Top 7 tourist places in greece

Greece is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe for its rich natural charming places and ancient monuments.

Its history is as ancient as Greece itself. Greek civilization is one of the oldest in the world, with several archaeological sites dating back to the time of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.

The Greek islands attract many tourists around the world for their luxurious resorts on golden sands and gorgeous beaches.

That's why Greece is certainly one of the best destinations in the world. The following is a look at the top 7 tourist places in Greece.

Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis is the most important symbol of the city of Athens and Greece and of Greek civilization in general.

The Acropolis in downtown Athens is about 152 meters above sea level, a rock hill in the heart of Athens, at the top of which is a group of temples of the ancient Greek goddess of beauty dating back to the 5th century BC, the most famous being the Temple of the Parthenon.

This Greek temple consists of 58 columns supporting a decorated roof, and is today considered one of the best examples of Greek architecture in the world.

 

Acropolis Museum, Athens

The Museum was founded in 2003, while the Museum Organization was established in 2008. It opened to the public on 20 June 2009, and the museum was built to include every artifact found on the rocks and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It is also located on the ruins of part of early Roman and Byzantine Athens.

This museum is one of the most visited tourist features in Athens, for two reasons.

The first is the spectacular exterior design of renowned Swiss architect Bernard Tchomme, which he designed with a glass and steel structure.

The second reason is the amount of monuments, statues and large exhibits that the museum displays to its visitors.

 

Santorini island

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, a populated island with an estimated population of 13,000.

The island is a block of land covered by white and blue buildings, which give the island a unique and charming view, especially with blue water and black volcanic sandy beaches.

The island is full of countless features that make the island charming with everything the word means, as well as suitable for the most pleasant and most beautiful moments.

You can venture into Santorini's coastal treasures and enjoy deep blue water and beaches with white, red or black sand or volcanic gravel.

Mykonos Island

It is one of the most popular Greek islands, and is considered one of the most beautiful jars in the world by its charming nature.

It is located on the Aegean Sea in south-central Greece, famous for its elegant hotels, luxury restaurants, seafood and, of course, sandy beaches, especially on the south coast.

If you're looking for a great place for your honeymoon or for a perfect holiday with your family, Mykonos Island is the right place because it really gives you everything you dream about.

Delphi City

The city of Delphi is one of the most famous Greek cities and one of the most historic archaeological places from antiquity, as well as one of the Greek sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Delphi is the city of ancient Greek mythology and ancient history.

It has the oldest religious temple of ancient Greek times, mixing the remains of ancient Greek monuments with the background of the enchanting mountains.

Meteora Monasteries

One of the unique objects that can be seen in Greece is the Meteora Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its historical and religious significance, the largest gathering containing the largest orthodox eastern monastery complexes in Greece.

Most of these monasteries were constructed on perpendicular rocks 300 meters above sea level, which is why the city of Meteora was named after a city above the sky.

 

Zákynthos Island

Zakynthos Island is the third largest island with a diverse and scenic coastline, from rolling hills to charming olive and citrus groves. Beaches vary from tall and sandy to rugged and rocky,

The Blue Caves of Zakynthos enjoy landscapes that cannot be obtained anywhere else in the world, without mentioning the vast number of beautiful beaches around the island.

Midday is the best time to visit the site when the sun's rays are reflected inside those caves and the color of their walls turns spectacular blue.

So why don't you plan a trip there, enjoy the summer vacation?

Read More

Guide to the most important tourist cities in Spain

Spain has historical, cultural, and special climatic and geographic features that made it one of the most important tourist attractions in the world. The European Kingdom monopolizes the Andalusian rule, the third place in the world in this matter, with a force of more than 75 million tourists annually, according to 2015 statistics. This is in addition to the hotels that are the highest rated in their services in the world. Tourism in Spain

Perhaps this huge number of arrivals to Spain annually attracted you to the idea of ​​traveling for tourism in Andalusia to see what is unique about this country from others to reach this position and even maintain it in a market that continues to compete as the tourism market, and why it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

So, for more knowledge and to have enough tourist information about Spain, we present this detailed report on the most important cities in Spain that are worth your visit.

