Introduction

This post covers a trip from Amsterdam to Salzburg in Austria through some iconic European cities and a couple of less well known places. The post is largely images, many of which will be familiar, such as the canals of Amsterdam, architecture of Bruges and mountains and castle of Salzburg.

The map at the end shows the route taken.

Amsterdam

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum to see the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many others.

And then of course there are the canals and bicycles.

Utrecht

We travelled 40 kms south to Utrecht to stay with good friends Ron and Ellen. Ron and I have been friends since first year of high school. I won’t say how many years that is, but it’s a lot.

Utrecht also has its share of canals and impressive architecture.

We were lucky to have the opportunity to experience some of the countryside during a perfect spring day.

Antwerp

Belgium’s Renaissance-style architecture along the Grote Markt, a pedestrian square, is very photogenic, even under stern, grey skies.

There are also good views to be had along the Zuiderterras (riverside promenade).

Bruges

Medieval Bruges is one of Belgium’s jewels.

Yes, there’s a lot of tourists, but even a cursory stroll around the old town and to the Markt and Belfort in the centre quickly gives a sense as to why people love Bruges.

Mossel Valley

We caught up with another old friend, German doctor Jörg who we’d first met while traveling in Samoa 25 years ago.

looking back from oberbillig to wasserbillig

We arranged to meet in the small German town of Oberbillig on the Mossel River bordering Luxembourg.

We also had time for some walking on both the German and Luxembourg sides of the river.

Munich

The Englischer Garten in Munich is one of Europe’s largest green spaces.

One of its more unusual features are the surfers who ride the Eisbach (ice brook). This is a small man-made river which is an off shoot of the Isar River and a continuous wave has been created in one section.