Archive for May, 2011

NORWAY - A TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO

Posted in Uncategorized | by Amy
May 18th, 2011

JOSTEDAL GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:

The Jostedal Glacier National park houses the Briksdal glacier that is 1200 meters above the Briksdal valley and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the country. At the base of the glacier, food and accommodation are available. The spectacular scenes can be captured in photographs taken early in the morning.

img credit : maciejallroad

HOLMENHOLLEN SKI MUSEUM AND TOWER:

The Holmenhollen ski jump hosted the 1952 olympics and other famous International ski events. The 60 meter high tower provides a thrilling perception to the tourists. It is the oldest ski museum in the world and has an artificial stimulator to experience ski jumping effects.

TUSENFRYD FAMILY PARK:

This amusement park is situated in Vinterbro and has various rides to cater to every family member. Apart from the thrilling rides, new ones are built almost every year. One such ride is the Speed Monster that is a roller coaster capable of astonishing speeds in a couple of seconds. Also present here are carousels, restaurants and many other gaming outlets.

img credit : jurasix

VIKING MUSEUM OF BORG:

This middle aged, reconstructed museum consists of a forge and a Viking ship called the ‘Lofotr’. History can be revisited here, which is also a famous archaeological excavation site.

Things to do – Outdoor Activities:

1. Kayak through a Fjord: A package of kayaking and camping is offered by many Travel companies.

2. Summer Skiing: From the month of June onwards, the Galdhopiggen Mountains can be visited to enjoy the incredible skiing experience.

3. Fishing in the serene lakes: The largest lake in Norway, the Oyeren Lake is the located in the outskirts of Oslo and has around 26 species of fish species in it.

4. Walking under a waterfall: Hiking in the Geiranger fjord is an amazing encounter, that takes one behind the Storseterfossen waterfall.

5. Drive through a mountain pass: The Jotunheimen National Park that contains the highest peaks in the country and the world’s largest fjord, the Sognefjord can be seen on the National tourist route.

6. Glacial Hike: The blue ice of Nigardsbreen glacier is perfect for a glacier hike even for the entire family. Even children can take part too.

7. Zoos and amusement parks: The Kristiansand zoo and Amusement Park is located in southern Norway is not to be missed!

8. Amazing Waterfall: The 600 feet high waterfall is the most visited one in Norway.

SCINTILLATING SCANDINAVIA

Posted in Uncategorized | by Amy
May 18th, 2011

This amazingly exquisite European country is popular, not only among people, but indubitably, among whales too. These majestic sea creatures live in the country’s seas and are frequently spotted during the warm months in summer. Instead of the infamous whale hunting grounds, tour companies take the visitors to common locations where these whales can be seen. The country is striving to eradicate the commercial whaling, which leads to depleting number of these magnificent creatures in the sparkling waters of the oceans. The different types of whales that can be found here are Orcas, Sperm whales, Blue whales, Bottlenose whales etc. The hot-spot for spotting is the shore along Husavik. The tour not only provides whale spotting, but also promises another trial if the whales do not appear any day. Apart from these, other marine creatures like the white-beaked dolphins, arctic birds and harbor porpoises can also be sighted.

img credit : project-thalassa

The whales start migrating past the Iceland coasts to the warmer seas outside the Arctic Circle from the month of April to October. They can be easily seen by the spray of water from their ‘sprouts’ and by ‘Breaching’ i.e. leaping in and out of water. Professional whale safaris are available from Reykjavik, a port city and other locales along with luxury accommodations.

Another famous place for whale watching is the Andenes (Vesteralen) where the ocean depths of 3000 ft create an excellent habitat for the huge sperm whales that come there from May-September. These islands are located in the extremely northern parts of the country and present extraordinary views of many breath-taking sights like the Northern Lights. Lofoten Islands consists of a special “Whale Route” that connects various islands that inhabit whales, for tourists to enjoy the sights.

img credit : mummybot

Other Wildlife in the country:

The other mammals that are found in the country include the beaver that is not easy to spot due to its few numbers, the American minks that are non-native mammals, the musk ox, from Greenland but lives only in the mountains, the European moose that are unfortunately killed due to rail or road accidents, the Eurasian red squirrel that has a red coat in summer and a grey coat in winter, the reindeer that are native to and domesticated in the country and live in herds etc. A wide variety of snakes like the viper and water snake and birds like the Buzzards, Swans and Crows also live here.