Tourism in Madrid

1- The Great Square in Madrid

It is one of the most important squares in Madrid, and in all of Spain. Official ceremonies are held in this square.

The Great Square is considered a destination for tourists, as it is a large area in the center of Madrid where tourists meet, as it is full of cafes and restaurants filled with delicious food, and it is a wonderful break for tourists during tourism in Madrid.

This square was built during the reign of Philip III, King of Spain in the seventeenth century in 1617. It was where executions took place, and then became an arena for bullfighting, until the official ceremonies of the state were held.

2- The Royal Palace in Madrid

The Royal Palace in Madrid also bears the name of the Palace of the Orient, it is a royal palace, and the official residence of the kings of Spain. The palace is located on East Square in the heart of the capital, Madrid, Spain.

This building is a palace with ceremonial functions only. King Juan Carlos I and his wife Queen Sofia, as well as their son Prince Felipe and his family live in Zarzuela Palace.

This palace was established between 1738 and 1755 on the orders of King Philip V, and was inhabited at the time by King Carlos III in 1764,

The palace is one of the largest palaces in Western Europe after the Louvre. It occupies a total area of ​​135,000 square meters and consists of more than 2,800 rooms, spread over three floors above the ground and three more under each main floor.

3- Retiro Park

Retiro Park can be considered the most important place in Madrid for family tourism, as it is one of the largest public parks in Madrid, extending over an area of ​​​​about 1,400 km2, located in the center of Madrid, specifically steps away from Puerta de Alcala.

Retiro Park is very popular with locals, and tourists alike, especially on holidays and public holidays; Thanks to the huge amount of recreational activities offered inside it,

4- Plaza de Cibeles

There are major landmarks that must be included in the list of the tourism program in Madrid, the most prominent of which is the Plaza de Cibeles, one of the most beautiful squares in Madrid and Spain in general.

The beauty inside the square is derived from the stunning architectural style of the buildings that border it, a neo-classical style, the most famous of which are the Palacio de Cibeles Palace, the Old Post Museum, and the Archaeological Telegraph Museum.

In the center of the Plaza de Cibeles is the Fuente de la Cibeles statue, which dates back to the 17th century, a symbol of the city, and depicts the Roman gods, on a chariot pulled by lions. The statue is located inside a magnificent fountain, carved from purple marble.

Around the square there are a large number of shops specializing in the sale of all kinds of products, a variety of restaurants, and fast food outlets.

Tourism in Barcelona

1- The Magic Fountain in Barcelona

The Magic Fountain in Barcelona is one of the most amazing landmarks in Barcelona, ​​and one of the most beautiful dancing fountains in Spain and the world. It is located in the Montjuïc neighborhood, one of the most beautiful and oldest old neighborhoods in Barcelona, ​​and is characterized by its designs that resemble lakes of Roman fountains.

Also called Poly Carles Springs, this beautiful site was designed many years ago in 1929 and is still one of the places you never miss while tourism in Barcelona. The fountain is located on a raised platform so that you can see the most wonderful scenes of the colorful water and the performances offered by the fountain, and you can take the most beautiful pictures in this special place in Spain.

2- Sagrada Familia Church

It is a Catholic church, considered one of the largest churches built on the European continent, this cathedral is located in Barcelona, ​​Spain. It was included in the list of the twelve treasures of Spain. It was designed by the international architect Antonio Jawd (1852 -1926)) and he devoted nearly 15 years of his life to building it.

The church is now considered one of the most attractive places for tourists in Barcelona, ​​who can visit the completed parts of it, as it is visited annually by more than one million tourists.

