Blog Action Day is a global initiative which aims at raising awareness and create discussion about an important issue by inviting the whole blogging community to focus on the same topic on the same day.

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Since the 2009 edition’s topic is climate change, this week we’re sharing links to three of our favorite eco sustainability and environment-related web sites:

• “100 Places To Remember Before They Disappear” lists all the beautiful cities and natural sites in the world that you should visit before  climate change makes them too difficult, or even impossible, to access. The list includes popular tourist destinations such as Battery Park in New York, the wonderful water city of Venice, Italy and Paris, France.  In addition to splendid pictures, the web site has a section dedicated to climate solutions, alternative energy as well as water, heat and energy saving tips and ideas.

• For the fans of sustainable architecture and design, Copenhagen X  organizes guided tours around Copenhagen to get to know the different urban areas and cultural institutions of the Danish capital. Visit their very nice web site to find more information on the different walk and bike tours offered, and check out the ‘Sustainable CPH’ section presenting a series of sustainable urban development projects in Copenhagen.

• TreeHugger.com shares tips on how to reduce people’s harmful impact on the Earth. Visit the web site’s ‘Travel + Nature’ section  to find green travel ideas and information on environmental topics as for example the impact of climate change in the Alps or the top 7 green holiday destinations in Canada.

For thousands of years now, Lake Geneva has attracted invaders and international travelers alike. The landscape is one of great geographical diversity. So much so, that it is oftentimes referred to as “Switzerland in miniature.” Key features are the countryside’s verdant green fields, the Jura’s serene wooded slopes, the lake’s peaceful shoreline, and of course you can’t overlook the Alps and their snow-covered peaks.

There are five primary cities around the lake that attract the largest amount of tourist traffic – Geneva, Lausanne, Nyon, Vevey, and Villeneuve. The area is just as popular a winter destination as a summer one with a wide array of attractions, events and festivals, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping to entice all types of international travelers. One thing about the restaurants and the cuisine – it is second to none and no matter where you choose to eat, chances are you won’t be disappointed.

There are so many activities that you can indulge yourself in (summer or winter) that you may find this somewhat challenging when it comes to planning your itinerary. Hopefully, the following will give you an idea of some of the more popular activities to get involved in while you are visiting Lake Geneva. These are all activities that you can partake in, not just attractions or events.

1. Lake Geneva Cruise

Cruises are offered on most all of Switzerland’s lakes and Lake Geneva is no exception. Of all the recommended activities here, this should be the #1 on your agenda. The lake usually comes to life in the summer months with countless sailboats everywhere you look. Sitting in the shadow of the Jet d’Eau, the large fountain that is situated where the lake empties into the Rhone River, this is the most famous landmark of the lake. The water jets 459 feet (140 meters) into the air.

2. Cycling Lake Geneva

This is not as strenuous as you might think and there is quite a variety of the types of cycling paths and trails that you can take on. In fact, there are roughly 2,050 miles (3,300 km) of trails that you can travel and most of them are fairly easy to deal with.

3. Hiking the Lake Geneva Region

With over 31,000 (50,000 km) miles of paths and trails, it will be hard to decide on which one you want to enjoy. Varying degrees of difficulty from leisurely to strenuous exist, so go at your own pace. Regardless, the scenery is spectacular and disappointment is non-existent. The Swiss Hiking Federation is always available for any information you need or questions that you may have.

4. Visit One of the Lake’s Health Spas

This is a definite recommendation, especially if you have spent the day cycling or hiking. The ones located at Arosa, Davos, Klosters, and St. Moritz are the most popular and suggested. The Geneva area has always been renowned for its health and recuperation venues, so no matter which one of these that you choose, you will be very pleased and refreshed by these state-of-the-art facilities.

Photo of Giant Fork in Lake Geneva, Switzerland by Lomyx

Interestingly enough, every one of these varieties is not mass-produced. Instead they are manufactured in hundreds of smaller dairies which are strictly controlled and directed by a master cheese maker who possesses a federal degree as licensure. Emmenthal, the true name of the product that we call “Swiss cheese”, a.k.a. the cheese with holes in it, has been widely copied so there is a degree of hesitation (if not speculation) involved in calling this uniquely Swiss in origin.

Other cheeses of Switzerland that have had their names abused and plagiarized are Appenzeller, Gruyère, Raclette, Royalp, and Sapsago (Schabziger). Sbrinz and Spalen are just two of several mountain cheese varieties that have also had their names copied. Regardless, the list of cheeses that are unique to Switzerland is extremely lengthy. Roughly 99% of all the Swiss varieties are made using cow’s milk with the other 1% derived from the milk of goats and sheep.

