Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is certainly a superlative and possibly surpassed by the Grand Canyon. The sight of the thundering waterfalls, the magnificent towering granite walls almost perpendicular to raise some polished rocks Dome and the giant sequoias even the most exhausted travelers again. This stunning and unique landscape makes the Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places in California.

Yosemite as a testimony to the immense forces of nature

Yosemite National Park is one of the world's best-known example of a milled through U-shaped glacial valley (formed by rivers, valleys have a V-shape). Some millions of years was in the valley of a river that eroded over time an up to 650 m deep canyon. During an ice age filled up the canyon to its edge with water and possibly one or more glaciers. They extended the canyon at its weakest points and deepened the Yosemite Valley. After the ice age of the bottom of the valley from a lake was covered. The muddy lake during the ice age and became today's lush meadows, which is equipped with pine trees and huge granite peaks.

On 25 March 1851 White first came to the Yosemite Valley, which was inhabited until that time by Indians. The reports of these first visitors quickly aroused the interest of the population. In 1864 was signed by President Lincoln the Yosemite transfer, the state of California undertook to preserve the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove in its natural beauty. 1890 Yosemite National Park and was named to the second national park in the U.S. - after Yellowstone National Park.

Yosemite National Park has an area of ​​3,000 km2. It covers one of the richest forests and aquatic portions of the Sierra Nevada. The significant differences in height of Yosemite National Park (from 400 to 4,000 m) offer many different plant and animal species, excellent living conditions. Thus deer, black bears, coyotes and numerous rodents in the lower regions of their home. Several groves of massive giant sequoia trees, especially in the Mariposa Grove, are among the special attractions of Yosemite National Park.

Getting to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is easily accessible from Highway 120 that runs through the entire National Park in east-west direction to reach from the east of Lee Vining. However, the Highway 120 is usually closed from October to May From the West can be reached by highway 41 (about Fresno and Oakhurst), 120 and 140 of Monteco easily over Merced in Yosemite National Park.

The inputs of Yosemite National Park, Big Oak Flat (Highway 120), Arch Rock (Highway 140) and the South Entrance (Highway 41), the visitor will receive after payment of the entry ($ 20 and is valid for 7 days) a very good card of Yosemite National Park, with which you can easily plan your stay in the park. In July and August, the probability is quite high that the Yosemite National Park is full to overflowing. If you're unlucky, then even the Yosemite National Park closed. This can occur on summer weekends means.

In the Visitor Center in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows, is also very informative, and free "Yosemite Guide"is available. Yosemite National Park has a total of a network of 1,100 km of hiking trails, but there are also 325 km paved roads, so you can explore the Yosemite National Park is also a convenient way. Before you drive into the Yosemite National Park, make sure that you fill up in advance, as it is in Yosemite National Park are no gas stations and the distances within the Yosemite National Parks are great.

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls emerged from the overflow of the 5 Great Lakes, which have formed over 12,000 years. The overflow is Niagara River and its flow washed the soft sandstone under hard, but porous, water-permeable layers of limestone until the limestone collapsed and Niagara Falls were formed. The erosion has also today, for travel to Niagara Falls. In each year the cases shifted by about one meter, because the edge was milled ever. Over the millennia, a total of 11 km. The energy which is operated for several decades, reduced the amount of water of Niagara Falls by up to 75%. This also reduced the erosion to only 4 cm per year.

The Indians knew the Niagara Falls long before 1678 Jesuit Louis Hennepin discovered the first European to the falls. After the boundary was set between the U.S. and the then part of British, quickly came the first tourists. In 1846 the first Maid of the Mist, went still one of the biggest attractions in the fall. But more on that later.

The Niagara Falls consist of two cases, the American Falls and Canadian Falls, and it is clear which of the two of the star. The Horseshoe Falls, which is the Canadian Falls are larger, more beautiful to visit, the better. Horseshoe Falls are 54 meters high and 675 m wide, the American Falls 328 m wide and 56m high. This 2m height difference, however, are only seen statistically, because the height of the water is between 21 and 34m, then the rest are rocks lying around in the water.

