Samarkand was the third city I visited along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan. Registan Square in Samarkand is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent squares in Central Asia and deeply impressed me. Surrounded by three monumental madrasas, intricately decorated with turquoise tiles, geometric patterns, and arabesque ornaments, the square still conveys a sense of the splendor of the ancient Silk Road metropolis. Registan was once the political, religious, and cultural center of Samarkand and the scene of markets, festivals, and public gatherings.

The current ensemble is dominated by three magnificent buildings constructed around the square: the Ulugbek Madrasa, the Sher-Dor Madrasa, and the Tilla-Kari Madrasa.

The Ulugbek Madrasa is the oldest of the three madrasas and was built between 1417 and 1420 under the Timurid ruler and renowned astronomer Ulugbek. Its monumental entrance, with its high pishtaq (gateway), is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and tile mosaics. Ulugbek transformed Samarkand into a major center of learning during his time.

Opposite the Ulugbek Madrasa stands the Sher-Dor Madrasa, built approximately 200 years later, in the 17th century. Its name means “Madrasa with the Lions,” and the depictions of two lions chasing a rising sun with human faces are particularly striking.

The third side of the square is occupied by the Tilla-Kari Madrasa, whose name means “adorned with gold.” Also built in the 17th century, it is especially impressive for its richly decorated mosque, adorned with gold ornaments.

Today, the Registan is one of Uzbekistan’s most important sights and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Samarkand. The square is particularly impressive in the late afternoon when the warm light makes the turquoise facades glow. After nightfall, the ensemble is illuminated and transforms into a fairytale scene, which I enjoyed capturing with my camera.

The ancient city of Bukhara was the third city I visited in Uzbekistan. It is one of the oldest and most important cities in Central Asia and was a major trading and cultural center on the Silk Road for centuries. The historic old town captivates visitors with its mud-brick buildings, turquoise domes, mosques, and madrasas, still clearly conveying the splendor of bygone eras.

A landmark of the city is the imposing Kalan Minaret, which, with its intricate brickwork, rises high above the rooftops and is visible from afar. Right next to it is the Kalan Mosque, one of Bukhara’s most impressive mosques, with its spacious courtyard and numerous arcades.

The view from the Ark Fortress at sunset is particularly atmospheric. As the sun slowly disappears behind the rooftops of the old town, the warm light bathes the historic buildings in golden and reddish hues. After nightfall, another spectacle unfolds: the Kalan Mosque is illuminated in vibrant colors, its colorful lights standing out impressively against the night sky. A wonderful moment to end a day in Bukhara, and for me, yet another wonderful experience in Uzbekistan.

Following my initial impressions of Turkmenistan in my previous blog post, I’d like to share some impressions of the Uzbek city of Khiva with you today. Uzbekistan was the second of the Stan countries I visited on my Central Asia trip. Khiva is indeed, and without a doubt, one of the most fascinating cities in Uzbekistan. The historic old town of Itchan-Kala, surrounded by a mighty city wall, with its turquoise domes, intricately decorated facades, and numerous minarets, resembles an open-air museum from bygone eras – and it doesn’t just seem that way; the old town is actually a vast museum complex, now home to only about 3,000 people. But once, many hundreds of years ago, Khiva was an important center on the ancient Silk Road.

A landmark of the city is the Kalta Minor, the unfinished, unusually wide 29-meter-high minaret with its striking turquoise tile cladding, and arguably Khiva’s most prominent landmark. The squat minaret stands directly in front of the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa and impresses above all with its magnificent covering of turquoise, blue, and greenish tiles. Construction began in 1851, commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan, who wanted an exceptionally tall minaret. However, after his death in 1855, work was halted, and the minaret remained unfinished.

Right next to it, at the end of a small alley, lies the Kunha Ark Citadel, the former residence of the Khans of Khiva. It houses palaces, mosques, and courtyards, offering a glimpse into the former lives of the rulers. The entrance to the citadel, with its imposing walls, is particularly beautiful at dusk when it is beautifully illuminated.

A highlight and well worth the climb is the ascent to the Kunha Ark watchtower. After scaling a few high, stone steps, a wonderful view opens up over the rooftops of Itchan-Kala’s old town: turquoise domes and minarets rise between the sand-colored walls, while the historic old town stretches to the horizon. Especially in the warm evening light, Khiva reveals itself in all its beauty from up here, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

With a quick hello from Central Asia, I’m sharing some impressions of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, my first Central Asian country on this trip. Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, feels like a city from another world. Wide boulevards, monumental buildings, and countless gleaming white houses characterize the cityscape. The consistently used light-colored marble is particularly striking, earning Ashgabat the nickname “White City.”

Among the most impressive buildings is the Türkmembaşy Ruhy Mosque (Gypjak Mosque), a monumental mosque with large domes and minarets, located outside the city center. Completed in 2004, this monumental mosque, with its immense size, is one of Turkmenistan’s most striking religious buildings. Even from afar, the four 91-meter-high minarets and the large, bright dome immediately catch the eye. The number 91 commemorates the year 1991, when Turkmenistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union. The mosque is built of white marble and can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers.

Another striking landmark is the Alem indoor Ferris wheel, housed in a futuristic-looking building and once known as the world’s largest covered Ferris wheel.

A stroll through Ashgabat reveals the unusual mix of monumental architecture, manicured parks, and almost pristine white facades — in fact, only white vehicles are permitted in the city! The city thus conveys an almost surreal impression – magnificent, expansive, and yet deserted. This is, however, due to Turkmenistan’s restrictive policies. Even we, as tourists, were not allowed to leave the hotel without our guide, and photographing most buildings is prohibited. So I contented myself with the view from the hotel terrace on the ninth floor and was at least able to capture some beautiful panoramas.

The Château de Dinan on the Crozon Peninsula is not actually a castle at all; rather, it is an impressive rock formation featuring a natural arch that resembles a drawbridge leading to a fortress. For me, it was another highlight of the Crozon Peninsula — a spot I visited at sunrise on a beautiful morning.

Rising from the wild Atlantic coast of Brittany’s Crozon Peninsula is one of the region’s most striking rock formations: the Château de Dinan. Despite its name, it is not a castle but a massive rock whose distinctive silhouette evokes a medieval fortress. Over millennia, wind, waves, and tides have sculpted the granite into this extraordinary shape. Situated between the famous viewpoints of Pointe de Dinan and Cap de la Chèvre, the Château de Dinan is a scenic highlight of the Armorique Regional Natural Park. The freestanding rock is particularly impressive, connected to the steep cliffs by a natural stone arch. The roaring Atlantic surf and rugged cliffs lend the scene a raw, almost mystical atmosphere.

For photographers like myself, the Château de Dinan is a true paradise — especially at sunrise during the summer months. Anyone visiting the Crozon Peninsula should certainly not miss the walk to the Château de Dinan. This unique rock formation is a striking example of nature’s immense power and ranks among the most spectacular sights on the Breton Atlantic coast. Whether in sunshine, stormy weather, or during the golden hour, the Château de Dinan captivates visitors with ever-changing light and unforgettable views.

Cap de la Chèvre marks the southernmost point of the Crozon Peninsula and ranks among Brittany’s finest viewpoints. Here, rugged cliffs plunge steeply into the Atlantic, offering spectacular vistas across the Bay of Douarnenez all the way to Pointe du Raz. As you traverse the blooming heathlands and the famous GR 34 coastal trail, you are treated to ever-changing panoramas of the deep blue sea and the wild coastal landscape. The shifting light and the raw beauty of the Atlantic create unforgettable photo opportunities, especially during the morning and evening hours. For those wishing to experience the authentic side of Brittany, Cap de la Chèvre offers a place where nature, vast open spaces, and the power of the sea converge in impressive fashion.

I am currently taking a short break, as I am traveling through an exciting region of the world with limited internet access. Stay tuned!

