Stockholm
Stockholm is the official capital of Sweden, a remarkable city full of life and energy that is sure to dazzle your eyes and comfort your soul. This is not just a city to visit; Stockholm is truly a city to experience. There exists an incredible amount of activities to engage in, and the scenery is so picturesque that you will never feel bored or unfulfilled. Sweden is a well-run and well-educated country, making it all the more pleasant to visit. The conditions and accommodations in Stockholm are magnificent, as are the dining facilities. Choose from a wide array of fabulous restaurants for dinner, and then walk to a café for an outstanding dessert. The museums in Stockholm are quite interesting, and this ancient city has plenty of historic landmarks.
The city is home to 1.4 million inhabitants, and is at the forefront of the 24,000-island archipelago that starts at Lake Malaren and stretches for hundreds of miles out to the Baltic Sea. This city is an amazing one, a region comprised of small islands and bridges that connect them together. Gorgeous steeples and daunting towers are laced throughout the land, and the décor is often reminiscent of the Renaissance. The much newer skyscrapers add a modern feel that complements the ancient architecture perfectly. The combination is ideal, making for an atmosphere that is diverse but fitting. Stockholm was founded over seven hundred years ago, and in the mid-1600?s it became the official capital of Sweden. Almost all of the ancient structures remain intact, and the old cobblestone streets still exist in many parts of the city.
The early history of Sweden was highlighted by a series of wars with its neighbors, a struggle for independence and self-rule. It was not until 1523, when Gustav Vasa defeated the Danish in a great battle, that Sweden really became its own nation. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Sweden was a major force in Europe, a powerful and influential country that seemed to be on the rise. But wars with Russia and Denmark resurfaced, and periods of fighting occurred throughout the years until the mid-1800?s. After 1844, Sweden ushered in an era of relative tranquility. This peaceful attitude permeates throughout the land, and this will become evident when interacting with the friendly locals of the wonderful city of Stockholm.
St. Petersburg
The glow of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the wonder of the Russian Museum are two key elements that make St. Petersburg one of the most marvelous destinations in Eastern Europe. This ancient and magnificent city is bursting with personality, exploding with character, and built on culture and a strong heritage. The people of St. Petersburg remember their past, and honor their ancestors and greatest leaders with a dazzling array of cathedrals, churches, squares, and museums. The architectural highlights of this great city are abundant, and included are the Fortress of Peter & Paul and the Summer Gardens Palace. Some of the best restaurants in Russia are found in St. Petersburg. Recently, there have been many stories about St. Petersburg that have brought concern to prospective travelers. Try not to let these fables bother you, because as usual, the news media has blown a few incidents way out of proportion. Since the disbanding of the USSR, it is true that the Russian Mafia has started to play a somewhat significant role in the activity of St. Petersburg. But the city is by no means run by the mob, and if you behave in a respectable manner there is no need for concern. During the day and evening, the city is safe and lovely, and the majority of the robberies and related problems occur late at night, mostly near the casinos. A few years back, as St. Petersburg began to struggle economically, the government felt that one of the best ways to gain revenue and then distribute it back to the people was to engage in the building of casinos and gambling facilities. Interesting tactic to say the least, but as a result, slot machines and blackjack tables are found everywhere throughout the city.
Four million people call St. Petersburg home. The mood is lighthearted and enchanting, and the wide streets and glorious artistic sites are not reminiscent of communism at all. While St. Petersburg has endured its share of turmoil in the past, to visit the city now is to enjoy a vacation full of beauty, splendor, and bustling activity.
Helsinki
In 1550, Swedish King Gustavus Vasa ordered that a city halfway between St. Petersburg and Stockholm be built. The city became known as Helsinki, and it is a glorious location that overlooks the Gulf of Finland. Laced with green parks, fabulous sculptures, and fascinating squares, Helsinki is a wonderful travel destination. It is the capital of Finland, and is home to 800,000 people. It is surrounded by water on three sides, and touring Helsinki on foot is always your best bet. The city is compact and elegant, with the majority of citizens extremely well educated. The population is quite affluent, but is not an overly self-indulged people, especially considering they live so well. The locals still refer to Helsinki as their big village, and they are always very helpful and kind to tourists. This is definitely a city that has four distinct seasons, and if you are visiting Helsinki in the winter, you had better bundle up. Located on the southern coast of Finland, during the summer, Helsinki has some of the longest days anywhere in the world. During this time, it is not uncommon to have days that last over twenty hours.