The following is a list of 5 different cheeses that are unique to Switzerland:

1. Appenzeller

Classified as a “hard” cheese manufactured from cow’s milk, having a straw color and cured in herbal brine using wine or cider. It is manufactured in the Appenzell region located in northeast Switzerland. The flavor will range from mild to tangy, but it is most often characterized by a fruity or nutty flavor and a strong smell.

2. Sbrinz

Oftentimes substituted for Parmesan cheese in Swiss entrees, Sbrinz cheese originated in central Switzerland and is somewhat unique in that only 42 dairies in the region produce it. The cheese is classified in the “extra-hard” category and has a smoother, nuttier flavor that is less salty to the taste.

3. Schabziger or Sapasago

Produced in Switzerland’s Canton of Glarus region, this cheese is classified as a “hard” cheese and is manufactured using skimmed milk and blue melilot (a.k.a. blue fenugreek), a special type of herb, which gives the cheese a greenish coloration. It possesses a pungent, salty, and sour flavor and an aroma to match.

4. Tilsit or Tilsiter

A “semi-hard” cheese with origins dating back to the Prussian-Swiss settlers of the mid-19th century. This cheese has a light yellow coloration and a buttery yet tangy flavor that will vary from mildly strong to pungent, depending on how long it is aged. It is oftentimes flavored with caraway seeds or peppercorns.

5. Vacherin-Fribourgeois

A “semi-hard” cheese manufactured in the dairies of the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. This type of cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a semi-hard consistency and is covered with a grayish-yellow rind. It’s mildly acidic yet resin-like flavor results from being cured in extremely damp conditions.

Photo of Appenzeller cheese by Andy Field

Zurich is considered to be one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in the world. Surprisingly, it has only been within the last 10 to 12 years that the city has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s increasing cosmopolitan population, cultural liberalization, and cuisine have been the key reasons for Zurich’s rise in popularity. However, it is most renowned for being the gateway to Switzerland’s Alps – the home of the finest skiing in all of Europe and quite possibly the entire world. Zurich has been appropriately nicknamed the “portal to the alps”.

The concept of alpine skiing was one of the Alps’ best kept secrets for many years. Only a few people were aware of it but now it has become quite popular with this area being a targeted destination for skiing vacations. Gradually, as more and more tourists started coming to the Alpine ski areas, more lodging facilities began appearing. As a result, the activity grew from a few hundred participants to over 40 million per year. Listed below are 5 of the most popular skiing destinations in and around Zurich.

1. Beckenried

You will find 14 ski lifts here capable of transporting up to 10,000 skiers/snowboarders per hour to 15 pistes and over 40km of downhill skiing. Beckenreid is facilitated by three different airports that are situated within a two hour drive of the resort, with Zurich being an hour away (in good driving conditions).

2. Flumserberg

With 17 ski lifts available, Flumserberg is one of the busier ski resorts situated within an hour’s drive of Zurich – pending good driving conditions. The highest lift takes you up to 2,220m and there are 20km of cross-country trails to choose from.

3. Oberiberg – Ybrig

13 ski lifts, 30km of cross-country trails, and 50km of downhill skiing make this area a desirable skiing destination. It is facilitated by three airports within 2 hours of the resort, Zurich being an hour away based on weather conditions.

4. Andermatt

Four airports within two hours (Zurich within an hour and a half based on driving conditions) facilitate Andermatt. There are 13 ski lifts, 20km of cross-country trails, and 56km of downhill skiing. (NOTE: Rated for intermediate skiers and above)

5. Engelberg

Located within 1.5 hours of Zurich (based on the weather), Engelberg is a premier ski resort with skiing for all levels – beginner, intermediate, and expert. It is rated as 4-star for snowboarding as well. There are 23 lifts, the highest of which tops 3,000m, 41km of cross-country trails, and over 80km of downhill chutes to choose from.

Photo of Flumsrberd, Switzerland, by MuntyPix

Where the nightlife is concerned, there are pubs and discos to avail you of unending entertainment while staying in the village, and you will quickly discover that these are some of the most frequented night-spots in the Tyrol. You’ll also discover that getting along with your fellow skiers is a necessity as you are bound to be in close proximity to them no matter which establishment you visit. Here is a brief list of some of the best pubs and discos in St. Anton.

1. Krazy Kanguruh

Originally constructed as a horse stable, this bar/restaurant is a little difficult to get to and is out of the village area. You can ski there from the upper slopes, you can walk up the steep incline (not recommended), or you can drive there by going through the suburb of Moos on a narrow, winding road.

