirke. The address: Torvet 15, Lemvig 7620
  • Grindsted Kirke. The address: Kirkegade 22, Grindsted, Billund 7200
  • Haurvig Kirke. The address: Soender Klitvej 92, Hvide Sande 6960

Holiday homes in Denmark, region West Jutland

In Jutland there are many child-friendly holiday parks. If you prefer to stay in a private house, then Denmark is the place to be. There is a wide range of holiday homes on offer. From holiday homes with swimming pool to holiday homes on the coast.

We stayed in a holiday park of Landal. Landal has a total of five holiday parks in Jutland, Denmark. Landal Seawest is located in West Jutland. Landal Rønbjerg and Landal Grønhøj Strand are located in the north of Jutland. In central and eastern Jutland you will find the parks Landal Ebeltoft and Landal Søhøjlandet.

We can really recommend Denmark’s Jutland as a great holiday destination for families with little children. But also with older children, because there are plenty of activities and highlights that will make every family member happy. And with the above tips, a holiday in Jutland Denmark can’t be boring. Not even if it rains all week.

Denmark

WOW park, Denmark 0

Idyllic location

We arrive at an old farm and I realise ‘This is what I’ve dreamt about all my life!’. And the husband confirms ‘This place is amazing! We should start something like this in Holland.’ It’s nice to share a dream, even though it will probably stay a dream.

When we enter the farm, my idyllic feeling grows stronger. This place looks amazing. When we walk into the courtyard of the farm, it feels as if we’ve walked into a mediterranean country,. The sun makes the gravel glow and I’ve instantly forgotten the cold and wet picture of Denmark, I had created in my mind.

We’ve arrive at WOW Park, a playground or playforrest for the children.

wow park boomhut

Recommended by locals

One of the most surprising activities during our holiday in Denmark, was the afternoon we spent in WOW Park. A danish mother, who regularly takes her children there, recommended the park. She told me “the parents can just sit and relax and the children will enjoy themselves”, and she was right!

The first fifteen minutes in the park, I have a problem relaxing though. I have some real concerns letting my children climb al these obstacles and my heartbeat raises to a serious level. But the kids are excited and they start running around like crazy. Before I can say ‘wow’ they’ve climbed the first trees. After I’ve taken a closer look myself, I find everything is completely safe here and my heartbeat drops… It’s time to relax while the children explore the park.

WOW park mainly consists of tree houses, slides, rope bridges, swings and tunnels, in the trees, on the ground and under the ground. It takes me some ‘wows’ before I get used to the sight of my toddler climbing the rope bridges between the tree houses. Is she fearless, or am I just getting old?

wow park rennen

WOW Park. It’s definitely the right name for this park.

wow park glijbaan

From trampoline to labyrinth to popping your own popcorn

Besides treehouses, suspension bridges, slides and ziplines, you’ll find a huge net trampoline in WOW Park. After jumping the trampoline for a while, you won’t be able to walk in a straight line. I’ve never been to the moon, but I expect jumping the trampoline feels like walking on the moon. The moonwalk, but slightly different.

wow park labyrint

The labyrinth in WOW park is a lot of fun too. Do not underestimate it! It took us some time to find the exit. For us, one of the highlights was the picknick meadow with camp fires. At the end of the day everyone gathers round the fires to roast some sausage roles. The only thing missing was someone playing a guitar.

We tried to pop some popcorn on the fire. ‘Mommy, what’s that?!’ , the children shout, when I show them the cup of corn. They still have a lot to learn. Milk comes from a cow (a goat, a sheep, or whatever) and popcorn is popped corn. Yes, until recently my children thought popcorn magically arose in the microwave, but now they now you can pop corn in a cast-iron pan above a fire.

wow park popcorn pannen
popcorn bakken
wow park popcorn
wow park popcorn bakken

At the end of the afternoon, we can all recommend WOW park! We’ve had a great time. I do wonder if it would have been this great on a rainy day. Probably the kids would have enjoyed themselves anyway. And as long as you don’t mind them getting dirty and bringing some clean clothes, you’ll enjoy it too.

General information

Address

Løvstrupvej 1
6900 Skjern
Denmark

http://www.wowpark.dk

Distances to WOW park

From Nørre Nebel (Landal Dayz Seawest) it’s about 30 km’s, a 45 minute drive to WOW park.
From Esbjerg, it’s about 60 km’s, about an hour drive.
From Kopenhagen it’s 328 km, a 3,5 to 4,5 hour drive. (Depending on the route.

Opening hours

The park is open from 10.00 till 17.00. Sometime it’s closed for a private event, so make sure to check the website of WOW Park for current opening hours.

Tickets

The entrance fee for children to 5 years is 90 DKK (+- €12,00) and from 5 years it’s 130 DKK (+- €17,50). This may seem a bit expensive for a ‘playground’, but when I ask my children what they’ve enjoyed most during our holiday in Denmark, two of the three agree “WOW park!”

“Even better than LEGOLAND?”
“Yes, even better than LEGOLAND!”
Denmark

Meet the Vikings of Denmark in Bork Vikingehavn Hemmet 0

Thanks to Hiccup of the movie How to Train Your Dragon, my children have developed a healthy interest in Vikings. However, this has become a bit of a romanticised version of the Vikings. After a visit to Bork Vikingehavn in Hemmet (Denmark), the shock was quite intense. Were children really offered to the Norse Gods and Goddesses?

The Vikings of Denmark

During a visit to Bork Vikingehavn you will travel back in time. When you visit the park together with a guide, you will learn a lot about the Vikings. In the park is simulated how the Vikings lived and perform rituals. You can explore the reconstructed Finch houses and the famous longboats. With a little imagination, my children experience how the Vikings lived about 1000 years ago. Their fantasy is nourished by the fact that they can dress up as real Vikings, this is the perfect trip to get to know the Vikings better.

Before most Vikings became Christians, they had their own faith, also known as Nordic Mythology. Nordic Mythology has almost the same gods as Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Germanic mythology. The fact that children and slaves were sacrificed for the gods was, of course, very shocking news. Especially for children, because who would do such a thing?  But the Vikings are not only known for their brutality, they were also very good negotiators and builders. They were real sailors and they went on a lot of voyages of discovery in their longboats. From Bork Vikingehavn the Vikings could sail through the shallow waters of the North Sea with their longboats. But they did not just stay in the North Sea, the Vikings travelled all over the world, they even reached Canada.

The museum of Bork Vikingehavn

When you enter Bork Vikingehavn, you will find yourself in a small museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs. Bork Vikingehavn is an open-air museum about Vikings where children can interactively learn and experience more about the Vikings. Playing and learning come together in this museum. Like on the large field where the children (and playful adults) can play real Viking games.

General information Bork Vikingehavn

Distances to Bork Vikingehavn

From Nørre Nebel (Landal Dayz Seawest) it’s a 10 minute drive to Bork Vikingehavn.
From Billund …
From Kopenhagen it’s a … drive to Bork Vikingehavn.

Opening hours

The opening hours of Bork Vikingehavn vary according to the season. The same applies to the extra activities on offer. Bork Vikingehavn is open from 11:00. Closing times vary between 16:00 and 17:00, and in autumn the park is occasionally open in the evening. For the exact times I advise you to check their website before you visit the park. 

In the summer months of July and August there are many extra activities. You can shoot with bow and arrow, make Vikings jewelry or bake Vikings flat bread.

Tickets

Entrance fees depend on the season. Early season it’s 60 Danish crowns (+- €8.00) and during the high season it’s 100 Danish crowns (+- €13.50).

Address

Bork Vikingehavn
Vikingevej 7
6893 Hemmet
Denmark