Helsinki is one of the major cultural centers in all of Europe. The architecture is magnificent, and the museums and galleries are incredible. Helsinki has wonderful shopping and dining facilities, and is a pristine and inspiring city to visit. Everything seems clean and organized, and the government really takes care of its citizens and visitors. The quality of life here is extraordinary, and with each season comes a different version of the city. The public transportation system in Helsinki is efficient, and everything is very accessible. The city serves as a meeting place between western and eastern cultures, making Helsinki a wonderful cultural center. In 1952, the Olympic Games were held here, and soon after this grand event, the world began to truly embrace Helsinki as the tourist haven that it is. Americans and Europeans saw the well-organized country of Finland and fell in love with it.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most warm and inviting cities in existence. A picture of this quaint city includes cobblestone streets, a few towering skyscrapers and friendly people that will greet you at every turn. This is very unlike the typical hot pavement and traffic-covered streets that are usually associated with a major city. Copenhagen is truly a fairy-tale town where pollution does not exist but the sweet scent of bakeries envelopes the area instead.
Copenhagen is part cosmopolitan city and part small town that has plenty to offer its visitors. This is the political, financial and cultural capital of Denmark that 1.5 million people call home. Museums, historical sights, cafés, and the most delicious restaurants abound here. The day will captivate you and the night will intrigue you, so do not plan to go to sleep early. Go crazy and live it up at the many clubs and bars, or have a cappuccino while watching a magnificent sunset.
Copenhagen has quite a tumultuous history, starting in 1157, when Valdemar the Great gave it to Bishop Absalon. Before this transition year, Copenhagen was just a simple fishing town. Bishop Absalon built a castle here, which is now Christianborg Palace. Copenhagen grew to be a great center as a Baltic trade route, and in the 15th century, the town became the royal residence and the capital of Norway and Sweden. Walking around Copenhagen today, one will be able to see beautiful castles and towers that date back to the 16th century and the rule of Christian IV. This king was enamored of fine architecture, which resulted in a wealth of construction that still marvels visitors today. We are quite lucky Christian IV built up the city as much as he did, because some of the buildings from his time are the only historical landmarks that survived two major fires in the 18th century, as well as the bombings by Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars.
A sweet lull of peace sweeps over Denmark now, which disguises Copenhagen's difficult history. It is a colorful town brought to life by street musicians and performers on every corner. Delight your eyes with the lights that illuminate these same streets at night, and take a stroll along a drawbridge over one of the many canals. It is impossible not to fall in love with this seafaring city.
Honningsvag
Honningsvag is the northernmost village in the world, and that is definitely their claim to fame. The lovely citizens of Honningsvag hold the North Cape Festival every year celebrating their culture and heritage, as well as the uniqueness of their wonderful town. If you like fishing, then you will adore Honningsvag, because the harbor is beautiful, and the fish are leaping at the chance to get a bite of what's on your hook. This harbor region provides access to the entire North Cape, and in fact, Honningsvag itself is the actual gateway. In 1944, the German Nazis came through this area and literally destroyed the city. Everything was completely demolished except for the chapel, and the some of the locals still recall the carnage. Thankfully, both the chapel and the spirits of the strong-willed members of this close-knit society survived the attacks, and today Honningsvag is a wonderful and charming town with no upheaval or unrest. You are sure to have an extraordinary time in this exquisite northern environment, full of aesthetic beauty and friendly Norwegians. The falling snow and crisp, fresh air will clear out your lungs and reinvigorate you into a whole new person. A trip to Honningsvag is a blissful and life-affirming adventure.
Geiranger
Geiranger has been called the best fjord viewing location in Norway; a picturesque location full of sights that you will never forget. The landscape of Geiranger is remarkable, and everyone you encounter will be eager to help you while you explore the region. The people are quite friendly, but they do not want you to stay forever. Norway is not a melting pot, and it wishes to stay that way. Immigration is heavily discouraged through strict policies, and the entire country only averages around twenty people for every square mile of land. The weather is somewhat severe, as it is bitterly cold much of the year.
