Travel tips

Aug 16, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Major new music festival coming to Orlando

Orlando (dpa) - A brand new music event is set to kick off at Orlando in the Sunshine State of Florida this autumn. Headlining on November 12/13 at 'Orlando Calling' will be Bob Seger, Kid Rock and The Killers.

The 50,000 capacity event takes place on four stages at the Citrus Bowl Park in Orlando. Tickets start at 89 dollars for a day and 145 dollars for both days. (www.orlandocalling.com)

New climbing adventure in Bavaria

Tannheim, Germany (dpa) - A tough new hiking trail takes climbers to the summit of the impressive Kellenspitze peak (2,238 m) in the Allgaeu alps on the border between Germany and Austria.

The 'Suedsporn' route is 750 metres long with an ascent of 375 metres and is described as being of moderate difficulty. It should only be attempted by experienced alpinists. Using the new route, it takes around two-and-a-half hours in all to reach the summit. There are various mountain huts along the way, including the Tannheimer Huette and the Gimpelhaus. (www.tannheimertal.com).

Classic mountain run in Austria

Galtuer, Austria (dpa) - Athletes from all over the world will be gathering in the Austrian resort of Galtuer on August 29 for one of Europe's most challenging mountain marathons, the Silvretta-Ferwall event.

The classic 42.3 km race takes place against an imposing backdrop of mountain scenery and alpine plants and wildlife, with some stages at an altitude of 2,600 metres above sea level. A half-marathon option (22.1 km) is available and there is a less strenuous family route of 13.5 km. A festival takes place a few days in advance of the race. (www.galtuer.com/marathon-hike.en.htm)

Bikers descend on Carinthia

Cologne (dpa) - Motorcyclists will be travelling from far and wide to the Austrian alpine state of Carinthia for a major get-together from September 6 to 11.

The 13th edition of European Bike Week takes place at Lake Faak, south of Villach and close to the border with Slovenia and Italy. There will be ample opportunity to talk shop, admire new models from US maker Harley-Davidson and listen to concerts by bands such as the legendary rock group Uriah Heep. (www.hogeuropegallery.com)

Austrians celebrate a feast of dumplings

St. Johann in Tirol (dpa) - Bread dumplings in 22 variations will be there for the tasting in the Austrian resort of St. Johann in Tirol for three days from September 24.

A troupe of 15 chefs will be on hand to serve up this calorie-laden component of traditional Austrian, Hungarian and Czech cuisine. Experts will reveal recipe secrets while a local oompah band provides the suitable musical accompaniment. (www.kitzalps.cc).

Rare Japanese art on show in Berlin

Berlin (dpa) - The German capital Berlin is hosting a comprehensive retrospective of work by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, best known for his famous picture series 'Thirty-Six views of Mount Fuji', which includes 'The Wave.'