Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

20220903

The Beauty of Abisko National Park in Sweden

Hunting for Aurora in Sweden, Who Wants to Join?


      Sweden is a country that is famous for its natural beauty. Many travelers around the world spend time in this country to enjoy the natural landscapes. One of the most popular tourist attractions is Abisko National Park.
Abisko has a large lake that is surrounded by mountains with stunning natural beauty. Abisko is also an area that is suitable for those of you who like hunting.

Abisko National Park Sweden
                                                           Image Source: wikimedia.org

Abisko National Park is a national park that is popular and quite famous among tourists. Here, visitors have the opportunity to see clearly the aurora that is so beautiful.
Abisko National Park in Sweden is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights on a budget. This tourist spot is an ideal place for winter fans who want to enjoy all the sports related to winter.

Abisko National Park was founded in 1909 and is located in the far north of Sweden, in Kiruna.
This scenic spot has a beautiful valley covered with mountain birch trees.
Abisko is a region in Sweden which is a highland. Its location is in the north of Sweden. This area is a small village inhabited by about 150 people.

If other cities in Europe offer attractions in the form of classic buildings and the natural beauty of the mainland, then Abisko is different. This place offers phenomenal sky beauty, namely the aurora. Abisko is known as the best place to witness the Aurora Borealis, a natural phenomenon resembling a flash of light that only occurs in the area around the North Pole and South Pole. The best time to see the aurora is during winter, which is from November to March, because almost every night the aurora is seen in the sky.

You should spend about 3 to 4 days, to explore Abisko National Park. Make careful preparations, including various outdoor equipment, because at this location, outdoor rental services are not provided. However, you don't need to bring a tent, because at that location there is already a Hut, or an inn to stay overnight. Combined with the view of the shady forest, and the clear river, it certainly provides a wonderful experience.

Aurora in Abisko near Torneträsk

Aurora is indeed a beautiful natural phenomenon and makes people curious about it. Most people still see it only on photos on the internet, both in the form of images and videos. Sometimes the feeling of wanting to see directly with one's own eyes is a hidden desire. Especially for those of you who like traveling looking for beautiful places all over the world.

Lodging STF Tourist station

The STF (Svenska Turistföreningen), aka the Swedish tourist association, has many accommodations and tourist attractions throughout Sweden. Every tourist spot must have a place to stay, so tourists will feel pampered. And for those of you who want to see the aurora near the lake in the Abisko area, take it easy, because there must be an inn waiting for you for you to stop by.

The Most Important Things to See Aurora

You don't always see beautiful aurora. You must know when the time is right to see this beautiful natural phenomenon. Not only at the right time, there are other influencing factors. Among them are clear skies, sufficient aurora light power, and minimal light pollution. So you can see the beauty of the aurora with the naked eye.

It is not uncommon for tourists who come to see the aurora to stay for several nights. This could happen because the sky was cloudy, and so on. So they have to spend the night in advance and wait to see the aurora the next day.

20220831

Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Enjoy Beauty of the City

Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Tour Exploring the City Through Canals


      Are you fond of vacationing on a cruise ship? In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, there is a tour along the water canal which is very impressive for tourists. This tour invites tourists to explore the atmosphere of the city of Amsterdam through along the riverside. This tour name is: Amsterdam Canal Cruise.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise
                                                            Image Source: wikimedia.org

Often called 'Venice of the North', Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals and over 1,500 bridges. It is a tradition to entertain guests who visit here on a canal cruise.

Cruise through the canals of the city of Amsterdam in a comfortable motorized boat. The captain controls his ship very well and is experienced, especially in passing through narrow canals. The ship used has glass windows, including the top. You could say it was like a wide boat whose walls and roof were made of glass. That way the travelers can easily see in all directions.

This Amsterdam Canal Cruise tour takes more than an hour, from the start all the way down to the lower end that approaches the embankment toward the sea. Tour participants will be taken to explore historic buildings that stand along the river. Well, along the way, the ship's captain will tell the history of these buildings.

To enjoy the atmosphere of "sailing" on the Canal Cruise, tourists can buy entrance tickets at three places. The first is Damrak, which is open until noon. Second, tickets can be bought in front of Central, which serves ticket purchases until the afternoon. The third place is located next to Café Karpershoek, which is open until the evening. This tour costs about 15 euros.

History of Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The history of Amsterdam's canals begins in the 16th century. Around 1850 there was a shortage of places to live in Amsterdam which gave rise to the fantastic idea of living on water, so there are more than 2500 houseboats to be found in Amsterdam.

The most historic voyage on the Amsterdam Canal Cruise was in 1621 AD At that time, Queen Elizabeth Stuart of Bhoema was greeted with a parade of the admiral's small ships decorated with magnificent. Similar celebrations have also been carried out during the visit of Nelson Mandela and Winston Curchil.

You can enjoy even more stunning views of Amsterdam on a canal cruise on Amsterdam. Comprised of 165 canals and stretching for more than 100 kilometers, Amsterdam's Grachtengordel (Circle of Canals) is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed premier sight. Discover Amsterdam's unbeatable beauty on this Amsterdam canal cruise.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Boats

Boat Rentals on Amsterdam Canal Cruise

There are a variety of boats that provide tourist services, both for general and special purposes. Some of these ships include:

The Dinner Cruise Amsterdam, a ship that is ideal for travelers who want to capture panoramas with video. There is no engine noise or vibration here that would interfere with the video recording being made. There is also a wide variety of food available for supplies and dinner menus during the cruise.

Rederij Lieve, the most beautiful ship in Amsterdam that opens a tour service 7 days per week for private tours with special food and beverages.

HRH Saloon ship, a ship built in 1913 AD at the request of Prince Hendrik who is the grandfather of the Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix. The ship is equipped with a well-known kitchen and chef.

Blue Boat, a simple ship that provides water entertainment such as Crusission and comedy theatre.

Paradise Saloon Boats, a type of boat that serves lunch and special dinner for 12-28 passengers.

Hop On Hop Off ship, a tour charter ship that never stops operating on a trip, like a bus fleet. The ship continues on and will stop near museums, in shopping districts, and tourist attractions. For purchasing this boat ticket online, tourists will get a discount of 10%.

Cuise Operator, a ship company that rents open-air vessels, ranging from small to large boats equipped with kitchen and toilet facilities.

Reij Welvaren, a type of executive ship with all modern and special facilities.

Champagne and Cruise Roses, a ship that provides services for wedding purposes.

Boat Amsterda, a boat that caters to exclusive trips and caters for catering and dinner, from simple to special.

20220827

Fun Activities You Can Do In Zurich Switzerland

What is Zurich Best Known For?


      If you want to explore an amazing city and give a different impression, Zurich can be made as one of the tourist destinations in Western Europe.
This tourist spot is known as the city's economic center in Switzerland. However, this city also has a lot of interesting things, so it is suitable to be explored. There are many tourist objects in this city.

lake Zurich Switzerland
                                                           Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Some tourist spots can even be visited for free. You can enter some of the attractions that are free. This city is in the northern part of Switzerland and has a quite different feel.

In this city during winter evenings, the view is beautiful. There is a Fraumunster Church from the 18th century.
Apart from having beautiful views in winter and an old church from the 18th century, is there anything in Zurich that tourists should see and do?

Sightseeing Lake Zurich
One of the most recommended activities while on Lake Zurich is to charter a boat to go around it. Starting from wading through the waters in the morning, in the evening, to traveling by boat while listening to music, you can do it while you are there. While walking along the Zurich lake, don't forget to visit the north side of the lake and see a number of interesting housing and unique villas, while enjoying the sun in the cool air.

