In the celestial ballet of our solar system, 2024 promises yet another captivating spectacle with a series of lunar and solar eclipses that will mesmerise stargazers around the world. These events are not only visually striking but also present opportunities to study various aspects of the Sun, the Moon and the Earth.

The coming year has two solar and as many lunar eclipses. When coupled with significant full moons, they will make the night sky a visual treat. While each lunar eclipse is going to be a sight to behold for eclipse chasers in the part of the world to which it will be visible, the solar eclipses of 2024 are poised to take centre stage and cast their shadows across various regions of the Earth.

The year has a total solar eclipse as well as an annular solar eclipse, which are two much-awaited cosmic events. These will be interspersed by a partial lunar eclipse and a penumbral lunar eclipse, making 2024 a year to look forward to.

Mark the dates and keep your lunar and solar eclipse glasses ready, as you wouldn’t want to miss any of these cosmic phenomena.

Read about all the mercury retrogrades and full moons in 2024 too.

All the solar and lunar eclipses in 2024 and things to know about them

Penumbral lunar eclipse

The roster of eclipses in 2024 begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 25. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes only through the outer edges of the Earth’s shadow.

In this case, the eclipse is extremely subtle, making it considerably more difficult to observe with the naked eye than a total or partial eclipse. The Moon doesn’t enter the dark zone of the shadow, called the umbra. One cannot see a dark bite being taken out or witness a few fleeting minutes of totality. Keen Space observers can, at the most, make out a mild dark shade on the Moon’s surface at mid-eclipse.

The eclipse will be visible from both North and South America. The Earth’s natural satellite will enter the penumbra at 12:51 am EDT on March 25 (1:51 pm HKT) and leave at 5:35 am EDT (6:35 pm HKT).

Total solar eclipse

The most anticipated cosmic event of the year, the total solar eclipse will occur on April 8. The phenomenon will be visible across North America from the Earth’s surface, albeit under clear skies.

“Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 am PDT (3:07 am HKT),” states NASA. The path of totality (trajectory of the total eclipse) will then cross several US and Canadian states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois, along with Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at 3:42 pm UTC (11:42 pm HKT), and the eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 pm NDT (4:46 am HKT).

Total solar eclipses occur when the Moon completely blocks the view of the Sun’s disk from the Earth. During this time, the sky will turn dark as if it were dawn or dusk. With clear weather conditions, people along the ‘path of totality’ might be able to see the solar corona (the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere), which generally remains obscured by the bright face of the Sun.

In terms of safety, NASA recommends wearing eclipse glasses throughout the event to avoid eye injury. They can be removed only during the brief total phase and must be put back on once the Sun starts becoming visible again.

According to the information on the Space agency’s website, this is the last total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States until 2044. The next one will occur on August 23, 2044.

Partial lunar eclipse

The third eclipse of the year, the partial lunar eclipse will occur on September 18 at 2:14 am UTC (10:14 am HKT) and will last till 3.16 am UTC (11:16 am HKT). It will be visible across places where the Moon is above the horizon, such as the Americas, Africa, Europe, western Asia and south-western Russia.

As the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, observers can see a pale cast over its surface, though the celestial body will not be fully engulfed. However, at 2.14 am, a slight portion will enter the Earth’s umbra and will be devoid of sunlight, marking the beginning of the partial eclipse.

Annular solar eclipse

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns between the Sun and the Earth but is seated at or near its farthest point (apogee) in its elliptical orbit around the planet. At or near apogee, the Moon is not big enough to completely obstruct the Sun’s rays. As a result, it only appears as a dark disk, and the Sun creates a bright ring around it.

The 2024 annular eclipse occurs on October 2 at 5:43 HST (11:43 pm HKT) and will last till 11.47 HAT (8:47 am HKT). While most of the eclipse path lies on the Pacific Ocean, parts of South America such as Chile, Argentina, Falkland Islands and others can also see portions of it.

It is important to keep your solar and lunar eclipse glasses handy while catching a glimpse of this annular solar eclipse.

