Archive for the ‘baltic region’ Category

Exotic Fishing Locations In Russia

Posted in Baltic Region Facts & History, baltic region | by Amy
January 6th, 2012

Russia has many entrancing locales to visit and bask in. The exciting country provides many interesting things to do and a variety of places to visit and relax at. The wonderful sights and tours help one enjoy the voyage thoroughly as it is worth every penny spent. One such fun thing to do in this country is fishing. Russia has many water bodies that cater to the fishing interests of the locals as well as tourists. Some of which are,

The Volga River:

The national river of the country, the Volga is the longest, passing through various cities and townships. More than half the cities in the country along with its capital Moscow are located on the banks of this river. Multitudinous fish varieties are found in this river, of which the most popular are the Pike, Eelpout, Catfish and the Perch. These varieties are found in and around Moscow. Some fish that are caught here are very distinct in their characteristics, some weigh around 100 kilos!

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Volga Delta:

A Delta is a triangular piece of land that houses deposits from rivers. The Volga river’s Delta has some rich soil and pellucid waters that are a habitat to many fishes that include aforementioned varieties and even the Tench, Asp and the Zander. Hence this place also is a famous tourist fishing spot.

Lake Baikal:

The world’s second largest lake is the Lake Baikal. This freshwater lake is also a domicile to many freshwater fishes. Hucho Taimen, Grayling and so many other fish types are found here. The rare fish, the Omul Whitefish is found exclusively here, which draws tourists and locals to the lake.

Kamchatka Peninsula:

The Salmon is found particularly in the Kamchatka Peninsula. This region is located on the eastern side of the country. Covered by water on all sides but one, this piece of land is a glorious sight. Overlooking the mountains, this stretch is calm and picturesque. It draws amateur and professional fishermen, to catch the different varieties of Salmon available in these waters. Some popular ones are the Pink Salmon, King Salmon, Cherry Salmon and a dozen others.

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Caucasus Region:

Those who truly enjoy the outdoor adventures cannot miss the Caucasus region in Southern Russia. Located near the Georgian border, the territory houses the Brown Trout. A guaranteed catch of at least a dozen fish can be obtained in one day.

With all these beautiful and scenic locations, Russia is the perfect place for a taintless fishing vacation.

All about St. Petersburg

Posted in baltic region | by Amy
June 4th, 2011

Exploring Russia? Your trip is pointless if you miss the most stunning city of St. Petersburg. This majestic city is situated in the banks of Neva River. It is the Second largest city and an important Russian seaport on the Baltic Sea. Well, ‘what do we have here to see?’ is your question the answer would go for several pages. The city’s architectural legacy, fusing Baroque, Neoclassical as well as time-honored Russian-Byzantine architectures adds beauty to the place. St.Petersburg is one of the important cultural centers in European region and is even called as “Window to Europe”. Let’s start with The Hermitage museum. It is a destination for art-lovers and the largest art museum in the world. The has more than two hundred museums of which the ‘Museum of Water’, ‘the Russian Museum’ and ‘the Central Naval Museum’ are more familiar.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

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St. Petersburg has a number of gardens and parks, monuments and decorative sculptures on every nook and corner of it. The Bronze Horseman monument of Peter the Great stands on the ‘Senatskaia Ploschad’ in front of the Neva River. The city was originally built over 100 islands formed by a network of rivers, creeks, lakes and canals that pour into the Baltic Sea at the mouth of Neva River. St. Petersburg has two more great things to be explored; world’s biggest tram system and the world’s deepest subway are situated here. Winter Palace and the Summer Garden are exquisitely known for its architecture. The Imperial palace and park ensemble are also a major attraction of this city. Isaac’s Cathedral is believed to have the biggest gold-plated dome in the world. St. Petersburg is poetically called as the “Venice of the North”.

The Russian Museum

The Russian Museum

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The White Nights Festival is celebrated once in a year during the period of the midnight sun. This festival alone attracts thousands of tourists to the country. A number of traditional ballet, opera and music events are conducted during this season. As many as 50 theatres are present in the city among which The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater are most famous. The Scarlet Sails carnival known as “Alye Parusa” festivity is celebrated at the end of the White Nights season. Nearly an average of one million people witnesses this celebration. This carnival is known for its fabulous fireworks and a massive show party at the end of the school year. Aurora, the historical ship which is docked near the Cabin of Peter the Great is modified as a museum. Visiting Russia in festive times would make the trip more enjoyable.

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.

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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.

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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.

Baltic Sea Cruises - Check out a list of Must Do’s

Posted in Cruises, Scandanavia, baltic region | by Amy
March 24th, 2011

When it comes to cruising, an increasing number of travelers are trading sandy beaches for a trip to the renowned Hermitage Museum. Nowadays, baby boomers are looking for exclusive travel experiences and sails to the world-famous Baltic Sea region. Other unusual offshore tours during these cruises include Copenhagen Stockholm, the momentous Russian port town of St. Petersburg and a lot more. While there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy the vacations, here is a list of Must Do’s over the Baltic Sea cruises.

The Scandinavian Fjords:

Considered to be one of the most uncommon and striking sights seen over the globe, the Scandinavian Fjords is a real visual retreat for tour aficionados. The inland waterways give ways to sailboats abound and the scenic towns and hamlets you will come across are like a way to the fairy tale land. A myriad of yachts only augments this unforgettable sight.

Visit the most renowned Ice Bar

Stockholm is a multi-ethnic city, like Copenhagen and Moscow, and is very attractive, pristine and historical. A number of visitors take a tour to the Ice Bar, where customers are indebted to don parkas prior to entering the premise. Made entirely of huge blocks of ice is the bar with varieties of drinks served in diminutive glasses that is also carved from ice. Among the juvenile Swedish set, this is the real place to be explored.

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Visit Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli – Walt Disney’s greatest inspiration for Disneyland includes an assortment of attractions including buildings in the style of Orient, a primitive scenic railway, a theatre, mechanical amusement rides, restaurants and cafes and beautiful gardens.

The Yussupov Palace

Welcoming you at the entrance of the Palace doors are ladies-in-waiting and gentleman in flamboyant costumes. Right from the museum of classical sculpture and furniture, the notorious Grigori Rasputin, the Music Room to the Yussupov theatre, the options are endless here.

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Moscow in a day

Guests are taken directly to the Kremlin to enjoy the famous Russian artifacts stored throughout the centuries. The trip as well includes visits to the famous St. Basel’s, an exclusive reflection of Ottoman architecture, lunch at the Alexandr Pushkin restaurant, visits to the renowned Red Square, shopping at the G.U.M store and a lot more. Visitors would certainly appreciate that this cosmopolitan city is outstandingly clean and breathtaking.

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Hermitage Museum – an insight into opulent history

The world-famous Gold Rooms of Hermitage museum are surreptitiously opened for Regent invitees only. Considered as the most remarkable museums in Europe, the Hermitage Museum boasts 2.7 million objects of glorious art, including masterworks of Monet, da Vinci, Van Dyck, Raphael, Rubens and Titian.

The Three Remarkable Baltic States - Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania

Posted in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, baltic region | by Amy
March 24th, 2011

Freaking Awesome will be less than an adjective to describe the gratifying experience offered by discovering the world-famous Baltic cities. With a wide array of sightseeing tours, museums, full-service spas and beauty farms, regions around the Baltic are quite inviting. Dive into the ocean of adventure, visit the National Opera concert, or do anything you want under the roof while traveling to the Baltic States. No matter whether you are coming with your family or with your friends, or planning for a classical sightseeing, visiting the Baltic cities is an excellent holiday idea. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are well-known for beautiful castles, manors, and un-spoilt nature and amber. These days, the Baltic States are developing at a rapid pace, offering immense holiday opportunities for long-tour aficionados. The countryside offers to its guests the opportunity to discover untouched wild nature – its hundred miles of sandy shoreline, vast forests, hayfields and beautiful lakes. There is certainly no justification for not visiting those remarkable Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

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If you explore a little deeper, you’ll find a difference in the way people of the Baltic look and speak. They retain their diverse cultures and customs through years of subjugation in the earlier Soviet Union. Obscure references aside, these three incredible Baltic countries do offer the most extraordinary experiences of the European culture. The food is energetic and sophisticated, with a firm influence by local customs of hunting as well as mushroom gathering. These cities are a mix of old and new-fangled, with the world’s renowned mediaeval town centers and largest collection of the Art Nouveau architecture. Young and vibrant as always, the capitals are becoming innovative cultural meccas where one can see an excellent opera prior to wandering the cobbled streets for a late dinner. Gothic festivals and up-to-the-minute shopping emphasizes the meticulously maintained former towns through the region. Those striking wooden buildings, towering cathedrals and metaphorical town halls out there would beg to be photographed throughout every bend. The well-placed escapades abroad Baltic States excursion offers an exclusive insight to the destinations rarely visited North Americans. Nowhere will you explore such brilliantly preserved gothic cities, castles and traditions. If you believe that you have visited all the places of this awesome continent, Europe, think again. You still have lots more to explore in these beautiful Baltic States. Experience the contemporary culture of a region emerging over the borders of Europe.

Baltic Travel Company- For alluring and admirable holidays!

