老市政厅，班贝格，德国 Old Town Hall, Bamberg, Germany (© SCStock/Getty Images)

历史沿运河流淌之地 Where history flows along the canal

老市政厅，班贝格，德国

班贝格老市政厅高踞于雷格尼茨河上，是德国班贝格最具代表性的地标之一。当地传说称，这座建筑之所以矗立在人工岛上，是因为城里的主教拒绝向市民提供修建市政厅的土地。据说居民于是自行在河中央造出一块地基，成就了这座建筑非凡的环境和历久弥新的魅力。

这座建筑融合了哥特式和巴洛克式建筑元素，色彩缤纷的外墙上装饰着精美的湿壁画。一座石桥将市政厅与历史城区两岸相连，构成巴伐利亚最常被拍摄的景观之一。

如今，老市政厅仍是班贝格丰富遗产与独特气质的象征。周围蜿蜒的街道、历史建筑和河畔风光，让人得以一窥当地数百年的历史，并继续吸引着来自世界各地的游客。

韦斯特黑弗的韦斯特黑弗桑德灯塔，石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因州，德国 Westerheversand Lighthouse in Westerhever, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (© bluejayphoto/Getty Images)

地平线上的红与白 Red and white on the horizon

韦斯特黑弗桑德灯塔， 德国

韦斯特黑弗桑德灯塔高耸于德国北海沿岸的盐沼之上，凭借醒目的红白条纹一眼便可辨认。灯塔建于1906年至1908年间，一个多世纪以来一直是艾德施泰特半岛的标志，为穿行北海水域的船只指引航向。如今，它仍是德国北部最著名的海岸地标之一。登上157级台阶的游客，可以饱览周围的壮阔景色。

一条狭窄的潮汐水道蜿蜒穿过沼泽，将视线引向远处的条纹灯塔。周围景观属于石勒苏益格-荷尔斯泰因瓦登海国家公园，并位于已列入联合国教科文组织《世界遗产名录》的瓦登海之中。受潮汐持续律动的塑造，这片非凡的海岸环境会随着水位涨落在一天中不断变化。盐沼和广阔潮滩孕育了丰富多样的野生动物，使瓦登海成为世界上最重要的湿地生态系统之一。

Westerheversand Lighthouse, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Rising above the salt marshes along Germany's North Sea coast, the Westerheversand Lighthouse is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive red-and-white stripes. Built between 1906 and 1908, the lighthouse has stood as an icon on the Eiderstedt Peninsula for more than a century, guiding ships through the waters of the North Sea. Today, it remains one of northern Germany's best-known coastal landmarks. Visitors who climb its 157 steps are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding scenery.

A narrow tidal channel meanders through the marshland, leading the eye toward the striped beacon in the distance. The surrounding landscape is part of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea. Shaped by the constant rhythm of tides, this remarkable coastal environment changes throughout the day as water levels rise and fall. Salt marshes and extensive tidal flats support a rich variety of wildlife, making the Wadden Sea one of the world's most important wetland ecosystems.

恶魔桥在克罗姆劳杜鹃花公园，萨克森州，德国 Devil's Bridge in Rhododendron Park Kromlau, Saxony, Germany (© Mike Mareen/Getty Images)

环影圆成 Going full circle

恶魔桥在克罗姆劳，萨克森州，德国

倒映在平静的水面上，拉科茨桥——通称为“恶魔桥”——在德国萨克森州构成了一个近乎完美的石环。这座窄长的玄武岩结构始建于1860年，经过精密的工程设计，使其拱形结构与水面倒影在湖面静止时能精准对齐，形成一个无缝的圆环。该建筑由当地产的火山石建成，与其说它具有实用功能，不如说它体现了精准的几何设计，其惊艳的造型纯粹是为了追求视觉上的美学冲击。作为热门的摄影题材，它还曾出现在包括《黑客帝国：矩阵重启》（2021年）在内的电影中。如今，由于桥体结构脆弱，为了对其进行保护，严禁行人通行，游客仅可从岸边观赏。