Some of the best skiing in the world can be found in Norway, and this sport, along with observing the gorgeous countryside, are the two main reasons for visiting Geiranger. There is not an abundance of activities or things to do, that's for sure. But you can still have a marvelous time enjoying the intrinsic beauty of the area. The Norwegian people are among the best educated in the entire world, and when the children are born they are taught to ski along with being taught to walk. Even with the icy weather, Norwegians spend a great deal of their time outdoors, and you will be expected to do the same if you visit Geiranger! This is definitely one of the last natural frontiers on the continent. Glaciers, lakes, and mountains cover over 70% of the land in Norway. Because of the peculiar length of the days and nights, Norway has been given the name Land of the Midnight Sun. The summer days can approach nearly 24 hours of straight sunlight, and in the winter the nights can last over 17 hours.
Hellsylt
One of the highlights of the fjord lands, tiny Hellesylt sits at the head of Geirangerfjord, the westernmost section of the fjords. It is located on one of the most enchanting offshore islands of Norway. A fjord is a sharp gash in the land formed by withdrawing glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Today, the fjords serve as stunningly dramatic scenery that is uniquely Norwegian. Hellesylt is the oldest Viking port in Norway, and today, the history is evidenced by the rustic beauty and pastoral charm that leaves visitors with the feeling that they have traveled back in time. Near the rural community, a glacier-fed stream falls over the sandstone front of the fjord, flowing into thousands of feet of rainbows and bubbly water. This majestic area, with its out-of-this-world glaciers and mountain-engulfed lakes, was the inspiration that launched Henrik Ibsen's drama Brand. Ibsen was so enthused about the scenery here that he used the small town as the backdrop for his awesome literary work. The land of Hellesylt is rough and stunning. It is dramatic and untamed, yet lush and delightful. The waterfall here is marvelous, and the residents are as lovely as their land.
Bergen
Bergen is a picturesque city in the gorgeous country of Norway. Located in the western region of this glorious land, Bergen is a beautiful and diverse area full of natural wonders. The museums are fantastic, and the Bergen Art Museum in particular is a real gem. The visual splendor of Bergen is remarkable, and you will never tire of this extraordinary city. The fjords are magnificent, and the longest fjord in Norway is Sogne, located just to the north of Bergen. Many of the old buildings in the heart of the city are beautifully constructed and are charming spots just waiting to be explored. The eating and shopping in Bergen are both excellent, as there are a number of high quality restaurants and stores to peruse. The jewelry and clothing in Bergen shops are extremely nice, and in some locations you will discover great hard-to-find items. A combination of natural and man-made beauty makes the Hanseatic Wharf area one of the most spectacular port areas in the world. Wherever you go in Bergen, you are sure to be amazed, and the waterfront of the city is particularly impressive.
King Olav Kyrre established Bergen as a Viking harbor in 1070. It was by far the most important port in all of Norway for import, export, and general usage. In the thirteenth century, Bergen was officially declared the capital of Norway. In 1241, the Hanseatic League was established in order to create monopolies on certain segments of European trade. Bergen joined forces with several German cities and became one of four main trading powers and one of the primary ports for salted fish and timber on the continent, making the area incredibly powerful and prosperous. This rich heritage has survived the centuries, and Bergen continues to be a thriving city. Just recently, it was declared one of the three tidiest cities in Europe, which is quite an honor indeed. If you like cleanliness, crisp air, and an abundance of sights and adventures, then Bergen is a perfect city for you. There is definitely a lot of rainfall in this port city, but you are sure to be cheered up by one of the friendly locals, who will insist that you join in for a laugh and a drink at one of the local hangouts.
Tallinn
Tallinn is a city bustling with activity; a city that begs to be explored. This capital of Estonia is an incredible region, one that features outstanding museums and cultural sites, fabulous shopping, and an outrageously active nightlife. Both the Theater and Music Museum and the Maritime Museum are excellent, and Castle Square, found in the heart of town, is wonderful. Located inside the Castle Square are the Toompea Castle and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, two exquisite man-made triumphs. Old streets and lovely architecture still exist, but modern Tallinn is alive and well. Its government knows that Tallinn is far and away the primary tourist destination of travelers to Estonia, and therefore are doing everything in their power to bolster the desirability of this great city. A few years ago, the dining options in Tallinn were so limited that sometimes you would have been better off skipping a meal! These days, the eateries still fall short of the quality of the shopping and nightlife, but thankfully, there are a few standouts worth visiting.