THE NORWEGIAN AURORA BOREALIS

Posted in baltic region | by Amy
May 18th, 2011

The Aurora Borealis is the irregular, luminous phenomenon, visible at night in a zone surrounding the north magnetic pole and produced in the ionosphere when atomic particles strike and excite atoms. Though a number of photographs show the splendor, it is truly appreciated only in person. It is best seen in only dark climates, like late autumn to early spring but when there is no full moon or storms. The phenomenon is more beautiful as we go further north of the country.

img credit : trodel

The North Cape of Finnmark or Nordkapp, is one favorite spots for viewing the Northern Lights. Either a hike on the rocky cliffs or a peaceful sea cruise is perfect for enjoying a marvelous sight. In Tromso, ringside seats are present to watch the lights. During the warmer climes, tourists can view the Aurora Borealis at the Northern Lights Planetarium. Another cold town where these can be seen from is the Kirkenes, which is also famous for its buses and snow-mobile tours.

The Pasvik Valley offers many adventures like the dogsled that runs along Finnmark. It also offers a five-hour tour that includes a dinner in the wilderness and the scenic view of the Northern Lights. A special snow hotel is also present here. The Vesteralen Islands are the northern most locations from which the fascinating sights can be seen. Hiking to the Lofoten archipelago takes one to a warmer locale to see them. Not to be missed is Andoy where strange phenomena have been reported, stirring the interests of researchers and tourists alike.

img credit : bike-around-the-world

NORWAY’S FJORDS :

The Western Norway coast is full of ample fjords that offer resplendent views of the scenic waters. Each and every fjord is unique and has a special name.

Sognefjord - Also called the king of fjords, it is the deepest and longest fjord in the country. The city of Flam can be visited through a boat trip from here.

Lysefjord - the light fjord : It reaches up to 400 meters below the preikestolen cliff, also called the pulpit rock. A hike to this place stuns one with the beautiful sights.

Vindafjord – the turning fjord : This is present at the northern section of the coast. It is a narrow fjord that has a dramatic turn. It also houses many hamlets.

Hardangerfjord - Lovers’ fjord: It is called so as it presents many beautiful and romantic landscapes. It is the second largest fjord in Norway.

Summer or winter…Celebrate your days in Finland

Posted in Finland | by Amy
May 6th, 2011

Life is box full of fun is what people say, Yup its true when you decide to tour Finland. When you are sick of biting cold in your country; visiting Finland in a summer would be a too good choice to have a full set of entertainment. Well let’s start with the accommodation, rent a small cottage by a lake side which has row boat or a canoe. Travel around the lake and enjoy the scenic Saimaa Lake region. . Päijänne is one of the largest lakes in Finland. There are nearly 200,000 lakes in and around Finland. Bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, photographing, cycling and Mountain-biking would be a good pass time activity. There are many ski resorts in Finland. This country is famous for table games, especially the Blackjack. Want to escape from the summer heat? Again Finland will be your better choice.

Päijänne

Päijänne

img credit : ast2009

Helsinki is one of the good tourist spot in Finland and has been named second safest city in the world. Snow covered roofs and streets, firewood burning all day and night to warm you up, skating and skiing happening all over the country Finland looks like a virtual heaven. With all these activities happening around you it’s obvious that you cannot resist but stick together in all such activities and explore the fun of snow fall. Ice hockey is one the popular sport in Finland. Most lakes here are frozen in winter and ice fishing is very famous during that time. This ice fishing is called as pilkkiminen. Snow shoe walking and snow mobile throwing are the most famous entertainment you can take part here. The guides here will teach you how to operate these simple machines provided that you are safe by all means. Even Championship competitions are conducted for mobile throwing on every winter.

Savonlinna, Finland

Savonlinna, Finland

img credit : explorish

Opera Festival is held every year in the city of Savonlinna. Many tourists pour into Finland mainly to attend this world famous festival. Visiting Finland on a Christmas season will be a big slice of joy. Many age old cathedrals are present here and Christmas is celebrated as a bigger event of all. Do you know where does the real Santa Claus live??? No doubt it’s Finland, the native place of Santa Claus. The sceneries in Lapland will definitely give pleasure to your eyes. Spend a few more days after Christmas and end your trip with the tremendous fireworks and celebrations on the New Year’s Eve.