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You know that memorable scene in Game of Thrones where the king is wearing orange robes and holding his scepter so majestically? Yeah, I'm talking about the Iron Throne!
Starting from the second season, Dubrovnik in Croatia became the location of King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the play.
Dubrovnik wasn't initially chosen for King's Landing; the first season was filmed in Malta. With its well-preserved castle, historic old town, and bloody past, just like the Seven Kingdoms, it became the perfect setting for King's Landing.
The Balkan region where Croatia is located is a very niche tourist destination in Europe.
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Geographically, Europe has four famous peninsulas: the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the Apennine Peninsula (also known as the Italian Peninsula), and the Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe.
Compared with the above three, the Balkan Peninsula is the most complicated: there are dozens of major countries in the entire peninsula.
Located on land midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, it covers an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is the intersection of European and Asian civilizations and a strategically important location.
Therefore, in our impression, this area seems to be very chaotic.
Yes, this is indeed the case in history!
Different countries come from different cultural backgrounds, and the ethnic groups are even more complex. In addition, this place is located in the southeast of Europe, across the strait from the Anatolian Peninsula in Asia. It has always been a place where various forces blend, conflict, and compete.
It sounds dangerous, but there is no need to worry. The above events have all stayed in the 20th century. The turning point was the end of the Kosovo War in 1999. Russia completely withdrew from the competition for the Balkans in the post-Cold War era. This land was finally no longer a place where the two major powers in the world competed for power, and it was completely calmed down.
After 20 years of stable development, many countries in this land are very safe in Europe. A European website has compiled the [sense of safety index] when walking alone at night in various European countries. Croatia and Slovenia ranked first and second with 74.6 and 74.4 respectively, and Hungary also ranked high with 60.8 points.
At the same time, because it is close to the Mediterranean Sea, the southern Balkans will be as hot as many seaside cities in the summer, with the highest temperature reaching 30-35 degrees. However, countries further north, such as Slovenia, are close to the Alps, and Budapest is close to Central Europe, so the temperature in the summer is also very comfortable, but the temperature in the winter is relatively lower.
The Balkans are therefore a place full of diversity and charm.
First, you can discover breathtaking natural landscapes like majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking coastlines.
Secondly, there are long-standing historical relics here, such as ancient castles, magnificent churches and mysterious ruins, each of which carries a rich cultural heritage.
Whether you want to explore history and culture or enjoy outdoor activities, you can find it in the Balkans!
So today, we will pick a few relatively popular destinations, taking the following three countries as examples, so that everyone can experience the charm and style of the Balkan region online.
Croatia's geographical location is unique, with stunning natural beauty and diverse tourism resources. First of all, it has an endless coastline. The long coastal area is surrounded by turquoise waters and has many beautiful beaches and bays, which are perfect for diving, swimming and sunbathing.
Croatia also boasts stunning islands that will keep you captivated, while inland you'll find breathtaking natural landscapes like majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests.
In addition to its natural beauty, Croatia boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, including ancient castles, city ruins, and Renaissance architecture, each of which carries a rich history and cultural heritage. Furthermore, Croatian cuisine is not to be missed, offering a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood, olive oil, and wine, a feast for your taste buds.
First, let's talk about one of Croatia's most famous filming locations: Dubrovnik. This ancient city, with its city walls, ancient streets, and stunning sea views, is frequently featured in movies and TV series, particularly in Game of Thrones, where it played the role of King's Landing, becoming a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide.
Dubrovnik truly lives up to its moniker, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This beautiful city, located on Croatia's southern coast, is one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. It is renowned for its rich history and culture, charming medieval architecture, and picturesque scenery. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with notable historical attractions such as the Walls of Dubrovnik and the Governor's Palace.
For many of us, this is not the first time Dubrovnik has become popular.
Perhaps the first time was when it became famous as the main filming location of King's Landing in the hit TV series "Game of Thrones", attracting many fans and tourists who came to make pilgrimages and explore the city.
The second time was when the recently aired series Flowers and Youth also came to Dubrovnik. It can be said that the tour guide and screenwriter were very discerning. This ancient city is also full of charm and culture, with natural scenery and historical culture well integrated.
So what's fun in Dubrovnik?
First, take a walk up the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik
A popular walk around Dubrovnik's Old Town is along the ancient city walls. These massive, towering walls of white limestone were built, expanded, and reinforced between the 12th and 17th centuries. They are generally considered the greatest fortification of the Middle Ages, remaining unbroken throughout that period.
While you're free to wander around, most people take about one to two hours to complete a circuit of the city walls. With the shimmering Adriatic coast on one side and the magnificent historic city on the other, we strongly recommend slowing down and savoring this breathtaking view, perhaps the closest thing to paradise. Nearly every brick and tile of the wall offers inspiration for a historical photoshoot.
