As the sunshine knocks more and more loudly on our windows, we all start to take our daily lives a little more lightly. Summer is all about relaxation, about experiences, new flavors, and shared activities that we can draw on throughout the year. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of delightful movies, refreshing recipes, and travel destinations to help you break away from the daily grind. We hope you’ll find something you’ll love. We wish you a summer full of wonderful experiences!
A Variety of Movies for All Ages
In the summer, we love being outdoors in nature, but sometimes it’s nice to retreat to the pleasant coolness of home and watch something that makes us laugh, gives us food for thought, or simply helps us unwind. We’ve put together three great recommendations to match this mood.
Moonlight Kingdom
A charming, heartwarming adventure between two young people who show just how magical summer can be when we dare to follow our own path. In Wes Anderson’s unique, playful world, every tiny detail comes to life: the retro vibe, the colorful characters, and the subtle humor all come together to create a fairy-tale atmosphere in which childhood romance is at once funny, touching, and unforgettable.
Watch the movie here: https://bit.ly/4uOI79N
The Prince’s Bride
A classic, funny and lovable story where adventure, romance, and playful irony come together to create the perfect summer escape. The film is both a parody and a tribute to the great fairy tales, filled with iconic scenes, lovable heroes, and memorable lines; and, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a heartwarming ending.
Watch the movie here: https://bit.ly/4vvsR1r
The White Lotus
Once the kids are asleep, this series – with its sharp humor and high tension – is guaranteed to draw you in; exotic settings, human dramas, and plenty of twists. Beneath the idyllic surface of the luxury resort, the characters’ secrets and “tragicomedies” slowly unfold, while the story constantly plays with the viewer’s expectations. The series is both a satire and a social commentary, drawing you deeper into the world of each character with every episode.
You can watch the first episode of the three-season series here: https://bit.ly/4e1q88U
If you’re tired of the usual summer menu, try something new!
Summer is full of light flavors and unexpected surprises, just like our latest selection of recipes. If you love trying new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen this summer, follow our recommendations to create your newest favorites!
Gin Fizz
This refreshing drink is essentially a light citrus lemonade that you can transform into an elegant cocktail in a single step. The classic version is made with lemon and soda water, but you can easily enhance the summer vibe by adding orange and elderflower syrup. In this case, omit the simple syrup. The version made with frozen berries is irresistibly refreshing. Give it a try!
Ingredients for 1 person:
- 4 cl gin
- 2 cl fresh lemon juice
- 1 cl simple syrup
- 8 cl soda water
- 1/2 small hand of frozen red berries
Preparation
Let the frozen berries thaw slightly, then mash them with a fork. Fill a long drink glass with ice, then pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add the berry purée, top with soda water, and stir. Finally, garnish with a lemon slice and additional frozen fruit. Of course, leave out the gin for the kid-friendly version, so even the little ones can join in on the summer toast with a fresh, colorful lemonade.
Pickled Cucumber Cream Soup
Yes, it may seem surprising at first, but this truly refreshing dish could be one of the biggest surprises of the summer. If you love pickled cucumbers and cold soups, you’re guaranteed not to be disappointed.
Ingredients for 2 people:
- 4–6 pickled cucumbers
- 2 dl pickled cucumber brine
- 2 dl vegetable broth (softens the overall flavor)
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1–2 cloves of garlic
- pepper
- 2 sprigs of fresh dill
- sausage slices
- toasted rye bread
Preparation
Cut the pickled cucumbers into small cubes; set aside a few for garnish, and place the rest, along with their brine, into a blender. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the crushed garlic, yogurt, and a little pepper. Blend until smooth; strain if necessary. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. When serving, garnish with the reserved cucumber cubes and fresh dill, or serve with crispy fried sausage slices; you can also drizzle the soup with the rendered fat. It’s best served with toasted rye bread!
Quark pizza
A much lighter summer version of the classic pizza that’s not only much quicker and easier to make, but also an excellent source of protein, making it a great fit for a figure-friendly diet. Don’t expect a Neapolitan-style pizza with a crispy crust, think of a softer, more tender crust instead, but it’s a perfect healthy alternative.
Ingredients for 1 pizza crust:
- 250 g cottage cheese (can be low-fat or lactose-free)
- 2–4 tbsp oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- garlic powder (optional)
- 1–2 pinches of salt
- toppings to taste
- fresh basil
Preparation
In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, oat flour, egg, oregano, salt, and, if desired, a little garlic powder. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Then spoon it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it into a circle about half a centimeter thick. Bake the crust in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, then remove it and top it with your favorite toppings. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes at 200 degrees, until the cheese melts nicely and the edges are lightly browned. It can be tricky to peel it off the parchment paper, but if you let it cool a bit, it comes off much more easily. Garnish with fresh basil.
Escaping the Heat – Destinations in the “Cool”
As summers get hotter and hotter, many people are no longer seeking relaxation among endless rows of beach umbrellas, but are choosing places where cool mornings and green hillsides ensure the perfect summer getaway. Perhaps “coolcation” has become more than just a simple travel trend because, in reality, we don’t just want to cool off, we also want to unwind: to escape the crowds and discover landscapes where silence, closeness to nature, and a slower pace offer true rejuvenation. We’ve compiled a list of destinations that are far from crowded beaches, yet full of beauty and things to discover. These are ideal choices for anyone who wants to experience the magic of summer in the cool this year.
Austria
The crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, lush green meadows, and fresh, clean air of the Austrian Alps offer a true refuge from the summer heat. The cool forests surrounding the deep-blue lakes provide the perfect setting for swimming, rowing, picnicking, and easy hikes. And for those seeking higher elevations, the mountains offer ice-cold alpine lakes and breathtaking panoramas, a true refreshment for all the senses.
Finnish Lake District
In Finland, under the light of the white nights, you’ll be surrounded by the deep, resinous scent of pine forests and the silence of the endless lake district. Saunas are the essence of the Finnish way of life: you can even find saunas in national parks, where you can steam in the midst of nature and then plunge into crystal-clear water. The days are warm, and the evenings are pleasantly cool. Those who travel here will find the most natural form of summer relaxation, whether they want to go hiking or fishing. There’s just one thing you should be prepared for, though: protection against mosquitoes.
Kraków and Zakopane
Kraków is one of the most charming destinations for summer sightseeing: streets scented with coffee, shady squares, galleries, and evening wine tastings ensure the vacation’s irreplaceable atmosphere. Complementing this is the mountainous world of Zakopane, with the warmth of its log cabins, the tranquility of its lakes, and the fresh air of its winding hiking trails. The blend of urban culture and rejuvenation in nature creates an experience that makes a family getaway special and memorable.