Not the height and width makes Niagara Falls so special, but the water mass. 170 million liters per minute rush, despite the reduction of the Canadian Falls. Surprisingly, however, the American Falls has gotten only about 10% of the amount of water. So great I would not consider the difference in estimated. Sorry I had almost forgot to mention the Bridal Veil, which is the small channel next to the American cases. The island between the Horseshoe and American Falls Goat is Iceland, at the press over the Niagara River's water masses on the left and right.

The patriotism of the Americans, it really surprises me very much that because of the Niagara Falls never was a conflict between the U.S. and Canada. The location of the Niagara Falls on the American side is very well taken ill. The view of the cases is possible only on a tower or the Goat Iceland. These boundaries would have to put up a George W. Bush never. :-)))

Over time of course there was always a few lunatics, ICIMOD dealing with boats, rain barrels or Other more or less suitable aids the falls. When there was the first death, such as games were forbidden, as to balance on a tightrope over the ropes.

The town of Niagara Falls is very touristy and yet one is at first a little puzzled by the extreme commercialization of the falls, you might think are too but on the American side of the falls. Of course there are lots of hotels and restaurants, that is indeed a good thing, but whether the many shops, Wax Museums, amusement booths .... need to be? Probably not, but regardless, we follow the thundering noise, which announces the cases from a distance. Approximately level with the American case, we see for the first time on the cases. It's an inspiring spectacle of nature. After many, many pictures we slowly walk towards the cliff. The rumble of the Horseshoe Falls is getting louder and louder. The impression is more powerful. There are always new angles to make pictures of the Falls, until we finally arrive on the terrace with the view gischtbesprühten Visitor Complex Table Rock House.

Here directly to the cases you get wet in a few minutes. We briefly stepping closer to the drip line and enjoy the power of the water. So now, however, quickly into the dry, because after a few minutes we were really wet.

Before this first meeting with the wet, if we were really sure the ride on the Maid of the Mist is an absolute must, but once we are up here already so wet, and told Peter and Nicole, how wet is pretty, despite the blue "raincoats" the bottom of the boat, we have the whole thing with a telephoto lens or views accurately. The name of the classic all sightseeing opportunities, Maid of the Mist, so young women of the spray comes from the Indian time. Iroquois girls were sacrificed regularly, where you put them into a canoe filled with fruits and flowers and the power of the Niagara River on lies.

As bad a half-hour ride is now gone, but the boats up close to recognize under the falls and how much is you will not stay on the body is dry and out of a white wall of fog down there to see anything on the boat. Following the already damp experience on top of the waterfall, we let the manure with the manure. :-)) www.maidofthemist.com
A second one for Americans, vital attraction Journey Behind the Falls. A walk from Table Rock behind the Horseshoe Falls. The elevators and tunnels leads to a hole in the rock, which provides insights from behind the falls.Since even our hotel room offers a view from slightly above in the direction of cases, let us not miss the Skylon Tower.

The tower provides a view from above the Falls and the Niagara River. So you get an overview of how cases are formed from the Niagara River out. How the water divides in the American and Canadian Falls and meanders difficult to Goat around Iceland. The Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. and Canada is here to see the top good.

The tower is 160m high plus its 70m high base. With the lift it goes along the outside of the tower observation deck again. In the tower there are several restaurants including a revolving restaurant. The view from here is spectacular. Of course, the fun is not cheap, but compared to the other "attractions" is money well spent. Apart from the Skylon Tower, there is the Minolta Tower. The 99m is much smaller, but will certainly not be bad. However, it is there behind glass if it should be special glass without reflections. Whatever the case, I can definitely recommend Skylon Tower.

Next, we head north to the so-called Whirlpool. A flushing of the river, which has formed over time. A look old cable car, flying car and glide over the river and you can see from the top of the strudel. Hmm nothing special and also very expensive.

Welcome to New York!

Well, that was now perhaps a little exaggerated. So that with the "Welcome". For in New York you can be - unfortunately - not even when you're sitting at home on the computer and have driven this website. Still, it is important to plan your vacation in New York. And for that, you've come to the right place!If you have landed on us, it's not far to the destination of your journey. We provide all the information you need for your trip preparation and also for staying in the city on the Hudson River. And not only extremely clear and current, but also completely in German. As much service should be!Therefore do directly go and start first with your imaginary journey through the streets of New York. Be inspired by us - but watch for itchy feet, we can not accept any liability!

