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.
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.
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