Veronika recently visited Tromso and Svalbard and shared her thoughts on what the region offered. You can read part one of her trip report from Tromso here

After Tromso, I travelled to Spitsbergen and checked in at the Radisson BLU hotel.

Later that same day I travelled to Huset where I got a chance to meet with some more activity providers. Svalbard Tourism provide a full adventure package where you can either go skiing, dog-sledding or snowmobiling in to various areas in Svalbard. Svalbard is an example of nature at its coldest and rawest, yet it still retains an awesome beauty to it and Svalbard Tourism offer a great selection of ways in which you can enjoy this wilderness. Svalbard Husky offer a true experience of the north on one of their fantastic husky tours. Poli Arctic offer specialised tours of Svalbard using a variety of travelling mechanisms such as skiing and rubber boating, they provide all the equipment and are very professional, perfect for the experienced adventurer. Henningsen Transport and Gliding provide further trips into Svalbard and are the owners of a fully equipped expedition vessel which is perfect for diving, filming and research purposes. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions offer a chance to see some of the incredible and diverse wildlife in the arctic. Spitsbergen Travel offer skiing and sailing trips into Svalbard as well as a chance to go fossil hunting, they are a well-established and professional firm. Svalbard Booking provide trips into Svalbard via snowmobile and dogsled, however, they also offer French wine tasting and ice-caving adventures. Basecamp Spitsbergen provide tailor made adventures into the wilderness from their new basecamp, they offer trips to see the wildlife and more challenging adventures into the arctic. After dinner in Huset I transferred back to my hotel for a well-deserved rest!

On the Thursday after breakfast at the hotel I went on a snowmobile tour with Svalbard Booking. It gave me the chance to see the glaciers and fjords of the arctic, and they say that sometimes you can even catch sight of a polar bear. They place strong emphasis on customer service and environmental friendliness. In the afternoon I visited the Svalbard museum. They explain how they area was first explored and explain the whaling culture as well as looking at some of the natural wonders of the area both above and below water. They also have an amazing photo collection which you could compare some of your holiday pictures with to see how good a photographer you really are! In the afternoon I inspected some more hotels. The Basecamp Trapper’s Lodge provides a unique cultural experience with its wooden interior decorated with sealskins, driftwood and other local objects. The Spitsbergen Hotel is a more modern building providing a comfortable experience with fully-equipped warm rooms, whilst still being nicely decorated.

On the morning of my last day I went dog sledding with Svalbard Husky. I got to experience the real arctic one last time on this well lead tour. I could take in the local wildlife and spectacular scenery, they offer trips whatever the weather and they promise that they will always be fantastic. I left later that day and arrived back in England in the evening.

 I would highly recommend this trip as  a brilliant opportunity for anyone wanting to experience this last wilderness. It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling as a family or as an adventurous explorer looking for something new. There is truly something for everyone.

Veronika recently visited Tromso and Svalbard – here is part one of her trip report with part two to follow soon

Having landed on the 26^th of February, I was greeted by Gøril Ovesen and a representative from the Visit Tromsø team. I then transferred from the airport to Tromsø. Tromsø is an exotic city a mere 2,000 km from the North Pole. It boasts an eclectic cultural scene. There is the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights and the serenity of Polar weather on cold quiet evenings. On arrival in the city, which is nicknamed ‘the Paris of the North’, I checked in at the beautiful Rica Ishavshotel. From my room I had incredible views over the harbour.

That evening gave me a chance to try some seafood at Arctandria. They serve a variety of different locally sourced fish as well as Reindeer steak, which is a must try for visitors to the area. That evening I went on a cruise on the Soroya Havcruise, sailing through the sheltered waters only city centre to enjoy a fantastic home-made dinner of fresh fish and vegetables and to enjoy a stunning dance of Northern Lights. After the cruise I took a walk through the centre of the town to take in some of the nightlife, which is not to be missed at this time of year due to the Northern Lights Festival.