2. Platz’l Bar

Situated next to the Hotel Alte Post in the heart of the village,  this rustic hangout with great ambiance, and features a pianist that affords the tourist some very soothing music as well as a more sophisticated atmosphere in the early part of the evening. Later on, recorded music plays for those who want to dance.

3. Rodelhütte

Rodelhütte only open during the winter months (December through April), this après-ski hangout always provides the visitor with warmth courtesy of its blazing fire. Access is a bit challenging as the only way you can reach this cozy little haunt is via a steep, 20-minute walk from the village of St. Anton, but it is well worth the effort. Here you are offered an opportunity to enjoy a drink or two while visiting with your fellow skiers as well as some of the locals.

Chill out skiing and enjoy the fascinating nightlife in the pristine St Anton am Arlberg.

Photo of sunset in St Anton am Arlberg, Austria, by Chris Eden

Germany boasts a variety of cosmopolitan resorts, glacier skiing, and serene mountain hideaways that will accommodate nearly every taste imaginable. Situated in central Europe, Germany offers easy access to a multitude of accommodations and ski resorts that are sure to please. The numerous ski areas that dot the Bavarian Alps’ landscape are probably some of the better choices for skiing and snowboarding as well. Additionally, if cross-country skiing is what you are craving, you will find an abundance of that in Germany’s ski areas as well.

1. Berlin area

Though most would think that Berlin is too flat of an area to afford any decent skiing, you might be surprised. Schöneswochenende offers a nice network of cross-country opportunities and the next village along the route – Braunlage – offers you some decent downhill skiing. You can travel to Altenberg which lies on the Czech border if you want the best cross-country skiing in the area.

2. Garmisch

Garmisch was the setting for the 1972 Summer Olympics but it is also the gateway to Germany’s most renowned ski area in the Bavarian Alps – Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Located at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, the resort is one of the Bavarian Alps’ principal health resorts as well. In addition to world-class skiing, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the visitor culinary and cultural delights, as well as pristine landscape, serene relaxation, and upscale shopping.

3.  Oberstdorf

Located between Lake Constance, Munich, and Stuttgart is Oberstdorf -Germany’s 2nd most popular ski area and rival of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in both popularity and quality of skiing. Though Oberstdorf is considerably more cosmopolitan, it is renowned for its wide array of lodging facilities and ski-jumping competitions. The skiing opportunities here are the most extensive anywhere in Germany, with Fellhorn/Kleinwalsertal being the principal ski area.

4.  Willingen-Upland

Located about 2½ hours to the north of Frankfurt is Willingen-Upland Ski Resort. The ski area has 13 ski lifts that serve 13 individual pistes and features 15km of downhill skiing. The natural snow is also augmented by 6 snow cannons and with the 13 lifts, it can facilitate 12,500 skiers/snowboarders per hour. The ski runs at Willingen-Upland are perfect for the Beginner or the Intermediate skier. Since this is lower altitude skiing, the snow cover periods may vary greatly.

5. Baden Baden

Sitting literally on Baden Baden’s doorstep is the Mehliskopf and it is literally a paradise for cross-country skiers having over 600 miles of ski routes. There are also several snow-making machines to enhance the pistes as well.

In recent times, these top German skiing destinations have had footfalls from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to any of these skiing destinations, make a good travel itinerary and enjoy the German hospitality.

Photo of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort by Bernd Braglmann 

1. Romania is cheapest

Romania has some of the cheapest ski breaks, with a package trip in Poiana Brasov going from £200. Slovakia and Bulgaria are great places for people holding the euro as there are favorable exchange rates with the Koruna and Lev at present.

2. Fly the budget route

The price of flights can make up a large part of ski breaks, so cut these out by flying with one of the many low-cost airlines to Geneva rather than a smaller and more costly airport. From there, ski resorts like Megève or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are less than an hour’s drive away.

3. Plan the route ahead

When booking an airline it is essential to look at the cost of the road ahead. Will the hotel provide an airport transfer or is the resort reachable by public transport? There are trains to some resorts from Geneva Airport and ski buses.

4. Stay away from the piste

Not only will you get a better night’s sleep by staying away from the main towns in the resort, but you will save on currency too. There are transport options from the more far flung hotels which are well seasoned in getting ski fans on the slopes early.

5. Steer clear of package deals

Not only do they suck up time, but money. Hanging on for the missing people in a tour group can be a pain, but paying for the privilege when there is ski to be had? No thank you. Savings can be made by breaking trips down into smaller parts, choose the cheapest places to eat food and book affordable accommodation early online.

