1. It's called Ferropolis, City of Iron. Germans love technology and building things. In Lutherstadt-Wittenberg there is an old brown coal mine. The larger than life machines were built to use at one of Europe's largest mines, and now that the mine is closed; it's become an enormous open air museum.
I find it a bit strange that the other thing the area is famous for is being the home of Martin Luther for many years and one of the hotspots on the Lutheran Trail. There's a lot of varied history in the area, complete with beautiful buildings and churches. There's also lots of outdoors to explore in that part of the country.
Ferropolis is one of those side spots to check out if you're visiting anyway. You can climb all over the machines and check out so much about them. If you come on the right day at the right time, you might see a music concert. Ferropolis is one of the most interesting venues you'll ever attend a music concert or festival at.
https://lutherstadt-wittenberg.de/en/
https://www.erih.net/i-want-to-go-there/site/ferropolis-town-of-iron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SQVIZxUrDg
2. The Warche Valley, Belgium. This is one for outdoor enthusiasts. Belgium isn't as small as it seems, and this area is along the German border. You might be in the area to take a drive or see a small town and get out of Antwerp or Brussels. Don't sell this area short.
If you like history, you'll love this place. There are walking trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and a castle. That's right, a castle. Most of history it was called Reinhardstein Castle. It has a history beginning in the 1400's. It's belonged to nobility from Luxembourg, Austria, Germany and Belgium. The area itself has belonged to Germany and France as well as Belgium over time. Most recently, a professor took the dilapidated castle and made it great again, and lived in it until 1994. Now, you can visit the castle and the surrounding area of great beauty while you're visiting the area.
https://www.amazing-belgium.com/blogs/travel-blog/hiking-route-through-the-idyllic-warche-valley
https://www.ostbelgien.eu/en/fiche/hiking/genusstour-wanderweg-mit-panorama
https://www.eupedia.com/belgium/reinhardstein.shtml
https://www.reinhardstein.net/en/
3. Bang Pa-in Palace, Thailand. There's so much to see in Bangkok, that it seems like overkill to add another item to the list, but I like this one. Everyone knows how crowded Bangkok is and this palace property gives you a chance to take a little day tour and go north a bit to see a palace that's a little bit less crowded.
Built in the 1600's, it wasn't used as a royal property until the 1800's. There are several buildings to explore and the grounds as well. It's been refurbished again and again by those in power at different times. It's a beautiful place and a great reason to get out of the busy city for the day while visiting Bangkok.
https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/bang-pa-in-palace
https://www.timetravelturtle.com/thailand/bang-pa-in-palace/
http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/ayuthaya/bang-pa-in/index.php
https://www.getyourguide.com/bang-pa-in-royal-palace-l33886/
4. Take a cruise in Milford Sound, New Zealand. Is there anywhere more beautiful than New Zealand? I doubt it. Milford Sound is nature's masterpiece outside of Queenstown on the south island. It's pristine. It's wild. The best way to see it is by cruise.
You can choose from many cruises, most of them are day trips. Some last a few hours, some most of the day. You can cruise with sails, yachts, or even add a helicopter flight to your package. You can also add a kayak or canoe trip to your tour. The peaks, the waterfalls, the sheer beauty of the area is worth seeing. So, if you happen to be all the way across the world in New Zeland, don't miss it.
https://www.realnz.com/en/destinations/milford-sound/
https://www.realnz.com/en/experiences/cruises/milford-sound-cruises/
5. The many hot springs of Rotorua, New Zealand. Let me clarify. Milford Sound is on the South Island. Rotorua is on the North Island. It depends on where you are exploring. Rotorua is a great place to get an authentic Maori experience, but the hot springs are a great way to unwind, be one with nature, and for older folks, relieve pain.
Rotorua is an area, and there are hot springs all over it. There are several different kinds to choose from and it depends on what your flavor is. It's scenic, it's natural, and it's a great way to enjoy the part of the Ring of Fire that New Zealand is parked on.
https://www.newzealand.com/us/rotorua/
https://www.rotoruanz.com/things-to-do/hot-pools
https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/top-10-hot-pools/
https://nztraveltips.com/hot-pools-rotorua/
There you have it. Get outside and see some of the best scenery in the world. Soothe some aching pains in one of the most beautiful settings you'll ever be able to soothe pain in, take a hike to somewhere amazing in a country known for it's cities, take a trip to a quiet and beautiful palace, and climb around in some of the largest machines in the world. There's a lot of offbeat things out there to enjoy. You don't have to see all the usual stuff. So pack a bag for that normal and popular location and while you're there, do something unusual, get off the beaten tourist path and enjoy!
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