Hannover Expo 2000

Hannover was the host city for the world’s fair Expo in the year 2000. Various transport and infrastructure projects were developed in and around the city as part of this major event. Visit the original exhibition site including some of the original country pavilions that have been more or less surviving all these years.

• City: Hannover, Germany
• How to get there: Take the Tram Line 6 from Kröpke Station to Messe/Ost (Expo Plaza) Station. You’ll find the (derelict) Expo Pavilions of the Netherlands and Latvia to the left of the station exit.
• Tip: After exploring what is left of the Expo, you could also visit the nearby low-energy housing quarter Kronsberg to the north. These architecturally diverse buildings for more than 7.000 inhabitants have been entirely built to sustainable standards including innovative surface water draining and green roofing. For your return trip to Hannover city centre use Kronsberg Station. Walking time is around 30 minutes.
• Ticket: You’ll need a ticket that is valid for the Ticketzone Hannover.
• Transport information: Großraum Verkehr Hannover (also in English)

Sydney Blue Mountains

Although over 2 hours by suburban train out of Sydney city centre, a visit to the Blue Mountains and its attractions is probably included in many travel guides. However with the combined hiking and rail option described below this is a trip well worth doing.

• City: Sydney
• How to get there: Take the Blue Mountains Line from Central Station to Katoomba Station. Then it’s about a 30 min. walk to the (maybe a bit touristy) Three Sisters view point.
• Tip: If you aren’t afraid of a strenuous hike, there is route option down the Giant Stairway towards Leura Forest and Cascades with a finish at the Elysian Rock Lookout. From there less than 30 min. later you’ll reach Leura Station (Blue Mountains Line) for your return trip to central Sydney. This is a hard walk with lots of steps but also rewarding views and some waterfalls. Total walking time around four hours.
• Ticket: You can use the Opal Card (top up) on the Blue Mountains Line.
• Transport information: Transport for NSW

Chicago Beaches

Enjoy some local sandy beaches together with green parks in the north of Chicago along the shores of lake Michigan.

• City: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
• How to get there: Take the Red Line from Jackson Station to Thorndale Station. Then it’s a short walk to the Kathy Osterman Beach.
• Tip: If you got some time, there is an enjoyable walk along the Lakefront Trail, including beaches, marinas and through parks to get to Fullerton Station (Brown-, Purple- and Red Line) for your return trip to downtown Chicago. Walking time is less than two hours.
• Ticket: Best is to get a Ventra Card with 1, 3 or 7 day passes.
• Transport information: Chicago Transit Authority

London Docklands Views

Fantastic views of the Docklands, Canary Wharf from the Royal Victoria Bridge, as seen on the picture.

• City: London, England, United Kingdom
• How to get there: Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from Bank Station to Custom House for ExCel Station (check for updates on construction work of the new Elizabeth Line, Crossrail). Then it’s a short walk to the foot bridge.
• Tip: Walk across the bridge, keep heading southwards for a couple of minutes and use West Silvertown Station (DLR) for your return trip.
• Ticket: Use an Oyster Card, Stations are in Fare Zones 1 and 3.
• Transport information: Transport for London