Germany, Liechtenstein and Austria: dramatic panoramas

Time seems to almost stand still on the shores of Lake Constance. Several companies offer private cruises by sailboat or motorboat to discover the lake and its countless treasures: from small villages with onion-domed church steeples to Baroque castles nestled in its soft landscapes, Moorish palaces, the monastic island of Reichenau, even prehistoric dwellings on stilts.

A decidedly more unusual experience, the Galina falconry offers walks in small groups in the company of falconer Norman Vögeli (Vögel means ‘birds' in German) and his golden eagle. This is a unique opportunity to discover the superb landscapes of Liechtenstein (at nearly 6,500 feet – or 2,000 metres – above sea level) and to observe the bird of prey soaring freely before landing as close as possible to the group. An incredible summer show for young and old.

This is perhaps the most beautiful way to discover the natural beauty of Liechtenstein - provided you are not afraid of heights and comfortable on narrow paths. Signposted and secure, the princely path of Fürstensteig was dug into the rock wall in 1898. Leading to the superb Gafleisattel (6000 feet – or 1,853 metres – above sea level), each viewpoint seems more beautiful than the previous one. More experienced hikers can prolong the journey on the no-less splendid Three Sisters trail (Drei-Schwestern-Steig). And with either, an incredible sense of freedom...

Sitting at the foot of Pizol Mountain, Bad Ragaz is a resort known for thermal spring treatments. Ever since the first wellness center was built there in 1716, the city has lived up to its curative promises with waters that run at 37°C (98°F) from the Tamina Gorge.

Dominated by the Silvretta massif (standing at 11,000 feet – or 3,312 metres), the Montafon valley offers an astonishing pilgrimage that follows in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. The American writer spent the winters of 1924 and 1925 here – it was at Schruns that the novelist wrote The Sun Also Rises. His walks in the snow, his climbs to the Madlenerhaus refuge (now accessible by cable car) and his descents are also traced in his memoir, published posthumously, Paris is a Party in France – called A Moveable Feast elsewhere.

Known for having inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein is the most-visited tourist site in Germany. Located on a rocky outcrop, the castle was built on the initiative of Ludwig II of Bavaria between 1869 and 1886. Beyond its unique architecture, its interior decoration alone is worth a visit. Dying before his palace was finished, the sovereign had in fact ordered its destruction… fortunately he was not listened to!