3- The National Museum

Barcelona is famous for its wonderful treasures and beautiful artistic tastes in the Middle Ages, classics, as well as modern ones. This is evident in its museums. One of the most important museums is the National Museum. It was the seat of Caliph Al-Mansour, but its features were obliterated and turned into a national music museum.

It is one of the largest fine arts museums. It is also called by a short name, “Minak.” The museum is located in Palau Nacional. It is a large building in the Italian style that was established in 1929 AD, and the museum’s holdings inside it since 1934, then it was announced as a museum in 1990 AD.

4- Barcelona Aquarium

Located in the Port Vell at the end of the street Larmbla and the famous Plaça Catalunya, it displays hundreds of marine creatures and the wonders of the aquatic environment and the seas. It was opened on September 8, 1995. It is an ideal place to discover the various marine life wonders of the Mediterranean and the colorful tropical seas. The aquarium includes 35 aquariums aquatic life contains 11,000 aquatic creatures, which belong to 450 species of aquatic life,

It contains a total of five million liters of water, and the largest of its basins is 36 meters in diameter and about 5 meters deep. It is considered part of the Spanish Asbro Gardens, and it contains a tunnel up to 80 meters deep under the waters of the Spanish Gulf, containing many types of fish. The stars of this place are bull shark, gray shark, yellowfin, small pilot fish and many other mysterious animals.

5- Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona

It is a monument located at the intersection of Paseo de San Juan and La Ronda de San Pedro in Barcelona, ​​Spain. It was built by the architect Josep Vilasica as the main gateway to the International Exhibition in Barcelona in 1888. While the sculptural decoration works were done by Josep Reines, Josep Limona, Anthony Vilanova, Turquat Tasso, Manuel Focha and Perry Carbonell. The Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona has an urban character in order to access artistic progress Scientific and economic. The monument was restored in 1989.

The Arc de Triomphe is 30 meters high, and its construction style is characterized by eclecticism with modernism, Romanesque and neo-Mudéjar style. At the top of the arch are the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces, which are in the middle and the largest among them, representing the emblem of the shield of Barcelona; They were made of artificial stone and without colors.

Tourism in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands mainly consist of four main large islands surrounded by dozens of small islands around them. breadth

1- Gran Canaria Island

This island is one of the most important Canary Islands, as it has some recreational places where you can spend the best times, such as Palmitos Bird Park, and there you will find a very large number of different birds that have no equal. 

If you are a fan of tracing the ancient monuments, you will find your purpose there, which is to visit the ancient Maspalomas lighthouse. Either if you are on the list that loves to relax, there is an international spa center and there are also very interesting activities for children.

2- Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest island of the Spanish Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean in terms of population. Tenerife is full of breathtaking beauty that fascinates everyone who visits it. It is also full of attractions and wonderful places. 

Many exciting activities and events are held in it, such as games and marine activities such as water skiing, swimming competitions and other activities. In this article, we will talk about the island of Tenerife in a larger way.

3- Diving in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is a great place for lovers of diving, and you can enjoy a unique experience by wearing a diving suit and experience diving under water, and exploring marine life under water, and you will be equipped with a display that enables you to watch life in the depths of the island.

4- Fuerteventura Island

There are many tourist places on the island of Fuerteventura, which attract fun, suspense and excitement for all its visitors. Among these places are international museums, beaches that enjoy crystal clear water, public parks, markets and other wonderful tourist places. 

Tourism on the island of Fuerteventura in Spain is one of the most enjoyable trips ever, as it has Chosen from the top 500 tourist destinations in the world, due to its pleasant fresh breeze, beautiful beaches, and cheerful natural colors, Fuerteventura is one of the famous Canary Islands, as it is the second largest of the Canary Islands.

Discover also more of the most important tourist places in the Canary Islands and learn about the most famous places that you can visit while traveling to the Canary Islands.

