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Harlech Castle in Gwynedd
The early settlement of the region in northwest Wales is evidenced by prehistoric stone circles, such as on the Moel Ty-uchaf, and burial mounds. The Romans conquered Gwynedd in the 2nd century and built fortifications near Caerhun and Caernarfon. When they left Britain in the 5th century AD, Wales was divided into four kingdoms. One of them was Gwynedd. During the Norman conquest in 1066, the hard-to-reach mountain kingdoms were able to retain their independence. To this day, there are still ancient Celtic traditions that were spread throughout Central and Western Europe 2000 years ago.
Remains of a Bronze-Age settlement near a waterfall
Several kilometers before reaching the sea, the River Afon plunges nearly 40 meters down an escarpment. A footpath will take you to the waterfall, and you can discover various remains of a Bronze-Age settlement along the way. These include a round hut and a forge marked out by standing stones. The best way to visit is to park in Bont Newydd and walk to Aber Falls. If you would like to continue hiking, you can try a section of the North Wales Path, which will take you over the bridge.
Plunging 40 meters down: Aber Falls
Picture-book Welsh village and a scenic overlook
This is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Snowdonia Park. It has 500 inhabitants and is located at the confluence of the Colwan and the Glaslyn. The town is also a gateway to the region's hiking trails. A particularly popular trail will take you up to the top of Moel Hebog, which offers a panoramic view allowing you to see as far as Cardigan Bay. (round trip: 4 hrs, 10.4 km, elevation change: 710 meters)
Included in:
National Trust Touring Pass
Umfulana Route:
www.komoot.de
Welsh village: Beddgelert
A must-see for gourmets
This food center, which cost 6.5 Million GBP to build, is located on a historic estate and features the best foods Wales has to offer. There is a farmer's market, a tea parlor, a restaurant, a bakery and a cooking school where local products from the estate or from nearby farms and from other parts of Wales are on offer. A must-see for gourmets.
Further information:
www.bodnant-welshfood.co.uk
Welsh products: Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
Beautiful seaside town with a yacht marina
The county seat of Gwynedd across from the Anglesey Peninsula is a beautiful seaside town with a yacht marina and a medieval town center. The registered historical houses and the narrow alleys are enclosed by a medieval wall. The town is overshadowed by the imposing Caernafon Castle, which was built in 1283 as the royal seat of the first Prince of Wales. Today, this massive structure with 13 towers is one of the most impressive and best-preserved castles in Europe.
Imposing castle with 13 towers: Caernafon Castle
Alpine mountains on the edge of the sea
Snowdonia National Park contains some of the most spectacular landscapes in Wales, with 3,000-foot mountain peaks towering above picturesque lakes. Several hiking paths lead up Snowdon, the highest mountain in the park, and to numerous other scenic venues. Less vigorous tourists may prefer to take the mountain railway from Llanberis to the top of Snowdon to experience one of the best views in all of England and Wales.
Further information:
www.visitsnowdonia.info
Majestic Mt. Snowdon
Climbing the highest mountain in Wales
At an elevation of 1,085 meters, Snowdon, which means “snow mountain,” is the highest point in Wales. The trail leads from the Llanberis Pass between two lakes and follows an old mining trail before zigzagging its way up the mountain. If you do not feel like hiking, you can use the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead. This cog railway will take you from Llanberis to a station just beneath the summit where there is a restaurant and a souvenir shop. (round trip: 5 hrs, 12.2 km, elevation change: 690 m)
Umfulana Route:
www.komoot.de
On the old mining trail: Hiking to the top of Snowdon