该桥坐落于克罗姆劳杜鹃花公园，这是一座靠近波兰边境的英式景观园林。林间小径蜿蜒穿过湖泊与季节性花卉展区，每逢春季，杜鹃花与映山红竞相绽放，呈现出绚丽夺目的色彩。在水面最为平静的时刻，水石交融，构成了一个迷人的幻象，仿佛悬浮在现实与倒影之间的虚幻之境。

Devil's Bridge, Kromlau, Saxony, Germany

Reflected in still water, the Rakotzbrücke—commonly known as the Devil's Bridge—forms a near-perfect stone circle in Saxony, Germany. Commissioned in 1860, the narrow basalt structure was carefully engineered so that its arch and reflection align to form a seamless ring when the lake is still. Made from locally sourced volcanic stone, it reflects precise design rather than practical function, its striking geometry intended purely for visual effect. A popular photo subject, it has also appeared in films, including 'The Matrix Resurrections' (2021). Today, the fragile bridge can only be admired from the shore, as crossing is prohibited to preserve it.

The bridge stands in Rhododendron Park Kromlau, an English-style landscape garden near the Polish border. Woodland paths wind past lakes and seasonal flower displays, with rhododendrons and azaleas creating vivid bursts of color in spring. At its calmest, water and stone align to form an enchanting illusion that appears to hover between reality and reflection.

乌尔姆市政厅的天文钟, 德国 Astronomical clock at Town Hall of the City of Ulm, Germany (© Tomekbudujedomek/Getty Images)

节约日光的艺术 The art of saving daylight

夏令时

每年三月，美国大部分地区开始实行夏令时，时钟拨快以最大限度地利用日光。这一想法可以追溯到1784年，当时本杰明·富兰克林曾幽默地建议人们早起以节省蜡烛的使用。美国在第一次世界大战期间，于1918年正式采用夏令时，作为一项节能措施。经过多年执行不一之后，1966年的《统一时间法案》确立了全国范围内季节性时钟调整的标准。虽然如今大多数州都实行夏令时，但夏威夷州和亚利桑那州（纳瓦霍族保留地除外）不实行，理由是日光变化幅度很小，且出于气候方面的考虑。此外，美国的一些属地全年也保持标准时间。

今天的图片展示的是德国乌尔姆市政厅上的天文钟。这座天文钟安装于16世纪，它追踪的是太阳和月亮的周期，而不是法定时间，提醒我们日光本身是由天文规律决定的，而不是由根据现代时间表调整的时钟决定的。

Daylight Saving Time

Every March, Daylight Saving Time begins in most of the United States, shifting clocks forward to maximize daylight. The idea can be traced back to 1784, when Benjamin Franklin humorously suggested earlier rising to conserve candle use. The US adopted Daylight Saving Time much later in 1918 as an energy-saving measure during World War I. After years of uneven observance, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a nationwide standard for seasonal clock changes. While most states observe Daylight Saving Time today, Hawaii and Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) do not, citing minimal daylight variation and climate concerns. Several US territories also remain on standard time year-round.

Today's image shows the astronomical clock on Ulm's Town Hall in Germany. Installed in the 16th century, it tracks solar and lunar cycles rather than legal time, reminding us that daylight itself is governed by astronomy—not by clocks adjusted for modern schedules.

布罗肯峰的日出, 哈尔茨国家公园, 德国 Sunrise on the Brocken, Harz National Park, Germany (© imageBROKER/AVTG/Getty Images)

治愈、宁静且充满希望 A legendary sunrise

布罗肯，哈尔茨国家公园，德国

想象一下，你登上了德国哈尔茨国家公园的布罗肯山（Brocken）。云雾在山脊间缓缓流动，阳光从你身后照来，前方是翻涌的薄雾——突然，一个被光环包围的巨大影子出现在云雾之中。你是否好奇，为什么过去的登山者会对这一景象感到害怕？这种现象被称为布罗肯幽灵（Brocken spectre），是一种神秘的自然光学现象：当阳光从背后照射时，人的影子会被投射到前方的云层或雾气上，并被放大，同时常常伴随着一圈彩色光环。布罗肯山海拔约 1141 米，是德国北部最高的山峰。这里长期以来激发了丰富的民间传说，其中最著名的便是瓦尔普吉斯之夜（Walpurgis Night）女巫在此集会的故事。云雾缭绕的山顶与神秘的光影，使这座山在历史与想象中都充满了奇幻色彩。

这座山后来也在历史中扮演了十分现实而重要的角色。德国分裂时期，布罗肯山山顶曾被划为冷战时期的限制区域，成为东德与苏联情报机构的重要监视与侦察站点。德国统一之后，这里重新向公众开放，并被纳入哈尔茨国家公园的一部分。该国家公园于 2006 年由原有保护区合并建立，总面积约 247 平方公里。公园保护着大片云杉森林、高地泥炭沼泽以及湍急的山地溪流，同时通过一系列生态恢复计划，重新引入了欧亚猞猁等本土物种。如今，蒸汽动力的登山小火车仍然沿着山坡缓缓攀登，在森林与云雾之间穿行，把这座山的古老传说与现代自然保护巧妙地连接在一起。

The Brocken, Harz National Park, Germany

Imagine reaching the Brocken in Harz National Park, Germany, as clouds slide across the ridge. With the sun behind you, mist ahead—then a giant, haloed shadow forms. Ever wondered why climbers once feared this sight? The phenomenon, called the Brocken spectre, is an eerie natural optical effect that occurs when sunlight projects a person's shadow onto cloud or fog. Rising about 1,141 metres, the Brocken is the highest peak in northern Germany and has long inspired folklore, including tales of witches gathering here during Walpurgis Night.

The mountain later played a very real strategic role. During Germany's division, the summit became a restricted Cold War surveillance site used by East German and Soviet intelligence. After reunification, it reopened and became part of Harz National Park, established jointly in 2006 and covering roughly 247 square kilometres. The park protects spruce forests, upland peat bogs and fast-flowing streams, while conservation programmes have reintroduced species such as the Eurasian lynx. Steam-powered trains still climb the slopes, linking past legend with present-day protection.

新天鹅堡，巴伐利亚州，德国 Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany (© www.fredconcha.com @ All Rights Reserved/Getty Images)

巴伐利亚的瑰宝 Bavaria's gem

新天鹅堡，巴伐利亚州，德国

新天鹅堡的诞生源于巴伐利亚国王路德维希二世的浪漫构想——一个由中世纪神话与歌剧场景交织而成的梦境居所。城堡隐身于山林之间，塔尖纤细，精巧的石饰让整座建筑宛如漂浮在山谷之上。虽然建造始于十九世纪，但这座宫殿始终未完全竣工，因此也增添了一层淡淡的神秘。

今天，我们所看到的，是德国巴伐利亚新天鹅堡令人震撼的风貌，这座城堡每年吸引数以百万计的游客。最初的设计远比现存规模更加宏伟，其中包括一座从未建成的华丽宝座厅。即便未完工，这座宫殿仍让人得以一窥一位国王的幻想世界——一个由传说与艺术辉煌塑造的理想国度。

新天鹅堡中隐藏着许多耐人寻味的巧思，为它增添了独特而迷人的氛围。即便岁月流转，它依旧是想象与奇迹的象征，吸引着游客走进一个由梦境与永恒织成的世界。

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

The story of Neuschwanstein Castle begins with the dreams of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who imagined a retreat inspired by medieval legends and grand operas. Set among mountains and forests, the castle rises with delicate towers and intricate stonework that seem to float above the valley. Although construction started in the nineteenth century, the palace was never fully completed, which adds to its aura of mystery.

Today, we admire the impressive beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany, a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The original plans were far more ambitious and included a grand throne room whose throne was never built. Even in its unfinished state, the palace offers an extraordinary glimpse into the imagination of a monarch who longed for a world shaped by myth and artistic splendor.

Neuschwanstein Castle is filled with curiosities that enrich its enchanting atmosphere. Despite the passage of time, Neuschwanstein remains a symbol of imagination and wonder, inviting travelers to step into a world shaped by dreams and enduring beauty.