Tourism in Malacca

It is considered one of the most famous tourist places in Spain because of its historical and cultural richness and its mild climate. It is also considered the second most important port on the sea after Barcelona. The city includes a large number of the most important tourist attractions

1- The Kasbah in Malacca

It is a fortress and a palace at the same time. It is located in Málaga, Spain. It was built by Banu Hammoud in the early eleventh century. 

The “Kasbah” is one of the best tourist attractions in the Spanish Malacca, and it occupies a vital and distinctive location on the top of one of the Roman fortresses. The Kasbahs in Andalusia, because its daughters devoted great care to it. 

The entrance is built on ancient Roman foundations dating back to the first century BC, when the Banu Hammoud renovated the entrance and built the entire fort.

The Kasbah is very popular among tourists, and they are keen to go to it when traveling to Malaga, Spain, and the Kasbah includes a large number of tourist attractions. To discover its secret yards and distinctive corridors.

2- The ancient city of Malacca

One of the best places of tourism in the Spanish Malacca, characterized by the inclusion of the most beautiful archaeological buildings, and spacious squares that include shops that provide you with all raw materials and goods, and the city is characterized by its wide streets and roads, which are adorned with ancient inscriptions and cheerful lighting. You have your favorite drink, and your presence in this special city makes you feel the history and ancient civilization of Malacca.

2- Roman theater in Malacca

The theater is located at the foot of the city's famous Alcazaba fortress, and it is one of the rare Roman ruins remaining after the war waged by the Italian army on the city. 

The theater is characterized by being the most beautiful in the city of Malacca, and it is the oldest theater built in the city, and made it an important cultural center in Spain, and receives tourists Throughout the year, it is characterized by its large area, which accommodates about "220" spectators.

The theater is open all year round to visitors of different nationalities around the world, and holds musical and ballet performances throughout the year, and its unique design and extensive history make it an ideal place for filming a large number of cinematic and television works.

3- Malacca Garden

A wonderful garden and is considered one of the most beautiful gardens of Malacca. It includes a number of fountains, roses and trees. 

It is located in front of the port of Malacca and we advise you to visit it in the evening. This garden is a wonderful amusement park for children, as it contains many special games to enjoy. 

The garden includes a number of One of the distinctive cafes, and for lovers of hiking, opposite the park there is a special walkway near the sea to walk until you reach the shopping center (Moel Uno).

Discover also more of the most important places of tourism in Malacca and learn about the most famous places that you can visit while traveling to Malacca.

Tourism in Seville

The city of Seville is a wonderful mixture of Spanish culture and Moroccan civilization in North Africa. It is considered one of the most beautiful European cities for its historical richness, as it includes many tourist destinations in Spain, including archaeological monuments and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.

1- Al-Mafraq Palace in Seville

The Al-Mawaraq Palace or Al-Mubarak Palace, as it is known as the Seville Palace, was originally a fortress built by Muslims in Seville, then turned into a palace of government, and it is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. 

UNESCO listed it in 1987 as a World Heritage Site. The Arabs were the first to build the palace and called it leafy in the same location as the current palace. The Seville Palace is located in the southeast of the city near the Great Church, and is famous for its beautiful frescoes and luxurious columns inside. I

t was built in the Andalusian architectural style. During your tour of the palace, you must pick up a group of Photographs and short videos to tell your loved ones about your visits to this wonderful place.

2- Giralda Tower

It is a tower standing in Seville, Spain, and one of its most important landmarks. It was previously a minaret in the Great Mosque of the Almohad era, but today it has become a bell tower of Seville Cathedral, which was founded by the Spaniards after the end of the Berber Almohad rule of Seville. 

It is visited by tourists from all over the world. The height of the tower is 97.5 meters. This tower is distinguished by the remarkable cultural and architectural diversity in its design, which combines the Arab Islamic civilization and the Western Christian civilization. 

The tower is available for visiting all days of the week from 11:00 in the morning until 18:00 in the evening.

3- Cordoba Mosque

The Cordoba Mosque is located on a rocky dome in the southwest of the city of Cordoba in southern Spain, and its area is currently more than twenty-four thousand square meters. The mosque is characterized by containing ten rows of arches, and each row contains twelve arches focused on magnificent marble columns.

The Islamic era in Andalusia, and the mosque was built in the year 169 AH (785 AD) by the Umayyads by order of the Umayyad Prince Abd al-Rahman al-Awsat after he bought the church section from the Romans and ordered its conversion and rebuilding again. 

The Islamic Mosque of Cordoba was converted into a church in 2006 AD , according to a Spanish law, which aroused the anger of Muslims in Spain, especially Muslims of Spanish origin, and demanded that it return a mosque and pray in it, and they voiced their voices to many bodies, the most important of which is UNESCO.

6- The Tower of Gold

It is a military watchtower on the Guadalquivir River in Seville, southern Spain. It was built during the reign of the Almohad caliphate with the purpose of controlling traffic to Seville and to Andalusia that crosses the Guadalquivir River. 

It was built in the first third of the 13th century. The tower was used as a prison during the Middle Ages and as a security fence to protect the precious metals that were brought by ships from South America after their discovery and from India. 

The tower has now become a museum of Islamic architecture, to which tourists come from east and west, and has some archaeological visual equipment From the Middle Ages used in the Navy and the discovery of the Americas. 

The museum also has models of the famous ships in which the Spaniards discovered the Americas in the fifteenth century, and some cannons from the seventeenth century.

Read More

10 amazing places to visit when traveling to Italy

Italy is located in southern Europe and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, thanks to its artistic treasures, modern fashion, stunning landscapes, not to mention the friendly people and delicious cuisine, in addition to that, Italy offers its visitors a lot of special things and incomparable opportunities From entertainment, and in the next report you will learn about the best places to visit when traveling to Italy, to choose from them what you want.

 Naples

Naples is one of the most crowded cities in the country, and is the capital of the Campania region in southern Italy. And you should know that many Italian favorites originated from here including pizzerias, and spaghetti pasta, bearing in mind that these dishes are very popular in Naples until now and usually contain the freshest and locally grown ingredients, on top of all of the above, When visiting Naples, you can also enjoy beautiful places such as the Bay of Naples and Pompeii, and it is no wonder that Naples is an ideal base to stay while exploring the region.

 Italian Lake District

The Italian Lakes region stretches across northern Italy, and is very popular with tourists throughout history, as it combines good weather and attractive views, especially those you find between Garda, the largest lake, which offers stunning views, especially in its mountainous northern regions. Como is also a stunning lake with cliffs and forests rising right from the water's edge. Moreover, Maggiore although less popular but really quite beautiful, with many popular family resorts.

 Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, an autonomous region of Italy that also includes many small islands, and is home to a great and ancient civilization, so that whoever visits Sicily feels the nobility of the island between its history and its tourist attractions, starting from the Agrigento Valley to the impressive beaches that It varies to meet all the tastes and desires of visitors, and the most exciting geological feature of the island remains Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, so do not miss it during your next trip.

 Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre means the five lands or the five villages; Starting with Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia, these are amazing regions that you can find in the coastal region of Liguria in northwestern Italy, and feature some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country that include steep sides dating back hundreds of years. Among its many attractions and hidden treasures, the Cinque Terre boasts centuries of hiking trails that offer some of the most beautiful coastal views in Italy. The Blue Road is a temple trail that connects all five villages and is suitable for traversing and navigating everyone of all ages. These villages are also connected to train trips if you prefer to visit them all.