For nearly one thousand years, outside influences have sculpted and altered the city of Tallinn. The Danes founded Tallinn, and in fact, the name directly translates to Danish fort. They did not want any confusion as to who it was that originally established this coastal beauty. The Danes settled here in the beginning of the 13th century and claimed the area as their own. Even though they may have been the first to take control of the region, they were certainly not the last. While present-day Tallinn is a peaceful and harmonious community, enjoyable in every way, it took hundreds of years of struggle for it to get that way. German nobility took control of Tallinn's public life, and this remained the case even as the Russian tsars claimed control of the city itself. The kings of Sweden felt as if they had a say as well, and they alleged that Tallinn was theirs to rule. A great deal of fighting ensued in the quest for Estonian domination, and the German culture is the one that ultimately proved the most significant influence on present-day Tallinn. The fortress of the German knights still stands, as do other German forts and armories. But nowadays, Tallinn has a personality all of its own, with interesting sights laced throughout the city.
Dover
Dover is one of the busiest passenger ports in the entire world, and there are distinct reasons why this is the case. The Strait of Dover is ideally located on the southern tip of England, making it the closest land point connecting the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. For centuries, the port at Dover has been the gateway from Britain to France, Belgium, and the rest of the European continent.
During World War II, Dover endured ruthless attacks by enemy bombings, and the city suffered greatly. The war left the city in a state of disarray, and the city center reeled from the postwar effects for decades, but it has returned to its prewar glory. The scenery remains breathtaking, and the haunting war atmosphere that still lingers to a degree adds a certain excitement to the city, making it all the more mysterious and interesting.
The Strait of Dover is magnificently beautiful, as is the city itself. Of course we have all heard songs and tales of the White Cliffs of Dover, but to really appreciate what that truly means, one must visit Dover and see it with their own eyes. The marvelous Dover Castle can be found here; many of France's inhabitants make the trip across the English Channel annually to see the glorious medieval architecture.
Belfast
Belfast is an ancient city that has definitely had its share of strife. The Irish government is currently focusing 100% of its attention on mending the cities that have endured so much suffering. Belfast is certainly one of these, although the charm, wonderful architecture, fabulous sights, and radiant atmosphere have remained intact. The city originally relied on trade, and developed into one of the most powerful port cities in Europe. As an old Victorian city, Belfast was called Titanic Town, not only for the prominent fact that the Titanic itself was constructed in Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard, but because the shipbuilding and trade industries here were incredibly strong and ruled the country at one time. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore, but with careful planning, perhaps the Belfast port will once again flourish. In the 1980?s and early 90?s, Belfast was a dangerous area to visit, because of intense political and religious turmoil and upheaval. After 20 years of violence in this war-torn region, the government finally declared a cease-fire. Thanks to the mandated peace treaty of 1994, Belfast has seen much more tranquility, and the violence has decreased considerably. During times of peace there are hundreds more job opportunities, and Belfast once again has become a lovely place to visit. In the last few years, Belfast has enjoyed increased tourism, a higher employment rate, and a better state of life for many of its citizens.
Scottish and English settlers came to Belfast in the 1600?s in an attempt to enlarge their empires. The city's location was a perfect spot to expand trade for these countries. Prior to the English arriving here, Belfast was a small village named Beal Feirste. After Sir Arthur Chichester took over, Belfast doubled every decade, growing at a remarkable rate. Today, 300,000 people live here, which comprises one-fourth of the inhabitants of all Northern Ireland. The City Hall and wide range of museums are spectacular, and Belfast also features wonderful parks, gardens, movie theaters, dining establishments, and shopping facilities.
Dublin
Ireland is a fascinating and mysterious island nation, one of turbulence and beauty, extravagance and controversy. The shifts in power have led to some political upheaval, but when visiting splendid Dublin, none of this should come into play. After decades of violence, the Irish government finally declared a cease-fire in 1994, and since that time, as peace has increased, tourism throughout Ireland has escalated. This is a fantastic thing because Ireland is a wonderful place to visit when all is well. Dublin is an extraordinary city that is best experienced on foot. Many of the best sites are in a compact section of the town, and while others might require a vehicle to reach, there is no other experience like walking the streets of Dublin. The charming suburbs are glorious, and the small cafes and coffeehouses are enchanting. There are a number of elegant museums in Dublin, and a couple of outstanding galleries and concert theaters. You will never get bored in Dublin, and this is why many visitors to the area stay here longer than planned.
