After a few visits, I began to see a city molded by centuries of maritime aspirations, post-war resiliency, and artistic passion. When you start exploring historic Hamburg, you will peel back the layers of a city that has survived Great Fires and wartime destruction. Every time it came out, its heritage was preserved in beautiful red brick, and its identity was strengthened.

You will see it in the small roads around Deichstraße to the massive warehouses of the Speicherstadt. Hamburg is a one-of-a-kind place that combines what I would call Hanseatic tradition with new ideas in architecture. Maybe this happens because they are one of the richest cities in Germany; perhaps it’s something else.

You could be going to the city for the arts, the history, or just because you’re interested in travel. The landmarks I’m highlighting here tell the story of a “Free and Hanseatic City” that has always looked toward the future.

Get away from the bars and shopping districts and explore the areas that have shaped Hamburg’s skyline for many years if you want to understand the city. Here I will share some of my favorite landmarks of historic Hamburg.

Hamburger Kunsthalle: A Romantic Encounter

The first item on this list is from the art lovers. The Hamburger Kunsthalle is a museum that houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and much more, spanning over seven centuries.

And its most famous artwork is Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.” And we loved seeing it so much that there is an entire article on it here. This painting is a symbol of what came to be known as German Romanticism and captures a sense of wonder that reflects the atmosphere around the 19th century in Germany.

But there is more to the Hamburger Kunsthalle than the artwork. The building itself is a masterpiece made of three different architectural styles. The Galerie der Gegenwart, a modern section, and a limestone extension follow the original brick. All of them present a timeline of the city’s cultural evolution.

A Silhouette of Resilience in the Shape of the St. Nicholas’ Church

Once it was one of the tallest buildings in the world, but today it stands as a memorial. This is St. Nicholas’ Church. Unlike some urban structures that were rebuilt after the Second World War, this church remains in ruins.

The blackened spire that rises to the sky is a reminder of the damage that Operation Gomorrah did in 1943.

Even though it’s still in ruins, visitors can explore the area without any problem. There is even a glass elevator that takes you to a viewing platform high above Hamburg. The panoramic view of the city and the somber memorial make this place one of our favorite historic landmarks in Hamburg.

An Engineering Marvel Called the Old Elbe Tunnel

Opened to the public in 1911, the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel bridges the gap between the industrial needs of Hamburg and architectural beauty. This tunnel is more than 400 meters in width and was designed to allow dockworkers to go from the southern banks of the Elbe River directly to the shipyards.

When you descend into the tunnel via the original lifts, you will feel like you are stepping into a different time. Down there, the walls are decorated with ornate tiles that show fish and river life, turning a piece of functional infrastructure into a work of art. Something that we don’t see much of anymore.

The Speicherstadt and Beyond

No trip through the historic Hamburg can be complete without a walk around the Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the entire world. Everything in the area was built on top of thousands of oak piles. These huge brick buildings were once the main way that coffee, tea, and spices got to Germany.

Today, the Speicherstadt district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can easily understand why whenever you walk around the area. The lights reflecting on the red brick will create an atmosphere that seems out of place as you watch the sun set through the iron bridges. Like a hard-to-explain thing from the days of maritime trade.

Timeless Treasures: Must-Visit Sites in Historic Hamburg

There are plenty of things to do and places to see in Hamburg, and we also wrote about some unusual things to see in town. You should check it out.

The post Discovering the Landmarks of Historic Hamburg appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

I remember trying to go up the arch during my first visit to Paris in 2010, but I didn’t have enough time in town, and I decided to walk around as much as I could. It was only in 2017 that I went to Paris again with this goal in mind, and Camila and I had a fantastic time taking pictures and enjoying the fantastic panoramic view.

When we got back in 2022 with our friends from Canal Alemanizando, I mentioned that we needed to go there. When I told them that I wanted to see the Arc de Triomphe, I argued that it was the perfect place for history buffs, architecture fans, and photographers looking for the best views of Paris. I didn’t need to pitch this visit much, and the pictures here explain why.

History Meets Skyline: Why the Arc de Triomphe is a Must-See in Paris

Even though it’s such an important historical site in Paris, the story of the Arc de Triomphe begins only in 1806, following Napoleon Bonaparte’s decisive victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. I always thought it was older, but it was just my silly imagination.

Napoleon wanted to honor the “Grande Armée” and promised his soldiers they would return home “through arches of triumph.” And this is why he commissioned architect Jean-François Chalgrin to design a monument inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, but on a much larger scale, on a Neoclassical scale.

But, as we can imagine, building such a massive structure isn’t so simple. And construction stopped for several years after Napoleon’s abdication and the Bourbon Restoration. It was only in 1836, under the reign of King Louis-Philippe, that the arch was finally inaugurated. Napoleon had already been dead for almost twenty years by the time his remains passed through the arch in 1840 on their way to his final resting place at Les Invalides. His original promise was fulfilled in posthumous fashion, but it happened.

Now, let me talk a bit about the architectural side of the Arc de Triomphe. It stands almost 50 meters tall and 45 meters in width, and its surface serves as a stone canvas for French history. On the inner walls, you will find the names of military leaders and generals.

The exterior is more complex, and it can be split into four major sculptural groups. The most famous of these is Le Départ des Volontaires de 1792, commonly known as La Marseillaise. This high-relief sculpture, which was created by François Rude, features a winged personification of Liberty who urges the French people to protect their country.

Beneath the vast vault of the Arc de Triomphe, you will find a site of national mourning: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This memorial was installed in 1921 to honor unidentified fallen of World War I. One of the elements that caught my attention there is the eternal flame, and I learned that this is the first of its kind in Europe since the vestal fires of the Roman Empire.

I didn’t manage to witness it, but every evening, around 18:30, the veterans’s associations participate in a ceremony to solemnly rekindle the flame. This ritual has been happening every day for more than a century, and it even took place during the Nazi occupation of the city during the Second World War.

The Experience: Climbing to the Arc de Triomphe’s Rooftop

Even though the view from the ground is beautiful, the real beauty of the Arc de Triomphe is seen when you reach the top. But if you want to reach the panoramic terrace, you will have to climb 284 steps in a narrow spiral staircase that can feel like a fever dream. And I cannot explain to you how that happens. You will see.

From the top, you can clearly see how the city layout was defined. Paris has twelve grand avenues that radiate from the arch like points of a star. This is how we get the famous L’Étoile plan. And the view from the Arc de Triomphe probably has the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the city, especially at the end of the day when the lights begin to sparkle and dance. It’s truly beautiful.

How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe: History, Rooftop Views, and Pro Tips

By the pictures here and the history behind it, now you might be wondering how you can visit the Arc de Triomphe. Below are some of my tips.

Do Not Cross the Road: The roundabout around the arch is one of the world’s most dangerous. Don’t be stupid and never attempt to run across the street. Instead, look for the underground pedestrian tunnel located on the Champs-Élysées or the Avenue de la Grande Armée and be safe. You don’t want to ruin your trip to Paris by being stupid.

Book in Advance: As a way to avoid long queues, don’t forget to book a timed-entry ticket online. This lets you skip the line at the ticket office and go straight to the security check. And be careful with what you have in your bag; the security check is there for a reason.

Try to go there during Golden Hour: If you are looking for the best photos, try to arrive about an hour before sunset. You will have enough time to go through security, climb all the way to the top, and get to see the city in the soft “blue hour” light. And also watch the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle show, which begins on the hour after dark.

The Arc de Triomphe Museum: On your way down, don’t forget to spend some time in the Arc de Triomphe Museum. There you will find interactive exhibits on the arch’s construction that will explain more about the history of the place, from its role in pop culture—from 1919 biplane stunts to modern-day victory parades.

You can now see that the Arc de Triomphe is more than just a place to take pictures. It is a memorial to the complicated history of France and the strong spirit of Paris. You can go there to admire the gorgeous stonework from below or do like I did and look over the 8th Arrondissement from above.

This place remains a centerpiece of the Parisian experience, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Paris.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: A Complete Guide to Paris’ Iconic Landmark

Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008
Paris, France

www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr

The post Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: A Complete Guide to Paris’ Iconic Landmark appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

If you are feeling frustrated with how Instagram works nowadays, you are not alone. Many of us are tired of Meta’s data-harvesting practices and the relentless push of algorithm content. Besides those, there are always the ads. So many ads.

More recently, there was also Meta’s abrupt change in policy regarding fact-checking and community guidelines, allowing certain groups to be targeted. That was the final spark for me, and I decided to look elsewhere since I wanted to share my pictures in an environment focused on what actually matters.

This is why I have been publishing my pictures on Pixelfed for over a year now. And the experience has been incredibly refreshing.

Beyond the Algorithm: Using Pixelfed for Honest Photography

For those who are not familiar, Pixelfed is an open-source, federated photo-sharing platform. It is a privacy-focused response to commercial social media that rewards user control and eliminates algorithmic manipulation. If you’ve heard of Mastodon or the Fediverse, you’ll find that Pixelfed feels like a natural home. This might sound complicated, but it isn’t once you start using it.

Originally, I started posting digital photos there before transitioning my focus to the film photography that I have been posting online more often lately. I didn’t know who to follow at first, so I decided to explore hashtags like #BelieveInFilm and #AnalogPhotography, and there I discovered a thriving community of like-minded photographers.

This felt to me like how discovery used to work on Instagram before the entire experience was distorted by never-ending ads and the notoriously annoying suggested posts. On Pixelfed, these tags still make sense and function as intended, connecting people through shared interests.

I still maintain my Instagram account, primarily because it remains as one of the few ways that I can stay connected with some friends and family that I have in Brazil. While I strongly disagree with Meta’s corporate direction, I have to recognize the reality of those existing connections. However, posting my pictures on both platforms in parallel has revealed some unexpected truths for me.

Despite having over ten times more followers on Instagram, my posts on Pixelfed often receive double the engagement. It’s a strange sensation to have: I reach more people and receive genuine feedback on a platform where my “numbers” are technically smaller. The community on Pixelfed feels to me like they are more interested, friendly, and focused. And what else do I need?

Some might view the smaller user base on Pixelfed as a negative feature, but I find it nostalgic somehow. It feels a bit cozy, if that is the right way to describe a social network. It takes me back to the early days of social networks, before everything turned into a huge, impersonal machine that is used to show people advertisements.

I joined Instagram in 2010 on an iPod Touch, long before Meta decided to buy the platform. During these many years, I watched it evolve from a mobile photography experiment into something I no longer care for. Now it feels to me like a platform cluttered with short videos and AI-generated content. And many of my friends find the same issues there.

Pixelfed recently reached one million users without any traditional marketing. If this happened a few years ago, it would be on the news, but we live in a different world. All of these new users show that everyone wants a platform that respects photography.

After one year in Pixelfed, I plan to keep posting. It feels like a place for photographers, a place where I can share one of my hobbies and reach a group of people that are as interested as I am. In a world filled with AI slop and constant distractions, the focus I get on Pixelfed is precisely what I was looking for. You need to try it out.