The next day I took a look at two hotels in the morning. Lauklines Kystferie is made up of shoreline cabins. They’re made up of two storeys and fully equipped boasting great vistas over the surrounding area. Ersfjordbotn Kystferie was similar in that it offered cabin accommodation but there was also the choice of an apartment. The cabins were quaint and family friendly and would be perfect for nature loving aficionados as they are in a quiet and secluded area. After this I visited the Tromsø Villmarkssenter, from here you could take dog sled rides across this beautiful area of land. A trip here would make for a fun family friendly day out whilst taking in some fantastic natural sights. After lunch I went on a dog-sledding trip with Arctic Adventure Tours. They also offer kayaking, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing and sailing, all of which would be amazing ways to take in the natural scenery. After the sledding

I went back to the hotel and then went for a walk into town to see the ‘Verdensteateret’ cinema. They put on a variety of films in various different language and they put on a variety of other cultural activities such as concerts and recitals. From here I then went to a concert at the Northern Lights Festival. It was called ‘Emigrant Blues’ by Elena Yakovleva, it covered various different musical genres, from classical to dance and was a wonderful experience to say the least. After another amazing dinner I went in search of the Northern Lights again with Tromsø Safari. They have devised a system involving their four base camps from which they measure the weather conditions and can then suggest the best place to experience the lights; the guides are also very well trained and offered a great deal of information on everything from the lights to the local area.

I checked out the next morning and got on a bus headed for Lyngen. I looked at the Svensby Tursenter hotel, which was again made of picturesque, fully-furnished, two-bedroom cabins. The hotel is the perfect base from which to go out and explore the natural wonders of the Lyngen peninsula. I then went to see what was on offer from Lyngenalps. They offer the opportunity to try a variety of outdoor activities including, kick sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and riding. I had lunch in a lavvo, which is a traditional Sami tent. I boarded another bus and headed towards my next hotel, the beautiful boutique Lyngen Lodge. The hotel boasts luxurious accommodation and great food as well as exciting outdoor adventures from its great position in a quiet wood above Lyngen fjord. I spent the evening in the outdoor Jacuzzi looking up at the Northern Lights.

For today I had to wear my full outdoor gear. I visited Boreal Adventure, an adventure company that offer you the chance to either spend a day on the ice where you can go on a snowmobile safari and to try out ice fishing, or you can go dog-sledding to Røyelen Camp. They are very professional in their organising of activities and you will be sure to have a great time whatever you choose to do. I had lunch at the Røyelen Camp, which was amazing as I was surrounded by raw nature in a remote part of the country. Over the course of the afternoon I made my way back to Tromsø on Hurtigruten ship, where I tried delicious local dishes and was delighted by the light of the passing by cities whilst relaxing in the comfortable lobby with a live music .

The next day I checked out and went to inspect a selection of hotels which may interest you. The Radisson BLU hotel in Tromsø proved to be a stylish and well-equipped hotel offering a fine selection of rooms and amenities. The Quality Hotel Saga offered a crisp and clean aesthetic and a wide selection of rooms. The Rica Grand Hotel Tromsø offered a basic hotel package with a standard selection of rooms with basic amenities and a restaurant.

Thereafter I watched some presentations from alternative activity providers. The Arctic Guide Service offers a trip to see the Northern Lights. They also offer Northern Lights portraits, a professional portrait with the lights in the background. Lyngsford adventures offer trips into the Northern wild no matter whether you have had any previous experience in such adventuring before or not, they provide a caring and professional experience. The Arctic Polar service provide equipment and clothing for excursions into the cold, a great choice of service for the novice and the experienced adventurer. They also provide guided tours. The Sørøya Havcruise offer fishing trips, they guarantee an action packed day on the MB Havcruise, which is a fully equipped catamaran. The catamaran also provides a platform for hunting, diving and skiing trips. The area is renowned for its incredible sea fishing potential.

Gdansk, sits in the north, a Polish port, displaying the influences of centuries of visiting merchants who helped mould this unique city. Wander between the red-brick churches and elegant buildings, along the cobbled streets, visiting museums, shops and the distinctive bars or cafes. Gdansk is diverse, exciting and when you’re ready a great place from which to explore the Baltic coast or other parts of Poland. Our Highlights of Poland tour takes you across the country from Gdansk in the north to Krakow in the south.

After over 750 years, Krakow, the former royal capital city, has a beautifully preserved Gothic centre with fine examples of Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture. Despite the obvious attraction of the Old Town, don’t miss Wawel Castle, the renaissance residence of past Polish rulers and now home to the National Art Collection. The hushed synagogues, found in the Jewish quarter, remind visitors of the more recent and tragic history of this captivating city. In spite of the massive destruction Poland experienced during World War II the country has miraculously managed to preserve much of its cultural wealth from the magnificent to the tragic. Today Krakow is a lively, cosmopolitan city offering cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.

There are currently 14 World Heritage Sites in Poland from the historic centres of Krakow, Warsaw and the medieval town of Torun, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, to Bialowieza forest and finally the concentration camps of Auschwitz Birkenau

Baltic Travel Company offers a range of holidays in Poland, from city breaks in Krakow, Gdansk and Warsaw to guaranteed departure guided coach tours featuring Poland’s highlights such as the Jasna Gora Monastery, Dluga Street, the Tatra Mountains and much more. We also provide tailor-made itineraries for individuals and groups.