This story first appeared here.

(Hero and featured image credit: Taylor Smith/Unsplash)

Related: From Space, With Awe: Mesmerising Shots Of Our World From Above

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-How many eclipses are there in 2024?
There are four eclipses in 2024: two solar and two lunar eclipses.

-Where is the best place to see the 2024 eclipse?
The western hemisphere — the US, Canada, and parts of South America and Europe— is the best place to catch a glimpse of the eclipses in 2024.

-Where is the 2024 total solar eclipse the longest?
Mexico will experience the longest total solar eclipse in 2024. The solar eclipse will arrive at its peak at 1.15 pm local time in the town of Nazas.

-Will there be any eclipses in India in 2024?
India won’t be able to witness any of the eclipses in 2024 as the position of the Moon and the Sun will be below the horizon during the phenomena.

NEXT YEAR, boundary-bending hotel brand The Standard celebrates 25 groundbreaking years of redefining hospitality. Fittingly, in February 2024 it will unveil The StandardX — a brand that pushes the envelope in a bold new way.

Evolution is the spirit of The Standard, from triggering cultural revolutions to delivering unparalleled experiences in New York, London, Miami, Maldives, Ibiza, Hua Hin and Bangkok. Like its loyal clientele, The Standard embraces the unexpected. As it enters this milestone year, The Standard is reinventing itself yet again.

The StandardX debuts in Melbourne’s trendy Fitzroy neighbourhood. Guests can expect an electrifying new hotel that distills the essence of The Standard into a concept with a unique X-Factor: an energy thriving on discovery that pulsates through the premiere property.

Future expansion for The StandardX brand includes potential openings in Bangkok, Brooklyn, East Austin and more. Each location will be thoughtfully placed, immersing guests in vibrant cultural scenes and bridging gaps between art, fashion, and music.

The StandardX is seizing this opportunity to cater to younger generations, offering spaces with unexpected perspectives that never compromise on human connection. It’s a return to form that made the brand’s first location, The Standard, Hollywood, a legendary experience that was a place to see and be seen in Hollywood.

The StandardX Marks the Spot

Think of The StandardX as the edgier younger sibling of The Standard. At its core, The StandardX is as consumed by community and connection as its parent brand while stripping away unnecessary frills to create spaces for truly connecting. Enter any of the new hotel’s 125 rooms to discover industrial, raw and affordable havens designed for the modern traveller. 

Be immersed in the colourful playground of Fitzroy, where each corner boasts a legendary musical past, filled with record stores, punk clubs, and beloved party spots that drew the creative energy of artists like Nick Cave. 

The StandardX’s design, by Melbourne’s Hecker Guthrie together with The Standard’s in-house design team, captures this rebellious spirit and blends it with the touchpoints that fans know and love. Be captivated by macrame-wrapped columns by local artist Sarah Smalltown, bold artwork from Dane Lovett and custom furniture across all eight floors.

Choose an intimate Cozy King or more spacious Suite Spot; each room is finished in a palette of blue and white that will envelop you in sophistication and style.

Dine and Drink with The StandardX

For the ultimate dining experience guaranteed to impress even the most advanced palate, The StandardX’s trio of innovative food and beverage concepts will satisfy every diner.

Take the elevator to The Roof, an exclusive haven reserved only for hotel guests and revealing unmatched views across Fitzroy and Melbourne. The sky-high destination showcases a menu inspired by Mercado Medellin’s delicious flavours — from tacos to ceviche and beyond — designed by Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya.

BANG is the hotel’s vibrant all-day eatery, serving bold Thai flavours with authentic flourishes. For in-between, on-the-go meals, delightful snacks and refreshing drinks, stop by The Box to pick up anything you’re craving. 

Embrace your rebellious streak and connect with a new community at The StandardX this February, as trend-making hotel brand The Standard celebrates 25 years of pushing boundaries.

Now through April 2024, opening rates for The StandardX, Melbourne will be 250 – 350 AUD/night. For more details on The StandardX or specific information about The StandardX, Melbourne, please visit www.standardx.com

Article Sponsored by The Standard Hotels
Images courtesy of The Standard Hotels.

All K-drama fans in Hong Kong are in for a treat as Kim Seok-woo aka Rowoon is heading to the city for a fan meeting. The Asia tour fan meeting, called ‘2024 RO WOON FAN MEETING ‘An Ordinary Day’, will be held in January 2024 across cities like Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila as well as Seoul.

Rowoon, who recently parted ways with the Korean boy band SF9, has decided to focus on his acting career. To mark this new phase in his career, the actor is celebrating with his fans across the globe. Here’s everything you should know about upcoming fan interaction in the city.

Everything to know about Rowoon’s fan meeting in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong stop of ‘An Ordinary Day: 2024 Ro Woon Fan Meeting Tour’ is on January 31. The event will take place at Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre from 8 pm onwards. The tickets are priced at HKD 1,588 (VIP), HKD 1,288 (zone A) and HKD 888 (zone B), with benefits extending with each tier. Fans can click group photos with the star as well as get signed posters.

Tickets will be up for grabs on December 22nd, 2023 (Friday) at 10 am local time. They will be available on the HK TICKETING website, so make sure to snag them at the earliest.

2024.01.31 2024 RO WOON FAN MEETING TOUR ‘An Ordinary Day’ IN HONG KONG 개최 안내
>> https://t.co/CCY9amDRbT#로운 #ROWOON #AnOrdinaryDay #보통의하루 pic.twitter.com/BV37QTtKrX

— FNC Ent. (@FNC_ENT) December 14, 2023

Meanwhile, here’s the full schedule of Rowoon’s fan meeting tour:

• Taipei on January 21, 2024
• Bangkok on January 27, 2024
• Hong Kong on January 31, 2024
• Manila on March 2, 2024
• Seoul (TBA)

South Korean star Rowoon is known for his acting chops in projects like Extraordinary You, She Would Never Know, The King’s Affection, and Tomorrow.  After entering the acting scene in 2016, he also earned the Best New Actor accolade at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. He also bagged multiple KBS Drama Awards in 2021.

 

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This story first appeared here.

(Hero and feature image credit: ewsbdi/ Instagram)

Related: Love K-dramas? You Can Actually Visit These Shooting Locations!

Singapore has witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past month, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue a travel advisory to curb the spread of the infection. The Singapore Travel Advisory emphasises the importance of wearing masks, particularly in public spaces such as Singapore Changi International Airport.

Singapore has experienced a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases during the first week of December. The reported cases surged from 32,035 to 56,043 between December 3-9. According to the Ministry of Health, the predominant variant in Singapore’s COVID-19 cases is JN.1, a sublineage of BA.2.86. Stay informed about the evolving situation and adhere to recommended guidelines to safeguard public health.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is crucial to prevent severe illness. The government has strongly encouraged the public to “wear masks in crowded places, even if they are sick”. Additionally, individuals with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms are urged to stay at home and refrain from contact with others.

COVID-19: Singapore Ministry of Health issues travel advisory

Travellers are advised to take necessary precautions, including avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation, wearing masks at the airport, and obtaining travel insurance.

For those planning travel during the upcoming peak season, a health risk assessment with a doctor four to six weeks before departure is recommended. Vaccination advice and prophylaxis should be sought, including compliance with yellow fever vaccination requirements for visiting Singapore. Staying current with vaccinations and boosters according to the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) or National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) is crucial.

During the trip, practising good personal hygiene—regular handwashing, use of hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing—is essential. Additionally, travellers should consume fully cooked food, avoid raw or undercooked items, and be cautious with water sources. After the trip, individuals feeling unwell are urged to wear masks, inform healthcare providers about their travel history, and seek medical attention promptly.

More details on Singapore’s Minister of Health website.

