Those who want to visit Venice in 2023 must buy an entrance ticket from January 16th. With this measure, the lagoon city wants to better regulate the flow of visitors. Because many locals complain about mass tourism, crowded streets are part of the city’s image, especially in summer. But Venice is not the first island to ask visitors to pay.
The island of Mainau is an absolute highlight on every trip to Lake Constance. Once arrived, beautifully planted gardens await visitors. Above all, the butterfly house, the second largest in Germany, is very popular. Interested parties can observe the colorful butterflies up close.
In summer, some flowers are in full bloom – in August, among other things, hibiscus bushes, purple coneflowers or exotic palm trees. However, the whole thing is not free of charge, adults have to pay 26 euros for the ticket on site. If you book online, you save three euros. Mainau can be reached by bike, bus or boat.
Herrenchiemsee is the largest of the three islands in the Bavarian Chiemsee. Visitors can reach the island by boat all year round. Most of the approximately 240 hectare Herreninsel, as it is also called, is covered with forest. A circular path leads around seven kilometers around the island.
A highlight: The New Herrenchiemsee Palace, which was built by the Bavarian King Ludwig II (1845-1886) and is reminiscent of the French Versailles. Thanks to regular guided tours, visitors can visit the castle. A museum is now housed in the former monastery. Children and young people who have not yet reached the age of 18 have free admission. The complete island ticket, which also includes a guided tour of the castle, costs ten euros for adults. Tickets can only be bought at the jetty.
The Borromean Islands are located in Lake Maggiore, Italy. The largest of these is Isola Madre. The patch of earth is covered by an impressive park. In addition to magnolias, lemon and cedar trees also thrive here. The complex is part of the Palazzo Madre, a building complex that was built in the 16th to 18th centuries.
Today the palace is no longer inhabited. The family chapel, with a beautiful facade, is also worth a visit. Tourists are also asked to pay here: the fun costs 17 euros for adults.
