Region of Europe
Alpine & Central Europe
The high middle of the continent — mountain passes above, imperial capitals below, and trains through both.
Berlin
Germany
Sixteen states that were separate countries within living memory, and still behave like it.
Bern
Switzerland
The most expensive country in Europe and the one that most reliably justifies it.
Vienna
Austria
An imperial capital with a small country attached, most of it vertical.
Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Twenty-five kilometres long, ruled from a castle on the hill, and walkable end to end in a day.
Prague
Czechia
The most beautiful city in central Europe, and a country that drinks more beer per head than any other.
Warsaw
Poland
A country that was erased from the map for 123 years and rebuilt its capital from paintings.
Bratislava
Slovakia
The smallest high mountains in Europe, more castles per head than anywhere, and hardly anyone looking.
Budapest
Hungary
A thermal-water capital on the Danube, a language related to almost nothing, and sweet wine that outlived empires.
Ljubljana
Slovenia
Alps, karst caves, vineyards and 46 kilometres of coast, all within two hours of each other.