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11,000 km, 13 Countries, 100 Cities, 5 Months - My Road Trip Across Europe
In this essay, I would like to share my experience, some stats and insights and much more from my huge 5-month road trip across Europe, visiting 13 countries and 100 cities, accomplished in 2023. Let’s dive in - I’m actually so excited!
![GloballyBased-logo](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/2e4e9604-dba6-4327-b7c3-b96eeeedd22a/post-cover.png?t=1708241638)
Introduction
Welcome back! In this essay, finally, I would like to share my experience, some stats and insights from my huge 5-month road trip across Europe, accomplished in 2023. I’m actually so excited even to realise what I’ve done and now to share.
We will take a look at the itinerary, my observations and insights, entertaining statistics and events, diluted with beautiful pictures and recommendations. Let’s dive in!
NOTE: It’s hard to keep it short, since I wanted to tell it in one breath (as the journey was). However, this is still a long read. Expect ~25 min of reading time, so make yourself comfortable.
Table of Contents
Trip Stats
Here are some humble statistics about the whole journey.
During those 5 months, I visited 13 countries, some of them a few times, effectively crossing the border more than 20 times. On average, I used to visit a museum every 3.75 days, changed accommodation every 4.5 days, explored 1.5 cities per day. The cash burning rate was approximately €290 daily.
13 Countries | 5 Months |
100~ Cities | 26 Hotels |
11,000~ km | 7 Airbnbs |
50~ Beaches | 40 Museums |
12 Ports Explored | 12 Castles Seen |
22 Times Refuelling | €43,500~ Spent |
Trip Itinerary
![The whole road trip itinerary](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/c81d0bc9-0ed4-41a7-97d5-2dfc8075f6dd/Euro_Road_Trip_2023___Felt_2.jpeg?t=1718273804)
The whole road trip itinerary.
Starting from Warsaw, Poland, I set off on the 9th of June 2023 and came back on the 2nd of November the same year. The journey involved driving through 13 countries and more than 100 cities, on the south towards the west and then coming back on the north towards the east, essentially driving clockwise.
The easternmost point being Warsaw; the southernmost point being La Spezia in Liguria; the westernmost points being Oxford in the UK and the D-Day beaches in Normandy; and the northernmost point being Copenhagen.
The (almost) complete list of the cities I went through.
(START→) Warszawa, Berlin, Leipzig, Nürnberg, Ingolstadt, München, Füssen, Bregenz, Balzers, Vaduz, Zürich, Furka, Airolo, Lugano, Milano, Varese, Belaggio, Menagio, Como, Bergamo, Genoa, Sori, Recco, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo, Lavagna, Sestri Levante, Moneglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, La Spezia, Courmayeur, Mont Blanc, Les Houches, | Geneva, Morges, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Mulhouse, Colmar, Nancy, Metz, Luxembourg City, Nürnburg, Bonn, Köln, Düsseldorf, Bruxelles, Antwerp, Ghent, Brugge, Zeebrugge, Knokke, Oostende, Dunkirk, Calais, Étretat, Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Colleville-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Bayeux, Arromanches-les-Bains, Ver-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Luc-sur-Mer, Caen, Le Havre, Fécamp, Rouen, Dieppe, | Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dover, London, Oxford, Folkestone, Goes, Rotterdam, The Hague, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Steenwijk, Groningen, Oldenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Odense, Copenhagen, Malmö, Marielyst, Gedser, Rostock, Schwerin, Berlin, Poznań Warszawa (→END) |
The whole route reminds me a convoluted shape of a human figure with a body around Germany hinting the size of it in Europe. It took 11,000 km and change, having to fill up my car 22 times in total, spending €2,000 on the fuel alone.
![Getting some gas at Mont Blanc](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/6c00ac1b-8941-45a8-b95f-9e8461ef9607/At_Mont_Blanc_2023.jpeg?t=1718881936)
Getting some gas at Mont Blanc.
I deliberately bypassed some of the regions or countries, like the south of France or The Balkans because I had visited them extensively in the past (stories for another time). So this time, I focused only on the places that I was genuinely interested to check out.
Visiting Paris for the third time never gets boring, sure. But have you been to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage?
1 month of time was devoted to Berlin, London and Switzerland each. In some cities, I spent less than a day, sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a few weeks. It rather depended on if I liked the place and if I wanted to indulge more into it.
Taking into account my previous travels in Europe, I’m now pretty much done with tourism in Europe. But I enjoy it so much every time!
