Firdos Square may seem like an ordinary roundabout today, featuring a fountain and waving Iraqi flags, but it holds deep historical significance. On April 9th, 2003, the statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled by US forces right here, an event that marked the end of his regime and a turning point in Iraq’s modern history. While there’s no physical trace of the original monument, standing in this square places you where history unfolded. Capture your own photo here and contrast it with the iconic news images that shocked the world back in the day.

Samarra is a small yet historically rich city located approximately 125 kilometres north of Baghdad. Founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tasim, it holds deep significance for Sunni Muslims and features some of Iraq's most iconic Islamic architecture. The easiest way to visit Samarra is on a day trip from Baghdad. Head to the Alawi garage to catch a shared taxi or minivan. A one-way journey in a minivan costs around 10,000 Iraqi dinars. Shared taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a faster and more comfortable ride. Samarra’s most famous landmark is the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque, which was once among the largest mosques in the world. The minaret stands at 52 metres and features a distinctive spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. Climbing the minaret is not always allowed and it is unclear when it's possible to climb it and when it's not. There's also another similar minaret nearby called the Abu Dulaf Minaret, located 28 kilometres from the Great Mosque. Samarra is also home to the Askariyya Shrine, an important site that is sacred to Shia Muslims due to the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but modest dress, respectful behaviour, and compliance with local customs are expected. Due to the shrine’s religious importance, security is very tight and includes several checkpoints. As a predominantly Sunni city in a complex religious landscape, Samarra maintains strict security protocols, particularly for foreigners. If you're not part of an organised tour, expect to be the only foreigner on the journey. This may result in added scrutiny at checkpoints, including detailed passport checks and questions about your travel plans.

Modern technology makes it possible. While it used to be infinitely tedious to trudge through the winter landscape despite wearing snowshoes, snowshoeing is today one of the most pleasant and most relaxing ways to exercise in the open air during winter. And what's more, snowshoeing is one of the sustainable winter sports. That is because it allows everything that is good for relaxation and revival to be combined – nature as far as the eye can see, clear, fresh mountain air and steady, rhythmic exercise. The great thing about it is that no special knowledge or specific training are needed for snowshoeing. Whoever wants to try it out can rent the equipment on-site – Lech Zürs Tourist Office has the necessary information. Buckle up the snowshoes and get moving. Fans of this sport will find an almost endless array of possibilities in Lech Zürs. Highly recommended: a hike with a guide. The guide knows the area inside out and leads hikers on the most beautiful routes to the most amazing places in Lech Zürs. Not only sun terraces, huts and "Alps", but also numerous staging points invite you to take a well earned rest. Experience the stillness and enjoy nature in her primordial form.

Bergdala is the only glassworks that still has a blowing room made entirely of wood. Visitors are welcome in to experience the genuine blowing room environment. Here, the beloved classic 'Blå Kant' (clear glass with the blue edge at the top) is manufactured, along with new designs by young designers. As a visitor, you're welcome to step inside and experience the authentic glassworks environment, and enjoy the spectacle of craftsmen shaping molten glass. Adjacent to the studio, you'll find the shop, where you can buy a range of art glass, Bergdala's traditional products, and new items at factory prices.