Posted in Baltic Region Facts & History, baltic region | by Amy
February 17th, 2011

The Baltic Travel Company is one of the best travel consultants to trust when it comes to a luxurious, organized and carefree vacation one has been planning on taking. One look at the blog’s exclusive pages that cater to both the customers’ needs and wants and the search is over. Few travel consultants give such in-depth, elaborate and specifically detailed tours around the Baltic nations. The rich cultures and exotic sights are breath-taking:

img credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/yeomans/211320941/

img credit: yeomans

There are both tailor made and planned tours to the various regions in the Baltic circle. The most popular countries here are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Not to forget Russia and Scandinavia. Recommended tours are available for customers who are first timers vacationing in that part of the European continent. Some wonderful packages include the River cruises, Norway tours that go all the way till the North Pole, Artic adventures that are splendid, Exclusive winter holidays in Siberia and Scandinavia, Etc.

img credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/21627808@N05/2424798509/

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Day to day itineraries are described in great detail and every aspect of the travel is well organized from the flights to the meals for the customers. The tours cover the most enticing sights of each country, the beautiful cities, enchanting river-sides; fascinating landmarks that are not to be missed are organized to perfection. Simple but sightly locales like National parks and monuments are covered in the travel packages, which are both splendid and delightful to see, for people of all ages.

The cruises offered by Baltic Travel Company are extremely pleasing. From beautiful cabins to entertainment on the ship, every diminutive details of the travel are elaborately charted out, which pleases almost everybody and makes these tours an incredible experience. The luxury and lavish that every customer enjoys is guaranteed as there would be nothing for one to worry about during the travel.
In short, every one at the company works diligently so that the customers sit back, relax and have a glorious time during their vacation.

img credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/samkharadze/3278766204/ img credit : samkharadze

The snow adventures are definitely to be experienced. Picture perfect holidays where one can explore ice-capped mountains, go on snow safaris and sledding are a treat to the eyes. Amazingly enough, even warm clothing is provided! These packages and tours are reasonably priced, which is another important reason to go for Baltic Travel Company.

Five Baltic Ice Hotels

Posted in Scandanavia, baltic region | by admin
August 13th, 2010

When visiting Scandinavia between January and April, consider staying in a ice hotel that is built entirely of a mixture of ice and packed snow — known as snice — from scratch each year. Below are five ice ice hotels that you might want to consider staying in for a night or two for a truly Arctic experience.

1) ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi

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The ICEHOTEL is located in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, which is 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Lapland. Known as the hotel that “never stands still,” it shifts from frozen solid to free-flowing river and back again during the course of the year — but the ice is present even in the summer.

The staff at the ICEHOTEL have planned for every occasion and offer their guests a wide range of activities and a wonderful meeting place where they can mingle with the Sami people of the village and travelers from all over the world. Amenities include a chapel, a sauna, an exhibit hall and cinema made, of course, entirely of snice! The Absolut Ice Bar is world famous and has been mentioned in Newsweek as one of the world’s most stunning bars.

2) Kirkenes Snow Hotel

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Established during the winter of 2006/2007, this spectacular 20 room hotel is the easternmost town in Norway located near the Russian border. Ice artists from Finland and Japan decorate the rooms and create the largest snow dome in Norway that measures 18 m high. Dinner for guest of the snow hotel is prepared in front of an open fire, and a sauna is a typical way to begin and end your stay. Also located in the hotel area is a park that houses reindeer and a husky farm that raises dogs for sled teams.

3) Bjorli Ice Lodge


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This spectacular ice creation is nestled among the beautiful alpine scenery of the Geirangerfjord region, an hour-and-a-half drive up the mountains from Molde.

Spacious ice suites are accented with beautiful light designs shimmering through ice art. A “gamma” or a traditional circular Norwegian wooden hut is created around a central wood fire to make a cozy meeting place to share tales of the day’s adventures along with some warm drinks.

4) Lainio Snow Village

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Located near theYlläs and Levi ski-resorts, this unique snow village is easy to reach from the Kittilä International Airport. Over 1500 tonnes of snow and 300 tonnes of crystal clear ice are used as construction materials to create the 3000 square foot covered indoor space.

Over 30 rooms each have a unique architectural design with a theme that varies from year to year. Guest can visit the la carte restaurant and have drinks at ice carved tables at the bar. Beautifully illuminated sculptures of ice art are available for viewing and the Ice Gallery.

5) Bâlea Lake Ice Hotel

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Deep in the heart of Romania, at an altitude of 2034 m, this ice hotel is only accessible via cable car.  Located on the shores of picturesque  Balea Lake –whose ice is used to create it — this small ice hotel has only 10 rooms and an adjacent ice church. Bedding, furs and sleeping bags are provided and restroom facilities are nearby.

