Flyctory.com Best Ones 2025

The final post of the year deals with nothing but the Best Ones. After I shared my Favorite Songs and Favorite Albums and EPs with you, it is time to talk about all the other good stuff which has happened this year. As in all the equivalent posts before, year 2025 refers to the time I published the post / review, not necessarily when I in-fact had the experience. This is less relevant for sports and concerts, but typically impacts my roll of honor in regards of travel experience. Hope you enjoy looking back to the best experiences I had this year.

 

Flyctory.com – The Best in Music

In regards of workload, the music section of Flyctory.com is likely the most intense part of my hobby. It also typically leads to a lot of interesting memories and contacts. I especially love the work in the photographer pit at concerts, of course. In my Best Ones post, I solely focus on that experience. The links to the other year-end reviews with a musical focus are given below as well.

 

Best Concert / Festival Event 2025:

Sound of Nashville Open Air (August 2025, Cologne)

It is not a huge event like the C2C in Berlin, but it is relaxed, familiar, and Sound of Nashville brings some amazing artists on stage. Thus, my home town country festival is special – and I hope it to grow in the future.

Sound of Nashville Open Air 2025 (Atmosphere)

 

Best Concert Performance 2025:

The BossHoss (1st October 2025, Cologne)

The German country-style rockers just do an amazing show. I absolutely loved their gig at the Live Music Hall in Cologne in October 2025. A lot of energy, fans cheering from the very first minute and a packed venue – a great experience. Hope to feature them again on their summer tour 2026 (see my Tour Date Overview)

The BossHoss (1st October 2025, Cologne)

 

Best Album / EP / Single 2025:

The last two days, I already shared my thoughts about the best music releases with you, on an individual song basis as well as EPs and albums. Have a look into it if you are interested::

Flyctory.com – My Favorite Albums / EPs 2025

 

Flyctory.com – My Favorite Songs 2025

 

Flyctory.com – The Best in Sports

Flyctory – the name was originally formed from Fly = Travel and Victory as a synonym for sports. Sports is still a core part of my coverage. I persnally struggle with the fact that I cannot do the really big events currently. But I absolutely lovet to bring you sports, especially floorball, handball, and athletics to you.

 

Personal Sports Event of the Year 2025 (covered with Flyctory.com):

FZ17 All-Star Game (12th July 2025, Hamburg)

The event raised by Flemming Kühl is simply outstanding. To me, it is the event with the highest potential to raise a focus on floorball on German grounds. The lineups of the match were outstanding. Hope that he and his team continues to run – and grow – this one. It is amazing.

FZ17 All-Star Game (12th July 2025, Hamburg)

 

Best Match / Game (covered with Flyctory.com) 2025:

Faroe Islands vs. Netherlands (Handball EHC Euro Cup Qualifier, 13th March, Torshavn)

I had a couple of great experiences on my trips to the Faroe Islands. Especially the Faroese 4-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualification vs. Montenegro is an experience I will never forget. However, the first handball match in the brand-new Torshavn Vid Tjarnir Arena was absolutely special. And the match was a great battle. I also loved the rematch a couple of days later in the Netherlands.

Faroe Islands – Netherlands 32-32 (18-14)

 

Favorite Stadium / Arena / Arena Tour 2025:

New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden

I there wasn’t the terrible traffic situation in West London, this award simply had to go to my England Rugby at Twickenham Stadium experience. However, the traffic infrastructure there is just too bad – and that clears the way for one of the most prestigious places for sports: the Madison Square Garden. Tickets are damn expansive, but “the Garden” is simply iconic.

Watching the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden

 

Favorite Mini Golf / Adventure Golf Course 2025:

Mini Golf at KISS World Las Vegas

I did not have too many mini and adventure golf reviews this year unfortunately – but the KISS-themed mini golf course in Las Vegas is just a lot of fun. It deserves being mentioned in here.

Mini Golf at KISS World Las Vegas

 

Flyctory.com – The Best in Travel

Regardless what I do – the most popular posts on Flyctory.com are the travel reviews. Thus, this section is somehow the “core” of my Best Ones post. I already shared the My Year in Travel post, which gives you some statistical insights abut my travel year 2025.