Highlights

Start right here with your virtual tour of the city - some New York highlights we have collected directly to the home page for you.

Central Park

From the former treeless, rocky swampland Since we got together in 1853 in the course of the years, a natural oasis that generations of New Yorkers and visitors to the city serves as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis point and as a source of inspiration. Several movie sequences (for example, "Harry Met Sally") were shot here, a number of scenes in literary masterpieces (such as "The Catcher in the Rye") will play right here.Over 333 hectares of parks and recreation areas are created. There is also a zoo, a carousel, a theater, lakes, a castle, gardens and fountains. Central Park, The Mall - New York City, the park can be explored on foot or by bicycle, a carriage ride through the park are very popular.Today more than 25 million annual visitors enjoy the vast green space with its 26 000 trees and 9,000 park benches.The original idea came from the then most important landscape artists of the United States, Andrew Jackson Downing. He was responding to the desire of the population according to a recreational area, since in the former New York hardly leisure and entertainment opportunities exist. In an article in the magazine could Horticulturist 1848 he brought impetus to deliberations in the direction of a large public park where you can ride go walking, rowing, playing baseball or cricket, it should also be playgrounds for the children.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a small miracle of technology. It was completed in 1883 and was at that time the longest suspension bridge in the world. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn.

It was designed by German engineer John A. Roebling (John Augustus Roebling). He had studied at the Royal Polytechnic in Berlin and emigrated in 1831 in the USA. In 1841 he founded the first wire rope factory in America. From this point took his idea to build the longest and highest suspension bridge in the world, figure. 16 years, however, should pass before his plans were approved.

Due to an accident during construction, he died suddenly and did not live to complete. His son Washington took over the management of construction and put a caisson technique he had studied with his wife Emily. Here boxes were established as foundations under water. Compressed air prevented the ingress of water. Working conditions were horrible and many workers suffering from a strange disease. Today we know that this is the caisson that occurs when people leave hyperbaric chambers too fast. Roebling also fell ill it was suffering from severe pain and was paralyzed. He did not stop the construction, however, watching the progress from a wheelchair.

Emily Roebling took over the management of the gigantic construction site. They negotiated, the quality requirements set by the Roebling and turned away numerous intrigues.

Even in today's world, this achievement would still highly significant, in the late 19th Century it was almost unbelievable for a woman.

On 24 May 1883 opened the giant bridge with a huge feast.

Also today is a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge impressive and an integral part of his New York stay. On the elevated walkway to cross the East River and admire the impressive skyline of Manhattan. Almost directly under the bridge, the River Cafe is in Brooklyn noble with enchanting views. The sight of the Brooklyn Bridge is spectacular by day, at sunset and at night.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States become a country of immigration. At its base since 1903, the now famous lines from Emma Lazarus are attached: "Send me your tired, your poor, your geknechtetenn masses yearning to breathe free ..."

France's government had given the United States, this monument to the 100-year anniversary - the unveiling took place, however until ten years later, when they could only muster the funds for the base construction.

Gustave Eiffel, who later became the designer of the equally famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, developed the framework, standing with the aid of "Lady Liberty" the often violent storms in the New York Bay bi sheute held. In 1886 the memorial was finally unveiled.

Since 3 August 2004, the Statue of Liberty after extensive renovation to visit again. About $ 100 million cost of the "fun". The vast majority was collected from the former Chrysler chief Lee Iacocca.

Visitors can now also have the option, the Statue of Liberty Museum to visit and, separated by a glass wall to take a look into the interior of the figure. Especially recommended: the breathtaking panoramic view of education and the viewing platform on the sixteenth floor. Only the rise in the crown and the torch of the Statue of Liberty remains closed.

During the renovation, a new ticketing system was introduced by members of the long queues now the past. The security arrangements have been extended and improved the emergency exits. The statue was after 11 September has been closed to the public. In December 2001, the sightseeing tours were taken to Liberty Iceland again.

How to get to Liberty Iceland

The ferry will take you to Liberty Iceland. Loosen the best one spare ticket (adults $ 12, seniors 62 + $ 10, children 4-12 Jhren $ 5), which saves you some erhelblichen delays when boarding the ferry. With this ticket you get priced out without the Monument Pass, which you have access to the base of the Statue of Liberty and the observation deck.
The ferry from Battery Park, the extensive security checks begin at 9:00 clock. Before entering the statue, there are other controls.The ferry investors are respectively located at Battery Park (New York City) and Liberty State Park (Jersey City, New Jersey).Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan. Small Tip: How to use public transport, as the parking lots there are very limited. By phone you can get information about departure times of ferries at Tel 001-877-5239849.Of course, you can visit Liberty Iceland without a reservation, but you will not be admitted without reservation to the statue.

Attractions

Many people are the main attractions of the city already familiar - even if they themselves were not even in New York. The landmarks and attractions, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway or the Brooklyn Bridge are the world almost by everyone. Countless Hollywood films and popular TV series (like "Sex and the City"), who play in New York, have greatly contributed to that reputation.

There are also museums of world renown, the landmark architecture and New York's Islands - New York City offers an incredible range of fascinating to and views. We present the following pages the major attractions of the city.

New York for first time visitors ...

Visitors who travel to New York for the first time can, of course not all at once and visit companies. One should also not try, but make individual choices. Here are the main attractions are combined that one must-see.

We recommend you order the tickets to New York's top attractions before you leave in our online ticket shop! To save time on site at the orientation and can plan your spending better.

1. Day

* A sightseeing tour with a double-decker bus is a good start to get something to give orientation. In NY city sights, you can get off at specific sites and take a later bus to continue the tour. Especially popular with German visitors sprachuígen is the 72-hour ticket "All Around Town Plus", where all the hop-on, can use hop-off tours and get additional benefit from a German-speaking city tour.
* Visit the Statue of Liberty directly or look at the statue from the water on. The impressive skyline from this perspective will remain unforgettable in your memory. The Immigration Museum Ellis Iceland near the Statue of Liberty shows how the experiences of immigrants, the ancestors of nearly a quarter of the current U.S. population.
* Toll is also a helicopter flight where you can enjoy the beautiful skyline from the air. To get in the truest sense of the word an excellent overview.
* Stay in downtown, explore the South Street Seaport with its many restaurants and shops on the shore and a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
* In the evening you could walk in SoHo with the stylish art galleries, boutiques and bistros in the famous cast-iron architecture to explore. Or experience the student and artist's Greenwich Village and the Washington Arch of Stanford White on the side of Fifth Avenue in Washington Square Park drinking an espresso in a coffee shop on Bleecker Street or dine in one of Thai, Indian, French, Polish or Japanese restaurants.


2. Day

* Spend the morning in Midtown East and visit the Chrysler Building in the Art Deco style and the United Nations. Wednesdays are even free tours of the recently restored Grand Central Terminal offered. There you can splendid food in a restaurant under the starry vault at noon.
* In the afternoon you can stroll to Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock). The Channel Gardens, statue of Prometheus and the Lower Plaza are to be admired here. In winter, the giant Christmas tree lit up and many people skate. Is it warmer in the spring, the ice rink into an outdoor restaurant. Walk up to Fifth Avenue, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, past the Trump Tower and several shops in the upmarket or westwards to the Radio City Music Hall.
* In the evening you can visit a memorable performance at Lincoln Center. The following performances: Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City Opera and New York City Ballet.

3. Day

* On the third day, you can take a bike ride in Central Park, which is offered by Central Park Bicycle Tours, or just go walking. At the 82nd Street and Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located. Among the 150 museums in New York City is the Met with exhibits from 5000 years ago, the largest museum in the western hemisphere.
* Then take the bus from Fifth Avenue downtown to 59th Street. On the way you see great buildings, most of which are residential. In the Fifth can buy excellent, as long as it allows the credit card. To the west of Times Square, the revitalization of this area is clearly visible. At the TKTS booth will be discounted tickets for Broadway shows, sold, or are listed on the same evening at Broadway and 47th Street.
* Before the show begins, you still have time for a ride to 86th Floor of the Empire State Building. In the late afternoon you can one hand the city by day and watch the other in the twilight with millions of lights. Many restaurants offer the Theater District called pre-theater dinner specials that are cheaper before the performance.

