New castle and Calvary in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia.

Poland · Hungary · Slovakia · Czech Republic · Austria

If you are not so familiar with central Europe, it's time to explore the beautiful countrysides and medieval cities.

1. Royal Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia, Poland

When it comes to the historical and cultural heritage of Poland, you can’t miss the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Although it is less popular in China, it has been famous in Europe for centuries. As early as the Middle Ages, the salt was called “white gold” and the Wieliczka Salt Mine created a lot of wealth for Poland.

Although it closed a long time ago, the value of the salt mines remains and it is even becoming more valuable. It has become an invaluable treasure in art and culture and attracts thousands of tourists to visit the underground world every year.

You will not only learn about the history of the development of the salt mines, but you will also have a different experience in artistic and religious culture by exploring the churches and sculptures.

For 700 years, miners worked and worshipped in this salt mine complex, extracting the valuable mineral that drove the development and wealth of Poland. - © Pavel Vakhrushev / Shutterstock

After going back to Krakow, you can take a night train to Budapest for about 10h10, and then it takes 2h40 train to go to Tokaj.

2. Tokaj Wine Region, Hungary

Tokaj is located in the northeast of Hungary and is at the border with Slovakia. People who love wine must hear about this name. The well-known Tokaj white wine is made here. Even the air here seems to be filled with the sweet flavour of the grapes. If you come to the underground cellars, you will learn about the history and process of making wine, and of course you will have a chance to taste a glass of Tokaj white wine.

The cellar row of the Gombos-hegyi Pincesor in Tokaj Hegyalja is part of the World Heritage site—and deservedly so. Situated on the edge of Hercegkút. - © György Darabos

It takes 9h to Banska, passing through Budapest.

3. Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity, Slovakia

Banská Štiavnica stands out for the valuable metals unearthed here.

Over the centuries, many famous engineers and scientists have visited this place, increasing the reputation of this town. This ancient medieval mining centre has evolved into a town with Renaissance palaces, 16th century churches, exquisite squares and castles. The centre of the town is integrated in its surrounding environment, which preserves important relics of mining and metallurgical activities of the past.

The historic town center of Banská Štiavnica is beautiful in every season. Visitors linger for days to visit sites like the old Castle (on left) and the Town Hall (centre).– © Jan Petrik

It takes about 5h to Breclav after passing through two transfer stations, including Bratislava.

4. Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Czech Republic

Maybe you never heard of the name Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, but when you look at the picture of this place, you’ll find it familiar. Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is a classic and significant European garden landscape. When one imagines what European gardens are like, this type of landscape comes to mind.

The English garden style is in harmony with the local natural environment. The smaller pavilions were built in a baroque and neo-Renaissance architectural style. You can choose to explore it by taking a car.

Lednice Castle was a summer residence for the princely family of Liechtenstein. Its current Neo-Gothic reconstruction comes from the 19th century. - © Kojin / Shutterstock

It takes 2 hours to get there.

5. Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, Czech Republic

The manicured magnificence of the Kroměříž Gardens and Castle are among the finest examples of landscape art ever produced in Europe. Its castle and garden is a perfect combination of Baroque landscape art and the palace’s architecture is exceptionally well preserved.

The gardens consist of English and French Gardens. One is romantic and elegant, and the other one is fresh and natural. Together they reflect the most important types of gardens in Europe. From inside the castle, you will have a great view of both gardens.

The Gardens and Castle are open all year long except in case of unfavourable weather. You can go for a walk in the gardens and enjoy the fantastic landscape.

Founded by Bishop Karl von Liechtenstein-Castelcorno around 1694, the palace library is the largest and most valuable historical library in the Czech Republic. - © Tomas Vrtal

It takes about 2h45 by train.

6. Krems, Austria

Krems is located at the confluence of the Danube and Krems Rivers in the Wachau valley. This romantic town on the Danube River remains the same it used to be in the Middle Ages; simple, natural and in harmony with nature. Krems inherited the romance of the Danube River. The houses and castles here are full of the romanticism of the medieval architecture.

You can take a boat along the river to enjoy the scenery on both sides, or ride along the river valley to get closer to the river valley town.

It takes about 2h45 by train.

7. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the world’s famous music capital. Here, the journey will come to an end. You can walk through this city to enjoy the art and culture.

You can also choose to have a visit of the famous Golden Hall or the Vienna Opera to enjoy the musical festival and experience a different feeling.