Travel suggestions for 2026 include Cottbus, as highlighted in the "Marco Polo" trendbook

Marco Polo Trend Guide 2026 Highlights European Destinations and Innovations

Ulm, a city in Germany, continues to impress with its livable environment and the world's tallest church tower, found within the Ulm Minster. The city also boasts a strong research landscape, making it a "hotspot for bright minds" and an ideal location for start-ups.

Meanwhile, in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, the Kyffhäuser geopark offers a landscape of contrasts. Visitors can explore steep gypsum cliffs, salt springs, karst springs, and deep caves like the Barbarossa cave.

In the realm of cultural attractions, Moritzburg Castle near Dresden has gained popularity as a filming location for the movie "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella." The Bunker St. Pauli in Hamburg is another must-see destination, recommended for its unique charm.

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is set to surpass Ulm's Minster with the completion of a new tower, expected to open in 2026. This architectural marvel will undoubtedly become another iconic landmark in Europe.

Looking ahead to 2026, the UBS Digital Art Museum is set to open its doors in Hamburg HafenCity. As Europe's largest exhibition space for digital and immersive art, it promises to be a significant addition to the continent's cultural scene.

The film village of Ellmau at the Wilden Kaiser in Tyrol is another popular filming location, having been used for the movie "The Mountain Doctor."

The "Marco Polo" editorial team has recently released the Trend Guide 2026, a comprehensive guide to emerging trends in travel and tourism. This guide was developed based on suggestions from numerous authors, with a final selection made by a jury consisting of futurologist Anja Kirig, travel guide author Jens Bey, editor Jan Düker, tourism consultant Martin Petrich, Professor Harald Zeiss (an expert in sustainable tourism), and MairDumont publisher Stephanie Mair-Huydts.

One of the trends highlighted in the guide is "Coolcation," a travel trend that focuses on exploring Europe's cooler corners, such as the High Tatras in Slovakia, the Faroe Islands in Denmark, and the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. These destinations, less impacted by climate change, offer a unique and refreshing travel experience.

Lastly, the Bergstraße-Odenwald geopark, spanning across multiple federal states, allows visitors to experience 500 million years of Earth's history in a small space. This geopark is a testament to the rich and diverse history of Europe.

These trends and destinations serve as a reminder of the endless possibilities for exploration and innovation in Europe. Whether it's the towering minsters, the hidden geoparks, or the burgeoning digital art scene, there's something for everyone in the continent's vibrant tapestry of culture and history.

Travel suggestions for 2026 include Cottbus, as highlighted in the "Marco Polo" trendbook