If you are interested in getting acquainted with Poland and some of its famous people, we recommend the Scenic Poland Tour. This guided tour will introduce you to the home of Frederic Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, Lech Walesa and Pope John Paul II.

As specialists in the region, we can also plan tailor-made holidays to Poland to suit your needs, interests and budget. It’s a great way to visit the varied regions and amazing cities of Poland.

Find out more by looking at our Poland holidays here http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/poland-holidays/

This is a walking tour that meets in the center of Old Town in Prague.

Learn old secrets of Prague, like how its kings were members of secret brotherhoods. Prague walking tours are performed in English by licensed tour guides.

Transnistria

If you ever wondered what it was like to live in Soviet era Communist Russia, then Transnistria is a place you will want to visit. It is striving to be an autonomous country of its own since separating from Soviet Russia after its fall. Transnistria retains the old Soviet style Communism. There are strict rules upon entering and leaving the country, but can be worth the trouble if this is what you are interested in.

Cosauti, Moldova

Cosauti is a village that dates back to the Paleolithic age. Let the village and surrounding Stanca-Jeloboc forest take you back more than a thousand years. There are ruins and 2 to 3 meter fortress walls remaining from its original settlement.

Eger, Hungary

Eger is a fortified town that lies within castle walls. It has been inhabited since the Stone Age. In 1552 the people of Eger were able to fight back 80,000 Turkish invaders successfully. A famous account of this is in the book “Eclipse of the Crescent Moon” by 19th century Hungarian author Gardonyi Geza.

Bucharest, Romania- The Old Court (Curtea Veche)

In the oldest part of the city of Bucharest lies The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche). It is thought to have been inhabited well before the 14th century, but it saw its glory in the 15th century when the prince of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler built his fortress on these grounds. All that is left of it today are pieces of walls and arcade. A museum has been operating here since 1972.

Tatul, Bulgaria

Tatul is the site of an original settlement dating back to 4000 BC. The area was a Thracian tomb and is also linked back to the cult of Orpheus. It is considered a major early religious find. It was Christianized in the late 4th or early 5th centuries AD. It has developed greatly as a tourist complex.

Kosice, Slovakia- Miklus Prison

This 16th century prison contains houses with an underground medieval torture chamber, devices, and cells. You can sit within the chamber and see what it was like for the unfortunate souls who were once tortured here.

Wieliczka, Poland- Wieliczka Salt Mine

This was an operating salt mine since the 13th century, but production stopped here in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding. Today it is a very popular historical attraction within Poland’s Krakow Metropolitan Area. To reach the mine, you must traverse 400 wooden steps down the shaft. You will then be greeted by amazing works of art made purely out of rock salt.

Losiny Ostrov National Park (Elk Island), Russian Federation

Losiny Ostrov is a primeval forest that was a strictly guarded hunting ground for Russian grand princes and tsars. It was set aside for that specific use in 1799. Large areas within this forest were cut down during World War II for depleting resources. It was officially set aside as a national park in 1983.

Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) otherwise known as Dracula. Born in 1431, Tepes is considered a local hero and there are many monuments erected in his honor. Sighisoara is known as the Vampire Capital of The World. Here you can visit Dracula’s grave, and drink from his personal well.

If trekking up the tongue of the Sólheimajökull glacier to explore the amazing formations, sinkholes and crevices formed by the slow, steady movement of this massive force of nature sounds like your idea of an adventure of a lifetime, you’ll find plenty of professional outfitters ready to help you take on the challenge.

From single day excursions to five day camping trips complete with all the gear, there are plenty ways to safely and comfortably explore and enjoy the many massive glaciers that shape the geography of this arctic wilderness.  For experienced hikers, there are even excursions that lead up the Eyjafjallajölkull glacier — which contains an active volcano — creating an incredible opportunity for hikers to see the spectacular forces of nature in action.

Designed for all skill levels, these excursions complete with equipment, training and transportation to the sites.  Skilled guides lead snowmobile safaris that take you out into the wilderness where you can hike over glaciers and be back to your room in time for supper, or you can choose a more eco-friendly  trip that relies on cross country skis to get you to the locations so you can climb to the top of the glacier and ski down the other side.

In all, over 1300 different types of whiskies, beers, calvados and cider from all over the world will be available for sampling with experts available for consultation by connoisseurs and novices alike. Of course, no one wants to drink on an empty stomach, so a large part of the exhibits feature delicious dishes that pairs beautifully with the various spirits being offered.

