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Issue 170: Via Dinarica

Issue 170: Via Dinarica

Plus: Talampaya and Ischigualasto National Parks, starling murmurations and more.

Amanda Zeisset
November 22, 2024

ISSUE 170

In partnership with

This week’s issue is sponsored by BetterSleep. The #1 App that helps you fall asleep in minutes.

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

Wildlife Experiences: Starling Murmurations
Hiking: Via Dinarica
National Parks: Talampaya and Ischigualasto

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES

The Synchronized Dance of a Million Starlings in Denmark

Photo: Marco Valk Nature & Films

Each year in late autumn and early spring, thousands of starlings gather in the marshlands of southwestern Jutland, Denmark, near the Wadden Sea National Park.

This spectacle, known locally as Sort Sol or “Black Sun,” occurs as the starlings come together to feed, avoid predators, and stay warm as the weather shifts. As dusk falls, the sky fills with starlings moving as one, creating mesmerizing formations that twist and shift in unison.

The best time to witness Sort Sol is just before sunset, when the birds’ dynamic silhouettes contrast against the fading light. Højer and Ribe marshes are popular spots to watch, though the phenomenon is visible across much of the Wadden Sea region.

Photographers flock to capture the fleeting beauty of these formations, while locals and visitors alike gaze in awe, immersed in the natural magic of the Sort Sol experience.

Explore more:

Flight of the Starlings: Watch This Eerie but Beautiful Phenomenon (video)
How to Photograph Starling Murmurations (article)

TOGETHER WITH BETTERSLEEP

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HIKING

Via Dinarica - A Mega Trail Across the Balkans

Photo: Outdoor Albania

Hiking the Via Dinarica is like stepping into a real-life adventure book. This trail stretches around 2,000 kilometers along the Dinaric Alps, weaving through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, and Albania.

It’s a wild trek across some of Europe’s most rugged landscapes, and since it’s not as widely known as other European trails, it still feels raw and undiscovered. Think towering limestone peaks, and green valleys that go on forever.

The whole experience blends wild nature with an immersion into local cultures that have been shaped by centuries of unique traditions, from Bosnia’s rich coffee culture to Albania’s shepherding heritage and Croatia’s Mediterranean way of life.

The trail has three main routes, each with its own vibe. The White Trail is for serious hikers, taking you through the highest peaks like Montenegro’s Durmitor and Albania’s "Accursed Mountains."

The Blue Trail mixes mountain views with Adriatic coastal scenes, while the Green Trail is more relaxed, winding through lush forests and charming villages for a laid-back nature walk.

Explore more:

A Balkan Journey: Slovenia to Croatia (article)
Via Dinarica (tour info)

TRIP PLANNER

Where To Travel Next?

If you want to start the new year with a great adventure, here are some recommendations for epic adventure trips.

Kayaking Espiritu Santo Island in Baja: Baja is all about being remote and exploring the hidden bays on the islands. Espiritu Santo is arguably the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez and this expedition explores every little corner of it. Although the tours run from November to April, we recommend November to December and April when the winds are calmer.

Hiking the Yosemite Grand Traverse: Forget just snapping pics of El Capitan and Half Dome—how about setting off on a 8-day adventure made for true nature lovers? The Yosemite Grand Traverse takes you beyond the usual tourist trails to uncover secret spots that most visitors don’t even know exist.

Cycling the Alps2Ocean Bike Trail in New Zealand: Imagine pedaling through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Zealand has to offer. You’ll get dropped off by a helicopter at the base of Mt Cook, in the majestic Southern Alps, and you will spend the next week cycling all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

NATIONAL PARKS

Talampaya and Ischigualasto National Parks

Photo: El On The Move

If you love feeling like you’ve traveled to another planet, a trip to Talampaya and Ischigualasto National Parks in Argentina will make you feel like you stepped into a sci-fi movie – think red deserts, massive cliffs, and towering rock formations.

Set in the remote desert areas of La Rioja and San Juan provinces, these parks are famous for their mind-bending landscapes, earning Ischigualasto the nickname "Valley of the Moon." Here, the land stretches out with lunar-like rock formations sculpted by wind and time.

Ischigualasto is also one of the world’s oldest fossil sites, dating back about 230 million years to the dawn of the dinosaur era. Imagine walking among rock shapes like “The Mushroom” or “The Sphinx.” The park’s tours, especially those timed for sunrise or sunset, give everything a surreal glow, making the whole place feel like a dreamscape of pinks, oranges, and shadows.

Then there’s Talampaya, with its dramatic red sandstone cliffs and the stunning Talampaya Canyon. The canyon’s walls soar up to 490 feet (150 meters), and you can’t help but feel tiny next to them. Iconic formations like “The Cathedral” and “The Monk” have been shaped by nature over millions of years, and they stand like massive sculptures against the sky.

Explore more: