The German city of Hamburg offers lots to do and explore – making it a perfect stop on your DiscoverEU journey. The astonishing architecture, the Elbe river banks, encompassing parklands and array of unique museums here elevate it as an exciting place to spend a day exploring. Hamburg is widely recognised as Germany’s most innovative Smart City, coming top in both Bitkom’s & Haselhorst Associates’ 2020 rankings. Hamburg is testing the potential of autonomous driving in Europe. So, hop on an autonomous e-shuttle minibus and experience a lift in the city with no driver! Keep on exploring advances in urban and digital innovation and visit the Hammerbrooklyn.DigitalCampus.
Are you looking for a romantic destination? Hop on a train and visit the German city of Heidelberg. Its castle ruins, beautiful houses, cobbled streets, lush hills, ancient squares and gorgeous river views make it look like something straight out of a picture book. Find some solitude and experience incredible views of the city on the Philosopher's Walk. Heidelberg strives to be a dynamic, innovative and international city that uses smart digital technology to offer a high quality of life for all its communities and protect the city's unique character. The city has been a pioneer in many fields, starting with medicine and education. To make the most of your stop in Heidelberg, download the city's app.
Ulm, situated on the banks of the Danube River in Germany, is much more than the birthplace of Albert Einstein and the tallest church steeple in the world! As you will explore this unassuming city, you’ll be bound to discover heaps of culture, stunning architecture and beautiful surprises. While you stroll the cobbled streets, stop at the Ulm Rathaus and look at its extraordinary frescoes dating back to the mid-16th century. Right in front of it stands the Fischkastenbrunnen (Fish Box Fountain). It takes its name from the fishmongers who used it to keep their wares alive during market days. Ulm has won City of the Future 2030 and Digital Municipality of the Future within the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The city is also focussing on promoting innovation in business thanks to its technology incubator, Verschwörhaus.
Capital of one of the smallest countries in the world, Vaduz has a lot to offer despite its tiny size. The city hosts many inspiring museums, including the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing an inspiring collection of contemporary and modern art. You can freely walk around in the beautiful car-free centre and appreciate the surviving medieval, Gothic and Baroque structures. From the city centre, you can take the gently sloping path leading to the stunning Vaduz Castle, home to the Prince of Liechtenstein. As well as being a smart, connected city itself, Vaduz is also a hub for digital businesses. The city is home to initiatives such as Digital Liechtenstein, which aims to connect, facilitate and augment digital businesses, and the Digital Summit Liechtenstein.
Don't be mistaken, Milan isn't only about fashion! From history, art and shopping to good food and sport, Lombardy's capital offers a lot. Some of its unmissable attractions are the breathtaking cathedral Il Duomo, the neighbouring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Il, and the charming canals of the Navigli district with its vibrant bars. While you're there, why not explore the city's inspiring street art? You will access Open WiFi in Milan thanks to over 50 free WiFi hotspots throughout the city. No doubt you'll love Milan! In 2019, the city won the NewCities' Wellbeing City Award for Smart Cities. Milan contributed to the European Union Smart City project EU-GUGLE, which develops nearly zero energy building renovation models for replication across Europe. The city has also worked hard to increase the accessibility of its public transport network, working with organisations of disabled people to develop accessibility standards for public transport. This and other initiatives earned Milan the 1st place Access City Award in 2016.
There is plenty in Rijeka to detain the curious visitor, so hop off the train and discover the Croatian city! While in Rijeka, walk down the Korzo. The main drag, running parallel to the Riva banks, is a pleasant, pedestrian stretch line with café terraces and shops. It will lead you to the classic façades of the Radio Rijeka building and City Clock Tower. Make sure you don’t miss the TunelRi Underground Tunnels. Thanks to the WiFi4EU – Free WiFi for Europeans 2019 project, free, high-speed WiFi is available in parts of the city. In 2018 Rijeka was recognised as the winner in the Best In Smart City Category in Croatia. It is now committed to 83 Smart City projects currently in progress.
It’s time to take the train and go green! Stop at Novo Mesto in Slovenia. Its connection to nature has heavily influenced the history of the town. From the idyllic Otočec castle on the middle of an island in the river Krka to the hills of Trška Gora, dotted with vineyards and cottages, Novo Mesto offers amazing discoveries. Don’t miss the Breg to take in the scenes of these historic streets. If you are tired of walking, hop on an electric bus recently launched in the town. Novo Mesto aims to become a smart city by 2030. The city is working with Telekom Slovenije and SAP Slovenija to develop and install Smart City infrastructure throughout the city.