6. Time it right

Don’t go around Christmas, New Year or February half-term. The start and end of the ski season is best for in-pocket trips to the piste.

Photo of skiing in Chamonix, France, originally posted by moggsy

The Chlausjagen Festival

The Chlausjagen Festival or Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated at sunset on 6 December. This celebration features a procession of ‘lifeltrager‘ wearing gigantic illuminated lanterns in the shape of a Bishop’s mitre on their heads. Swiss traditions sees the masses awaiting the arrival the Christ child called Christkindli carrying with gifts for all in his reindeer-drawn sleigh. Silver bells are said to herald in the arrival of the Christkindli making the momentum leading up to his appearance wonderfully exciting for child and adult alike.

Very popular holiday activities during this time includes cross country, snow skiing, snowboarding, skating, ice fishing. Other must try activities are horseback riding, sleighing, snowmobiling just to name a few. Lake Geneva is perfect for exploring all the wonderful elements that make up this winter wonderland location as an ideal holiday spot. Lake Geneva has something for everyone.

 The Great Electric Christmas Parade

The Annual Great Electric Christmas Parade is an annual night parade that sees the locals and foreigners alike come out to partake of the festivities. This Christmas parade features floats, lights, bands, horses. A Christmas parade could not possibly be a Christmas parade without Santa & Mrs. Claus. Holiday theater productions are also highly recommended for those who appreciate the arts and a little drama as it were. Productions are held throughout the winter holiday season so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

Another celebration to attend is the Festival of Lights which takes place the weekend of the Great Electric Christmas Parade. It is at this time you will find the hospitality of downtown shops, special holiday dishes in local restaurants, carriage rides, and tree lighting ceremony in front of the Riviera Ballroom, entertainers, and live reindeer, Father Christmas at your disposal and for your entertainment.

Snow Sculpting Competition

The Annual Winterfest & National Snow Sculpting Competition  is fun for everyone. Lake Geneva is also the proud location for the National Snow Sculpting Competition which later becomes the focal point of the Winterfest, held the first weekend in February.

Recreational activities are an enormous part of the holiday celebration. It is for this reason that Lake Geneva makes for a fantastic holiday spot for couples, families and singletons. Most popular celebration activities include a wealth of food and great entertainment, helicopter rides and excursions around the lake area itself.

Competitions are available for those with the winning spirit to join during the holidays. With as many as fifteen teams compiled from states throughout the country – Alaska to Florida – brought together to compete for the national title the competition is stiff. Team consists of three members who spend approximately three days using a various hand tools carving a 6′ x 6′ x 10′ block of snow. So, safety first.

The Riviera Park (Wrigley Drive and the lakefront) during the first weekend in February is where this most prestigious competition takes place. With on watchers and competitors gathered this is sure to be one challenging yet fun day out. Other fun yet competitive events to join is the sample snow blocks voting in the “Peoples’ Choice” sculptured award.

Happy Holiday and don’t forget to have fun!

Photo of Lake Geneva, Switzerland in winter originally posted by 1Suisse

On its north end is the Karwendel range with Nordkette raising its jagged head. Its south is ringed in by the Saile and Serles group of mountains. The Patscherkofel stands with its rounded summit on the south eastern end. The city sits on the bank of the river Inn and ‘Bruck’ means bridge. So the city is, in effect, the bridge over river Inn. Innsbruck’s largest income comes from tourism and so the city authorities take special care to ensure a special experience for all its tourists. The capital of the province of Tirol Innsbruck is an important city of the federal district. As a year round holiday destination Innsbruck has something to offer every tourist irrespective of the time of year.

Winter tourism in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the few ski resort cities in the world that offers a snow guarantee wherein if it doesn’t snow there during your winter trip they will take you to a place with plenty of snow. And why is it so easy to make that guarantee? That is because Innsbruck almost never spends a winter day starving for snow. Is it then any surprise that twice it has played host to the winter Olympics! The Innsbruck area offers almost 200  trails. Axamer Lizium and Glungerez together form the ‘white roof’ where the majority of the events during both the 1964 and 1976 Olympics were held. This natural ski area boasts of a permanent training run and several rails and jumps, enough to satisfy the most snow hungry tourist.Patscherkofel, Muttereralm and Nordpark are other very popular ski resorts around Innsbruck. Easy transportation facilities and all in one ski passes make all the ski resorts in the vicinity easily accessible. For those whose enthusiasm for snow sports is more in the capacity of a viewer than a participant there is the Air and Style competition that is held in early December at the Olympic Ski Jump Stadium. In March the top snow boarders in the world participate in the Innsbruck Extreme, a contest that draws huge crowds every year.