My Experience
Overall, I should admit, the experience was unbelievably wonderful. The travel was so intense and insightful that oftentimes I missed the track of time. I also love such travels because the time slows down, since there is much less routine involved.
When I was getting ready, I had more of a high-level plan in Notion, but the journey expanded over time as it’s hard to predict in advance everything about such an adventure as well as I wanted to finish by winter. Sometimes, I was stressful or in rush because there are infinite opportunities about what to explore in Europe thanks to cultural richness and abundance condensed over a relatively small territory.
It happened a bunch of times, in small towns I didn’t always stop for the night and simply went on. During the day, I could see a few towns, plus time for the road. Then, I arrived very tired and checked in to a new hotel. In the morning, when I was waking up and going to the bathroom, and especially, in complete darkness, I wondered for like 50 seconds where I was in the space-time continuum, from which side to get up from the bed, where the bathroom was and where to turn on the light…
People often ask me what or where the most exciting place was during the trip. Dude, look at this essay – fcking EVERYTHING.
TL;DR
Enjoyed music & freedom at Love Parade 2023 in Berlin;
Attended a BMW motorbike conference;
Raced on the famous Nürburgring racetrack;
Got into a museum illegally;
Explored top 3 biggest ports in Europe and more than 10 in total;
Came through many tunnels, such as Maastunnel in Rotterdam, Tunnel du Mont Blanc and others;
Drove directly under the Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe;
Visited a few spots from movies, such as Furka Pass in James Bond’s Goldfinger and the Dunkirk’s longest scene spot;
Spoke to a physicist at CERN in Geneva;
Swam in the mountain lakes;
Got into a storm;
Lost my glasses in a lake;
Sailed on a boat in Liguria;
Observed the city from the highest points, such as Euromast in Rotterdam or The Shard in London;
Crossed waters 4 times: twice English Channel by ferry and by train; once Bay of Mecklenburg and once Como Lake in Belaggio by ferry each;
Explored the inside of a couple of ships;
Drove on the iconic bridges such as Öresund Bridge in Copenhagen, Normandy Bridge in France, London Bridge, Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam and many others;
Learnt more about the Dunkirk and Normandy history;
Visited 5 D-Day historic beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Sword, Juno;
Paid homage to American soldiers at the American Cemetery in Normandy;
Crashed the scooter in Milan and travelled to Milan 4 times;
Observed rare fish in one of the biggest aquariums in France;
Admired 12 (mostly) German castles;
Listened to my favourite DJs at music venues;
Stayed in one of the best hotels in Liguria;
Worst hotel I stayed;
Unexpected conference in Berlin on my way back;
Explored how Europarliament works in Brussels;
Had a Mini-Europe tour in Brussels;
Chased so many breathtaking sunsets and stunning views, like ones at Étretat;
Hanged out in Amsterdam;
Stepped in to 40 museums, including cool automotive ones;
Absorbed lots of design in Scandinavia;
Found awesome hidden gems;
Made cool friends;
And many many more!
You better tell me how to travel. ;)
Let’s See In Detail
Car & Music Enthusiast
A never-ending stream of music makes the soundtrack of life.
My trip began with the stop in Berlin, the techno capital in Europe, I attended the electronic music festival that is Loveparade 2023, it’s a city-wide festival related to freedom, love and music. Also, visited a motorcycle conference - BMW Motorrad Days 2023.
![Loveparade 2023 in Berlin](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/908a7b41-b5cd-4818-8076-1cff7e837f7c/Love_Parade_in_Berlin_2023.jpeg?t=1718867890)
Loveparade 2023 in Berlin.
I also enjoyed one of the best sound systems in the world in Berghain.
In Europe and Germany specifically, my interest in automobiles took me to several automotive museums, enjoyed all of them such as.
![At Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/39c2274f-cbaf-41b6-b171-95e12775ca78/Muse%CC%81e_National_de_l_Automobile.jpeg?t=1718181259)
At Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse.
Amazing Audi Forum (Google Maps) in Ingolstadt and
Futuristic BMW Museum (Google Maps) near Munich.
Musée National de l’Automobile (Google Maps) in Mulhouse has a great collection of classic cars tracing back the history of the automobile. Now here’s the kicker: I was all set to visit, but arrived only 5 min past closing time, so they had stopped letting people in. But did that stop me? Oh, no. I channelled my inner James Bond and sneaked in through the exit. Not exactly my proudest moment, but hey, I got to admire those beauties up close!