Snow biking, heliskiing, and sledging are some of the winter sports you can enjoy as guest of this ice hotel.


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Cold Water Surfing

Posted in baltic region | by admin
August 3rd, 2010

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Ready for a surfing adventure that shatters the stereotypical sun-soaked California beach bum image?

If you have what it takes to tackle the conditions around Scandinavia, you can find yourself catching some truly divine surf. The Baltic region offers stellar opportunities to put your moves to the test — if you can take the cold.

Admittedly, the raging storms that sweep up out of the Atlantic don’t make for year-round idyllic conditions. But it takes more than a few pesky iceburgs to keep the die-hard surfers out of the water when the really big sets start rolling in.

Norway

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Due to environmental concerns, it is illegal to surf off the coasts of Norway from October 31 through April 1.

Since the cold waters of winter have rugged surf anyway, best to hold out till early autumn, when the really big swells arrive.

Many seasoned surfers head straight to the islands like Lofotenoff to get away from the crowds and amatuers. The primordial nature of the islands appeals to the exotic lone surfer type, and private sheltered coves make for an exceptional day above the Arctic Circle.

For those only interested in the occasional day of surfing, the coastal road from Egersund to Stavanger is an accommodating beach for beginners and their families.

Sweden

Many weekend surfers are comfortable at the popular surf spot about 12 miles from Stockholm called Toro. There have been Swedish surf contest held there since 1991 and the area has developed a definite surfer culture.

Swedish Surfers(credit)

Explore the nearby neighborhood to discover the popularity of the sport and visit the numerous shops and browse the local magazines that specialize in cold water surfing.

Poland

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In the Pomorskie Voivodship along the Baltic coast, there is a natural sand jetty called the Hel Peninsula that has turned into one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe.

The long narrow sandbar creates a natural barrier between Puck Bay and the wind-swept Baltic sea, giving this little sheltered spot all the right ingredients for a wonderful day of windsurfing, kite-boarding or para-surfing.

Finland

Admittedly, the choppy seas around Finland don’t often make for admirable surf conditions, but at least once a year the conditions are just right to thrill the 500 or so Finnish surfers who rush into the cold waters off the shores of coastal towns like Pori or Hanko.

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Donning full-body wet suits to endure the 1 to 4 degree centigrade water temperature, the local surfers revel in the novelty of riding thrilling swells that stay built up for days.

Of course, the Finnish proclivity for saunas is a welcome tradition following a day of cold water surfing.

Volunteer Vacations

Posted in Holiday Tips, baltic region | by admin
July 15th, 2010

01For those not content to be sideline spectators when they travel, check out these organisations that offer Western European adventures that plunge you into the heart of the Scandinavian experience. Whether you have a professional skill or are a student looking for a way to spend a productive semester away from academia, these programs offer opportunities to contribute and participate in good causes that will make a difference in your life and many others.

Volunteers For Peace
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Help clean up the environment, teach locals your native language or assist those in  need.

Many Volunteer for Peace vacations are available in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.

An affordable intercultural immersion service projects typically runs 2 to 4 weeks, although some last up to 12 weeks. Programs are geared for different age groups and vary since they are driven by the needs of the target community.

Work & Volunteer Abroad (WAVA)
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English-speaking UK residents can travel to Norway as a working guest to be part of programs that run from 8 to 24 weeks and are offered year-round.

Stay with a local family and experience the Norwegian lifestyle up close and personal. You work effort of 35 hours per week earns you room and board and even a little weekly pocket money.

WAVA focuses on jobs in the agricultural or tourist industry.

United Planet
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Experience a life-changing trip when you volunteer for the Long-Term Quest program to Scandinavia.

United Planet’s Quest programs offer 100% cultural immersion with personalized attention and training before departure.  Stay in local homes or on-site in group lodges as you participate in environmental projects, elderly assistance, youth drug addiction counseling and assistance to people with disabilities.

Available to U.S. and Canadian residents over 18 years of age, these trips begin in August and January annually and last for 6 months to 1 year. They are ideal for retirees or students who are taking some time off from their academic studies to learn more about their world first-hand.

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
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Begun back in 1971, this volunteer exchange program offers their participants listings of organic farms all over the world that are willing to exchange room and board for help on their property.

WWOOFERS, as they are called, are very welcomed in the Baltic region, and many small farms depend on the yearly help provided by members of this organization to collect their harvests.

There is a small fee to sign-up for the program, but once you are a member you can travel to most points on the globe and find a friendly host ready to welcome you with open arms.