Summer Tourism in Innsbruck

Missing winter at Innsbruck does not mean you have to miss skiing. The Stubai Glacier, about forty kilometers from Innsbruck offers an year-round skiing opportunity. As the snow melts off the mountains the lush greenness of the oak and maples envelop the slopes and transform ski slopes into wonderful hiking tracks. The region offers ample opportunities for paragliding and rafting too.Then there are the countless summer festivals. The International Folk Festival held in the second half of July has performers putting up authentic dance and music acts. From June to August the Spanish Hall of the Ambras Castle holds a concert every Tuesday. In late April there is the week long International Dance Theater Festival. Also known as the ‘Organ Town’ Innsbruck holds concerts from May to September every year to showcase the two most interesting organs that the town possesses. One is the Ebert organ that dates back to 1558 and the other, located in the Silver Chapel, is the Italian Renaissance organ. The International Organ Competition brings the organ festival to a grand close. The seasonal flowers are in full bloom during the summer at the University Botanical Gardens.

Year round attractions

There is the special summer and probably the even more special winter. Then there are attractions that make the city worth a visit irrespective of the weather. You can catch a breathtaking view of the city and its surrounding mountains from the top of the fourteenth century Stadtturm, also known as the Town Tower. Above the ski jump stadium is the Bergisel Tower which offers an unrestrictive panorama of the Alps. The Golden Roof or the Goldenes Dachl is a stunning sight. Built to celebrate the marriage of Maximillian I, it is so named because of the more than two thousand five hundred gilded copper tiles that shimmer on top of a Gothic Oriel window. Situated in the old part of the town the Golden Roof is surrounded by quaint old building with the Nordkette Mountains making for a striking backdrop.The Schloss Ambras is a tenth century castle built by Archduke Ferdinand II. A must visit is The Chamber of Art and Curiosities located in the castle. Everything from precious objects to toys and scientific items is on display here. The Upper Castle houses the ‘Hasburg Portrait Gallery’ with about three hundred portraits to view. The Cathedral of St James with its sumptuous Baroque interiors and its Madonna, painted high above the altar by Lukas Cranach the elder is definitely worth a visit. Hungerburg is a small town on the outskirts of Innsbruck from where you can take a cable car trip up the Alps. The Swarovski Crystal World is a multimedia facility that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The Grassmayr Bell Museum, that showcases the world famous Grassmayr bells, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, with everything from classic painting to Tyrolean weapons as exhibits, and Tyrolean Provincial Museum, dedicated to history round up the list of famous museums in the area.Add to all these famous restaurants, and the Casino Innsbruck and you will know why the city has earned the reputation of being Innsbruck-the year round holiday destination.Photo of Innsbruck houses originally posted by James Cridland

• The Austrian Lake District

Stretching from Salzburg to the Datchstein mountain range, the Austrian Lake District is highly recommended for it mountain peaks and endless lowlands. This part of Austria is actually known as the ‘Salzkammergut‘, which translated means, the ‘Treasure Trove of Salt.” The history of Austrian is enriched with culture and architecture that will make your trip to Austria complete. Finding the time away from your hikes to take in famous cultural activities such the Summer Opera season in Bad Ischl will on further enhance your stay in the fabulous country.

• Mondsee, Attersee and Traunsee

Other Austrian areas to be explored on foot include Lakes Mondsee, Attersee and Traunsee. Each day you plan your self-tour hike you can incorporate a different aspect of Austrian nature and life in your own leisure. Planning a hike in the south of Austria will take you to the breathtaking landscape as it spans into the mountains views of Zwolferhorn (1521m) and Schafberg (1782m). Austria’s Dachstein Alps with its impressive peaks will make for a hike with a challenge. This will not be a hike for the faint heart so fitness of some sort is advisable.

• Hother Dachstein

Hoher Dachstein, another region to explored with its high mountain passes and alpine meadows the stunning views you will behold go on and on and on. If your hike takes you to the pinnacles of Hoher Dachstein you will be encircled by the walls of the Gosaukamm Mountains. Along this route do not be surprised if you run into a cave or two to explore as well. As some hiking locations involve steep or rugged areas or terrain wearing the proper footwear will make your journey a comfortable one. For the days when you actually want to sightsee with your feet up why not try the cable car that will take you to the several enormous caves. It is also very useful to gain access to high altitude walks you might want to attempt.

Deciding on a schedule for your hiking days out will help you to determine your travel program and plan hotel stays that will fit into agenda to help you get the most out of this kind of holiday adventure.

Picture of Lake Spullersee, Austria originally posted by nr1