2025 – My Year in Travel

 

Best Aviation Experience 2025:

Helicopter Rides with Atlantic Airways

Helicopter flights on the Faroe Islands are absolutely amazing. It is not the most comfortable service when the helicopter is packed, but the views are great and it is a fast option to travel between the islands. I absolutely loved my flight in October 2025.

Scheduled Helicopter Rides with Atlantic Airways (Faroe Islands)

 

Best Inflight / Onboard Experience 2025:

Not assigned this year

Shame on me. I did have some really cool aviation experiences this year. Unfortunately, I just did not make it to put them into reviews. I am sure there will thus be some really cool posts for that category in 2026.

 

Favorite Airport reviewed in 2025:

Evansville Airport (EVV)

A regional airport with fast, friendly and efficient services – I really loved flying to and from Evansville in Indiana this year. Even when you want to head to Nashville, the quick processing there might beat you quite some time from touching down and grabbing a rental car to being in Music City. Smaller airports are not too rarely better ones – and Evansville had the best one to me this year.

Evansville Airport (EVV)

 

Best Airport / Non-Airport Lounge 2025:

American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof Stockholm (ARN)

With status inflation and bought status levels, many lounges are simply too packed nowadays. Thus, lounges like the American Express Lounge in Stockholm (ARN) are an absolute contrast and treat. Being there felt absolutely relaxing to me. Good food and a luxurious style.

American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof Stockholm (ARN)

 

Best (Road) Trip 2025:

Gasadular and the Mulafossur Waterfall

I have done significantly longer road trips this year. But exploring the Western end of Vagar on the Faroe Islands has been an absolutely special experience to me. The weather was close to perfect and the scenery is amazing. If you are on the islands, you should definitely give this one a try!

Gasadalur and the Mulafossur Waterfall (Pictured Story)

 

Best Car Rental 2025:

RENTplus Prague Airport (PRG)

A short rental at the beginning of 2025 made it to the top of my list. I had to head from Prague Airport (PRG) to Kladno to see Jaromir Jagr playing for “his” team again. Good and efficient services and a good car made that rental.

Car Rental Review – RENTplus Prague Airport (PRG) – Hyundai Bayon

 

Best Non-Aviation Travel Experience 2025:

Pangandaran Panoramic Class from Jakarta to Bandung

This post does not only reflect one of my favorite experiences, it is also one of yours. The post is one of the most popular ones on the whole website. The onboard service is ver good, the scenery is great. A lovely way to explore a bit of Indonesia on rail.

Pangandaran Panoramic Class from Jakarta to Bandung

 

Best Onboard Meal 2025:

20th July 2025, Austrian Airlines OS 195, Vienna (VIE) – Cologne/Bonn (CGN), Business Class

I had a couple of great meal experiences  during my 2025 trips. However, I feel that the Austrian Airlines catering out of Vienna, in their business class, is special. This one was a meatball with potato mash. The tiramisu-style dessert was lovely as well. I featured the meal in my July 2025 Food I Had Onboard post.

 

Favorite Museum / Exhibition about Travel/Transport 2025:

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is located South of Pittsburgh. Due to the opening times, it took me quite a while to finally make it there. The staff is lovely, the exhibition is great – and you can even rides some of the historic streetcars / trolley trains. One of these hidden, wonderful places, which are absolutely worth visiting.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

 

Favorite Museum / Exhibition (other topics) 2025:

Museum Of The Second World War (Gdansk)

Gdansk in Poland hosts this outstanding museum. Likely, there is no country which has been hit and impacted that hard by the war like Poland. The museum illustrates the history in an amazing way. Thereby, it manages to be educating and sending a clear message. It was an easy choice putting it on the list of full 5.0 rating places.

Museum Of The Second World War (Gdansk)

 

Favorite Free Entry Attraction 2025:

Salibandymuseo / Finnish Floorball Museum (Lempäälä)

Floorball is my sports love and passion. the Finnish Floorball Museum, located in a shopping mall South of Tampere, is a very special place to me. Other sports museums might have received a better rating – but this place is definitely more emotional to me.

Finnish Floorball Museum (Salibandymuseo)

 

Favorite Outdoor Attraction 2025:

Red Rock Scenic Drive

The Red Rock Scenic Drive is located West of Las Vegas. It offers a lot of interesting spots, great views and a large range of hikes. Even if you plan your visit as a pure road trip, this one gives you amazing memories. And it is a calm place close to the vibrant city. If you have a (rental) car, this one should definitely be on your Las Vegas bucket list.