Why Every Travel Blogger Should Explore the Fediverse with Pixelfed

The post One Year on Pixelfed: Reclaiming My Photography from the Algorithm appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

Especially when you realize that there are well over three million units produced daily and an annual export figure that reaches close to a billion. These small sausages carry the culinary legacy of Nuremberg to every corner of the world. And I’m not exaggerating when I say this.

However, to truly understand what this dish is all about, you have to skip the modern restaurants and go straight to the source.

This is what I did when I went to Nuremberg for the first time during the summer of 2025. I was in town to see London’s famous Royal Albert Hall organist Anna Lapwood play at the ION music festival at Saint Sebald Church, and I chose to spend a few days in town. When I started putting together a plan to explore the city, I was happily surprised to see so many interesting places to visit; I even wrote a full article about it.

One of these places was the oldest bratwurst kitchen in town: Zum Gulden Stern.

Why Zum Gulden Stern Is the Heart of Nuremberg Bratwurst

If you are looking for the ultimate authentic experience in Nuremberg, a visit to Zum Gulden Stern is mandatory. This restaurant with low ceilings and a medieval atmosphere has been operating since 1419. This isn’t just a restaurant; this is the oldest historical bratwurst kitchen in the world that still exists in its original location.

While many buildings in Nuremberg were lost in time or in wars, the Zum Gulden Stern still stands in the same place as a surviving piece of 15th-century history. And it’s wonderful to be able to go there and try their Nuremberg bratwurst.

There the Nuremberg bratwurst is treated with the kind of reverence that it deserves. And they were awarded many times for its quality! Every sausage that leaves the kitchen is produced by butchers that are still using the ancient recipes just to ensure that what lands on your plate is a direct link to the history of the city. That makes the sausages even tastier in my opinion.

But, you might be wondering by now, what makes the Nuremberg bratwurst an official city delicacy? It isn’t just about the flavor; there is way more than that, and it even involves the law. Since 2003, these sausages have fallen under the EU status known as PGI, which means that they are a Protected Geographical Indication. Which makes these sausages the same level of protection as the Parma Ham, Champagne, and Grana Padano.

If you decide to make some Nuremberg bratwurst and want them to have the official seal, you have to follow a set of rules and guidelines. The main one is that every single step of the processing must take place within the city limits of Nuremberg. Besides that, the ingredients that need to be in the sausage are specific: sheep intestines, pepper, salt, and a large amount of marjoram.

An interesting historical anecdote comes into play here. Even though the tradition behind the Nuremberg bratwurst is local, the spice trade behind its flavor is global. Historically speaking, these spices arrived in town through the trade routes that came from the Orient and the empires to the south, like the Venetian. Which proves that Nuremberg has always been a hub of international flavor.

Small Sausage, Big History: Why are Nuremberg bratwurst so small?

I still remember seeing the small Nuremberg bratwurst in the supermarkets when I moved to Berlin back in 2012. And I always wondered about their small size. This is their most striking feature, and there are some legends and stories behind it.

Each sausage is no more than 9 centimeters long and weighs roughly 25 grams. And some legends explain the small size in different ways. One of them says that the small size of the Nuremberg bratwurst allowed innkeepers to slide the sausages through the keyholes of tavern doors to feed hungry travelers after the medieval curfew had begun.

Another story says that prisoners were fed by sliding the sausages through extra holes that were drilled into the cell walls. This story gets more complex since it even involves names like Hans Stromer, who was sentenced to life in the debtor’s tower. His only wish while in jail was to receive two Nuremberg bratwurst every day. During the 38 years he was in prison, he reportedly consumed close to thirty thousand sausages, which were all passed to him through a keyhole.

Are these stories true? I have no idea, but I love the stories I read when I was researching to write this article.

But it seems like the real reason behind it is more practical. Historical records recommended that, as ingredient costs rose, butchers reduce the size of their sausages while maintaining the original price as a way to keep their business profitable. That sounds closer to the truth to me.

Where to Find the Most Authentic Nuremberg Bratwurst

When you visit the Zum Gulden Stern, expect an experience that is delightful tradition. The sausages are grilled over an open fire and served on pewter plates. You can order Nuremberg bratwursts in sets of 6, 8, 10, or 12 and pair them with classical German side dishes like sauerkraut, potato salad, or freshly grated horseradish.

With main dish prices starting around €10, this is an affordable place to taste the history of Nuremberg. And if you want to experience the authentic culinary heart of Franconian cuisine, there is no better place to start in Nuremberg than the smoky and historical halls of the world’s oldest bratwurst kitchen.

Your Guide to the Iconic Nuremberg Bratwurst and Why Zum Gulden Stern is the Heart of Nuremberg Bratwurst

Zirkelschmiedsgasse 26
90402 Nürnberg

www.bratwurstkueche.de

The post The World’s Oldest Bratwurst Kitchen: A Deep Dive into the Nuremberg Bratwurst appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

After a previous photo walk using infrared film in Kreuzberg, I was open to taking this beautiful beast somewhere that matched its heavy-duty soul. The Aerodynamic Park in Berlin-Adlershof felt like the obvious choice.

The pictures you can see here are from May 2024. I didn’t have a good night of sleep one day, and I decided to feel productive and left the house with my Mamiya C330 at hand. I took my bike on a photographic ride to Berlin-Adlershof with a goal in mind: I wanted to test an Ilford HP5 with some red filters.

Not only that, but I had wondered about how the red filter would affect the pictures from the Mamiya C330 for a while. And since it was a bright, sunny day, it felt like it was the right time to put this idea into practice.

Capturing the Alien Architecture of Berlin-Adlershof on Medium Format

Located in the southeast of Berlin on the Humboldt University campus, the Aerodynamic Park is not a proper park. It is home to a collection of aviation research structures that look like they were plucked straight from a 1930s science fiction set.

If you’ve read what I wrote about the location before, you know that I have a soft spot in my heart for concrete geometry and architecture. Bringing the Mamiya C330 there felt like a meeting of different eras of engineering.

One of the first places I went to visit was the Trudelturm, also known as the Vertical Spin Tunnel. There I found myself leaning into the meditative process that I mentioned in my Mamiya C330 review. Looking down into the waist-level viewfinder, the world looks reversed and glowing. Maybe it was the lack of sleep; possibly it was really glowing during that morning. I will never know. But the Trudelturm, with its egg-shaped concrete shell, never looked more alien to me.

Because the Mamiya C330 uses a bellows system for focusing, I managed to get surprisingly close to a window that reflected deeply the concrete structures behind me. That was the moment I realized that I made the right choice of camera.

One of the reasons why I call the Mamiya C330 my almost perfect travel camera is the versatility that it brings to any photo walk. While most TLR cameras lock you into using a single focal length, this camera allows for more. And I spent the time in Adlershof swapping between my 80 mm lenses and the wider 55 mm lenses that I brought along. Again, another excellent decision that I made even after a terrible night of no sleep. The 55 mm lens was essential for capturing the massive, concrete curves of the Großer Windkanal, also known as the Big Wind Tunnel in English.

The weight of the Mamiya C330, which can be a problem on longer trips, helped me a bit here. I believe it forced me to slow down and cycle from one place to the other and consider every frame. The area was quiet, the sun was shining, and I think my patience was rewarded with some of my favorite architectural pictures I ever took. Especially because every click felt to me like preserving a piece of Berlin science history.

The Meditative Frame: Exploring Aerodynamic Park with a Twin Lens Reflex

As illustrated by the pictures here, shooting in Adlershof isn’t the same as taking pictures in Mitte or Neukölln. Especially in the early morning, this place is for silence, wind, and some imposing shapes. The Mamiya C330, with its mechanical noises and manual precision, was the perfect tool to document the technical structures I saw there. \

The negatives that came out of that early morning photo walk have a depth and range that digital sensors would struggle to replicate. This is one of the many reasons why I started shooting film cameras back in the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are looking for a photo walk that moves you away from the typical Berlin street scenes and sights, pack a few rolls of film and head to Adlershof. You’ll be honored to witness a bit of aerodynamic history and some of my favorite concrete structures that this city has to offer. And there is no better way to see them than through the lens of a classic TLR camera like the Mamiya C330.

Beyond the Center: Photographing the Trudelturm with the Mamiya C330

The post An early morning photowalk through Adlershof with the Mamiya C330 appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

The Mamiya RZ67 has resolution for days, with its medium-format film being almost five times larger than a full-frame digital sensor. The sharp images it captures make it a prime choice for anyone into landscape photography.

If you are looking for a camera to capture the world in stunning 6×7 precision and detail, the Mamiya RZ67 might be the camera for you.

From Studio to the Street: The Ultimate Guide to Shooting Urban Landscapes with the Mamiya RZ67

I picked up my Mamiya RZ67 almost accidentally at the end of 2024. Although I wasn’t planning to buy this particular camera, I felt compelled to do so when the chance came up. It came with different lenses and film backs, and it belonged to someone who wasn’t using it as much anymore. Everything that I could hope for.

It took me a few weeks to read all that I could about the camera and go out with it for some photo walks around Berlin, as illustrated by the pictures here. When I was reviewing my favorite pictures from 2025, I realized that most of the ones I liked most were taken with the Mamiya RZ67.

Since those first few weeks carrying it around the city, I have been in love with this camera. This is why I’m writing about it here. This is not a review; this is a love letter of sorts.

But let me try to review it as well since I imagine that this might be interesting for many people.

The Mamiya RZ67 is the younger brother of the Mamiya RB67. And both cameras share a similar box-like silhouette and a modular approach to photography. I never used an RB67 before, and my only experience with another Mamiya comes from the world of twin-lens reflex cameras since I have owned a Mamiya C330 since 2022. Comparing the C330 and the RZ67 isn’t what I’m trying to do here, so I won’t mention it again.

The RZ67 is a modular camera in the truest sense. From the lenses to the viewfinders, passing by the film backs, everything is interchangeable. Whenever I go out with this camera, I bring two film backs with me as a way to take pictures in both black and white and color, another great feature that this camera has.

The “RB” in the name of the camera that came before the Mamiya RZ67 stands for “Rotating Back,” and this is one of my favorite features that these cameras have. It allows you to switch from landscape to portrait orientation with a simple move. All of this without having to lift the camera from the tripod. That makes composition so much easier.

The Mamiya RZ67 is not an effortless camera to operate, and this is one of the things that draws me to it. Whenever I use it, I have to focus on what I’m doing. It has a deliberate, slow-moving pace that feels to me like it was designed for those who find joy in the photography process.

It feels bulky in the best way possible, largely due to the revolving back construction. When you think about the fact that this camera was intended for studios, you get why it might feel a bit stupid to carry it around the city with you. Through time, the used camera market placed this camera into the hands of people like me. And these landscape and travel enthusiasts are more than willing to carry the weight and pay the price for the quality that it brings with the 6×7 negatives.

If you liked what you learned so far, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to buy one and pack it for a photo walk.

The Mamiya RZ67 is not a fully mechanical camera, unlike the RB67. It relies on a 6V PX28 battery to power the electronic shutter. But it can still work without a battery if you’d like to, but I’m not going to explain it here since I never needed to use it like this before.

Due to the electronic system behind the Mamiya RZ67, I read that the camera might get temperamental. Especially when it gets too cold. Another thing that I never had to deal with was it. Maybe because I have the Mamiya RZ67 Professional II, and it’s not as old as the first generation of this camera that was introduced back in 1982.

Besides that, another thing that you have to keep in mind is that the Mamiya RZ67 is a heavy camera. There is no way around it. You might need to carry it with a monopod or a tripod if you want to go on a longer walk. Furthermore, a dedicated camera bag might be needed. I used a Savotta Kahakka backpack that works perfectly for what I had in mind.

Whenever you find a Mamiya RZ67 for sale, pay attention to the integrity of the bellows since even a tiny light leak there might ruin your medium-format film. Also, don’t forget to look for any signs of corrosion on the battery chamber.

The Mamiya RZ67 Advantage: Why Every Film Enthusiast Needs This 6×7 Powerhouse

For me, the Mamiya RZ67 is a masterpiece of Japanese engineering. It provides a level of quality and detail that rivals digital systems that cost way more than what I can afford.

While it might be slow and heavy for street photography, this camera can be the perfect tool for those who like architecture and landscape photography, like me. I’m not sure how it would go for travel photography, but I’ll have to try it in the future. I’ll update here whenever this happens!

The post Mastering the Mamiya RZ67: Why This Medium Format Icon Is Worth the Weight appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

It seems like not as many people remember Flugplatz Schönwalde as they do other well-known closed airports like Tempelhof and Tegel. Which makes sense since it has seen an airplane land for several years. The same goes for other forgotten airports and lost places that I wrote about in the past, like the Flugzeughallen Karlshorst and the Flugplatz Johannisthal, ones in Oranienburg, Brand, and Rangsdorf.

But it’s easy to forget that the Flugplatz Schönwalde exists since it sits in a sparsely populated part of Berlin, somewhere between Spandau and Hennigsdorf. But its history is challenging to forget since it’s clearly linked to Nazi Germany’s ambitions before the Second World War even started.

The Rise and Ruin of Flugplatz Schönwalde

Based on what I understood, there were plans for a new military base around Hennigsdorf since 1934. At that time, this would be an act of defiance against the military restrictions that were imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after the end of the First World War. But they didn’t care.

Around 1935, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, also known as the Aviation Ministry, acquired plots of land, and wooden barracks started being erected to house the construction team that would start putting together a modern airfield. By 1939, what was known as Sportflugplatz Hennigsdorf was complete, and it was perfect for sophisticated military operations with a concrete runway with lights, a control tower, and several hangars.

During the first years, this airport was used as a flight school for those who would fly for the Luftwaffe. But as the Second World War went on in Europe, the Flugplatz Schönwalde’s purpose changed. Around 1943, the 14th Air Corps moved there.

This only lasted for a few years since troops from the 1st Belorussian Front took the airfield without resistance in April 1945. With the Cold War, the idea of using the Flugplatz Schönwalde as an aviation hub started to become a fragile concept.

This happened due to its location. The airfield was positioned within the air corridors that led to West Berlin and to the Allied Forces stationed there. Because of that, if the Soviets wanted to operate their airplanes from Flugplatz Schönwalde, they would be required to coordinate and inform their movements to the flight control operators in West Germany. And this level of transparency and communication between both sides would be unthinkable at the time.

Besides the geography issue, there was something else that was a problem. Aviation technology has evolved quite fast since the airfield was first built. The original runway was perfect for the airplanes of the 1930s, but it wasn’t suitable for the new jets that were coming into service decades later. After considering the location and technological issues, it is evident why the Flugplatz Schönwalde is in the state it is in today.

Still, Soviet jets were stationed there until the mid-1950s, and in 1965, the entire area turned into a ground troops base that lasted until the Soviet forces left Germany in 1992. It has been decaying since then.

Urban Explorer’s Guide: How to Find the Ruins of Flugplatz Schönwalde

I have been to Flugplatz Schönwalde twice, and the pictures you’ll see here are from both these visits. The first time was back in early 2018 when I also visited Flugplatz Rangsdorf while helping a video crew film a piece for a documentary that never saw the light of day. The second time was in 2021 when a friend dropped me a message that he wanted to see if we could find a military mosaic inside the airfield, and I liked the challenge of finding out where it could be.

If you liked the pictures and the whole history behind the place and want to visit the Flugplatz Schönwalde, be prepared for some sort of genuine urban exploration challenge. I say that because this isn’t a guided tour in a well-signed park; this is almost an adventure. The entire area is filled with several decaying buildings, large hangars, and several piles of rubble from structures that were already demolished.

To get there, I believe the best way is to take an S-Bahn to Hennigsdorf. From there, you can cycle towards the Flugplatz Schönwalde or go on a long walk, as you can see in the map at the end of this article.

One piece of advice that I can give you is to try to get there early in the day since the area is considerable, and it’s always good to maximize daylight when you are exploring a place like this. This can be especially important as you go inside some of the buildings that are becoming dangerous ruins.

During my last visit, I saw countless piles of rubble from structures that were already demolished. I don’t even know what they look like now, but Google Maps shows that there are some buildings still standing.

Be prepared to visit Flugplatz Schönwalde. Take a flashlight with you so you can explore the dark interiors; the one on your phone might be too weak for anything. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring your camera to document this unusual piece of history. Don’t forget to try to find the soldier mural that was the reason behind my second visit.

Besides that, pay attention to your surroundings. I remember seeing fresh tire tracks all around the place. During my last visit, we even had to hide for a while as we saw a truck passing by slowly, like they were looking for something. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll be fine.

If you are already in the area to see Flugplatz Schönwalde, you might want to add a stop at the Grenzturm Niederneuendorf to see one of the last remaining Berlin Wall watchtowers.

Beyond Tegel and Tempelhof: Discovering the Forgotten History of Flugplatz Schönwalde

An den Bauernhörsten
14621 Schönwalde-Glien

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I have been to the city several times since I moved from Brazil to Berlin, starting all the way back in 2014. Personally, I feel like this city shines as a way for people who have never been to Poland before to start experiencing the country’s history and culture. And I was thinking about this during a trip to the city in the fall of 2025.

My sister traveled from Brazil to Europe, and after a short stay in Berlin, we took our bags to Poznan. Before we headed there, I wondered about what I thought she would enjoy and what were the places that I needed to go back to. Based on this, I came up with my personal list of the top places to see in Poznan, and it’s a jam-packed guide with unforgettable experiences.

Here are the top 10 things you must see and do in Poznań.

1. Catch the Goats at the Old Market Square on your lunch break

Surrounded by brightly colored historical townhouses, the Old Market Square in Poznan is easily one of the most beautiful I have seen in my trips around Europe. It’s the perfect place to take what will be your best pictures in the city. But the real show happens around lunchtime, every day at noon.

In front of the Poznań Town Hall, every day at noon, you can witness a historic spectacle. Two mechanical goats emerge from a tiny door above the tower clock and butt their heads twelve times while a trumpet player performs the Poznan bugle call.

The story behind the goats is an interesting legend, and I learned about it the first time I visited the city. The legend behind the goats tells that a cook, while preparing a banquet for officials, had burnt a roast deer and tried to replace it by stealing two goats that they found nearby. But something happened, and the goats got away. They made their way up to the town hall tower, where they started butting each other. That’s when people in the town knew what was going on. Because the goats and cook provided entertainment, the officials let them off the hook and told the people making the new clock for the building to include two mechanical goats.

Believe it or not, you have to admit that this story is fascinating. It only makes the sight of small goats bumping heads in Poland’s Old Market Square even more amazing.

2. Explore the Origins on Ostrow Tumski

Poznan is considered the birthplace of the Polish nation since it was there that the first Polish king was crowned. It was in Ostrów Tumski that the Polish state and Christianity first engaged, and it’s an area with historical and spiritual importance.

Ostrów Tumski has a different feeling than the Old Market Square, but it’s more than worth the visit if you are like me and enjoy exploring all the details of churches.

Besides that, close by is where you are going to find Brama Poznania, a modern and interactive museum that tells the story of the area and the city.

3. Visit the Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul

Since I already mentioned a church in Ostrów Tumski, I have to say that the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the oldest churches in Poland. And here is where you are going to find the final resting place of the first Polish rulers: Mieszko I and Bolesław I the Brave.

This imposing cathedral is gorgeous, and pay attention to each one of the rooms around the main nave. You will be surprised with what you are going to spot.

When you leave the church, head towards the Jordan Bridge. Here you will be able to capture a different view of the cathedral together with the bridge arches, and I’m a big fan of the look.

4. Wander through Park Cytadela

If you feel like a green escape after all the historical places I mentioned already, you might enjoy Park Cytadela. This large and beautifully diverse park sits on top of what used to be the city’s main defense in the 19th century, when Poznan was occupied by Prussia.

Here you will find large lawns and walking paths, but the park is home to several important places like the Museum of Armaments and the Poznan Army Museum. If you are interested in Poland’s military past, this might be the place for you.

5. Stary Browar, a shopping center like no other

I ask you to forget everything you know about shopping centers once you cross the doors and enter Stary Browar. This award-winning architectural complex mixes an art gallery with commercial space and uses the structure of the old brewery uniquely.

During my first visit to Poznan, I even managed to book an art tour of the entire place, and it helped me see the shopping center with an absolutely different perspective. Maybe this is something you’d like to try as well.

6. Reflect at Fort VII, also known as the Konzentrationslager Posen

Now, for a crucial historical visit, you have Fort VII, which was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis in occupied Poland during the Second World War.

The museum and memorial can be a hard place for some to visit, so be aware.

7. Discover the elegance of the Imperial Castle

The Imperial Castle in Poznan is an interesting artifact since it was the last European royal castle to be built. This monumental neo-Romanesque piece was built for Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, but it was never used as a royal palace.

But, to further complicate its history, it was used by Nazi Germany during the occupation, and you can see it in some walls inside the castle.

Today, the building is a cultural hub in the center of Poznan with a movie theater, art shows, and the offices of several cultural institutions. It’s an essential piece of modern Poznan culture.

8. Walk the Royal-Imperial Route

Now that I already mentioned the essential places for a historical tour of Poznan, I have to tell you about the Royal-Imperial Route that connects the city’s historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.

This walking trail across town goes from Ostrów Tumski all the way to the Imperial Castle, and it’s one of the best and easiest ways to cover all the city’s highlights. Probably, this is the best answer to what to do in Poznan if you like walking around town like I do.

9. Experience the Flavors of Poznan Beer City

Poznan is a Polish city with a deep and quite active brewing culture that captured my attention since my first visit. The beer scene is incredibly diverse, with countless historical venues and new modern craft beer bars.

If you need a place to start your exploration, go to Brovaria for lunch and enjoy the only restaurant/brewery located on the Old Market Square. There you will find wheat, honey, and pils beers. After the first taste, head to Ministerstwo Browaru or Za Kulisami and continue to enjoy a taste of Poland.

If you are interested in the brewery process on a massive scale like I am, you have to book a tour of the industrial Lech Brewery. There is even a tasting session included in the tour, and I can say that I loved it.

10. Indulge in a Traditional St. Martin’s Croissant

No trip to Poznan is complete without tasting the regional delicacy called the Rogal Świętomarciński, also known as the St. Martin’s Croissant. This tasty treat is made with a puff pastry, nuts, honey, and white poppy seeds, and it’s so important to the city that it has a protected EU designation.

You can find them in most good bakeries like ROGAL Świętomarciński. Besides that, you can even learn about this local cultural heritage at the Poznan Croissant Museum, which can be an excellent stop for those who are traveling with family.

This is it. These are my favorite places and things to do in Poznan. I hope you can add them to your Poznan guide and enjoy this city as much as I did during the many times I spent time there.

Your Poznan Bucket List: 10 Reasons Why This Polish Gem Belongs on Your Map

The post The Ultimate Guide: 10 Essential Things to Do in Poznan, Poland appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

But this isn’t just a camera; it’s a creative challenge wrapped in an affordable, quirky plastic shell. If you’re tired of the clinical precision of digital and want your travel photos to tell a story of light, time, and serendipity, the Holga Pinhole camera is your passport to a new kind of image-making.

I bought my Holga Pinhole 120WPC in September 2023, and I have been exploring what it can do since then. After researching some pinhole cameras for months, with an idea to explore how I could take pictures in a lo-fi, lensless world, I decided that this was the right camera for the price and features I had in mind. 

This week, I was editing some pictures I took with this camera on a photo walk in Berlin, and I remembered the number of people who stopped me to ask questions about this camera. With that in mind, I thought it was the right time to write a camera review on it and share some of my experience using it. 

What is the Holga Pinhole 120WPC? 

The Holga Pinhole 120WPC, also known around the internet as the Wide Pinhole Camera, stands out even among its eccentric Holga siblings. And there are many weird ones around. It is a lightweight, plastic-bodied, medium-format camera that utilizes 120 film. But here’s the crucial difference: unlike other Holga models, which are well-known for their dreamy, soft-focus plastic lenses, the 120WPC goes entirely lensless.

Instead of a glass lens, it uses a tiny, precisely drilled aperture—a pinhole—to project the image onto the film. The result is a photograph with remarkable characteristics: infinite depth of field, natural soft vignetting, and a uniquely expansive, wide-angle perspective that is both unpredictable and deeply intriguing.

With a striking panoramic frame that measures 6×12 cm, the 120WPC captures expansive, cinematic images. You get only six exposures per roll of 120 film, which immediately forces a thoughtful, selective approach. This might be a problem for those who like to use film on the more expensive side, but this is not a problem for me.

Either way, because of the short amount of images it generates with one roll, it has become a cult favorite among experimental photographers and travelers. Especially those who want to move beyond conventional optics and explore the very oldest, most fundamental form of photography.

Ditching the Digital: Capturing the World with the HOLGA 120WPC Pinhole Camera

In sharp contrast to the complex designs of contemporary equipment, the Holga Pinhole’s simplicity is what makes it so magical. It shoots on 120 medium-format film, giving you that rich, large-negative quality in a stunning 6×12 cm frame—perfect for expansive travel landscapes or architectural studies. Because of that panoramic format, the Holga Pinhole offers an impressive 120-degree field of view, which can be a bit challenging at first, but that works out great once you get used to it.

As I mentioned above, this camera keeps things as simple as it can. There are no confusing shutter speeds or aperture rings. Image making is distilled to its core: a simple sliding shutter and the patience to time your exposures manually.

Also, true to the Holga spirit, the camera is simple, affordable, and charming. Its plastic build makes it an extremely light companion for backpacking, day trips, or just a photo walk around the city. 

The Meditative Process: Shooting With the Holga 120WPC

Using the Holga Pinhole camera is a visually appealing and truly meditative process that forces you to slow down and connect with your surroundings—an ideal mindset for travel and for some sort of urban exploration.

First, you have to prepare the camera. Many pinhole enthusiasts, aware of the Holga’s legendary light-leaking tendencies, will tape up the seams to better control the final aesthetic. I often tape the locking mechanisms as well so I can avoid any problem with it opening. 

Then, you load your 120 film roll and begin composing. But keep in mind that there is no viewfinder. You rely entirely on intuition and the etched framing guides on the body’s top plate to estimate what is in frame. This practice enhances spatial awareness and encourages you to feel the composition rather than just seeing it through a window.

The real adventure lies in exposure. Because the pinhole aperture is fixed at a minimal value (approximately f/135), light hits the film very slowly. You absolutely need a reliable tool—a light meter app on your phone or a dedicated exposure chart—to calculate the required time. In bright midday sun, an exposure might take a few seconds; in a shaded alley or dim interior, it could stretch into minutes. Because of the exposure time, don’t forget that you’ll need a tripod and a shutter cable to better enjoy this camera.

Because of all this I mentioned above, every frame feels intentional. Each long exposure becomes an experiment in time, light, and motion, and the developed results are almost guaranteed to surprise you. 

The Distinctive Look of Holga Pinhole Images

What elevates the Holga Pinhole camera is its immediately recognizable, distinctive aesthetic. And you can see that being the case in the many pictures I shared here. 

Personally, I truly enjoy the softness and dreamlike diffusion that some images show. I think it happens because, without a glass lens to force focus, the images possess a soft, beautiful diffusion—a dreamlike quality that smooths over the harsh edges of reality. And this is enhanced by the long exposures and the movement that it captures.

Another thing to keep in mind when shooting with the Holga pinhole is infinite depth of field. This means that everything, from the closest object in the foreground to the distant horizon, will be captured with a consistent clarity. This is perfect for capturing the vastness of an open landscape.

But not necessarily everything that comes out of this camera is considered positive. One aspect that I have to mention here is that the inherent design causes dark corners and a subtle light falloff towards the edges of the frame. For some, this natural vignetting enhances the cinematic, dramatic feel and focuses the viewer’s eye on the center of the image. For others, it ruins the photographic experience.

Either way, each photo taken with the Holga Pinhole carries a thrilling element of unpredictability. A slight light leak might create a fiery streak of orange; the movement of clouds or water during the long exposure translates into silky, painterly blurs. The camera collaborates with the environment to deliver a truly unique image. And these are some of the many reasons why I love this camera.

Its greatest appeal is that the Holga Pinhole 120WPC won’t be liked by everyone. For people who truly enjoy photography as a contemplative process rather than merely a predictable outcome, it’s a useful tool.

There is a unique conversation going on between the camera, the environment, and your willingness to give up full control every time you press the shutter button for a long exposure. This strange plastic box might give you a whole new creative way to explore your travel photos that are wide, moody, and unique, while also getting to know photography in its most basic, elemental form. Discover the world again, embrace the blur, and treasure the leaks.

Cinematic Landscapes and Dreamy Vistas: Shooting 120 Film with the HOLGA 120WPC Pinhole

Get your Holga Pinhole on eBay.

The post The Ultimate Creative Reset: Why the HOLGA 120WPC Wide-Angle Pinhole Camera Belongs in Your Travel Bag appeared first on FRAME TRAVEL ROAM CAPTURE.

Founded to preserve, restore, and exhibit signage from Berlin and beyond, this museum offered an unusual and deeply personal journey back into the city’s commercial and typographic history. Yet, its recent closure in October 2025 is a setback that highlights a concerning pattern in the German capital.

I first visited the museum back in 2014 for an exhibition on calligraphy and typography. That was love at first sight, and I was there back again every couple of years. But the COVID-19 pandemic and their movie about the Hansaviertel made it a bit tricky for me to find the time to visit again.

But once I read online that they were about to close, I had to go there for a last visit, my goodbye to the Buchstabenmuseum. At least, for now. 

Capturing the City’s Voice in Neon and Steel

If you don’t know, the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum was launched in 2005 by founders Barbara Dechant and Anja Schulze, and it was truly the first of its kind in the world. Its core mission was a vital one: to rescue and document typographic objects from public and semi-public spaces. This meant collecting everything from individual letters and large-scale advertising signage to pictograms, spanning all sizes and materials.

For any typography lover out there, or even a casual observer of urban life, the museum was a magical place. Walking through its display depot was an unforgettable experience, a short journey back in time to the past of a Berlin that doesn’t exist anymore. Visitors could get up close to the massive, colorful signs that once shaped the look and feel of Berlin’s streets.

The collection included some truly iconic pieces: the original lettering from Berlin Schönefeld Airport, the elegant “Wintergarten” letters from Potsdamer Straße, and the delightfully specific “Ornamental Fish” sign that once graced Frankfurter Tor. 

Each piece told a story, not just of its history, production, and typography, but of the businesses and eras they represented. It was really magical.

A Ghost Sign Gallery: The Neon Era

A significant part of the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum collection commemorated the bright, bold neon era of family businesses. Think of the elaborate, ornate lettering that once advertised local shops. The first ads were those bright signs that drew attention to the stores on the main streets that were where most of the local business was happening.

Today, many of these small, family-run establishments have been displaced by chain stores and the stark efficiency of modern LED technology. 

By meticulously collecting and preserving these colorful, hand-crafted signs, the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum provided a crucial link to a not-so-distant past. Seeing these letters at close range was an unusual and powerful experience, transforming the everyday signs we once ignored into nostalgic portals. It gave a different perspective to the signs that I see in my day-to-day life on top of buildings all around me.

The Tragic Closure of a Unique Institution in Berlin

The news that the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum closed for the last time on October 5th, after twenty years of operation, felt like a literal loss of a piece of Berliner history. It caught me by surprise, but the reasons behind the closure are sadly familiar in the cultural sector, especially for a dedicated, volunteer-run museum.

The central issue was a brutal combination of fixed costs—primarily high rent and maintenance—and a dire lack of long-term financial support. While the museum appreciated the public interest and the increased visitor numbers, nearly all the revenue generated went straight into these immediate operational expenses.

In an interview, founder and director Barbara Dechant expressed profound disappointment regarding the lack of interest from the local government in preserving this private museum. She explained that running the museum had become “simply unmanageable” due to the high financial risk and the constant struggle for funding.

Now that the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum is closed, what’s next for the collection?

The closure raises a crucial question about the fate of this irreplaceable collection. According to what I read online, Barbara Dechant and her colleagues are determined to keep the collection together. But it might be challenging to do that. She also had some closing remarks that paint a sobering picture of Berlin’s cultural landscape. She lamented the city’s failure to realize that places like the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum, alongside small clubs and theaters, are what truly make Berlin unique.

“If all these small projects… disappear, are pushed to the outskirts of the city, or can no longer find suitable venues, then Berlin will, in my opinion, become truly interchangeable. What remains in the end is a noisy, dirty city,” she concluded.

The pictures you are seeing here are from my last visit to the museum, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, during the last weekend that the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum was open. It felt a bit unreal to visit the place and see that it’s closing down, but I was happy to be able to visit it for the last time. 

For now, the era of the Berlin Buchstabenmuseum is over, leaving a gap in the city’s cultural heart. It serves as a potent reminder that valuable and distinctive institutions can occasionally be the most vulnerable. Demonstrating how even the loudest, most vibrant voices of the past can be muffled by high fixed costs and a lack of municipal support.

Ghost Signs and Neon Dreams: The Untold Story of the Closed Berlin Buchstabenmuseum Collection

buchstabenmuseum.de/en

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