Also, as a passionate music enthusiast, I went to a few parties, featuring some of my all-time favourite DJs, like Chris Luno or Nora En Pure in London or a couple of less known in Brussels and Geneva. By the way, I made friends with Chris Luno. He is a super happy and positive guy. You can feel it in the air.
Adrenaline at the Most Famous Racetrack
![Me looking laser-focused at Nurburgring racetrack](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/368da93e-374d-4c1c-9a07-b347dd32d4b3/Nurburgring-2023.jpg?t=1718011038)
Me looking laser-focused at Nürburgring racetrack.
One of the compulsory checkpoints in my trip was driving on the Nürburgring racetrack. It’s the most famous racetrack in the world, and in fact, one of the world’s most challenging, situated in the town of Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Due to its 154 terrifying curves, inclining hills, and "hold onto your lunch" crests, this circuit has a reputation among racers for being ruthless and dangerous. Trust me, it's no joke - when I was racing, I witnessed two accidents within just 40 minutes: one guy crashed into the fence and another with a wheel fallen off. An indescribable energy in the form of tire squeals and heart-pounding adrenaline makes you question your life choices.
12 Castles
![Neuschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/756c4c6d-81c2-4c7e-beda-9499f041797c/Neuschwanstein-castle-2023.jpeg?t=1718101212)
Neuschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany.
In total, I visited 5 big castles and 12 in total. The German-speaking regions are known for these architectural marvels, such as the absolutely stunning Neuschwanstein Castle (Google Maps) or enchanting Schwerin Castle (Google Maps) with its wonderful gardens. I passed by Schwerin on my way back in the fall, and the leaves-falling views of the gardens filled me with pure harmony. Some other ones included the historic Caen Castle (Google Maps) or, for example, Burg Gutenberg (Google Maps).
![Schwerin Castle up close](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/097fba9f-9517-40a4-809c-45d3f8e9d759/Schwerin_Castle_2023.jpeg?t=1718777674)
Schwerin Castle up close.
![]() Gardens at Schwerin Castle. | ![]() Schwerin Castle from the gardens. |
Imagine this: such a beautiful Schwerin castle, plus its charming territory and gardens. Even it has its own cave. In the fall, this is just a combo. Coated with yellow leaves. Ducks, streams, few people. Quite quietly, calmly quietly. The smell of dampness, leaves, freshness, trees, the evening. Just after the rain, but not too wet. Swans are also in stock. Wooden bridges, trees in a perfect row, 19th century statues. An ideal place for photography at that moment. And all this is inscribed in the silent lake. Certain trees were planted in 1860. I even calmed down quite a lot. Back then, carriages were clearly going through here.
Small But Powerful
I absolutely love to visit smaller countries as well, such as the picturesque Luxembourg which is packed with historic sites (the main city is essentially a castle) and the scenic Lichtenstein which is less packed and can be seen quite quickly.
![A view from Luxembourg Castle](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/b06fac08-1583-4dc0-bbd4-3c52213d6293/Luxembourg.jpeg?t=1718778470)
A view from Luxembourg Castle.
Luxembourg was one of the founding members of the EU. The development level, democracy and European values are on one of the highest levels. The GDP per capita is the highest in the world in 2024.
4 times in Milano?!
So: Milan, nighttime, rain pouring down. Naturally, I thought, "Hey, let's take a scooter ride!" Genius, right? Well, the front wheel had other plans and decided to slip on a tram line. Next thing you know, my friend and I are falling off and crashing right into a parked Mercedes…
![]() Poor scooter in Milan. | ![]() Poor Merc in Milan. |
Thankfully, we weren't going fast enough, so we mostly ended up with bruises and scratches. But my ribs? Oh, they decided to play the drama queen card. I couldn't get in or out of a car without looking like I was auditioning for a zombie movie.
So, I had to go back to Milano, this time for X-rays. The good news? No broken bones! The even better news? Since it was a scooter sharing service, everything was insured—including my dignity, which, let's be honest, took a hit.
In total, I found myself in Milano a grand total of 4 times, including one more time when I had to collect the pre-ordered contact lenses. I had a little mishap in Lugano lake.
One minute, I’m swimming with them on, the next they’re playing hide and seek at the bottom of the lake. The attempts to find them did go in vain. It probably was a bigger bit of a setback.
A little break from a break
It’s hard to call it a holiday though when you travel full-time, but still, my holiday took place with friends in Italy, wonderful Liguria and Como Lake.
![By ferry to Belaggio](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/036d6b75-f3b7-46b0-85da-4475d14fd234/Ferry_to_Belaggio_2023.jpeg?t=1718779851)
By ferry to Belaggio.
That’s my second time in Como, and it was as magical as the first one. We were also exploring the coast and cities such as the “commerce+culture” port city - Genoa, and very beautiful smaller ones - Santa Margherita, Portofino, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and others along the coast. The best way is of course to have a car for such a scenic route. The only downside? In summer, it’s very touristy.
![]() Portofino main square. | ![]() Ligurian Coast. |
Renting a little yacht to cruise along the coast was one of the best decisions. It allowed us to reach those Italian hidden gems, those tiny towns, such as San Fruttuoso that you can only get to by sea.
The more I travel in Italy or France, the more I’m impressed about the fact that you can have so much in one country.
Biggest Ports
Speaking of ports, during my journey I visited TOP-3 biggest ports in Europe: Rotterdam (1), Antwerp (2), Hamburg (3). And more than 10 in total. I noticed that cities with big ports differ from standard cities in terms of housing, infrastructure and layout. The cities with big ports seem all to be slightly more technologically advanced and obviously richer. I guess, it makes sense, right? The latest innovations come first-hand there.
![A tiny part of Rotterdam port](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/5349276c-b73e-489c-a575-e89a61c2d1d4/Rotterdam_port_2023.jpeg?t=1718781338)
A tiny part of Rotterdam port.
Rotterdam is cool. I didn’t expect to see so many skyscrapers, hotels and apartments. Apparently, this is such a feature for all large port cities, Genoa, Antwerp… Either it is more expensive to build skyscrapers, and these cities have more funds. Or architects and construction companies are the same…
![The start of Rotterdam port at night](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/82830e38-3482-4992-b123-7ed31229d482/Rotterdam_port_at_night_2023.jpeg?t=1718780849)
The start(!) of Rotterdam port at night.
I recommend taking a tour into Europoort to experience its hugeness. Another option to explore is to attend World Port Days, held annually.
It was a bit scaring walk through the Maastunnel (Google Maps). You just walk in a long white tube under the water.
![Rotterdam panorama from Euromast](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7a8cab2c-e285-4685-ab40-86a0b228be21/Rotterdam_panorama_2023.jpeg?t=1718780942)
Rotterdam panorama from Euromast.
Make sure to climb up to the very top of the Euromast observation tower (Google Maps) to admire the breathtaking views of the city and port.
![]() Antwerp roofs. | ![]() Antwerp from MAS. |
The Antwerp city, including its port, was explored mostly on foot. I loved its cultural richness, stylish cafés and industrial vibes, everything in one bottle.
Although not situated by a sea and not being a port city really, I want to mention Düsseldorf here anyway, because I caught a similar feel in this city. Probably because of its famous architecture, for example Neuer Zollhof (Google Maps), architected by Frank Gehry.
![]() Museum Ship in Hamburg. | ![]() Inside the Ship in Hamburg. |
Some other notable port cities I came by were Genoa, Le Havre, Hamburg, historic Dunkirk, tiny ones like Port-en-Bessin in France, Zeebrugge in Belgium or luxurious Portofino in Italy.
The Flying Dutchman
![]() Ferris wheel at the Hague beach. ![]() Sunset at the Hague beach. | ![]() Voorhout The Hague. ![]() The Hague Downtown. |
Haarlem and The Hague are both very nice cities too.
It turns out I’ve changed my mind about The Netherlands. The country is much more developed that I thought. It’s always like that, you need to come to other cities, not only the capital, to have a better opinion. It was so sweet to drive on the perfectly-done and wide Dutch highway. I’m compensated for the narrow Amsterdam streets.
![Amsterdam Red Lights](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/8c0baf38-6595-408e-8bf3-013e1dc99855/Amsterdam_Red_Lights_2023.jpeg?t=1718781502)
Amsterdam Red Lights.
I couldn’t resist passing by Amsterdam. This is my second time enjoying the city. Its intimate red lights glowing at night attracted me from far, far away.
Did you know that a part of The Netherlands might have been underwater by now? But the Dutch reclaim land from the sea.
Genoa vs. Le Havre
![View over Genoa](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7d276bcd-6f09-49d4-9fb0-e6b04cf5c73b/View_over_Genoa_2023.jpeg?t=1718616730)
View over Genoa.
Very different but similar in its own way. Genoa and Le Havre both broke my stereotypes of an Italian and French city, accordingly. Both with its architecture, both being marine cities but at the same time Genoa with neo-gothic buildings; Le Havre - with its avant-garde styles. Just look at the Église Saint-Joseph in Le Havre!
![Église Saint-Joseph in Le Havre](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/c466f1af-7ee3-4c9c-a34c-d0b159232e84/E%CC%81glise_Saint-Joseph_in_Le_Havre-2023.jpeg?t=1718012498)
Église Saint-Joseph in Le Havre.
Le Havre is the birthplace of Claude Monet, by the way, one of my favourite impressionists. You can find many of his artworks done in Normandy.
![50 shades of Cow in Museum of Modern Art André Malraux](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1ddfd625-3c1f-42cd-819e-8dc62c1337f3/50_shades_of_cow_in_Museum_of_Modern_Art_Andre%CC%81_Malraux_2023.jpeg?t=1718868215)
50 shades of Cow in Museum of Modern Art André Malraux.
To admire some of his and other impressionist works, go to.
Museum of Modern Art André Malraux (Google Maps) - Extensive impressionist collection in Le Havre, France;
Fondation Monet in Giverny (Google Maps), there you can find the tomb of Claude Monet as well, and;
Museum of Impressionism Giverny (Google Maps) in Giverny.
I stayed in Le Havre during The Holiday of the Sea (La Fete de la mer au Havre) which was fun.
Historic Normandy
Normandy was explored quite extensively as well. And I hadn’t expected so many historical landmarks, monuments, museums, ruined bunkers, memorials, etc. You can easily spend an entire week just absorbing the history in the region.
![]() Dunkirk ruined bunkers. ![]() Empty beaches in Dunkirk. | ![]() Polish delegation at Operation Dynamo Museum in Dunkirk. ![]() Dunkirk streets. |
Dunkirk (Dunkerque [dœ̃kɛʁk] in French) is famous for the historical Operation Dynamo, a large evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied soldiers between 26 May and 4 June 1940. A miraculous story is worth reading, even if you never go to the city.
Or visiting Museum Dunkerque 1940 Operation Dynamo (Google Maps) which tells the story.
![Lonely Normandy cliffs](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/5a7ffd17-9a3c-4ac8-968d-802cfec64c53/Normandy_cliffs_2023.jpeg?t=1718790336)
Lonely Normandy cliffs.
It was a very exciting experience to further explore Normandy. Its cliffs, history and calmness simply fascinate me.
![View over Saint-Valery-en-Caux in Normandy](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/039ea873-2006-4e53-a515-bdc19d584bba/Saint-Valery-en-Caux_2023.jpeg?t=1718865685)
View over Saint-Valery-en-Caux in Normandy.
While Dunkirk was the place where troops were evacuated, Normandy beaches were the place where later the largest seaborne invasion in history took place, also known as D-Day or Operation Neptune. The Allied Forces disembarked in 5 sectors on 6 June 1944, essentially 5 beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Sword, Juno.
![]() Normandy countryside. ![]() Omaha Beach Memorial. ![]() “Dunkirk“ movie longest scene. | ![]() Port-en-Bessin in Normandy. ![]() Omaha Beach in Vierville-sur-Mer. |
I visited all of them. It was soul-touching for me to stand on the empty beaches where 80 years ago such a chaos was occurring. Absolutely mind-blowing.
![At Normandy American Cemetery](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/ef9b9fb5-61be-4826-a452-c8620d5c55ec/American_Cemetery_in_Normandy_2023.jpeg?t=1718867008)
At Normandy American Cemetery.
The Normandy American Cemetery (Google Maps) was a poignant stop on this historical journey. It’s my first time walking around a US military cemetery, and I was surprised to see how perfect everything is, the grass, the trees, the territory. I couldn’t find even a cm of paint peeling off anywhere. That is great commemoration and American dollars well spent.
The British and Canadian cemeteries can also be found there.
![At La Pointe du Hoc in Normandy](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/8b64fa8d-5453-4be1-bfd6-ff126c583fa9/La_Pointe_du_Hoc_2023.jpeg?t=1718867352)
At La Pointe du Hoc in Normandy.
I was temporarily lost when I realised how many museums and historical points of interest dedicated to the WWII history are there.
![Overlord Museum in Normandy](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/f8ee84b7-2422-4f13-8552-a3b49e695cb3/Overlord_Museum_2023.jpeg?t=1718866375)
Overlord Museum in Normandy.
Just to give you a hint. There are many more. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to visit all of them to learn everything.
Overlord Museum (Google Maps);
Museum of the Battle of Normandy (Google Maps);
D-Day Museum (Google Maps);
D-Day Experience (Google Maps);
Juno Beach Centre (Google Maps);
Mémorial de Caen (Google Maps);
Longues-sur-Mer battery (Google Maps) - You will find such constructions all over the entire coast;
La Pointe Du Hoc (Google Maps) - The peak where the operation started.
The list goes on…
![]() Colourful fish at Nausicaa. | ![]() You are observed by big fish at Nausicaa. |
One of the most fascinating places I visited was the Nausicaá Centre National de la Mer (Google Maps), a public aquarium located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in the northern France. It is the largest public aquarium in Europe. I said hi to so many creatures I’d never seen before.
Another fascinating place in Normandy was, of course, beloved Étretat. I couldn’t resist not stopping by. Just look at those cliffs, wow!
![]() Famous arc at Étretat. ![]() Inside Étretat. | ![]() Views over Étretat. ![]() More views over Étretat. |
I’ve travelled a lot around France, and it always surprises me how diverse it is and how rich its history is.
Swiss Travelled
After the vacation in Italy, the road from Milan over to Geneva was going through the highest mountain Mont Blanc (4,805.59 m), via one of the longest tunnels in Europe. The road itself was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. Even from far, far away, I realised why the mountain is called like that. It is huge and white, as you guessed! You can’t mistake it for anything else.
![Me in front of Mont Blanc](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/3975b2d3-3b87-43fc-b455-b6a6dc42e55c/Mont-Blanc-2023.jpeg?t=1718012262)
Me in front of Mont Blanc.
My third time in Switzerland brought me to Furka Pass and famous Hotel Belvédère where the James Bond Goldfinger movie was filmed.
![At James Bond’s Hotel Belvedere at Furka Pass](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/e30867b9-538e-4d34-a5df-de5e74d16184/Hotel_Belvedere_2023.jpg?t=1718869077)
At James Bond’s Hotel Belvedere at Furka Pass.
![]() Coming to Furka Pass. | ![]() Behind Furka Pass. |
I’m in deep love with mountain roads! A fast car, inspiring music and stunning mountain cliffs - another recipe to happiness of mine.
By now, I have visited all the major and some smaller cities in Switzerland. This time spending more time in Lugano, Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne.
![]() Lausanne, Switzerland. | ![]() Lausanne Layout. |
And I’m now inclined to say that my most favourite city in Switzerland is Lausanne. A true mix of the Swiss beauty and quality and French savoir-vivre. Besides that, the city layout is rather unexpected…
![A view over Constance Lake](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/443f79fc-b787-42b6-8a36-7b06f01c65fe/Bregenz_2023.jpeg?t=1718791564)
A view over Constance Lake, Austrian Bregenz in the close middle, Switzerland in the far left and Germany on the right from a cable car to Pfänder.
It was really refreshing to swim in the mountain lakes such as Lugano Lake and Constance Lake where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet. I was going through Bregenz, an Austrian city. The water was perfectly clean and calm, although later I got into a storm…
For such purposes, there is a warning system set up - the weather can change suddenly. The lake is also interesting because the actual locations of the country borders within the lake are disputed. Every country has its own opinion.
![Geneva at night](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/67ef1ae3-799a-4278-b45f-2cfb352c0354/Geneva_at_night_2023.jpeg?t=1718869522)
Geneva at night.
Geneva was beautiful but seemed a bit boring, at least not culturally, what I can’t say about CERN - the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the largest and most respected research facilities. It’s now possible to take a guided tour to its first accelerator - Synchro-Cyclotron - which I did. It was great talking the universe to a physicist, working there.
![Synchro-Cyclotron at CERN in Geneva](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/02b70b7d-be13-4181-9c52-ddae351570d8/Synchro-Cyclotron_2023.jpeg?t=1718808043)
Synchro-Cyclotron at CERN in Geneva.
Did you know that not a single person on the Earth fully understands how the Large Hydron Collider works? It’s an incredible marvel of complexity, brought to life through true globalisation.
And it’s truly inspiring to see how culturally developed a country can be by keeping neutrality. I think it’s highly correlated.
Europe not without "euro-"
![]() At Grand Place in Brussels. | ![]() Brussels streets. |
Last time I was in Brussels, I missed visiting the European Parliament. But this time, with a two-week stay, I regained the opportunity and dove into learning about the EU’s history, ways of working, initiatives and structure.
![The European Parliament Hemicycle](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/de2ad61f-8673-4619-b86f-f921e82f7274/Europarliament_2023.jpeg?t=1718809113)
The European Parliament Hemicycle.