 Milan

Milan was almost destroyed during the heavy bombing of World War II, and since then it has been reconstructed to now look like a tourist jewel and one of the richest cities in Europe, as well as being a huge fashion center that attracts designers and fashion lovers around the world, and one of the most important Italian cities for fans of modern architecture. , seize the opportunity to visit it and enjoy a lively life and ideal shopping opportunities among a group of the most beautiful international shops and malls that offer the most luxurious brands and brands in the world.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is located in the southwestern region of Campania in Italy, and is characterized by its wonderful beauty and scenic views that make it one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy. Lemons, multicolored villas and premium resorts.

Perhaps one of the most romantic and luxurious cities along the Amalfi Coast is Positano, with its beautiful sandy beaches, pastel houses and scenic mountains. Moreover, the coastal town of Ravello is known for its beautiful villas, distinctive gardens and exquisite artwork.

 Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Italy near modern-day Naples, a famous Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash nearly 1,700 years ago after the eruption and eruption of Mount Vesuvius. When visiting the city, you will have the opportunity to get up close to the daily reality of the ancient Roman world, and visitors can walk along ancient streets to see the remains of bakeries, baths and ancient houses.

 Venice

Venice is one of the best places to visit in Italy, a unique city built on a lake surrounded by the Adriatic Sea in northeastern Italy, an archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and picturesque canals, and the Grand Canal is the most famous and divides the city in two.

Thanks to its picturesque waterways and historic architecture, Venice remains one of the most romantic cities in the world, bearing in mind that this city is often crowded but it is well worth a visit to see its wonderful sights such as St. Mark's Square, as well as to experience a gondola ride along one of its many canals It is an activity that is very popular among the tourists coming to the city when they choose to travel to Italy. 

 Tuscany

Welcome, dear traveler, to the most famous region that many people like to visit when traveling to Italy, which is the city of Tuscany, which, when talking about it, conjures up images of beautiful rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees, and perhaps one of the best things you can do when visiting these A beautiful Italian gem simply relax among hill towns like San Gimignano or explore Renaissance art in Florence, we recommend a visit to the medieval city of Siena, which holds excellent works of art, and allows visitors to enjoy the splendor of its historical center which is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy Make sure to visit.

 Rome

Rome was formerly the capital of the Roman Empire, and today it is the seat of government and the capital of Italy. Stunning cathedrals and Renaissance architecture, though, you'll find plenty to see and do in Rome when you travel to Italy, which many tourists say is a city that doesn't take a week to discover, but may take several months to see in its entirety.

Read More

Best Places to Visit in Norway

Consistently ranked as one of the best countries to live in, it’s time to discover for yourself Norway’s warm and friendly heart and its breathtakingly wonderful natural delights. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Norway:

The home of the Vikings, Norway is a Scandinavian country whose boundaries encompass swathes of frozen tundra, trendy cities, and an extensive coastline. From its majestic mountains and famous fjords to its spectacular islands, Norway is simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Whether taking in the breathtaking wonder of the northern lights or the summer sun glistening on a massive glacier, Norway is a great adventure in any season. You could go whale watching in Tromsø, spot polar bears and walruses in Svalbard, or even try out the country’s top hiking, cycling and skiing destinations.

While daylight may be limited during the winter months, Norway’s cities are alive with sophisticated style and an energetic vibrancy. The Viking capital of Trondheim encompasses the country’s historical side, Bergen is where to go to glimpse colorful wooden houses, and the chic capital Oslo is home to laid-back living, city parks, and a lively dining scene.

Geirangerfjord

One of the most famous and photographed fjords in the whole of Norway, Geirangerfjord lies in the west of the country in the Sunnmore region. A very popular tourist sight, it boasts breathtaking scenery with gigantic cliffs, sparkling waterfalls, and dazzling blue waters all on show.

Part of the sprawling Storfjorden system, it stretches over 15 kilometers, with steep mountains and jagged peaks lying to either side of it. Plunging down its cliff faces are a number of lovely waterfalls, of which Suitor and Seven Sisters Falls are the picks of the bunch. At either end of the fjord lie the scenic and secluded villages of Geiranger and Hellesylt.

