European tourism Gardens of Eden no 18

Prizewinning community tourism:Greece bordering Bulgaria, Pomerania, Atlantic coast, Finland's frozen wet marshes

Prefecture of Serres (Greece)
Prefecture of Serres

Stretching from the Strymonikos bay to the Bulgarian border, the Prefecture of Serres is Greece’s treasured possession. The destination combines the beauty of nature, the peaceful life of province and the cultural tradition in a way like no other. Surrounded by mountains and known as the flattest area in Greece, the region owes the fertility and beauty of its inland areas to the old waters of the river Strymonas. Northwest of the flat area lies the artificial lake Kerkini, constructed to dam the Strymon River and harness its energy.

The region of Serres offers the opportunity to discover, beyond the authenticity of provincial life, the hospitality, the local cultural heritage, and the historical monuments. A must do experience is touring the villages. To see traditional fire dancing head to Agia Eleni, for magnificent caves and impressive canyons as well as archeological remains of the ancient cities visit Alistrati and Amfipoli.
The uniqueness of Prefecture of Serres:
Tree in the landscape

Serres has been inhabited since prehistoric times. According to mythology, Serres was the favourite place of Dionysus, the Thracian god of wine. Serres was first mentioned in the 5th century BC and, later, in Byzantine chronicles. Its history is complex and can be found throughout the area when exploring this unique setting.

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Western Pomeranian River District (Germany)

West Pomeranian River DistrictLocated in the North of Germany on the border with Poland, West Pomerania forms the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. The region combines the pristine and largely undiscovered nature with a rich fauna and impressive cultural heritage left by the Slavic and Viking tribes. With its tranquil river valleys and pastoral scenery, it is a real hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by new visitors.

Whether you are looking for a weekend destination to observe nature or would like a week long holiday canoeing the 90km of water through Peene valley, the West Pomeranian River District has everything to satisfy the needs of its visitors. The extensive drainage basin between the Mecklenburg Lake District and the coast of the Baltic Sea is a beautiful, delightfully intact natural landscape. Also, tourists can enjoy discovering the cultural heritage of Slavic and Viking tribes and, with a little bit of luck, might even spot white-tailed eagles, kingfishers and beavers which have their natural habitat in this region.
The uniqueness of Western Pomeranian River District:
Deer at the river

The history of the region dates back to the era of the Vikings. The historical sites such as the Viking graves in Menzlin and the ruins of the former Benedectine monastery strengthen the position of the region as a cultural destination.

One of the main attractions of the region is the canoe trips that are organised along the endless rivers. Thus, it is not surprising that the tour received the name ‘Across the Amazon of the North’. This tour reveals the balance between ecological, social and economic sustainability. On the tour stop at the idyllic rest stops along the river valley and stay overnight in tents or, for travellers who prefer more comfort, there are cosy hostels and country houses available to host your stay.

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The Grand Site du Marais Poitevin (France)

The Grand Site du Marais PoitevinThe Marais Poitevin is situated close to Ile de Ré, Châtelaillon-Plage on the Atlantic coast. This labyrinth of waterways, lined with tall and dense vegetation, is worth exploring as it is the largest wooded marshland on the Atlantic coast (49,000 hectares) and has one of the richest natural habitats in France. The long winding paths can be explored on foot, by bike or by carriage.

The characteristic landscape of the Marais Poitevin has featured in numerous artistic representations and productions. Over the years painters, watercolourists, storytellers, writers, photographers and artists have each in their turn captured the history and imagination of the spirit of this mysterious and unusual world.

The landscapes of the wet marsh are made up of two highly characteristic elements that exist side by side: the river system, with a sophisticated hierarchy of waterways and the plant fabric, which brings volume, colours and perspectives with its ash trees, poplars, willows and alders. The landscape changes from an open lattice work of different shades of grey in winter, to a place of hidden scenery in summer – dominated by multiple shades of green and inviting you to sit and meditate in the shade of the foliage, along canals covered in duckweed.
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Saimaa Holiday (Finland)

Ice-skatingFinland is often referred to as ‘a land of thousands of lakes’, and it has received its name for the infinite number of lakes and rivers. Saimaa Holiday is located in the middle of the Saimaa Lake system, which is in close proximity to Savonlinna and Rantasalmi. With the size of approximately 4.400 square kilometers, Saimaa Lake is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. It offers a vast range of possibilities for active holidays, such as rowing, canoeing, ice-skating, ice-fishing, horse-back riding, whilst also offering a relaxing and peaceful break with the idle waters of the lakes.

The locals take pride in their region and its natural beauty. Therefore, they are active in contributing to developing a long-term plan to sustain the habitat and ensuring its health and beauty. Experienced tour-guides who accompany visitors on the exploration tours or during fishing safaris are always eager to share and pass on the values of the community to the visitors.

Whilst the beauty and purity of the lake system is a clear asset to this destination, it is also the strong local tradition and cuisine that makes the area special. The local cuisine is praised for its freshness and exquisite taste, based on regional delicacies and tradition. Among the most popular specialties is sweet water fish and vendace (local fish) baked in rye bread.

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

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