It always fascinates me how people from different nations and languages come together to achieve such success. That’s a really strong connection. A 24-languages partnership has also been made possible thanks to Multilingualism and Translation/Interpretation systems in the Europarliament.
To learn more about its history, check out the official website. And for a fun way to see all of Europe in one place, although mini, head over to Mini-Europe (Google Maps), a miniature park located next to Atomium.
By the way, for a similar but Swiss one, go to Swissminiatur (Google Maps) in Lugano.
To the UK by Sea
![]() Boarding on that ferry in Calais. ![]() Coming to Dover by ferry. | ![]() Boarding on a train in Folkestone-Calais. |
I crossed waters 4 times in total: a sea once by ferry and once hopping on a car train through the English Channel; once Bay of Mecklenburg; and once Como Lake, from Menagio to Bellagio.
At first, it was unusual to drive in the UK on the left side, especially on the roundabouts, but I got used quickly. And, unexpectedly, started to make more mistakes when I got back to the European continent. Does it mean that driving on the left side is inherently more natural?
Oxford was a bit boring, although intriguing. But no matter how many times I come to London, it always impresses me like the first time. All senses and energy levels are increased automatically.
![A view from The Shard over a tiny part of London](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/6b5e2575-212d-4c1d-9d2b-e6c400a51a4b/London_from_The_Shard_2023.jpeg?t=1718782607)
A view from The Shard over a tiny part of London.
This time in London, I focused on exploring things I hadn’t seen before and some start-up networking.
![Sunset at The Shard over a tiny part of London](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/0be4b8bc-91cb-450b-881f-11c1f0bd980a/London_from_The_Shard_2_2023.jpeg?t=1718782688)
Sunset at The Shard over a tiny part of London.
The city deserves standalone essays.
Copenhagen is really about design.
![]() Copenhagen streets. | ![]() Me at Frama/Apotek 57. |
The idea that I caught in Scandinavia is that they strive to make their interiors and homes as aesthetic and comfy as possible because the weather is not always nice there and can sometimes be severe. So you better have really cosy everywhere indoors.
They do not use curtains at all. A business selling curtains would be in decline.
![Church of the Holy Spirit in Copenhagen](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/face1438-6201-489f-8df4-a705a46c15b4/Copenhagen_Church_2023.jpeg?t=1718871811)
Church of the Holy Spirit in Copenhagen.
I bet, with religion in decline, soon more and more churches will open up as an art space or museum, like this one - Nikolaj Art Gallery (Google Maps), a church converted into an art space.
![Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1122dbb8-3b56-452e-af14-9c2a01667637/O%CC%88resund_Bridge_2023.jpeg?t=1718870808)
Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen.
Crossing Öresund Bridge (Google Maps) was another memorable experience. It connects Copenhagen and Malmö, Denmark and Sweden. It is fifth-longest bridge in Europe, partially sunk by a tunnel that plunges into the Baltic Sea. For me, it’s always so exciting to step on an impressive structure like this.
When coming back from Denmark to Germany in September, I chose a different route (more scenic) which is by ferry from Gedser to Rostock.
![]() Leaving Denmark. | ![]() On a ferry Gedser - Rostock. |
And now picture this: I swim on a ship from a sunset from Denmark, on the ship you can walk normally. Panoramic views. The weather is cool. Autumn, sea. Cold, fresh air. A lot of windmills on the horizon. The first quarter moon is visible. Gulls circle. Steam from the ship and the radar spin. Simply incredible moment.
Unexpected favour for a friend
On my way back right before coming back to Poland, I spent an extra week in Berlin to help my friend promote her start-up at… Venus festival, annual sex and erotic conference in Berlin.
The cutest moment I saw there (in fact, lots of them) - a fan bringing an enormous bouquet of flowers to his favourite porn star.
Perhaps, I’d prefer to share the pictures only to Premium subscribers. ;)
Coming Home
![Sunset on the road in Normandy](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/cf6033e4-4b25-46af-bc7c-caa8e276aae4/Sunset_on_the_road_2023.jpeg?t=1718870928)
Sunset on the road in Normandy.
And finally, after an overnight stop in Poznan, I finally was home in Warsaw! It’s hard to describe the emotions I felt as I entered Poland and returned. A sort of realisation or consciousness gradually came over me about what I had accomplished.
This read is already quite long. Let’s wrap it up with a couple of last bits.
Best Stay
![Panorama from Villa Riviera Resort](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/f5e6f4f8-b8a0-4f05-a793-3f0fa9db0188/Panorama_from_Villa_Riviera_2023.jpeg?t=1718872756)
Panorama from Villa Riviera Resort.