Stroll along Stradun
Stradun, also known as Placa, is Dubrovnik's main street and has been the city's center of activity since the 13th century. Originally a waterway, it was later filled in to create a new road. Stradun is bustling with locals and tourists alike and is considered by many to be one of Europe's most charming streets.
The white limestone streets that divide Dubrovnik's Old Town into two roughly equal parts are lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Enjoying a meal while people-watching is a particularly pleasant experience. This is also a great place to buy Dubrovnik souvenirs.
You can also find filming locations from Game of Thrones along the street!
Some of the more famous scenes, such as the Jesuit Stairs, are the filming location of Cersei's parade, where Queen Cersei is stripped naked and paraded through the streets. This is a key part of the storyline.
And Pylore Harbor, which appears as Blackwater Bay in the show. This is where Sansa and Littlefinger discussed their escape route.
If there's still time...
If you have time, take the cable car up to Mount Srd, offering the best views of Dubrovnik. This low mountain, located behind the city, rises over 1,000 meters above sea level. You can hike or take the cable car up to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the ocean beyond.
Another popular way to explore Dubrovnik is by kayaking. Experienced guides will take you on a unique journey through the city walls, admiring them from the sea. Marvel at the sheer majesty of the fortified walls and the stunning sapphire waters, or simply relax and enjoy the water at the beach.
In short, Dubrovnik has rich and colorful urban and natural landscapes. Whether you want to explore the ancient city, magnificent natural scenery or beautiful seaside, it can meet all your expectations.
Split, Croatia's second-largest city, boasts over 1,700 years of history, making it the country's oldest. For most travelers to Croatia, Split is a must-see. But if you're on a tight schedule and only have one night in Split, here are some must-see attractions you can definitely visit in one day.
Diocletian's Palace
The most famous of these is undoubtedly Diocletian's Palace. 1,700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built a luxurious palace on the bay of Split, marking the beginning of the city's development. After the emperor's death, the magnificent palace became a resort for the Roman rulers to relax and enjoy.
In the early seventh century, residents of nearby cities fled to the more solid and secure Diocletian's Palace area to avoid the invasion of the Slavs, resulting in the magnificent palace city intertwined with traces of ordinary people's lives.
The Diocletian's Palace is also a filming location for the Game of Thrones series. It's the throne of Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, and the place where she trains her dragons. The "Killing the Slave Master" scene from Season 4 was also filmed here.
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As the third largest port in the Mediterranean, Splid's harbor is the highlight. Going to the harbor to bask in the sun and enjoy the sea view is the most romantic and comfortable way. You can also drink a smoothie and take a swim. You can also taste a variety of authentic foods such as seafood, olive oil and wine to satisfy various holiday feelings.
If you're traveling independently, island hopping off the coast of Split is highly recommended. For example, the most famous island is Hvar, rich in history, nature, and culture, offering both historical sites and delicious food.
There's also the famous Blue Grotto. Because it's so small, you need to switch to a smaller boat to enter. However, access to the Blue Grotto is very weather-dependent, so if it's closed, you won't be able to visit. There's also no boat limit, so during peak season, the entire cave can be packed with boats, making it incredibly crowded, and you can only stay for five minutes!
Croatia is a coastal country, with numerous small, niche cities dotted along the Adriatic Sea. Rovinj, on the northern Istrian Peninsula, is a particularly rare sight. Once part of Italy, the ancient city's streets and architecture are imbued with Italian charm. Its colorful walls, paired with blue and green doors, windows, and window grilles, create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
And another seaside town: Zadar
One of Croatia's oldest settlements, Zadar is also situated on the Adriatic coast. The ancient city is situated at the tip of a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, boasting a unique geographical location. Zadar's most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Sea Organ, whose stone steps attract visitors. Visitors enjoy sitting on the organ's steps as the tide rises and falls, creating a wondrous melody that captivates visitors, a perfect blend of nature and human ingenuity. The Sea Organ was awarded the 2007 European Urban Public Space Design Award.
Our Adriatic coast cruise came to an end, and next we arrived in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
Zagreb has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In the city center, you can find ancient buildings, ancient walls and narrow streets, which exude medieval charm everywhere.
As the capital of a country, Zagreb may not have a strong presence and is far less famous than the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik. However, it is a city rich in cultural connotations and has the reputation of "City of Museums". It is also the top city in Lonely Planet's 2017 list of Europe's best travel destinations.
What we recommend is a walk in Zagreb's Old Town, which is surrounded by many Baroque buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Zagreb Cathedral. In addition, there are open-air markets and open-air cafes everywhere, which have become part of the local culture. You can enjoy the comfort brought by the afternoon sun with a dessert and a cup of coffee.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in central Croatia and encompassing the entire Plitvice National Park, is a vast expanse of deep valleys, mountains, and waterfalls. Sixteen lakes are interconnected by over 270 waterfalls, creating a magnificent landscape.
