European tourism Gardens of Eden no 14

Prizewinning community tourism in Belgium, Austria, Turkey and Spain

Viroinval / Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park (Belgium)

With a 20-kilometre stretch that connects the north and south end of the territory, nature walkers can marvel at the pristine meadows and farmlands, thick-green forests and rolling hillsides.

In the north, the Calestienne region is home to the park's rarest natural habitats. Venturing further along, one can walk through quaint historic villages, where the locals proudly show off their artisan skills in cheese-making and brewing beers. The Viroinval lies close to the town of Chimay, known for its world-famous Trappist beer. In the south, there is the never-ending Ardennes forest, which boasts the area's largest and most diverse eco-systems.

For those wishing to see the region by mountain bike, the local authorities have provided a maze of hundreds of kilometres of trails linking Belgium and France together.

Viroinval Nature ParkThe park is a walker's paradise, offering some of the most technical and spectacular jaunts through valleys and hillsides. The vista points are well-placed and the area is extremely family-oriented with picnic and barbeque areas.

Unique events and festivals throughout the year give visitors a taste of the special heritage this unmatched region has to offer.

A dedicated structural plan has been implemented to maintain the rural appearance of the villages. Several initiatives have also been adopted to keep out any intrusion of non-native plant life and measures have been taken to preserve the natural limestone grasslands.

Fishing is also a major tourist attraction, thus spawning a fish-breeding management plan to protect the aquatic habitat from over-fishing.

MORE INFO
WEBSITE
VIDEO

Biosphere Park Grosses Walsertal (Austria)

Biosphere Park Grosses Walsertal     An array of activities that range from guided garden tours to cooking classes makes for a memorable park experience. The region boasts some of the most exotic flowers and herbs in the country and one can experience first-hand how the women in the area have, for centuries, created some of the finest Alchemilla products, such as oils and soaps.

Centuries of farming and producing some of the finest dairy products in Europe have made this region fundamental to Austria. Innovative farming and building methods and a real concern for the environment make the region a leading example worldwide.

For over 1000 years man has worked and inhabited the land in the rich valleys of the park. In 2007, the Grosse Walsertal won an energy award for their development of two biomass heating plants that saved nearly 280,000 litres of heating oil in one year.

Modern life and a proud history continue to shape this region's developing future.
MORE INFO
WEBSITE
VIDEO

Bitlis-Nemrut Crater Lake (Turkey)

Nemrut Crater LakeNemrut Crater Lake is the largest Crater Lake in Europe and the second largest in the world; it is located inside the crater area of Mount Nemrut, one of the youngest volcanoes in the Eastern Anatolia, in the East of the country. The lake itself was formed by the eruption of Mount Nemrut.

The main attractions in this area are the hot and cold water crater lakes on top of the mountain. The still waters of the Nemrut Crater Lake are ideal for swimming and boating. On the shores of the Ilik (hot) Lake, which covers an area of 1.2 sqm, there are several hot water springs. The temperature of the lake water reaches 40°C in winter and 60°C in summer. There are thermal baths located in small ponds close to the lake, which attract visitors who regularly come to receive treatment.

The unique location of the lake attracts thousands of tourists every year, with its numerous volcanoes and extraordinary nature, as well as the rich historical heritage. City-ruins, castles and other historical monuments, some of which date back to the Ottoman era, are a truly unique inspiration for all visitors.

Every summer, festivals are held in the region to promote its beauty. There is a fishing competition which is held at the big lake, but there are also swimming competitions, junior sailing group shows, concerts and various folk performances. The Presidential Symphony Orchestra concert is certainly one of the highlights of the summer season, not to be missed.

MORE INFO
WEBSITE
VIDEO

A Guarda (Spain)

A Guarda Atlantic OceanA Guarda enjoys a warm microclimate in summer and a mild climate in winter thanks to the rain, which softens the temperature. From the summit of Mountain Santa Trega it is possible to view the estuary and mouth of river Miño that flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the bordering lands of Portugal on the other side of the river, and even the beautiful valley formed by two mountain ranges: Argallos and Groba.

Looking out over the Atlantic and flanked by the Miño river and the mountain of Santa Trega, you will find A Guarda, one of the most traditional fishing heritage villages in Galicia, Spain. Situated close to the border with Portugal, A Guarda is known as the "Capital of lobster" because of its quality seafood and beautiful coastal beaches, estuary and landscapes.

The Miño estuary is a wide humid area of 1,668 Ha. of high ecological value. It is known as the “Galician Doñana” by biologists and ornithilologist alike, due to the variety and quantity of birds lodging during the winter season. The estuary is under the protection of several agreements and treaties so you will witness nature at its finest.

In addition to its beaches, climate, great food and local history, trekking lovers will relish the walking opportunities along the coast and the Miño riverside thanks to recently established routes and paths in 2010.

MORE INFO
WEBSITE
VIDEO

Valere Tjolle
Valere Tjolle: Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE
Also see:

NO 13 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148786.php
NO 12 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148671.php
NO 11http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148546.php
NO 10 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148482.php
NO 9 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148389.php
N0 8 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148290.php
No 7 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148189.php
No 6http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147978.php
No 5 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147875.php
No 4 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147779.php
No 3 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147673.php
No 2 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147583.php
No 1http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147467.php