跨年夜，奥伯鲍姆桥，柏林，德国 New Year's Eve, Oberbaum Bridge, Berlin, Germany (© spreephoto.de/Getty Images)

柏林，新年之桥 Where Berlin bridges the New Year

跨年夜

三、二、一……等等，先按下暂停键。新年还没到，但柏林的奥伯鲍姆桥仿佛已经提前按下了“庆祝”按钮。今晚，这座桥不再只是河上的通道，而是一条通往新年的跑道：引擎低鸣，烟花预热，人群齐声练习着那句“新年快乐！”

奥伯鲍姆桥，恰好镶嵌在弗里德里希斯海因与克罗伊茨贝格之间，横跨施普雷河，连接着两种截然不同的跨年节奏。弗里德里希斯海因带来俱乐部的电音和街头小吃，克罗伊茨贝格则以慵懒的酒吧和临时举杯迎接新年。而桥上？一切都是即兴：屋顶迸射的烟花，河岸闪烁的光点，还有偶尔让人忍俊不禁的“这烟花是不是飞偏了？”的笑语。红砖塔楼静静守望，它们曾是东西柏林的分界，如今化作团聚的象征。跨入新的一年，就从这里开始：脚步、笑声与烟花，共同点亮柏林的夜空。

New Year's Eve

Three… two… one… wait—hold that countdown. It's not New Year's yet, but the Oberbaum Bridge already feels as if Berlin hit its 'celebrate' button ahead of time. On this night, the bridge transforms from a simple river crossing into a runway where this city taxis toward midnight, engines humming, fireworks warming up, and the crowd collectively practicing its 'Happy New Year!' voice.

Wedged perfectly between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, the bridge sits at the meeting point of two neighborhoods across the River Spree that approach the eve with completely different strategies. Friedrichshain shows up with club beats and street snacks. Kreuzberg brings laid-back bars and last-minute toasts. The Oberbaum Bridge? From here, the scene is pure improvisation—bursts of color from rooftops, random sparkles from the riverbanks, and occasional 'Was that meant to go sideways?' moments. The bridge's iconic red-brick towers watch over it all, steady and unfazed. These towers once marked the divide between East and West Berlin, but tonight they mark something far better: togetherness. Here's to crossing into another year—one step, one cheer, and one firework at a time.

巴伐利亚阿尔卑斯山脉的雪中教堂与圣诞树，德国 Snowy chapel with Christmas tree in the Bavarian Alps, Germany (© mauritius images GmbH/Alamy)

流动的传统 Traditions that travel

平安夜

随着平安夜的到来，数以百万计的人们拥抱那些将我们与根源相连的习俗，或者接触全新的文化。如今日图片中所见的那样，在德国巴伐利亚阿尔卑斯山的雪景中，节日灯光在寒冬中闪耀；而在地球的另一端，比如加勒比海、澳大利亚或巴西，耀眼阳光洒在金色海滩上，圣诞节的画面则截然不同

在德国，人们会捧着一杯热气腾腾的漫步于圣诞市集，穿梭于一个个摊位之间。在委内瑞拉加拉加斯，人们则会踩着轮滑去参加圣诞弥撒。在墨西哥，可能又会看到夜圣萝卜节中剩下的奇趣萝卜雕塑。对于那些喜欢神秘事物的人来说，乌克兰会在圣诞树上装饰象征好运的蜘蛛网，而威尔士则会庆祝马利·卢伊德，一种由装饰过的马头骨引领、挨家挨户巡游的独特传统。传统习俗多到数不胜数。对一个人来说平凡至极的习惯，对另一个人而言却可能是一片崭新的文化天地。所以，今夜不妨敞开心扉，甚至打开家门，或许有人正期待与你分享他们的节日故事，或静静聆听你的。

Christmas Eve

As Christmas Eve arrives, millions embrace customs that connect us to our roots—or introduce us to entirely new cultures. In snowy regions like the Bavarian Alps in Germany—a frost-kissed landscape seen in today's image—festive lights glow against winter's chill. Elsewhere, the sun blazes brightly: think of the Caribbean, Australia, or Brazil, where Christmas often means golden beaches instead of frosty mornings.

