On two wheels

Tourism Ireland said the focus is on the region around Belfast, where there is a larger offering of places to stop. A variety of difficulty levels are available. The town of Castlewellan for example is the starting point for a 25-kilometre path through the Mourne Mountains. Included is the Peace Maze, which is the world’s largest permanent hedge maze and a symbol for the peace process in Northern Ireland. Visit www.MountainBikeNI.com)

 

Sensations of the Southeast

Asean is promoting six experiential and creative travel themes to encourage multi-country trips in the region. The trips involve the heritage, arts and special characters of the Asean destinations, says a statement from the Asean Tourism Product Development Working Group. To inspire travellers, Asean has introduced a series of themes such as beach, nature and wildlife; cruise tour and rail; culture and heritage; education and volunteering; food and nightlife; fun and leisure; health and spa; outdoor and water sports; and, pilgrimage tourism. Find out more at www.AseanTourism.travel.

 

Getting back on track

The famous Swiss train route between Chur and Arosa will soon be marking its 100th anniversary. The 26-kilometre-long rail stretch is to be opened again in the 2014 winter season after two and a half years of construction. The stretch includes 19 tunnels and 52 bridges and reaches a top altitude of 1,739 metres. The train stations along the route are all being brushed up and the Arosa train station completely renovated for next year's jubilee activities, the Rhaetische Bahn railway company reports. The centennial celebrations will be capped by a weekend festival in December 2014. – DPA

 

New home for Munch

The works of painter Edvard Munch are receiving a new home as the Spanish architect Herreros Arquitectos has been given the contract to design a new museum in the Bjoervika bay in Oslo. The competition for the new Munch Museum was advertised back in 2009 and the new building should be completed by 2018.

 

Scrolls on show

Dead Sea Scrolls are on display in the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands. The never before exhibited original Biblical manuscripts are from between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. The exhibition is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5 p.m. Children and young people up to 18 years have free entrance with adults paying 15 euros (Bt600). Visit www.DrentsMuseum.nl. 

 

Luxury in the park

Luxury hotel management group GHM launches three upscale hotels in Zhudong, Taiwan. The Chedi Club, The Chedi and The Serai in Zhudong will stand together as the hospitality anchor to Eutopia, a mountain getaway development one hour by car from Taipei. Located on the border of Shei-Pa National Park in Hsinchu County with a scenic view of the Wuzhi Mountain, the development ranks as one of the largest and most ambitious, licensed hospitality projects ever undertaken in Taiwan. Home to the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Zhudong has established a reputation as the Silicon Valley of Taiwan. At the same time, its natural attributes and its Buddhist temples are a draw for more contemplative pursuits. Visit www.GHMHotels.com.