Prizes are awarded for best of category, a coveted distinction that brings the a fierce level of competition to the exhibitions, and since the judges put much weight on the opinions of the attendees, companies will go to extravagant links to impress the audience. Seminars, cooking classes and presentations will further enlighten visitors about the role of fine alcoholic beverages in international cuisine. To ramp up the fun, live music and entertainment will be featured at many venues.

To find out more, please look at http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/sweden-holidays/

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General Advice

The best time to see the Aurora Borealis is between November and March in cloudless and clear conditions. You want as little light as possible to disturb the display so avoid a full moon. The best time to view the Lights is between 6 pm and 2 am when it is completely dark. Solar activity seems to rise and wane on an eleven year cycle. The winter of 2012-13 has been an excellent viewing season for the Aurora Borealis because there has been increased solar activity and this should continue for the next two or three winters.

When packing for a trip to view the Northern Lights, remember to include thermal underwear, a wind and waterproof jacket and wear plenty of layers as there are likely to be sub-zero temperatures. As well as taking a camera, remember to pack extra camera batteries as their life is reduced by the cold. You will also want a tripod to enable you to take long exposures, a long lens and a remote shutter release to enable you to take as clear a photo as possible.

Research your trip before you go, checking out personal blogs from travellers and the country’s tourist website. Other useful websites include Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet and Wikitravel.

Here are some of the best places to travel to and see the Aurora Borealis.

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway is a great city to stay with many amenities for the traveller. The Tromsø Airport Langnes receives a number of daily flights from Oslo with a flying time of less than two hours. Although the city is too far north for the railway network, there are some long distance buses which run throughout the year. You can take the bus from Oslo to Tromsø: the journey takes about the same amount of time that it would to drive: 30 hours.

Tromsø can also be reached by four day ferry from Bergen with Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal cruise line during which journey you might also see the Northern Lights. Some excursions are arranged as Aurora Borealis tours with an astronomer on board.

Travelling around Tromsø can be done on foot as the city has an efficient bus network and is quite compact. A great attraction is to go up the cable car and enjoy the views at the cafe at the top. If you are looking for more adventure, then check out dog-sledding, fishing or midnight sun golf. There is hiking at a suitable level for everyone from gentle coastal mountain trails to the mountainous Lyngen Alps.

The Northern Lights over Tromso

There is lots of fresh seafood served in Tromsø. Places to eat include Skarven, a pub restaurant that serves fish, steak and reindeer; Lotus which offers Asian cuisine including sushi and Fiskekompaniet which offers a great atmosphere and delicious seafood and Norwegian dishes. It is recommended that you book at Fiskekompaniet to ensure you get a table and be aware that many restaurants are closed on a Sunday in Tromsø out of season.

Norway is quite an expensive place to visit, so you might prefer to stay in self-catering apartments at the City Living Hotel. The Clarion Collection Hotel is highly recommended as a place to stay. The AMI is a comfortable clean hotel that is more reasonable in price. You will also find a selection of Bed and Breakfast establishments if you are looking for budget accommodation.

Aurora 2012 from Christian Mülhauser on Vimeo.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a good base from which to travel out to see the Northern Lights. The city lights will interfere with the view, so travel out from the city in either a hire car or take a tour to explore the experience the Northern Lights can offer. Pack your swimwear and enjoy the delights of the geothermic pools and natural spas.

A number of different airlines offer flights to Iceland: the flight takes about three hours. There are no railways in Iceland but buses are plentiful. Hiring a car is a good way to get around, but if you want to hire a four wheel drive, then it is best to arrange the hire before you arrive because these cars are very popular. Two wheel drive cars are more plentiful, but driving in Iceland can be challenging due to the gravel roads. You should also check the exclusions on the insurance carefully as the more common things such as tyres, brakes and the undercarriage of the car may be excluded.

The Northern lights over an abandoned Icelandic farm

Activities can include scuba diving in thermal pools, hiking and a riding tour on an Icelandic pony. The more adventurous might like to try river rafting. You can also go on whale watching tours and drive on the ice road as seen in ‘Ice Road Truckers’. Be careful if walking in the mountains as there is some dangerous terrain including glaciers and volcanoes.

There is a choice of hotels in Iceland, from the Reykjavik Residence Hotel in the centre of Reykjavik which is a highly recommended boutique-style hotel, the Reykjavik Marina, which contrary to its name is not on a marina at all but next to a boatyard or the Hotel Holt which offers Nordic comfort at a reasonable price. It is worth checking out reviews of hotels, some of which may be a little too close to the street causing some night disturbance.