You can explore this beautiful scenery on foot or by boat and feel the grandeur and mystery of nature. There are also many wooden boardwalks in the park, allowing you to stroll on the lake and enjoy the amazing views.
In addition, Plitvice National Park is home to many wild animals, such as bears, wolves, deer, etc., making it a paradise for wildlife watchers. In short, Plitvice National Park is world-renowned for its spectacular natural scenery and rich biodiversity, and is a tourist destination not to be missed in Croatia.
Slovenia, a hidden gem country at the junction of Central Europe and the Balkans. For Chinese people, it is still very niche, and we don’t get much information when we search online.
(Xiaohongshu also has only 20,000 notes, which also contains a lot of other information)
(Neighboring Hungary has more than 10 times as many notes.)
Then, this beautiful land nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage and culinary culture. Firstly, Slovenia has spectacular mountains and lakes, such as the Julian Alps and Lake Bled, ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Ljubljana is a city loved by everyone. "Ljubljana" in Slovenian is pronounced very similarly to "Ljubljena," meaning "love." Everyone who visits Ljubljana inevitably falls in love with it.
Europe's Best Destinations website has released its list of the 20 best European destinations for 2022, with Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, taking first place. Over 500,000 tourists from 182 countries voted, citing Ljubljana as "a city full of curiosity and adventurous spirit."
Ljubljana is also known as the "Dragon City," which brings up an ancient legend: in ancient times, a group of sailors adventuring in the Mediterranean came to Ljubljana while fleeing, defeated a dragon-like beast, and decided to settle here.
Although dragons can be dangerous, they are also the protectors of family fires. Therefore, the tolerant locals chose the dragon as their city symbol. Thus, in Ljubljana, dragons can be seen everywhere, on the city flag, on the towering city gates, in architectural reliefs, and in everyday decorations.
The most photographed landmark is the Dragon Bridge. If you haven’t taken a photo with the Dragon Bridge, you haven’t been to Ljubljana.
In addition, Ljubljana Castle is also one of the landmarks. The castle has a 900-year history dating back to the 11th century. Due to its important geographical location and the military strategic significance represented by the Castle Hill, it has always been a military fortress.
Since Slovenia is close to the Alps, the Alpine lake scenery is also a tour item that cannot be missed, such as Lake Bled.
Lake Bled is located at the southern foot of the Alps in northwestern Slovenia. Melting water from the nearby mountaintops continuously flows into the lake, hence the name "Glacier Lake." It was formed by the geological movement of glaciers in the Alps.
On Lake Bled, you can gaze out over the lake from the clifftop castle and explore the islands aboard a traditional wooden boat. For centuries, these boats have been used to transport tourists to the islands in the middle of the lake. These boats are steered by standing oarsmen.
After landing, you'll climb 99 stone steps to the Church of the Assumption. On this island steeped in legend, you can listen to the church bells and even ring them yourself. Legend has it that this will make your dreams come true.
There is also a very beautiful legend about the bells of Bled
The church's bell, dating back to the early 16th century, is said to have come from the Pope himself. Legend has it that a heartbroken widow brought a bell to the island in memory of her late husband, but it sank to the bottom of the lake during a storm, prompting the Pope to donate a new one to the church. So, Bled actually has a pair of legendary bells: one in the church, the other at the bottom of the lake.
In addition to cities and Alpine waters, Slovenia also has very sweet vineyards, right in Maribor.
Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia and the home of the world's oldest grapevine. When you come to Maribor, everyone will visit the world's oldest grapevine, located in the center of the old town. The old grapevine with a history of more than 400 years is still thriving and growing grapes, which is very magical.
Of course, you can also explore Slovenia's winemaking culture here. There is the largest and oldest wine cellar group here, one of which is called Vinag Winery, which covers an area of 15,000 square meters and has an underground passage 2.1 kilometers long. It can be called an underground kingdom of wine.
In short, Slovenia attracts countless tourists to explore and discover with its magnificent natural scenery, rich cultural heritage and culinary culture. It is also a tourist destination full of charm and surprises, and for us, it is also very niche.
The Danube River flows through many cities in Europe, and Budapest has always enjoyed the reputation of "Pearl on the Danube" and "Little Paris".
Budapest, nestled on both sides of the middle Danube River, was once two cities separated by a vast distance. After centuries of expansion, it was formed in 1873 by the merger of the left-bank cities of Buda and Gubuda and the right-bank city of Pest. Known as the Pearl of the Danube, this city possesses a unique charm and atmosphere, rejecting the hustle and bustle often associated with capital cities.
When visiting Budapest, your first stop should definitely be the Fisherman's Bastion, perched high on the city's left side. Its name comes from its early days as a fish market and fishermen's village. In the Middle Ages, a group of fishermen from the water city bravely resisted the invaders of Buda here. To commemorate their achievements, a memorial tower was built on the thick walls of Castle Hill in 1905.
