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.

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

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Päijänne

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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

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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.

Get Idea from Your Laptop

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People with health complaints should carry their personal doctor’s card in their wallet always. It’s better to have a copy of their medical history in mail. Exchange of local currency is the most important thing to be done before departure. Split up the currency and place it in different compartments of the baggage and also in your backpack. Get details about the calling cards and their cost before leaving. Keep in touch with the local accommodation hotel and the tourist guide throughout the trip. Take a note on the list of hotels that offer a food comfortable for you. It’s better to learn a a few basic words or phrases in the native language of the country you are going to visit. Don’t forget to carry your laptop/diary and phonebook.

Luggages

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Do a little paper work before you leave, make a list of places you have planned to visit, unique things that can be bought there. Do carry a bottle of water along with you where ever you go. Do not accept any eatables, gifts or packages from strangers. Rules on the road are not the same everywhere, so carefully read the caution boards when you are on road. Do take your Binoculars, camera and chargers. Have a little alarm clock or a reminder alarm with you. ‘A traveler without observation is a bird without wings’, so don’t forget to record the things that attract you in a foreign land.

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.

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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.

The Valley of Geysers:

Located over the Kamchatka Peninsula, The Valley of Geysers comprises of hundreds of living geysers. There are no authentic roads heading towards the Valley, however, if tourists wish to explore this great wonder, they need to travel by helicopter.

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Lake Baikal:

Recognized as the deepest lake and great wonders of planet earth, the Lake Baikal holds 20 percent of fresh surface water when compared to other great lakes in the world. Its supernatural deep blue color and neighboring mountains are gaining immense popularity as they are considered as favorite tourist attractions. Those who love to hunt climb and fish would find this destination quite appealing. Besides these attractions, Lake Baikal’s shores also feature beautiful resort spas and hotels.

Mamayev Kurga:

Mamayev Kurgan is a prevailing height overlooking the great city of Volgograd, previously called Stalingrad in southern Russia. The Mamayev Kurgan boasts a memorial complex marking the Battle of Stalingrad. This prominent tourist attraction is reportedly leaning onto one side and would eventually crumple if not cared for.

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Saint Basil’s Cathedral:

Built primarily to look like the flares of a beacon reaching the sky, Saint Basil’s Cathedral commemorates two of Russian military victories. At present, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is an exclusive looking wonder, which is a highly admired tourist attraction in Moscow.

Peterhof Palace:

Peterhof Palace comprises a series of stunning palaces and gardens frequently called the Russian Versailles sited in the capital of St. Petersburg. Built by Peter the Great, the Peterhof Palace has become a favorite tourist attraction in Russia. St. Petersburg features several beautiful hotels to house the tourists visiting Peterhof.

Mount Elbrus:

Standing tall at 5,642 meters, the Mount Elbrus is considered as the highest mountain in Russia. Mount Elbrus is a renowned tourist destination and many people long for climbing up the mountain especially during summer. During the 70s, a unique cable-car system was used, which takes individuals up to 3,800 meters up the mountain. Every day, nearly 100 people attempt to reach Elbrus peak. However during winder, attempts are very scares.

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Columns of Erosion:

The Columns of Erosion, also called as Manpupuner in Russia are the state’s most mysterious attractions. Locals out there call them as, “7 Strong Men”, with its height touching up to 42 meters. The Manpupuner makes it out-of-the-way to even professional rock-climbers.