If you are an adventurous eater, then you will have the opportunity to try many different foods including whale meat and puffin! You will also find good choices of seafood restaurants such as Sjavargrillid, Fridrik V which offers a delicious set menu of either three or five dishes or Harry’s, a family friendly restaurant which offers a great mix of bistro, Asian fusion and fish and chips.

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Abisko in Sweden offers a great experience of the Aurora Borealis. Flights to Stockholm take place daily from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. You can either continue on a flight to Kiruna and book on a shuttle bus which will transfer you to Abisko or from Stockholm you can take a night train. It is best to book in advance especially in summer months as it is always busy and it is more comfortable to book a sleeper or a couchette. Leave the train at Abisko Turiststation which is the second Abisko station.

Here you will find a Youth Hostel which offers lodging and food to visitors to the park. The accommodation is basic with no in-room TV, telephone, mini bar or iron but you will find comfortable beds, a shared TV room, a self-catering kitchen, sauna, drying room and washing machine. There is rental of sports equipment, a restaurant and information about the area.

There are different standards of accommodation: private toilets and showers are attached to the rooms in the main building, the self-catering chalet offers rooms of two or four bunks with shared bathrooms and a sauna, the cabins suit 4-6 people and have self-catering facilities, and the Nuolja ski hut offers basic facilities, mostly used by skiers, with an outside toilet.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, although you do have some facilities for self-catering if you wish.

There is a 425 km hiking trail known as Kungsleden which starts at the Abisko Turiststation following through the National Park. In August, the park takes part in the Fjӓllrӓven Classic which is a hiking competition organised by Fjӓllrӓven, an outdoor equipment specialist. The hikers start from Nikkaluokta and trek 110 km via checkpoints to Abisko which is the finish line. Medals are awarded to hikers who finish under a certain time. Around 2500 people take part. You need to book in October and there is no guarantee of the kind of accommodation that you will get at Abisko.

Other activities include cross country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoes and a visit to the Aurora Sky Station. The Sky Station is situated 900m above sea level and offers fantastic views by day. The atmosphere is almost always cloudless in Abisko which offers good conditions for Aurora watching. Visitors are offered extra clothing to put on and then go on a 20 minute chairlift ride. You will stop and start as people get on and off. The trip takes place earlier in the evening if you have booked a meal at the restaurant at the top, and there is a guide to chat to. Although not cheap, the experience can be well worth going on if you get a good view of the Lights.

The Northern Lights and Milky Way

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is located in South Central Alaska bordered by the Chugach Mountains in the east and the Cook Inlet to the north and southwest. Alaska has both coastal and mountainous regions.

Airlines flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International airport, Alaska include Alaska Airlines and Era Aviation. You can also travel by ferry or arrive on a cruise. Cruise itineraries start or end in Whittier or Seward, Alaska which is about 90 miles away. Your cruise company will usually book you on a shuttle bus if you wish to transfer to Anchorage.

Anchorage is geared towards pedestrians with an easy-to-understand alpha-numerical organisation of the streets. Free shuttle buses are offered to several of the tourist attractions and you can rent a bike to explore the 135 miles of paved trails. There is a great selection of museums including a filmed Aurora Borealis display at Alaska Naturally on W Sixth Avenue and an earthquake museum at the Alaska Theatre Museum on W Fourth Avenue. There are also goldmine museums.

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Expect to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Alaska – go fishing, hiking up the mountains, enjoy a scenic railway trip. Or go for a whale watching tour – you can expect to see humpbacked whales, Orcas and Beluga whales. Tours are run from Juneau, Hoonah, Seward and Homer. The best time to see the whales is between April and September. Choose between large, medium and small tours with the size of the tour indicating the size of the boat. A small boat with only 6 people is more likely to be a rough ride in stormy weather.

One of the recommended places to stay in Anchorage is the Embassy Suites Hotel, a well-kept modern hotel. If you are looking for something a little different, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Great places to eat in Anchorage include the Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria which offers pizza and beer. It is a very family friendly restaurant. Also recommended is the Great Harvest Bread Co Bakery on E Benson Boulevard which offers wonderful-smelling baked goods. Another great place to eat is the Marx Brothers’ Cafe which offers American food and seafood.

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Canada

Yellowknife National Park is a good place to go to try to see the Northern Lights. There is a small airport at Yellowknife which takes flights from Air Canada, Westjet and other smaller regional airlines. The airport is a gateway to smaller northern communities and offers transport to them. The airport is small, but there is an on-site restaurant and a small gift shop. There is a free shuttle between the airport and most hotels, but it is best to arrange this with your hotel before you arrive. It is also possible to drive to Yellowknife, but access can be limited in winter because of the ice road, so check the Ministry of Transportation website.