Along the outskirts of Dublin you will find the most relaxed and subdued portion of the community. The days are to be enjoyed, is their philosophy, and you should not miss the clean air and lively sporting events. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and nearly one-third of the population of the country resides here. Speaking in relative terms to the rest of the world, Ireland is a very young country when it comes to the average age of its citizens. This is no exception in Dublin, and in fact, Dublin is just about the youngest city in Ireland. Largely comprised of college students, Dublin is a town whose number one priority is revelry. There are plenty of pubs and clubs to go around, but there is so much more to this city that makes it a spectacular place to visit. The last few years have been a remarkable transformation period for Dublin, with new homes, buildings, and offices being built with no end in sight. The city is booming and has been called the most beloved capital in all of Europe. As tourism increases and Dublin expands, purists hope that it will retain at least some of its grace and small town feel. My suspicion is that it will, but for now the balance of quaint elegance and lively entertainment is absolutely perfect.
Halifax
Halifax is an historic site full of natural beauty and fun-filled learning centers. The museums that make up the downtown sector are tremendous, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is an ocean lover's dreamland. The Halifax Harbor is gorgeous, and the area around it is exploding with life and activity. It is well protected and serene, and an afternoon by the harbor will calm even the most rattled nerves. The city is very close to major fishing spots, and if you are in the mood for some outstanding fishing opportunities, you will not have to look far. Halifax is home to 115,000 people, and in the last three decades, this charming port city has become the financial and commercial center of the Maritimes.
Incredible as it may seem, behind Sydney, Australia, Halifax is home to the second-largest natural harbor in the world. As your cruise ship pulls in, you will instantly realize why you came to this youthful and pleasurable destination. There are a few top universities in Halifax, and there is certainly no shortage of top notch dining and shopping facilities. A few of the restaurants are absolute knockouts, and you could shop for days in this spectacular seaport. At night, Halifax is alive and kicking, with numerous desirable nightclubs, bars, and theatrical venues to catch your attention. The Citadel is a fortress made out of stone that is a popular landmark, and Spring Garden Road is the liveliest portion of Halifax. Recently, a great deal of work and construction has gone into improving the waterfront. The port and nearby area have enjoyed wonderful transformations, and the result is an elegant harbor that is more picturesque than ever. Boutiques and cafes have sprung up all over the place, and entertaining events such as the International Busker Festival occur all year long.
Boston
Boston is the gateway to New England. It is filled with all of the beauty and ambience that makes New England a tourist mecca and a vacationer's haven. In the fall, it embodies the seasonal color change that is about as breathtaking as nature can get, with foliage dressed in deep reds, bright yellows, and vivid oranges. During the winter, the area evolves into a wonderland of snow and magic. Springtime finds the city teeming with wildflowers and gardens. And summer is an outdoor celebration seven days a week. Boston's cultural diversity, artistic richness, historical atmosphere and charisma make it one of the best places to see in North America. Buzzing with energy, this is home to some of the world's best colleges and universities, and it offers a vacation experience that is as rich as its academic heritage.
You will find that there are endless possibilities for fun and relaxation from one end of the city to the other. This city is highly populated, but somehow remains unstuffy. It is sophisticated and poised, but hardly fussy. It is active and eclectic, but not disorderly. The people here are as diverse as the U.S. can be, as are their interests, foods, talents and activities that they happily display in the form of restaurants, museums, concert parks and sporting areas.
Boston is a place of brilliant juxtaposition. The city seamlessly merges all the characteristics of an urban setting with a countrified appeal that is unlike any other city. Old World charm stands strong in the face of modern-day invention in this fully historic yet state-of-the-art city. Lush green parks are revered here, but so is the subway. And whether your pace is frenzied or leisurely, you have a choice in Boston. From non-stop shopping and sightseeing, to a tranquil day by the waters of the Charles River, you can truly create a unique experience here, and can do so at your own speed. So unwind, or hurry up, and experience the jewel of New England!
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