The Fisherman's Bastion is composed of seven white spires that resemble fairy tale castles, symbolizing the seven tribes of ancient people.
From the observation deck, you can take in sweeping vistas of the Danube River, Margaret Island, the Hungarian Parliament, and more. Beyond simply enjoying the scenery, you can also dine or enjoy a cup of coffee inside the castle or on the terrace, gazing at the tranquil beauty.
One of Hungary's most magnificent and beautiful buildings is the Hungarian Parliament Building, built in the 19th century. It is the seat of the Hungarian National Assembly, one of the oldest legislative bodies in Europe, and a must-see attraction in Budapest.
The Reichstag is located on the banks of the Danube River. Its design was inspired by the British Parliament. Friends who have been to London will definitely think that it is very similar to the Parliament Building in London.
We highly recommend you take a cruise on the Danube River, enjoy a Western-style dinner, and quietly appreciate the city night view along the Danube. I believe that this more than one-hour tour will definitely make you unforgettable
Hungary is one of the countries with the richest hot spring resources in the world, earning it the nickname "The Land of Hot Springs." Statistics show that Hungary boasts approximately 1,290 natural hot spring sources, discovered by the ancient Romans over 2,000 years ago.
Budapest is also known as the capital of hot springs. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths in the city was built in 1913 and has a history of a hundred years.
The pale yellow neo-Baroque building boasts 18 indoor baths, including pools, saunas, and outdoor jacuzzis and light blue hot spring baths of varying temperatures. The decor is reminiscent of a Roman palace bathing experience, reminiscent of a scene from the movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel"!
As the saying goes, the best way to get to know a city is to explore its local markets. Don't miss the Budapest Central Market in Budapest. The fruits and vegetables sold there are not only beautiful, but also fresh, delicious, and affordable.
You can also buy many souvenirs, such as red wine, dried fruits, spices, etc., all of which can be purchased here.
After talking about Budapest, the capital of Hungary, let's go to the countryside of Hungary. When we arrive in Budapest, Hungary, and ask the locals which place is the most fun in Hungary with a map, most people will draw a big circle around the Lake Balaton area on the map without hesitation.
Because there is the largest inland lake in Central Europe, it is called the Sea of Hungary. Hungary is a landlocked country, so people call Lake Balaton, which is as blue as the sea, the Sea of Hungary.
It is said that Hungarians have a very special way of greeting each other, which is called "Have you been to Balaton in the summer?", which is similar to our "Have you eaten?"
Lake Balaton is located about 90 kilometers southwest of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The color of the water of Lake Balaton is very special, it is emerald green. It seems very turbid at first glance, but it is actually very clear and you can even see fish.
Tihany Peninsula is the most beautiful place on Lake Balaton. From the top of the peninsula, you can overlook the entire lake area. There is also a promenade on the peninsula, called Tagore Promenade, which is named after the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Rabindranath Tagore, the great Indian writer, once recuperated here. Beneath a lush tree planted by the poet himself stands a bronze bust of Tagore. Next to the statue stands a small monument inscribed with the poet's poems.
Later, many other prominent figures followed Tagore's example and planted their own trees along the promenade.
Also located around Lake Balaton is the spa town of Hévíz. The Hévíz in the picture is the largest medicinal lake in Europe. Its water and mud are ideal for preventing or treating osteoporosis. Therefore, many tourists choose to visit Hévíz and take a bath in the hot springs.
Of course, you don't have to worry about hygiene when soaking in the hot springs here; the lake water is automatically replaced every 28 hours. There are many spa hotels surrounding the hot springs, each with its own hot spring pool, also using the water from the lake.
Today, we've introduced three famous countries in the Balkans: Croatia, the filming location for Game of Thrones and Divine Comedy; Slovenia, nestled beneath the snow-capped Alps; and Budapest, known as the "Little Paris" of Eastern Europe. If you're looking to explore them all, China-TravelNote has created a Balkan itinerary.
This itinerary is 12 days, and we will check in all the destinations mentioned above in turn, including the filming location of King's Landing in "Game of Thrones", the Pearl of the Danube, etc. We will also arrange many special experiences, such as going deep into the century-old market in Budapest, or taking a boat to the lake island in Slovenia to find out the legend of the lake island.
Of course, this trip will also include many Balkan specialties, such as roast suckling pig, Hungarian fish soup, and Balkan snacks, so that this trip is not only limited to beautiful scenery, but also delicious food.
While not as well-known as some famous tourist destinations, the Balkans possess unparalleled charm and appeal. Here, you can experience the collision and fusion of different cultures, discover traces of history and cultural heritage. Each place has its own story, waiting to be explored and discovered.