The city is small and there is a good bus system in operation. You can choose to rent a car, take a taxi or walk to get around. Be aware that some driving convictions can be enough to get you turned away from border control in Canada, so check out information about this before you book.

Attractions include the Northern Frontier Visitors Center, the Cameron River Falls Trail and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center. There are also companies that offer snow sports and adventures and Northern Lights tours. If you choose to hire a car and go on your own, you will find the locals very helpful.

Recommended places to stay in Yellowknife include the Super 8 Motel, a comfortable, basic hotel; Capital Suites Hotel which offers self-catering rooms and the Bathurst Inlet Lodge which is an eco lodge open for a few weeks during the summer.

To eat out, try Thornton’s Wine and Tapas Room which offers breakfast and brunch and after hours eating including fish, chicken and steak dishes. The Smokehouse Cafe offers buffet dining of a variety of dishes, although it may not be open at weekends. You can buy gluten free bread at Javaroma Gourmet Coffee and try French cuisine at Le Frolic Bistro Bar.

Ilulissat and Nuuk in Greenland

Greenland offers a more traditional way of life. Situated high up on the Arctic Circle, its position offers one of the best chances of viewing the Northern Lights. Sparsely populated with around 55000 people, many of whom still live as hunter-gatherers in small villages and towns, Greenland offers a unique experience.

You can travel to Greenland by air from Reykjavik or from Copenhagen in Denmark. Many tour operators charter their own flights to get their customers to their destination. The best way to travel in the country itself is also by air or by dog sled. Airlines include Air Iceland (domestic flights only) and Air Greenland. It is also worth noting that if you arrive by Icelandair from Europe, you will need to transfer between airports which could take up to four hours. It is possible to be based in Iceland and take a day trip to Greenland.

Accommodation in Greenland can vary from world class hotels, to inns and hostels which are more budget class. It is worth checking out reviews of hotels, as some customers have found their ways a little different. Recommended hotels include Hotel Icefiord, Ilulissa which offers fantastic views of the icebergs in the bay, and the Hotel Arctic, which offers igloo accommodation. If you are used to hiking and camping and have all the right equipment, you can camp. There is little land ownership and you are allowed to camp anywhere that is suitable.

Greenland food includes whale meat, musk ox, reindeer, European style food and seafood. One of the top recommended places to eat is Mamartut in Ilulissat which offers Scandinavian cuisine. The Icy Cafe offers American style food such as pizza as well as excellent Italian style coffee. Restaurant food portions are often generous and many of the eating places offer great views.

Towns are small in Greenland and many are just beginning to explore the possibility of tourism. Ilulissat on the west coast has all the facilities of a big town, offering hotels and restaurants. Nuuk is the biggest town. You can stay at the Hans Egede which is a modern hotel or the Seaman’s Home which is a comfortable place to stay. There is also a self-catering apartment complex, the Nordbo.

Places that are recommended to eat in Nuuk include modern cuisine at Nipisa especially brunch. There are also Thai (Cafe Chili), Japanese (Sushi Huset) and Steakhouse (Hereford Beefstouw).

The Northern Lights taken from space

Pyramiden, Russia

Pyramiden was once a booming mining town of over a 1,000 inhabitants. It was abandoned on January 10th, 1998. The state owned Russian company Arctikugol Trust ordered all the residents out immediately when the company decided that the town and mining facility was no longer profitable. The residents were given only a short period of time to collect what they could and leave. Pyramiden can be visited by boat or snowmobile. Tours are available in many different languages, including English.

Balaklava, the Crimea, Ukraine

This was the site of a secret underground Soviet Submarine base that was operational until it was decommissioned in 1993. It was thought to be indestructible and able to survive a direct atomic impact. Balaklava was also a residential area for the employees of the submarine base. No one came in or out of the area without special permission from the Soviet government. Today the area can be toured through its series of canals by boat.

Sinca Veche, Romania – The Temple of Fate

A mysterious cave dug into the side of a mountain is what The Temple of Fate appears to be from the outside when you visit, but if you traverse its caverns you will find much more than meets the eye. Its origins are mostly unknown, but some feel that the temple is an early Christian church, and others believe it to be much older with more pagan roots.

Promyshlennyi, Russia

This is a city that fell when the Communist former Soviet Union fell. All utilities and power were cut off and people were forced to abandon their homes and places of business to find resources elsewhere. So much was left behind, and conditions were left virtually untouched. Walking tours of the area give you a feel of what it was like living within the former Soviet regime.

Budapest, Hungary- Castle Hill Labyrinth

Come traverse the endless tunnels and caverns under Castle Hill. They were originally created for military installations, and later used as safety cover during Word War II. There is much to see and experience in these deep winding tunnels.

Kadykchan, Russia

This is another once thriving industrialized Russian towns that fell right along with the Soviet Union. There is no nuclear fallout here. It became unlivable because of the lack of opportunity and resources in the area when the newly established Russian Federation was no longer willing to provide for the area.

Borne Sulinowo, Poland

A secret Soviet military base from 1945 until 1992, Borne Sulinowo was even erased from maps and operated as a top secret Soviet military site for over 50 years. It was returned to civilian hands in 1992, and can now be viewed by tourists.

Kiev, Ukraine – Museum of Micro Miniatures

Nikolay Syadristy, an artist of micro miniatures has his work displayed here. Almost all of his artwork can only be seen in detail through a microscope. From camel caravans on needle eyes to chess sets on pin heads, his work will amaze you.

Minsk, Belarus -The National Library of Belarus

First founded in 1922, but relocated to a 236 feet building in Minsk in 2006, the National Library of Belarus stands in a most unique architectural shape called a rhombicuboctahedron. Architecture buffs from all over the world come to delight in the sight of this man made ingenious work of architecture.

Arkhangelsk, Russia- World’s Tallest Wooden Gangster Built House

Dominating the skyline in Arkhangelsk, Russia is a very off-beat looking house completely made of wood. This strange piece of architecture was a dacha built by Nikolai Sutyagin, a former convict and gangster. His ambitious construction soars into the sky 13 floors and is half the height of Big Ben. Sutyagin gives personal tours of his unique home.

Chernobyl and Pripyat, Ukraine

The Chernobyl disaster that took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine in the Kiev Oblast province on April 26, 1986 displaced a thriving young city of nearly 50,000 residents. The city of Pripyat had to be abandoned because of the toxic fallout that polluted a 19 mile radius within the area called the Zone of Alienation. Pripyat was built specifically to house the workers of the nuclear power plant. The town of Chernobyl resides a few miles away within the radius of the Zone of Alienation. Both of these towns today sit empty, ghost towns of a past gone awry. In the late 1990′s eco-tourism of the area began to catch on in a gradual way. Eventually and up until today it has become more and more popular as many people want to see the abandoned remnants of the Chernobyl disaster.

Sokol Airbase in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Novgorod, Russia is a very active aircraft construction plant where they mass produce the MiG 21, 29, and 31 aircrafts. They also produce other aircraft components for many different companies throughout the world. A unique feature you’ll find when visiting the Sokol Airbase is that they host passengers on rides in their MiG aircrafts. For a price, tourists can go into the stratosphere between Earth and space and catch glimpses only previously viewed b y astronauts and cosmonauts in the past. At 65,000 ft. a lucky passenger will view the area that lies where our atmosphere ends and black space begins. A professional Russian pilot makes the whole 40 to 45 minute trip into the stratosphere a comfortable and safe ride for adults of all ages.

Oswiecim, Poland – Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Memorial Museum

CertainAuschwitz was a group of three concentration camps located in Poland and created by Nazi, Germany for the sole purpose of genocide to those they decided were inferior to their Aryan race. Auschwitz – Birkenau was the largest of all concentration camps run by the Nazi SS soldiers. Today it can be visited by tourists because it has been restored into a memorial and museum for the Holocaust of WWII.

Brest, Belarus – Brest Fortress

The most popular place to visit in Brest, Belarus is the Brest Fortress. The fortress was erected in 1842 to fortify the city of Brest. It is the famous historical site of a severe battle between the Russians and German Nazis during World War II. The Russians were able to prolong a stronghold against the German Nazis because of the protection that Brest Fortress provided. It was mostly destroyed during WWII, but was later rebuilt as a memorial to those fought during the war. It is open to tourists to visit daily.

Rila, Bulgaria – Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is a medieval monastery lying atop Rila Mountain founded by St. John of Rila. It is a fortified monastery that has unique architecture and mural paintings, and it is a national historical monument. The original part of the building dates back to 1337. It can be toured by visitors and houses a museum.

Hradec, Czech Republic

Town of Jindřichův Hradec- In 1220 a gothic castle was built and a town formed around it where villagers would come and sell their wares. The early structure of this town was built completely in the gothic style of the 13th century. The palace of Jindřichův Hradec was built in the 12th century and taken over by the town namesake Jindřich Vítkovec. The castle’s foundation is the oldest structure in the area. The amazing gothic and renaissance architecture of Jindřichův Hradec is still present in its buildings today. The town is very visitor friendly and has many travel accommodations available.