In Germany, you might wander through a festive market with a steaming cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) in hand, weaving from one stall to the next. In Caracas, Venezuela, you'll join crowds rollerblading to Christmas Mass. Head to Mexico, and you'll find quirky radish sculptures from the Night of the Radishes festival, left over from the night before. For those drawn to mystery, Ukraine decorates trees with spider webs, and Wales celebrates Mari Lwyd—a horse's skull adorned and paraded door to door. The list of traditions is endless. What feels ordinary to one may be an entirely new world to someone else. So tonight, open your heart—and maybe your door—someone might be eager to discover your holiday tradition.

法兰克福老桥，德国 (© diegograndi/Getty Images)

历史与现代的交融

法兰克福老桥，德国

位于德国中心地带的法兰克福是一座以现代天际线与历史古城交织闻名的活力都市。老桥是其中的标志性建筑之一，自中世纪以来便横跨美因河，是这座城市现存最古老的河上通道之一。几个世纪以来，它一直是重要的贸易通道。如今的老桥建于1912至1926年间，将老城区与萨克森豪森区连接起来，从这里能欣赏到壮丽的“美因哈顿”天际线与法兰克福大教堂，这是传统与现代融合的象征。尤其在日落时分，更是格外迷人。

老桥也是漫步美因河畔或前往老城探访的完美起点。这里坐落着市政厅罗马广场、圣保罗教堂，以及传统的苹果酒酒馆等景点。文化爱好者则可以造访著名诗人歌德的故居，追随其足迹。法兰克福享誉全球的各类博物馆，更令艺术爱好者流连忘返。在这座对自行车友好的金融都市中，过去与现在在此无缝衔接，形成别具一格的城市风貌。全球罕有城市能像法兰克福般，将强烈的时代对比演绎得如此和谐自然。

莱比锡圣诞集市, 德国 Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany (© Krzysztof Baranowski/Getty Images)

一路闪耀 Twinkle all the way

莱比锡圣诞集市, 德国

你知道567年前的圣诞集市，人们都买些什么吗？不是昂贵的饰品，也不是精致的纪念品，而是蜡烛、香料、本地特产、针织品和玩具。莱比锡的圣诞集市始于1458年，很快成为商人和当地居民最喜爱的去处。如今，这个集市遍布历史老城，约有300个摊位，汇聚文化与美食，是德国规模最大的圣诞集市之一。想象一下，街道上商贩的叫卖声此起彼伏，孩子们追随着蜂蜜姜饼的甜香奔跑。这里是人们聚在一起庆祝冬季、边喝热红酒边聊新闻的地方。圣诞集市从来不仅仅是购物，它更是一种逃离日常的温暖仪式。

圣诞集市怎能少了圣诞老人？在莱比锡，圣诞老人的隆重到来是一项传统。每年将临期前的周六，家家户户都会迎接圣诞老人和他的随行队伍，他们乘坐特别的列车抵达中央火车站。城市的每个角落都在讲述故事：从历史悠久的圣托马斯教堂，到让孩子们欢笑了几代人的旋转木马。漫步其中，节日的气息仿佛一段活生生的故事，将数百年的习俗与现代的庆典交织在一起。

Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany

Do you know what people bought at Christmas markets 567 years ago? Not costly ornaments or fancy souvenirs but candles, spices, local goods, knitted items, and toys. Leipzig's Christmas market began in 1458 and quickly became a favorite stop for merchants and locals alike. Today, with its cultural and culinary offerings spread across the historic old town and about 300 stalls, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Imagine streets buzzing with the chatter of traders and children following the scent of 'Lebkuchen'—honey-sweetened cakes. This is where townsfolk gather to celebrate winter and catch up on news while sipping mulled wine. These markets have always symbolized more than shopping—they offer an escape from the everyday routine.

And what is a Christmas market without Santa Claus? In Leipzig, his grand arrival is a tradition. On the Saturday before Advent Sunday, families welcome Santa and his entourage, who arrive on a special train at the main station. Every corner of this city tells a story, from the historic St. Thomas Church to the merry-go-rounds that have delighted children for generations. As you walk through it, the festive spirit feels like a living story, blending centuries of customs with modern celebrations.