Due to its awe-inspiring beauty, many cruise ships and sightseeing tours pass through the fjord, particularly during the sunny summer months. While basking in the scenery from aboard deck is a fantastic experience, it is well worth hiking up some of the prominent peaks and plateaus – such as Dalsnibba and Ornesvingen – for the incredible views.

Oslo

Surrounded by green hills and mountains, Norway’s capital Oslo is set in a scenic spot at the end of Oslofjord fjord, with an abundance of lakes and islands nearby. A major economic, cultural, and political centre, the city has a long history that dates back more than a thousand years.

While most of the capital is now home to creative and contemporary architecture, pockets of old wooden buildings are still found here and there. As well as its thriving performing arts scene and packed festival schedule, the city boasts excellent museums and art galleries; the Viking Ship Museum is particularly fascinating to explore.

Other attractions in Osloinclude the Munch Museum, which features “The Scream” and other works by Edvard Munch, to the Folkemuseet, an outdoor museum that includes more than 150 historic buildings from all over Norway, including a Stave Church. Due to its many green spaces and forests, Oslo also has several hiking and cycling spots, with the islands of the Inner Oslofjord home to stunning scenery.

Trondheim

There’s something for everyone in the northern city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest city was the country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center during the Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore Norway’s history. From Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, to the Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world, the city abounds with remnants of the past.

Trondheim is also a major cultural center for music in Norway. The country’s national museum of music, Ringve Museum, houses both traditional instruments and exhibitions featuring modern sound technology. Opened in 2010, the Rockheim museum showcases modern music, including exhibitions and live concerts.

Svalbard

Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The islands are under Norwegian rule since 1920. Its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet, far more northerly than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada’s Arctic islands.

The combined permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg on Spitsbergen. Svalbard’s visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most powerful. The islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also amazing wildlife such as polar bears, caribou, reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses.

Bergen

Set in a stunning spot on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is surrounded by the spectacular Seven Mountains, with several fjords and forests surrounding it. Once part of the Hanseatic League, it has long been an important trading hub and seaport and is now the second-largest city in the country.

The best place to explore its seafaring history and heritage is at the beautifully preserved Bryggen, which lies on the eastern side of Vagen harbor. You’ll find colorfully painted wooden merchants’ homes and warehouses, as well as a couple of great museums, restaurants and bars. In addition to its famous, photogenic waterfront, the city has an interesting fortress for you to check out, as well as some marvelous medieval churches.

Bergen has a vivacious and youthful feel thanks to its large student population. While its bar and nightlife scene is certainly worth delving into, the gorgeous scenery surrounding the city is also lovely to hike around. A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicular is a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords. 

Urnes Stave Church

The Urnes Stavkyrkje, or Urnes Stave Church, blends several architectural styles into a medieval church that is still standing after 900 years. What is remarkable about this church, however, is the building material used: wood, instead of the traditional stone. Located on Norway’s west coast, the church blends Celtic, Viking and Romanesque features in a church that stands majestically in the woods. Urnes is one of 28 stave (wooden) churches in Norway as well as one of the oldest, having been built in the 12th century. Artifacts link pre-Christian Norse culture with medieval Christianity.

Arendal

Lying on Norway’s scenic southeast coastline, Arendal is a picturesque place that is pleasant to visit in summer. This is when lots of holidaymakers descend upon the city to see its sights and enjoy the packed calendar of festivals and concerts.

The city center is set around its charming waterfront and wharf, which are home to beautiful old buildings and centuries-old churches. There is a very charming look and feel to the place, as cosy cottages and wooden houses lie next to harborside cafes and outdoor restaurants and bars.

Besides the two historic areas of Tyholmen and Pollen, Arendal has a fantastic fish market for visitors to check out, as well as an interesting museum on the city’s history. From its wharf, you can also easily take a ferry ride to visit Hisoy, Merdo, and Tromoy – three nearby islands that are all home to lovely natural scenery.