Heviz, Hungary- Lake Heviz 

In Heviz, Hungary sits a crater lake named Lake Heviz. It is slightly radioactive and contains large amounts of beneficial bacteria. People flock to this lake from all over the world to receive the wellness benefits this lake water provides for joints and other ailments. The lake has a constant warm temperature due to being fed by a warm underground spring.

Vechi, Moldova – Historical Cave Monasteries

Early Christians took to the limestone mountainside of Orheiul Vechi to seclude themselves in the perfectly abundant caves that were present in the far reaches of Orheiul Vechi. Monks wanted to find a divine place to be away from the hustle and bustle of society. They found it here during the period of 300-400 A.D. Monastic life continued here up until Communist control and monks have returned to restore it since 1996. It is not easily reached but well worth the trip.

Transylvania Province, Romania – Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

The idea for the story of “Dracula” by Bram Stoker was fed by a steep imagination and Bran Castle. Vlad Tepes, a 15th century prince of Wallachia inhabited this castle and was he used by Bram Stoker as the main character, Dracula, for the story by same name. The castle resides at the very peak of Bran Village. The Romanian Board of Tourism provides excellent tours of the castle and other historically significant areas.

 Village, Slovakia- Beckov Castle

One of the most beautiful abandoned castle ruins you will ever find lies in the village of Beckov in Slovakia. The castle belongs to the National Culture Monuments of Slovakia. The Great Moravia Empire settlement used to stand in the spot that Beckov Castle was built upon in the 13th century. The castle was abandoned and mostly destroyed by fire in 1727 but castle foundation ruins and beautiful gardens remain. The castle is open to the public and easily accessed from Beckov Village.

Estonia, lying south of the Gulf of Finland and north of the Baltic Sea, is an enchanting holiday destination in the Baltics. We offer a prodigious range of holidays to Estonia, from city breaks to coastal holidays. We can also arrange fantastic value spa holidays as well as fly / drive holidays that allow you to explore Estonia’s countryside and charming towns at your leisure. Winter holidays in Estonia are varied and enjoyable; stay in a cosy cabin and enjoy cross country skiing, or when Christmas approaches, the Tallinn Christmas Market is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit.

Like its Baltic neighbours, Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia has a long history of occupation by invading empires. From the 13^th century onwards the Russian Emperors, Teutonic Knights and Scandinavian kings left behind a distinct array of historical landmarks and manor houses. If you’re interested in medieval or Hanseatic architecture, want to meet an Estonian ghost or simply want to be pampered in royal style, we can arrange a manor house to meet your needs.

Tallinn, the capital and largest city in Estonia, is a must on any itinerary. The city’s medieval heart centres around Toompea Hill, with cobbled streets and alleyways to explore, full of medieval charm.  The city is home to Toompea Castle, the spectacular Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a 13th Century Lutheran Cathedral and many other fascinating medieval structures. The views from the hill across the Gulf of Finland are exquisite. Tallin is enchanting, with beautiful surroundings, fashionable shopping in modern glass-steel buildings and offering a range of restaurants and cafes to be enjoyed during the long Nordic summer days and bright evenings. Why not climb the Tallinn TV tower for spectacular views of the area and parks surrounding the city? There is also the National Art Museum, Open Air Museum and the outstanding botanical gardens, a short bus ride away. Tallinn offers something for everyone.

Aside from Tallinn, Estonia plays host to much more. Dense forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls abound in northern Estonia. Outstanding hiking trails traverse Estonian forests, home to hares, foxes and deer. The fortunate may come across wolves, elks and bears or even mink, flying squirrels and beavers; reintroduced in the 1950’s after being hunted close to extinction.

Over 1500 islands lie off the coast of Estonia, many of them tiny, but all sparsely populated and totally unspoilt due to their location and isolation. Two of the largest are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The islands, offer some beautiful coastlines, unspoiled nature and the occasional castle as well as being home to many protected migratory birds. Saaremaa is an ideal place for a spa break and there are lovely coastal towns in Estonia such as Parnu, which are ideal for seaside holidays.

In the heart of winter the Baltic Sea freezes, so visitors can experience driving on the ice roads created between the mainland and the islands. Estonia has crisp, snowy winters offering a plethora of activities.  Visit the Christmas market in Tallin, curl up by a cosy fire with a warm drink or try sledging, snow tubing or skiing.  Wherever your interests lie, Estonia has something for everyone, whatever the season, and we are here to help you get the best out of this extraordinary country.

Please see our Estonia Holidays here: http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/estonia-holidays/