From a budget-friendly Berlin guesthouse, we cycled to Teufelsberg, Charlottenburg Palace, Tiergarten, and Potsdamer Platz. A brutal hike-a-bike led us to Cold War ruins transformed into a vast street art gallery. Along the way, we explored Berlin’s cycling infrastructure, wartime history, memorials, and landmarks before returning after dark.
Category Archives: Europe 2026
Europe 2026 – Day 19 – Wroclaw to Berlin
An early train to Berlin, included a surprise police ID check near the German border. After arriving, we rented bikes when bike-share apps failed, explored Berlin’s architecture, cycling infrastructure, and war memorials, learned about the city’s distinctive groundwater pipes, and ended the day with a costly lesson about ordering bottled water instead of tap water.
Europe 2026 – Day 18 – Wroclaw
A day of solo sightseeing in Wrocław revealed everything from Poland’s new household survival guide to UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, colourful housing, extensive cycling infrastructure, and riverfront scenery. Highlights included a university cable car, historic architecture, neon art, and complete streets before a final dinner with Alina ahead of Berlin.
Europe 2026 – Day 17 – Wroclaw
Wrocław’s layers of history unfolded throughout the day — from communist-era protest dwarves and martial law symbolism to restored churches, fortifications, and riverside promenades. Along the way, we enjoyed Michelin-reviewed breakfast, renowned ice cream, panoramic tower views, and stories from Alina’s childhood and longtime friend, Krystyna.
Europe 2026 – Day 16 – Wroclaw
A relaxed morning led to groceries and errands at a Carrefour-anchored mall. After eSIM delays, we rode a short local route past Park Mamuta and a striking Polish Soldiers’ Cemetery. As evening hunger set in, we opted for pierogies, feeling rested and ready for tomorrow’s Michelin-listed breakfast outing.
Europe 2026 – Day 15 – Wroclaw
After a late start, Alina and I cycled to an ethnographic exhibit of decorated eggs and palms, then met her friends. I explored Rynek, admired historic architecture and sculptures, and noted the city’s strong cycling and transit networks there
Europe 2026 – Day 14 – Amsterdam to Wroclaw
We packed up, said goodbye to friends, and took a canal tour highlighting Amsterdam’s iconic sites, including the Dancing Houses and Magere Brug. After coffee at a historic pub, we stored luggage, visited the Holocaust memorial, and caught a packed train to Schiphol before an uneventful flight to Wroclaw, arriving late.
Europe 2026 – Day 13 – Haarlem – Amsterdam
The group set off together toward Haarlem, following a custom route to avoid a longer ride. After briefly losing two riders, we reunited near a wartime memorial. The day included windmills, and a visit to Haarlem’s historic centre, before returning to Amsterdam for an evening walking tour.
Europe 2026 – Day 12 – Keukenhof
We had a relaxed morning before traveling from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, where vast, colourful gardens drew heavy crowds. Despite limited time, we explored extensively, admired stunning displays, and appreciated the park’s organization before returning, with a brief preview of Haarlem.
Europe 2026 – Day 11 – Alkmaar to Zaandam
Fatigue shaped the day as I chose a shorter 38 km route after heavy recent mileage. We cycled through Dutch countryside, visiting a Benedictine monastery and a rare bulb garden. Zaandam’s striking architecture and bustling center contrasted with quiet villages, while navigation systems, infrastructure, and canal crossings defined the journey.