(Feature image credit: DerekTao/Shutterstock)

Related: Get A Luxurious Start To Your Trip At These Premium Airport Lounges

Calling all Potterheads! Magic is unfurling in Macau as the Harry Potter: The Exhibition finally opened on Thursday, celebrating the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts of the mythical world. The groundbreaking touring exhibition of the beloved book series and movie franchise is taking place at the newly opened, The Londoner Macao.

With twenty celebratory galleries featuring immersive design and technology, visitors can get the best of the Potter franchise as well as the expanded wizarding world including iconic moments from Fantastic Beast and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Plop down in Hagrid’s giant chair, squeeze into the Cupboard Under The Stairs or hone your Quidditch skills by throwing a Quaffle – there’s so much to explore.

The Harry Potter exhibition in Macau is finally open to visitors!

The first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, this Londoner exhibition includes a Paper to-Screen Gallery, Hogwarts Castle Gallery, the Great Hall Gallery, Hogwarts House, Hogwarts Classroom, Hagrid’s Hut and whatnot. You can begin your own personalised Harry Potter journey by choosing your favourite Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus. 

At the launch ceremony, guests enjoyed an exclusive VIP tour. Visitors to the exhibition can shop the exclusive collection of merchandise available in the onsite retail shop. Meanwhile, others can sit back and enjoy a delicious cup of the iconic drink, Butterbeer.

 

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For cinephiles, all these come with the learning experience of behind-the-scenes filmmaking details. Other things to do include brewing a potion, potting a Mandrake, and earning points.

Adult (Peak) tickets cost MOP/HKD 268 while Child (Peak) tickets cost MOP/HKD 208. Meanwhile, Adult (Non-Peak) tickets cost MOP/HKD 218 and MOP/HKD168 for Child (Non-Peak) tickets. VIP tickets are available for MOP/HKD 698. Visit the official website for more details.

Visitors may need to spend about 90 minutes in the self-guided exhibition for a comprehensive experience. In addition, the exhibition-only Harry Potter merchandise is up for grabs!

An exciting list of Harry Potter-themed attractions

Other than the list of activities to do, the exhibition also boasts several non-gaming offerings. For instance, the ‘From Page to Screen’ Gallery will highlight the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in the iconic book series.

Meanwhile, the ‘Hogwarts Castle’ Gallery boasts an immersive multimedia experience featuring the Whomping Willow, Dementors, and Marauder’s Maps. The ‘Great Hall’ Gallery allows visitors to look back at the magical moments while the ‘Hogwarts Classrooms’ has props and costumes to admire.

Visitors can also experience what it is like to have magical lessons through a digital touchscreen. Know what it’s like to predict the future in Divination class! Or try your hand at defeating a boggart in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class.

The exhibition first premiered in February 2022 and held shows in Paris, France, and New York before heading to Macau. 

This story first appeared here.

Related: 7 Most Expensive ‘Harry Potter’ Items Ever Sold At Auctions

Exciting news for travellers! Recent research has unveiled the European countries that have been most generous in granting Schengen visas, and this informative list could be the secret to identifying the destination with the most accessible Schengen visa process.

France takes the lead, issuing over three crore visas, followed by Germany in second place with over two crore, and Italy in third, granting almost two crore visas.

The Schengen visa is the gateway to Europe, offering the freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone without the need for separate visas for each country. However, this visa has gained a reputation for being challenging to obtain, with many eager travellers experiencing delays and rejections. If you plan a trip to Europe, understanding the countries that issue the maximum number of Schengen visas can prove invaluable.

Top ten European countries issuing the most Schengen visas

According to Schengen Statistics reported by SchengenVisaInfo, covering the period from 2009 to 2022 and accounting for visas granted to foreign applicants, the top three countries on the list are among Europe’s most beloved destinations. Here is the list of countries and the number of visas they have issued:

1. France: 3,02,53,370
2. Germany: 2,09,41, 303
3. Italy: 1,93,59,244
4. Spain: 1,74,42,568
5. Finland: 1,12,34,436
6. Greece: 1,09,58,014
7. Poland: 93,78,827
8. Czech Republic: 65,05,592
9. Netherlands: 56,66,488
10. Switzerland: 52,59,842

Over these 13 years, France accounted for 23.9 percent of all visas issued on the list, maintaining its lead. Germany secured the second position, trailing by one crore visas. Although Germany held the top spot in 2009, France has maintained its lead since 2010.