At the Pointe de Pen-Hir on the Crozon Peninsula, visitors encounter one of Brittany’s most impressive natural wonders: Les Tas de Pois — the Pea Heaps. This unusual name hardly does justice to the majestic rocks; these towering pillars rise like stone sentinels from the stormy Iroise Sea and rank among the most iconic sights on the Breton coast. They were formed over millions of years by the relentless power of wind, waves and tides, which sculpted the hard Armorican sandstone massif and separated individual rock pillars from the mainland.

The viewpoint at Pointe de Pen-Hir offers a spectacular vista of cliffs reaching up to 70 meters in height and the offshore rock formations. Depending on your vantage point, the arrangement of Les Tas de Pois appears to shift — sometimes resembling a row of mighty monoliths, at other times looking like scattered islands in the deep blue Atlantic.

For photographers like myself, this place is a true paradise, and I had the pleasure of experiencing it on a wonderful, balmy summer evening in July. As evening falls, the fading light bathes the rocks in magnificent, warm golden hues. Following the GR 34 coastal trail — historically known as the Sentier des Douaniers – Customs Officers’ Path — along the cliffs reveals ever-changing perspectives of the rock formations. Around every bend, a new view opens up of Les Tas de Pois and the rugged coastal landscape of the Crozon Peninsula.

Les Tas de Pois are far more than just an extraordinary rock formation; they embody the wild, primal beauty of Brittany and serve as a striking testament to the immense power of the Atlantic. Anyone who has stood here and let their gaze wander over the rugged cliffs and solitary rock spires immediately understands why this place ranks among France’s most beautiful landscapes — and why photographers keep returning to this windswept stretch of coast.

During my week on Jersey, I took two boat trips with Jersey Seafaris, one of which took me to the small island group of Les Écréhous, located a few miles off Jersey’s northwest coast. A boat excursion to Les Écréhous is one of the special experiences Jersey has to offer. Situated about six miles northeast of the main island, this cluster of islands and reefs forms a fascinating landscape of rocks, sandbanks, and tiny islets that emerge from the sea at low tide and are partially submerged by the waves at high tide. The journey across the open water is an experience in itself: with a bit of luck, you might spot seabirds along the way, and the French coast appears close enough to touch. On the day of my trip, I was lucky enough to see a few gannets, and the French coast — specifically the Cherbourg peninsula with its white beaches — was clearly visible.

The archipelago is not only scenically extraordinary but also a vital sanctuary for numerous seabirds. Only a few houses stand on the islands — some of which become completely cut off by the tide — along with a tiny settlement at the highest point of the main islet. Particularly impressive are the wonderful common terns (Sterna hirundo); nesting right up there, they were the absolute highlight of my visit. Les Écréhous is one of the key breeding grounds for common terns in the Channel Islands. With their silvery-white plumage, elegant deeply forked tails, and distinctive red beaks, they circle gracefully above the rocks. Time and time again, they dive like arrows into the water to catch small fish — bringing them back to their adorable little chicks. I was thrilled to spot a few small families of common terns from a small viewpoint in the village — the chicks were absolutely adorable! I was captivated and spent almost all of our time on the island with these beautiful birds; here you can see a small selection of photos.

Les Écréhous reveal a completely different side of Jersey: wild, windswept, and intimately connected to the tides. The interplay of sea, rock, and sky creates a unique atmosphere that turns a boat trip to this remote archipelago into an unforgettable experience. The elegant common terns, in particular — nesting on the islands and piercing the silence of the sea with their calls — leave a lasting, wonderful impression.

Located on the wild Côte des Légendes (Coast of Legends) in northern Brittany – near Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages in Finistère – stands the Phare de Pontusval, one of the most beautiful and famous lighthouses on the Breton coast. Rising from the Pointe de Beg-Pol, this striking white lighthouse stands amidst smooth, rounded granite rocks and the expansive beaches of the Breton coastline. It is a highly popular and visually stunning subject for photographers, as the rugged Atlantic, bizarre rock formations, and maritime history converge here.

