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"Cast off!" – this is how one of the largest and most traditional sailing events in the world begins in Kiel every year: the Kiel Week. The renowned festival in Schleswig-Holstein combines international regattas with a maritime folk festival that characterises the city for nine days. Modern yachts, historic sailing ships and numerous smaller boats meet on the Kiel Fjord and determine the image of the coast.

A special highlight is the famous windjammer parade, which can also be seen in this photo, but traditionally only takes place towards the end of the Kiel Week. Impressive tall ships move in formation across the water, accompanied by many smaller boats. High masts, wide-span sails and the smooth gliding of the ships give the scene an almost timeless appearance.

The scene is particularly impressive in the interplay of light and water: the bright light is reflected on the fjord, while the silhouettes of the ships stand out clearly against the sky and clouds. In this way, the Kiel Week combines seafaring tradition with an impressive interplay of movement and water.

Perched at the far edge of Piazza Bovio in Piombino, Tuscany, Italy, is the Piombino Lighthouse. Locally, it is known as 'Faro di Piombino' or 'La Rocchetta Lighthouse.' It overlooks the point where the Tuscan coast faces the island of Elba.

The lighthouse was built in the 20th century on the remains of an older fortification. Despite its small size and neo-Gothic style, it plays an important role. Its light is visible offshore and helps guide vessels through the channel between Piombino and the Tuscan Archipelago.

What makes it especially memorable, however, is its setting. Piazza Bovio, often described as one of Italy's most striking seaside squares, offers expansive views across the Tyrrhenian Sea and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. On clear days, you can see all the way to Elba, while sunset turns the headland into a natural lookout point. More than a navigational aid, the lighthouse has become one of Piombino's best-known symbols, where maritime history and the coastal landscape still meet.

Across the National Mall in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History and Culture rises with a striking bronze-colored exterior. This powerful landmark reflects the story of Juneteenth, a holiday marking June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally announced freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved people—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.

Often called Freedom Day, Juneteenth honors both the end of slavery in the United States and the long struggle for equality that followed. Celebrations began in Texas and gradually spread nationwide, becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

ike the museum's intricate facade—a tiered 'corona' form inspired by African artistry and craftsmanship—Juneteenth reflects layered meanings of resilience, memory, and hope. Together, the holiday and the museum invite reflection on a past that continues to shape the nation's present.

On the vast blue waves of China, dragon boat racing has continued for over two thousand years. This sporting event, now renowned worldwide, is not only a contest of speed and strength, but also a cultural symbol deeply engraved in the bloodline of the Chinese people. The origin of dragon boats is widely debated, blending mythology, history, and other layers to form the foundation of Dragon Boat Festival culture.

For example, totem sacrificial legends can be traced back to the Neolithic era, when the ancient Baiyue people in southern China worshipped dragon totems. Every midsummer in May, they carve boats into dragon shapes for water worship, praying for blessings and disaster relief. This is also the most widely recognized origin of dragon boats in academic circles. The Legend of Qu Yuan: It is said that during the Warring States period, the patriotic poet Qu Yuan of Chu threw himself into the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Upon hearing the news, the people along the river hurriedly rowed boats to drive away the fish and shrimp from the river, competing to retrieve his remains. After generations of evolution, this righteous act eventually converged into the entire nation's Dragon Boat Festival custom commemorating Qu Yuan.r>
Other historical records state that during the Spring and Autumn period, King Goujian of Yue, in order to endure hardship and seek revenge, secretly trained his navy in Jiangsu and Zhejiang using 'water boat racing.' As the smoke of war cleared, this military training gradually entered civilian society, transforming into a competitive custom.

Set high above Cusco in Peru, Sacsayhuamán reveals the ambition of the Inca Empire in stone. Built in the 15th century, this vast complex once formed part of the sacred capital of the Incas. From above, the layout becomes clear: terraces, open plazas and the remains of towers forming a carefully planned citadel. The largest walls, built from enormous blocks, still stand strong today. Some stones rise more than 8.2 metres tall and were fitted together so precisely—without mortar—that the structure has endured centuries of earthquakes.

Archaeologists believe Sacsayhuamán served both ceremonial and strategic purposes, hosting gatherings and rituals dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god, while also overlooking the city below. Its name comes from Quechua, often translated as 'Satisfied Falcon,' reflecting the importance of birds of prey in Andean belief. Today, the site remains a powerful reminder of Inca engineering—where design, symbolism and sheer scale continue to impress from every angle.

Follow the glowing ribbon of switchbacks and you'll find one of Switzerland's most legendary drives: Tremola Road, the historic southern approach to the Saint Gotthard Pass, above Airolo. Built in the early 1800s and largely shaped by a 1951 reconstruction, this route is celebrated as Switzerland's longest monument to historic road construction. Its showstopper stretch climbs about 299 metres in just 4 kilometres, curling through 24 named hairpin bends on granite cobblestones, with sturdy retaining walls edging the way. Overall, it runs about 11 kilometres and features 37 bends in total. Take it slow—every curve feels like a step back in time, trading speed for sweeping mountain scenery and big views toward the upper Leventina Valley. Whether you're driving, cycling or pulling over for photos, look for the Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot framing those iconic zigzags.

Adventure tip: Aim for clear, dry conditions—the cobbles are part of the thrill.