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive

 

Best “Flyctory Obscura” Place 2025:

Spyscape New York

A museum about espionage? Places like this tend to be tourist traps. However, this place in the heart of Manhattan does a lovely blending of information, entertainment and fun. Even the gift shop is a great one!

Spyscape New York

 

Best Observation Deck / View from Above 2025:

Jais Viewing Deck Park

When you think of the United Arab Emirates, you likely think about the desert, beach, luxury, the posh and vibrant Dubai or the more cultural Abu Dhabi. However, the North does have some beauties – including their highest point, Jebel Jais. After I took you to some of the attractions there already before, this review brought you to the lovely viewing deck, which is also a popular spot among the locals. Definitely worth the drive to Ras Al Khaimah.

Jais Viewing Deck Park (Jebel Jais Observation Deck)

 

Best Airport Hotel 2025:

Hilton Frankfurt Airport

I had multiple stays at the Hilton Frankfurt Airport already. The hotel comes with a direct link to Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The service is great and it is a very convenient options for early / late flights from Germany’s largest airport.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport

 

Best Rail Travel Hotel 2025:

IntercityHotel Duisburg

I did not stay at the IntercityHotel Duisburg for a rail trip, but to see some Rock of Ages episodes there. The hotel is right at Duisburg Main Station, which is well connected. The service is good and reliable on top of that, which lead to a very pleasing stay in mid 2025.

IntercityHotel Duisburg

 

Best Hotel – Value For Money 2025:

Avani Hotel Frankfurt City

I originally opted for the Avani hotel to have a status night at GHA Discovery. However, the hotel was much better than expected and finally was a great stay in the heart of Frankfurt in Germany. I will definitely come back there.

Avani Hotel Frankfurt City

 

Most Relaxing Hotel 2025:

Il Milione Country House

This country house / Bed & Breakfast was my office during the Women World Floorball Championships Qualifications early in the year. The scenery in a wine region is lovely – and the place is absolutely quiet. Nice people and a friendly dog lead to a very convenient stay.

Il Milione Country House (Palazzolo dello Stella)

 

Best Hotel 2025:

Novotel Bern Expo

I stayed in the hotel for floorball coverage at the adjacent Sporthalle Wankdorf. I had great two nights there in February 2025. Not absolutely centrally located in the Swiss capital, but a great one for sports and concert events there.

Novotel Bern Expo

 

Hidden Gem of the Year 2025:

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains – this place is absolutely amazing. I love these kind of places. It finally beat my expectations easily. Another museum, which made the full 5.0 rating.

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum (Gatlinburg)

 

Favorite Travel Destination 2025:

Faroe Islands

Regardless whether it is a brief sports reporting trip or a longer, relaxing time on the Nordic Islands – I simply love the Faroe Islands. Lovely nature, great people – and it even comes with a fascinating sports and music scene. There is a lot of content which will still be coming in 2026. Hope I can give you some of the fascination of the place with you.

 

 

The Best New Flyctory.com Features in 2025:

I did not manage to do too much structural work this year. My key improvement was a fixed schedule of posts over the week. However, my physical situation did not make me keep it during 2025. Thus, I would see the key “old and new feature” the

• Re-Introduction of the New Country Songs Playlist

Some other important changes during 2025 are:

• The introduction of Featured Athletes
• Switching Flyctory.com to a non-profit platform

 

My Favorite Posting 2025:

Direct Trains from Germany to London – Will It Ever Happen?

This is a topic, which is popping up in German media again and again. Currently, it feels like Deutsche Bahn will partner with Eurostar for non-transfer connections from Germany to the United Kingdom. I am still skeptical whether this thought will turn into reality.

Direct Trains from Germany to London – Will It Ever Happen?

Title picture: Liam Twisselham “fangirling” at the Sound of Nashville Open Air

 

All “classic” blog posts

No reviews – just debating and certain topics. These are my “traditional” blog posts in the categories Just blogging, Just blogging on music and Sports Blogging:

 

Postings with Gallery 2025

Here are postings coming with a major size photo gallery published in 2025: