Archive for May, 2010

Norway- Seven of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Posted in Norway | by admin
May 15th, 2010

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are beautiful atmospheric phenomenon created when solar wind strikes the Earth’s ionosphere. Photographs do not do it justice, it must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. For the best chance of catching the aurora in action, plan your trip in the dark months — late autumn to early spring –and when there is no full moon or impending storms. Tthe further north you go, the better.

1. North Cape

One of the favorite spots for watching the Northern Lights is Nordkapp, appropriately referred to as the North Cape of Finnmark. You can leave the city lights far behind and climb onto the rocky cliffs or book passage aboard a cruise ship for a great view of the action.

2. Tromso

Tromso offers ringside seats for watching the Aurora Borealis. But even when they are not available, visitors can still enjoy shows about the land of the Midnight Sun at The Northern Lights Planetarium.

3. Kirkenes

Dress warm and climb aboard a bus or snowmobile to ride out into the winter landscape on one of the popular tours from the town of Kirkenes. Far away from the city lights, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while you wait in the dark to be dazzled by the display.

4. Pasvik Valley

For a real arctic adventure, set out from Kirkenes by dogsled into the Pasvik Valley which runs along the Russian boarder of Finnmark. During this five hour evening tour, you can have dinner in the wilderness and return to your nice warm room after your Aurora experience — unless you are staying in the Snow Hotel!

5. Vesterålen Islands

The tiny Vesterålen Islands situated in the extreme north. Consequenlty, they offer spectacular views of the Northern Lights without all the light pollution given off on the mainland.

6. Lofoten

Groups of up to 15 people regularly hike into the back country of the Lofoten archipelago to enjoy the pitch dark skies for viewing the Aurora in all its glory. Since the Gulf Stream keeps the temperature moderate, a hike into the back country is much more pleasant than on the mainland.

7. Andøy

A new popular spot for aurora watching is Andoy, where strange phenomenon have been captured in recent aural photographs. This notoriety is leading many researchers and curious tourist to include Andoy on their tour of the Northern lights.

A Ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Posted in Russia, Travel Tips Russia | by admin
May 11th, 2010

The Longest Railway in the World

Stretching from the Sea of Japan across Mongolia, China and into the heart of Russia, the Trans-Siberian Railway has provided a mysterious backdrop for numerous creative works and transported untold millions of people across the Eurasian land mas through some of the most scenic areas in the world.

Covering a total of 9,259 kilometers, the railway has attracted great fame as the longest in the world.

Exploring Russia

Traveling through Russia alone in this immense broad-track train line will take a staggering seven days of nearly incessant chugging down the tracks. A typical journey begins at the historic Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal in Moscow and travels through some of the greatest rural and urban areas of the country. With careful planning, it is possible to arrange extended stopovers in some of the best towns and villages lining the railway route.

Trans-Siberian Villages

The railway takes passengers through several historic towns and past important landmarks that symbolise important parts of Russia’s great past.

Yaroslavl, one of the oldest cities in all of Russia, is known for being home to hundreds of centuries-old churches that were built by great patrons of the arts.

Continuing along the journey brings the train through Krasnoyarsk, where the immense taiga — Russian forest — begins and the steppes recede. Deep into Siberia, the city of Ulan Ude showcases a rich Buddhist tradition, once repressed under Stalin but now experiencing a great resurgence.

Dividing the Journey

As noted above, planning the stops along the journey is an important part of the Trans-Siberian Railway experience. While some people have no trouble with spending a full week on a train moving at forty miles per hour without more than brief stops at station platforms, others have more time and a greater desire to explore the beautiful Russian countryside and experience the rich cultural landscapes of Russian society.

Some passengers divide their travels into two or more parts, making stops along the way, exploring Russia for the entirety of their one month Russian visa stay.

While this method may be more costly than a single train journey, passengers have the chance to enjoy their trip across Russia, using the train only in individual overnight jaunts.