underground

ONE of Europe’s most underrated cities will soon get a metro system after decades of planning.

Belgrade in Serbia – one of the oldest city’s is Europe – is also Europe‘s biggest capital city without a subway, but soon that will change.

As part of a contract between Chinese and French construction companies, Belgrade’s first subway line is expected to open in 2030 costing around €4.4billion (£3.8billion).

A second line will follow in the early 2030s and a third line has also been planned.

Designs for the new metro network in the city could include driverless trains that would be operated from a single hub and doors separating the platforms from the track.

Digging of the tunnels will start next spring, with each tunnel set to be around 100 metres long and cost around €20million (£17.5million).

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According to Bloomberg, Andreja Mladenovic, who runs JKP Belgrade Metro and Train, who is overseeing the project, said: “Belgrade has grown far too big not to have a subway.

“It’s an absolute game changer.”

He added: “It costs more at first when you build it, but cuts costs later.

“It’ll be state-of-the-art, and worth it.”

Plans for a subway network in the city were first considered in the 1930s when the capital was growing in population.

However, World War II stopped these plans going ahead.

In the 1960s, Belgrade’s economy was expanding again and new plans were drawn up in the 70s, however these went nowhere.

In the early 80s, a debt crisis meant all hopes were lost for a metro network, and over the following decade, Yugoslavia disintegrated.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Belgrade could rebuild itself.

Today, the often-overlooked city is home to floating nightclubs and secluded beaches.

As a result of sitting on two rivers, Belgrade has a number of floating restaurants, bars and nightclubs referred to as ‘Splavs’.

Along the Sava River, Splavs often play pop music, whereas the Splavs that are found on the banks of the Danube River have more of a rock vibe.

And drinks onboard are super cheap, with a beer setting you back around £3.40 or a cocktail setting you back around £4.75.

But Belgrade doesn’t just have floating bars and restaurants, there are also a number of historical locations to explore.

For example, you could head to the Belgrade Fortress, which was built back in the third century to protect the city from invaders.

The fortress, of course, has a number of panoramic viewpoints, but visitors can also participate in a number of activities and attractions, as well as explore museums.

You could also visit the Church of Saint Sava, which is a large Orthodox church.

Or explore the Nikola Tesla Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor.

The museum contains many of his personal belongings as well as his inventions.

Return flights from London Luton Airport to Belgrade cost around £36 in January and the flight takes around three hours.

In other rail news, a world-famous English city is getting a new train station in huge £6.7billion plans.

Plus, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

The lesser-known Christmas market, nestled in an ancient cave with corridors, is one of the largest underground markets in Europe, so it’s a spectacle not to be missed

It may only be November, but festivities are in full swing as Christmas markets have decorated high streets with wooden chalets, assorted wreaths, seasonal treats and the scent of spiced mulled wine. There’s a catalogue of markets to visit across Europe for a wintery weekend getaway, and there’s one that’s just over four hours from the UK by train that is completely underground.

In the charming Dutch town of Valkenburg, you can find Europe’s largest underground Christmas market in the Municipal Cave. Visitors can wander through the ancient passageways of the cave, adorned with colourful, twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and figures like Father Christmas, creating an enchanting and magical atmosphere.

Beyond the decorations that bring festive cheer, around 50 stands offer a wide choice of Christmas gifts and goodies for something extra special, or you can purchase an ornament to hang on your tree back home. The experience of wandering around the cave and its winding corridors is what makes this Christmas market so extraordinary, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most famous in Europe.

Taking a break from shopping, there’s a foodie section in the cave where you can sample a range of local delicacies. Alternatively, you can dine al fresco in the square just outside the cave to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas magic that transforms the town.

During your visit, you can explore another marl cave called Velvet Cave, which also hosts part of the underground Christmas market. This is nestled beneath castle ruins with secret passageways leading to Valkenburg Castle, but during the festive season it welcomes the delights of sparkling decorations and cosy cafes – not to mention its renowned 18th-century chapel.

The Municipal and Velvet Cave Christmas markets are part of the Christmas Town Valkenburg, so there’s even more festivities once you’ve finished marvelling at the underground markets and snapped up your gifts. The streets are brimming with additional wooden chalets offering delightful goods, while Christmas lights illuminate the town as the holiday season takes over.

As part of the celebrations, a fairytale parade will take place through the old streets of Valkenburg aan de Geul, which is held twice a week due to its popularity. Additionally, a winter wonderland, Santa’s village and a culinary walking route through Valkenburg are all part of the enchanting experience.

Maps are available to download, so visitors can follow the paths and trails of the grand festivities that form part of Christmas Town Valkenburg’s annual and beloved tradition. Just last year, Christmas Town Valkenburg scooped up the award for the best Christmas market in the Netherlands and for the best Christmas parade in Europe.

Christmas Town Valkenburg is open from November 14 to January 4, with the Municipal and Velvet Cave available to visit during these dates. And it’s certainly worth a visit, as you can hop on the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Valkenburg in just four hours and 25 minutes.

There’s also plenty to explore beyond the Christmas markets, with local eateries offering a chance to sample some tasty Dutch dishes, or high street shops for a browse. Valkenburg is also known for its stunning landscapes, castle ruins and quaint streets lined with historic yellow buildings.

For more information, visit the Christmas Town Valkenburg website.

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