Georgia, known in the local language as Sakartvelo, lies between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The country is home to both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and borders Russia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Turkey to the south. Its proximity to Russia is certainly a factor to consider these days, given the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, during my 14-day stay, I felt safe at all times. That said, it cannot be denied that Georgians fear another occupation by Russia; Abkhazia and South Ossetia have already been annexed by the former “big brother.”
From the end of August to the beginning of September, I spent a hiking and cultural holiday in Georgia. Starting in the capital, Tbilisi, the journey then took me to the landscapes of Kazbek and Svaneti. Both the mountain scenery and the hospitality of the locals thrilled me completely. Within a single day, we were able to travel from modern times (Tbilisi) to the Middle Ages (Ushguli). Once again, the silence and majestic vastness of the mountains left me speechless. Being in nature is, for me, definitely the place where I can find myself – far away from bad news, worries, or other distractions.
The country’s infrastructure is certainly not in the best condition. Georgia is a relatively poor country, and the roads outside the two major cities of Tbilisi and Kutaisi are in part in very poor shape, so one must factor in long travel times. But it is still worth it. In the rural regions of Svaneti, such as Becho and Ushguli, we stayed in guesthouses run by local families. I can wholeheartedly recommend this type of accommodation over the soulless hotels in the cities. The hosts are extremely hospitable, the food is excellent, and the surroundings are simply a dream.
During our 14-day stay, we experienced so much that it will surely take me a while to process it all. However, I can only recommend a vacation in Georgia, whether cultural or sporty in nature. In my opinion, it is also worthwhile to get to know our distant European neighbors.