Las Vegas

Anyone who believes that Las Vegas is one-dimensional, the Town has not yet given enough attention. Of course Las Vegas is a giant playground for adults, even in front of a shimmering symphony of neon, ringing slot machines, shows and facades. But Las Vegas has culture, shopping, a wonderful environment and it is one of the most important conference and exhibition cities in the world. Above all, it is a city that thrives on tourism and hospitality and a visitor can feel the warm to the welcome that you get here.

Many tourists come only once in your life to the gamblers' paradise for Las Vegas and asking yourself what you absolutely must watch. What I must not miss. On this page we have looking at the main Las Vegas attractions together.

Bellagio Fountains - Water fountains

In our opinion, this is the best and even free attractions in Las Vegas. Anyone who sees this for the first time in reality is very impressed. From 15:00 to 24:00 clock Clock (Monday to Friday) giant water spray nozzles, a true spectacle in the air. The water fountains spraying up to 152 meters high. Anyone have a room at the Bellagio hotel is to be envied. This runs from Celine Dion and other artists music alongside that are tailored to the fountains. On weekends, the show starts at 12:00 and runs until 24:00 clock Clock.

Volcano - Volcanic eruption in front of the Mirage Hotel

This attraction is free and very impressive and loud like a real volcano. In front of the Mirage Hotel there is a crater which is during the day peacefully. But if it is night in Las Vegas then this begins to bubble, spitting out then every 15 minutes of fire and lava. Of course, no real really very impressive.

The Sirens of TI - Treasure Battle of the Iceland Hotel

Before TI - Treasure Iceland Hotel will be held 4 times a day a naval battle. The first begins at 19:00 clock and the final will be held at 23:30 clock. Pirate dance, laugh and fight with loud music back and forth. This ship is suddenly a very quiet life. But we will not betray. The show is very popular and you must be very long queue before so you still get a place. At a show several thousand people standing in front of the Treasure Iceland hotel. But it's worth it.

Grand Canal Shops and gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel

This you have probably already seen on television. The Venetian Hotel, you can take a gondola from the hotel. However, a gondola ride is not very cheap. Drive past the famous St. Mark's Square, with many bridges, cafes and shops. Even married in a gondola is possible. Particularly impressive are the paintings in the Venetian Hotel.

Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

This is a shopping mall at Caesars Palace hotel where the artificial sky one day is simulated. It is suddenly darker and lighter. Moreover, it can also rain and lightning. Further interest are Roman figures at the music and laser show back and forth. These look very realistic. Recently, a new shopping area was opened with many more shops.

Freemont Street

This you have certainly seen that on TV or magazines. The Freemont Street is after dark to the largest video show on earth. Million watts of lights and thousands of music to get started and then conjure up stunning images on the ceiling. The Freemont Street is in the old Las Vegas, Downtown.

Stratosphere Tower 356 meters vantage point

One of the most popular attractions and sights in Las Vegas is of course the Stratosphere Tower. Surely you want to know how Las Vegas looks like on the top and enjoy the light sea. We recommend just before dusk with the elevator to the viewing platform to drive. You'll get a breathtaking view as in postcard form in all of Las Vegas offered. For the brave there are still the Big Shot, the highest roller coaster in the world.

The Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy

The legendary show by Siegfried & Roy will unfortunately not take place. But there is a beautiful garden with a zoo where people can view the white tigers that were shown on the show. There is also a show with dolphins.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel

This is is a huge aquarium at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Well worth a visit anyway. There is a glass dome, where the sharks swim away on one. There are also many other species such as turtles, crocodiles and many species of fish.

Madame Tussaud's at the Venetian Hotel

Stand next to your favorite celebrity once and take a picture. This is the wax museum Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas, Venetian hotel. The figures look very realistic. There are figures of Harrison Ford, John Wayne, Britney Spears and many other celebrities.