The best hotel I stayed in - 5* Villa Riviera Resort. It’s an oasis between Portofino and Cinque Terre in Lavagna. Two ancient luxurious villas, two high-end restaurants, an "outdoor" spa set among the olive trees and ancient stone and an infinity pool overlooking the entire gulf.
Worst Stay
The worst bnb I stayed in - It was probably a shared town house in Luxembourg. It was hard to find any available place without booking in advance. Although, it’s not that bad and the neighbours were relatively nice.
Museum Worldwide Pass
Overall, I hit 40 museums during the trip. Here are some of the coolest I have found (not necessarily the coolest overall).
![]() At Museum of Contemporary Design in Lausanne | ![]() Jean Jullien at MIMA in Brussels. |
Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (Google Maps) - Awesome museum in Lausanne, I really the bold design.
Cantonal museum of fine arts Lausanne (Google Maps) - Don’t be afraid of the exteriors of this museum, the inside is cool.
Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine (Google Maps) - A little museum of Modern Art in Dunkirk.
MAS - Museum aan de Stroom (Google Maps) - Exploring the Antwerp’s place in world museum.
MIMA (Google Maps) - Abbreviated for Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art. A contemporary art museum in the center of Brussels, Belgium. There I enjoyed Jean Jullien exhibition, love his style!
Patek Philipe Museum (Google Maps) - Intimate museum in Geneva telling the story of Patek Philippe & Swiss watchmaking from the 16th century to now.
Somerset House (Google Maps) - Neoclassical riverside palace with the Courtyard Gallery in London.
Designmuseum Denmark (Google Maps) - of course a design museum in Copenhagen.
And these were my absolute favourite hidden gems.
![]() Having Seks in Copenhagen. | ![]() If in Bremen, a must-go is Teestübchen im Schnoor. |
Hippie Fish (Google Maps) - Beach club in Zandvoort, near Amsterdam, Netherlands. When you’re inside, it’s easy to fool yourself that you’re actually in Bali.
THE Bookstor Cafe (Google Maps) - Book + Coffee, one of my favourite combos. A cosy café in downtown in The Hague, Netherlands.
Aria, Ristorante a Villa Riviera (Google Maps) - Chic restaurant at the Villa Riviera Resort in Lavagna, Italy. Probably one of the best restaurants in my life. Make sure you book a table well in advance.
Les Jardins (Google Maps) - Laid-back beer garden in a strategic location in Lausanne.
Teestübchen im Schnoor, Restaurant & Café (Google Maps) - Cosy and finest teahouse in Bremen, Germany. The ambiance is magical, I couldn’t leave…
CARMİN Château Loubry (Google Maps) - Unbelievably delicious pâtisserie in Dunkirk, France, embedded into a 1900s house. Perfect for a classical French-style breakfast.
Lounge Bohemia (Google Maps) - Awesome Soviet-Czech-decorated and hidden cocktail bar in Shoreditch, London. Their cocktails are an experience in its own.
Seks (Google Maps) - Warm “home-made” café for brunch & speciality coffee (and not only) in Copenhagen, Denmark, held by a few Polish friends living there.
Conclusion
Thank you to those who made it till the end! That was impressive! We have had a look at my huge 5-month road trip in 2023, with all its unexpected turns and amazing insights. This is just a tiny part of everything what was there, but I hope it has inspired you at least to some extent!
What else I realised while travelling so long in Europe is that Europe is for chilling and cultural enlightenment. It’s not for business, it’s rather for learning and pleasure.
It seems to me that with such intensive travels, I get older faster since 5-year long impressions are packed into 5 months. My turning point was after my second month on the road. After that, I became more used to it and less stressful, which allowed to get even deeper into the experience and to simply go with the flow.
What would I change?
![At the end of my journey](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/fe87add3-0b42-4955-9e77-60e94b72f292/Coming_back_in_autumn_2023.jpeg?t=1718876837)
At the end of my journey.
Perhaps, I’d extend it. ;)
End Note
What do you think about this essay? I’m really keen to know what you think. Do you like such a format? What would you add or remove? Let me know your feedback.
If you like that kind of style, feel free to follow Globally Based on Instagram - it just started - but I will be sharing more and more of such adventures.
Until next time!
📍Warsaw, Poland
— Ilya
The included pictures are taken and text is written by Ilya Gruzhevski, if not stated otherwise, and subject to copyright. Copying and/or using without attribution to this website and author is not permitted.
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