The highest number of visas granted by European countries occurred before the pandemic, from 2017 to 2019, with a total of 3.51 crore visas issued during those three years. France contributed 27.8 percent of these visas. In contrast, the pandemic years, 2020 and 2021, recorded the lowest number of visas ever issued, totalling 38 lakhs.

(Feature image credit: Shutterstock)

Related: Your European Summer Vacation Is Possible Even Without A Schengen Visa: Here’s How

Could it be New Year’s Eve without fireworks? Hardly! Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve countdown returns with the biggest and longest musical firework display the city has ever seen.

With the world-famous, panoramic Victoria Harbour as the backdrop, the “Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” will have a 12-minute festive display, themed “New Year New Legend”. The grand showcase will span 1,300 metres, from Central to Causeway.

So, send off 2023 with the grandest-ever celebrations and watch the vibrant fireworks light up Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.

The fireworks will light up the Hong Kong sky in different colours

The fireworks will take Hongkongers on a captivating journey through the four seasons of winter, spring, summer and autumn. The grand display also promises an enigmatic audio-visual feast, from silver winter snowflakes to colourful summer. As the clock inches closer to midnight, a large countdown clock will adorn the façade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fireworks will illuminate the sky in four different colours, symbolising love, health, happiness and wealth in the New Year. What’s more, a brand-new musical arrangement will draw up the curtain at the stroke of midnight.

Thematic music will accompany the spectacular fireworks

Along with the fireworks, thematic music (Western classical and Chinese instrumental) will fill the air to heighten the festive ambience. It doesn’t get any more Hong Kong than showcasing the city’s East-meets-West cultural appeal, does it?

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the grand night will also have wishmaking sessions every 15 minutes from 11 pm onwards. You can also watch the countdown spectacle live on local TV, HKTB’s Discover Hong Kong website and social media platforms. Not in Hong Kong for New Year’s Eve? The organisers have you covered! They will share the highlights of the event with viewers worldwide, so you don’t miss out on the celebrations.

So, are you ready for the most magical night of the year?

This story first appeared here.

(Hero and feature image credits: Michael Elleray/Flickr)

Related: The Best New Year’s Eve Parties In Hong Kong To Ring In 2024

Somehow, we are just mere days away from the end of 2023. Now that another year has come to pass, we can look back on all the things we experienced and, thanks to Google, look back at all the trips we searched for and planned along the way.

Each December, Google unveils its Year in Search, which includes all trending queries we made. It highlights the things we searched for that had a sustained spike in traffic over a longer period compared to 2022.

According to Google, which shared some of its more travel-centric results, honeymooners were all about luxury escapes in 2023, including both beachside and city getaways.

The most popular honeymoon destinations in 2023

The No. 1 trending destination for honeymoons was Bali, Indonesia. The location is ideal for newly minted married couples as it offers plenty of beaches to sit on for days on end, cultural activities for those looking to make new memories together, and fantastic dining options so you can split a few dishes with your boo.

Bali was followed by the nation of Scotland, which offers a completely different, but equally fantastic vibe, filled with rolling hills and opportunities to walk along more rugged shorelines and spend a little time in a pub or two.

Following these two destinations was the French Riviera; a domestic spot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; an island getaway in Saint Lucia; the entire, ever-romantic nation of France; the adventure-lover’s dream of the Galápagos Islands; the fun-loving getaway to Las Vegas; a far-flung escape to Zanzibar; and a tapas dream in Spain.