Nord kapp

Rising high above the Arctic Ocean, Nordkapp has long been one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. Marketing itself as the northernmost point of mainland Europe, the towering coastal cliff is set on the island of Mageroya and is nearer to the North Pole than it is Oslo.

For centuries, visitors have been attracted to the lofty plateau’s wild and remote setting that offers breathtaking views over the ocean. Everyone from the King of Norway and Sweden to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visited, while the Sami once used the prominent point as a sacrificial site. Nowadays, it is busloads of tourists who come to gawk at the North Cape and bask in its amazing views. While it can get a bit crowded, particularly in the summer months, the cliff’s natural beauty still makes it well worth visiting.

Nordkapp is also the name of the local municipality. In the town of Honningsvag, you can book tours to the cliff or arrange hiking and birdwatching trips to the island’s scenic landscapes.

Bodo

Set in a stunning spot with majestic mountains rising in the distance, Bodo lies on a prominent peninsula jutting out into the Norwegian Sea. Located at the end of the breathtaking Kystriksveien Coastal Route, it is one of the northernmost cities in the country and acts as a gateway to the Arctic.

As it was almost destroyed in WWII, the city itself doesn’t have all that much going for it besides a couple of churches and museums. Consequently, most people visit for the spectacular landscapes and nature that lie nearby and the ample outdoor recreation opportunities on offer.

At Keiservarden, for instance, you can enjoy some fantastic hiking, while Svarthammarhola is home to the largest cave in Scandanavia. Fishing, cycling, and glacier climbing are also popular pastimes, while the lovely Lofoten Islands are only a few hours ferry ride away. In addition, many visitors push further on to explore the wild and remote snow-covered regions of the Arctic.

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Home to spectacular scenery, Jostedalsbreen National Park is located in the west of Norway and is named after the enormous glacier that lies within. Established in 1991, the park protects diverse landscapes, with majestic mountains, valleys and glaciers all on show.

Dominating its confines is Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the mainland of Europe. This glistening glacier sprawls over a vast area and is over six hundred metres thick in some places. Over the millennia, it has scarred the land around it, so the national park features plenty of rugged terrain, sweeping valleys, and bare mountains.

These landscapes are fantastic to hike around and can be accessed from any one of the park’s three entrance points, which also have interesting exhibits on the region’s fauna and flora. You can arrange to go glacier trekking or whitewater rafting and kayaking along one of the many rivers here too.

Alesund

Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains. The city of Alesund owes its present-day picturesque appearance to a city-wide reconstruction after a fire in 1904 destroyed most of the town. The city was rebuilt with stone and brick in the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a perfect example of Jugendstil design, Northern Europe’s version of Art Nouveau.

Visitors can learn more about the style at the Jugendstilsenteret, or Art Nouveau Center. A hike up the 400 steps to the viewpoint Fjellstua is worthwhile as well. The mountain peak offers stunning views of Alesund and the surrounding islands.

Lofoten Islands

Lying just off Norway’s northwest coastline, the Lofoten Islands are famed for their dramatic and distinctive scenery, which sees its rugged mountains rise impressively above the sea. Interspersed among its awe-inspiring peaks are secluded beaches, bays and sleepy little fishing villages.

Connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and tunnels, the archipelago is home to picturesque pastures and sheltered inlets, with epic fjords dotted here and there. As the surrounding waters are rich with life, fishing has long been one of the Lofoten Islands’ primary industries. In its small villages and towns, you can find traditional fishermen’s cabins as well as a couple of tourist sights, such as the Viking Museum and War Memorial Museum.

Although the archipelago is located well above the Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.

Besides gazing in awe at the scenery, the islands are also a great place to view the Aurora Borealis. In addition, hiking, cycling and rock climbing around its diverse landscapes are all popular pastimes as are taking scenic boat trips and whale watching tours.

 

Read More