A1-Explore the green lifestyle focused on nature in the city

🚆  Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana, Rijeka

📆 26 October - 09 November 2025

Our travel by train started on a rainy Sunday morning. Even though the weather was not great, we were all very excited to begin the journey. The train station was crowded. Many of our parents also came to bring us there and see us off. There was a lot of energy and curiosity in the group. The trip was quite long, so after some time we started to feel a bit tired. Still, we enjoyed the experience, talking to each other, looking at the views from the train, and thinking about what was waiting for us ahead.

We started our day in Budapest at Városliget, just walking through City Park and noticing how everything mixes old and new — from the architecture to the green spaces. It felt like a good place to start practicing contrast, with lakes, sculptures, and the zoo all around us.

In the evening, we took a boat on the Danube, watching the city light up on both sides. Seeing the bridges and buildings from the water made everything feel connected in a different way.

Next day, we went up Gellért Hill for a wide view over Budapest. It was all about perspective there — the river, the skyline, and the mix of stone and nature below us. From there we cycled down Andrássy Avenue to Margaret Island, which felt like a quiet escape in the middle of the city. We slowed down there, paying attention to reflections, symmetry, and how the light changed through the trees.

We then followed the river to Kopaszi-gát, a more modern, relaxed waterfront space, then continued to Haller Park, which felt more local and everyday. Later, we ended at Millenáris Park, where old industrial buildings sit next to green areas and ponds — a kind of quiet transformation in one place.

On day 4 we moved to the next city - Bratislava. After arriving in Bratislava, we check in and settle into our accommodation before heading out to explore the city. Our first stop is Bratislava Castle, sitting high above the Danube. From up there, we take in the view and notice how the castle and the hills around it feel connected — like the city was shaped by the river and the landscape rather than built over it. It’s easy to see how nature and history have always worked together here. 

Even though the focus is on green city life, the autumn atmosphere becomes part of the experience too. The warm colors, the light, and the slower pace give everything a different mood, and we end up paying attention to small details we might usually miss.

Later, we move through some of Bratislava’s parks. In Grassalkovich Garden, everything feels more structured and quiet, almost formal but still relaxing. Sad Janka Kráľa Park feels more open and historic, like a space that has been lived in for a long time. At Železná Studienka, it becomes more natural and forest-like, and we slow down even more, just observing and photographing how people use the space.

Throughout the day, we take photos, jot down impressions, and notice small moments in between — then later compare and select what feels most meaningful from the day.

Next stop — Vienna! After arriving and leaving our luggage at the accommodation, we head out to explore the city. Vienna immediately feels green, calm, and balanced, like nature is simply part of daily life here.

We spend the day walking through parks like Stadtpark, Burggarten, Türkenschanz Park, Setagayapark, and the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, each with a different atmosphere. Some feel lively and social, others quiet and hidden, but all of them show how naturally green spaces fit into the city.

Later, near the Ringstrasse, we visit the Natural History Museum Vienna, where the focus shifts from the city outside to bigger questions about nature, evolution, and human history. It makes us reflect on the connection between people and the environment.

As we continue through Vienna, we explore local markets like Naschmarkt and Karmelitermarkt, noticing how sustainability is part of everyday food culture. Walking through Neubau and Mariahilf, we discover eco-friendly cafés, second-hand shops, and creative spaces that give the city a relaxed and modern feel.

One of the most unexpected stops for us is the colorful Spittelau waste incineration plant, where art, technology, and environmental awareness come together in a surprisingly beautiful way.

One of the interesting parts was Donauinsel - a 21km long artificial island, walking and relaxing by the river while observing how locals connect with nature in their everyday routines. The day ends sharing photos, reflections, and ideas about what our own cities could learn from Vienna’s way of living closely with nature.

Next stop — Ljubljana! After arriving and leaving our luggage at the accommodation, we head out to experience the city for the first time at night. Walking through the quiet streets, bridges, and hidden corners, Ljubljana immediately feels calm, creative, and full of atmosphere. We end the evening with a traditional Slovenian dinner, sharing first impressions and settling into the slower rhythm of the city.

The next day starts with walks through Ljubljana’s green spaces. In Tivoli Park, we spend time surrounded by tree-lined paths, open gardens, and peaceful corners that make the city feel incredibly connected to nature. From there, we follow the forest trail up to Ljubljana Castle, where the walk itself becomes part of the experience — mixing greenery, views over the city, and history all in one place.

Later, we discover another side of Ljubljana through sustainability and creativity. At the House of Experiments, we explore interactive exhibits that connect science, innovation, and everyday life in a fun and hands-on way.

Next stop — Rijeka! After arriving and settling into our accommodation, we head out to explore the city on foot. Walking along Korzo Street, surrounded by cafés, shops, and street life, we quickly get a feel for Rijeka’s relaxed but lively atmosphere. Along the way, we pass landmarks like the City Tower and the Old Gate, where pieces of Roman history still blend into everyday city life.

The next morning starts with a visit to Trsat Castle, high above the city. From the top, we take in the view over Rijeka and the Kvarner Bay, enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by history, gardens, and the sea in the distance.

Later, we walk along the Adriatic coast, noticing the clean beaches, clear water, and calm connection between the city and nature. We stop by the Maiden with the Seagull statue before ending at the Natural History Museum of Rijeka, where we learn more about marine life and the biodiversity of the Adriatic region.

During the almost 14-hour train ride, we’re basically in travel mode half-asleep. People rest, nap, and slowly drift in and out of conversations, with quiet moments mixed with short bursts of laughter.