As for actual wedding locations, Google revealed that Lake Como, Italy, led the pack, followed by Tulum and Cancun in Mexico. These were followed by Bali, which could be a double feature for wedding and honeymoon, and onto a host of domestic spots, including Long Island, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Vermont. But really, no matter where you say “I do” or celebrate your newly wedded bliss, you’re going to have a great time, we swear.

(Feature image credit: ErmakovaElena/Getty Images) 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: Explore Bali’s Top 25 Hotels for a Perfect Vacation!

Following the Orionid meteor shower in October, the Geminid meteor shower will light up the night sky between 14-15 of December 2023. 27 meteors are expected to cross the sky in remote areas between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on December 15th.

The Geminids are active from November 24 through December 24 but don’t kick into high gear until the second week of December. The Hong Kong Space Museum describes the meteors of the Geminid meteor shower as relatively bright, slow, numerous, and stable, which are ideal for naked-eye viewing.

About the Geminid meteor shower

Every year, the asteroid Phaethon passes near the Earth, and the debris from the object falls into the Earth’s atmosphere, where it is then heated and burned up by air, forming meteors. Geminids is the name given to the meteor shower originating from Phaeton, marking one of two major meteor showers not originating from a comet.

Astronomers love to compare the “rainfall amount” between meteor showers. While the fall rate of most meteor showers is in the single digits, it’s predicted that the Geminid meteor shower will reach 150 per hour at 3 a.m. on December 15, which makes it worth watching. The International Meteor Organisation offers more information and animated illustrations on its website.

Where and how to see the Geminid meteor shower?

The Hong Kong Tourism Board highlights four key stargazing locations: Shek O, Sunset Peak, West Dam of High Island Reservoir, and Tai Mei Tuk Main Dam.

Hong Kong Space Museum suggests a location with a wide view of the sky and low light pollution for observing the shower. It will broadcast the Geminid meteor shower live on December 14 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on its YouTube channel with live reporting offering related astronomical knowledge.

For photographers, it is best to bring a camera with a long exposure function and a wide-angle lens. One way to capture the meteor shower is to aim at the darkest area in the sky and choose a star to focus. Then adjust the aperture and sensitivity to appropriate values for a long exposure while avoiding noise from a high ISO value.

This story first appeared here.

Images: Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images, International Meteor Organisation

Related: From Space, With Awe: Mesmerising Shots Of Our World From Above

United Airlines is making it easier for travellers to hop a train in Europe by partnering with the Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn to create a single ticket for both air and train travel.

The new partnership, which went into effect recently, will allow travellers flying through Frankfurt Airport to buy a single ticket that includes a train to continue onto 25 different cities in Germany as well as Basel, Switzerland, according to United. The integrated ticket will also have one fare that includes all legs of the trip.

All you need to know about the one ticket travel in Germany

“Connecting amazing places on both sides of the Atlantic has never been so easy,” Stefan Kreuzpaintner, the senior vice president of network, alliances and partnerships at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said in a statement. “Together with our partners, we have consistently expanded our intermodal services in recent years in many European countries… It offers travellers to and from the USA a convenient, comfortable journey – a real premium product.”

Travellers who book one of these integrated tickets can receive the boarding pass for both their flight and train when checking in. They also have the possibility to access priority baggage handling and other services in the AiRail check-in area at Frankfurt Airport.

United MileagePlus members can also earn miles for the rail portion of their rail/air ticket, and eligible customers can access Deutsche Bahn lounges.

As an added perk, these tickets come with transfer and connection protection in the event of a delay or breakdown.

Trains are one of the easiest ways to get around Europe once you land with a large variety available from inter-city trains to larger lines like the Eurostar.

For its part, Deutsche Bahn operates more than 40,000 trains each day across 5,700 train stations. The company, along with its French counterpart, is also currently developing a high-speed connection between Paris and Berlin that would directly link the two major cities in 7 hours.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Feature Image Credit: Helmut Fricke/Getty Images

Related: 20 Must-Visit Places in Germany: Mountains and Medieval Towns Unveiled!