The decision to build the lighthouse was made following a series of shipwrecks along this stretch of coast. Between 1856 and 1865, more than ten maritime accidents occurred offshore; fog, strong currents, and dangerous shallows made navigation in the area particularly treacherous. The design for the new lighthouse was created by engineer Armand Rousseau. Construction began in the late 1860s, and the light was first put into operation on September 15, 1869. The Phare de Pontusval is more than just a standalone lighthouse tower; it was built as a maison-phare – a lighthouse-dwelling hybrid. The square tower structure, standing approximately 14.5 meters tall, is directly connected to a small residential building for the lighthouse keeper. A total of 54 steps lead up to the lantern room. The lighthouse was constructed using local granite from the area around Brignogan. Originally, the structure was built from the grey stone typical of the region. Because this made it difficult to distinguish from the surrounding granite rocks during the day, the tower was painted white in 1923 – giving it the distinctive appearance it has today. It was electrified in 1951. The light now emits a characteristic signal featuring three eclipses within a twelve-second cycle and includes both white and red sectors.

Since 2003, the Phare de Pontusval has operated fully automatically and is monitored remotely. This marked the end of the long era when a lighthouse keeper lived right inside the lighthouse building. Today, the Phare de Pontusval is a popular destination for photographers and travelers in Brittany, primarily due to its extraordinary location. Rather than standing atop a high cliff, the lighthouse is nestled within an impressive landscape of pale sandy beaches, smoothly rounded granite boulders, and flat rock formations.

I found the Phare de Pontusval particularly atmospheric during the evening hours, which coincided with high tide. The warm light of the low-hanging sun makes the bright tower and weathered granite rocks appear in high-contrast colors. The scene shifts constantly depending on the tide and the weather. The Phare de Pontusval embodies many of the elements that make Brittany so special: the rugged Atlantic coast, the characteristic granite, changeable weather, and a rich maritime history. For over 150 years, the lighthouse has kept watch over this stretch of coastline, serving as a reminder of the days when beacons and lighthouse keepers were vital to the safety of ships.

For me, the Phare de Pontusval is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Finistère. Amidst the bizarre rock formations of the Côte des Légendes, it appears to be part of the landscape while simultaneously serving as a distinctive landmark. Anyone who loves Brittany and enjoys photography should definitely add this special spot near Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages to their travel itinerary.

In the southwest of the Channel Island of Jersey lies one of the island’s most famous and impressive landmarks: La Corbière. I explored this beautiful area during a bike tour. Rising from a rocky islet accessible at low tide, the striking white lighthouse has guided ships safely through the treacherous waters off Jersey’s rugged coast since the 19th century.

At low tide, a narrow causeway – submerged by the sea at high tide – provides a path to the lighthouse. As the water recedes, the rocky seabed is revealed, making La Corbière accessible on foot. I visited La Corbière at high tide, which allowed me to fully appreciate the stunning turquoise waters – reminiscent of the blue Caribbean. That is the advantage of visiting such places in broad daylight: the water glows with a brilliant blue-turquoise hue, whereas in the “golden hour” light of sunrise or sunset, it often appears simply dark.

The rugged offshore rocks, the deep blue water, and the bright lighthouse create a striking scene for photographers. At low tide, the rocks and tidal pools feel like a world of their own, while the incoming tide brings waves that once again completely cut the lighthouse off from the mainland. Like so many places on Jersey, La Corbière also has a dramatic history dating back to World War II. During the German occupation of the island, numerous bunkers and fortifications were built around the lighthouse. Some of these relics remain visible in the landscape today, serving as reminders of the island’s strategic importance – and they are particularly popular with British visitors. The bunkers didn’t particularly interest me…

Visiting La Corbière was one of the highlights of my trip to Jersey. The combination of dramatic coastal scenery, the striking lighthouse, the interplay of the tides, and the traces of history makes this place a truly special destination.