A visit to the old church in Zurich City.
The city of Zurich has two landmarks, namely Fraumunster Church and Grossmunster Church, which have been around for many years. In addition to seeing the beauty of the unique window panes, tourists can enjoy a historical tour of the two churches. While at Fraumunster Church, visitors can see the remains of the church's crypt which were discovered during restoration work in the summer of 1900.

Take a tuk tuk around the city
Tuk tuks are a type of bajaj transportation that are often seen in Thailand. While in Zurich, you can enjoy a tour around the city in an environmentally friendly electric tuk tuk. While traveling around by tuk tuk, you can ask the driver to stop at several spots to take pictures or to shop at a number of shops there.

Rapperswil

Strolling through Rapperswil
Rapperswill, also known as the city of roses, is situated on the eastern end of Lake Zurich. The title was pinned because the public gardens there have more than 15,000 roses. Of these, as many as 600 types of roses you can find while walking in the old medieval city.

See treasures from various continents
Zurich City has a number of interesting museums, one of which is the Rietberg Museum. There are treasure collections from the continents of Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. The Rietberg Museum, according to its official website, is the only museum in Switzerland that doesn't have a collection of European art. Some of the collections there are Javanese puppets and kris from Indonesia, statues from Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as ceramics from Thailand and Burma.

Culinary
Tasting local cuisine is one of the must-do things when visiting a tourist destination, including Zurich. If you want to dine in a quite unique way, you can join a culinary tour guided by a landsknecht-style guide (as mercenaries were referred to in the 16th and 17th centuries).
During the tour, the guide will tell you interesting information, as well as anecdotes, and the importance of past cuisines. Not only listening to stories, tourists also have the opportunity to taste a variety of local foods such as muskazinli, huppen, tirggel, sausage froschauer, and wine.

20220824

Explore The Wonders of Rovaniemi Finland

Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Town in Finland


      A winter vacation would be perfect if you visit Rovaniemi in Finland. This city is the perfect destination for hunting Aurora. Many tourists enjoy exciting moments while enjoying the beauty of Finland's sky. Rovaniemi is also known as Santa's home. Santa Claus Village is an attraction for families, especially children, to visit during the winter holidays. 

Rovaniemi Finland
                                                           Image Source: Wikimedia.org

For winter travelers, Rovaniemi will fulfill all their expectations. Considered the official home of Santa Claus, this fairytale-like place is located only about 4km south of the Arctic Circle, while Santa Claus Village is a mix of arctic wonderland and amusement park.

Santa Claus Village is an amusement park in the city of Rovaniemi. Here you can meet Santa Claus and send a special letter directly for Santa to his house or to Santa Claus's Post Office. In addition, you can also see reindeer directly and even be invited to ride a carriage drawn by reindeer.

For accommodation, in the Santa Claus Village area, there are several unique and comfortable inns that can increasingly add to the attraction of tourists. Starting from accommodations in the form of comfortable cabins, igloos made of ice blocks, to those made of glass, so you can see the aurora directly from your room.

Being in Santa Claus Village you will get the impression of a beautiful white Christmas, because this village is almost completely covered with snow.

Rovaniemi, the capital of the Province of Lapland, is located in the north of Finland. Precisely at the meeting point of two major rivers, namely the Kemijoki River and the Ounasjoki. With his position in this position, it is not surprising that Rovaniemi has a long history. Since the 12th century, the city has been a stop for traders, travelers, and lumberjacks.
This city is also often called the City of Ice, because of the long winter. And of course it was very cold.

Winter in the Lapland region, most of which is in the Arctic Circle, lasts from October to April. Throughout winter, the temperature is reluctant to rise above zero degrees Celsius. That said, the coldest record ever occurred in January 1999. At that time the temperature had dipped to minus 47 degrees Celsius!
In summer, which is between June-August, the sun will continue to shine for a very long time. The phenomenon of White Nights (the sun goes down towards midnight, but not completely dark), can also be enjoyed in this city.

Santa-Claus-Village-Rovaniemi Finland
                                                                          Source: Flickr

Rovanieri is not a large city. Despite its area of ​​8016  km, it is one of the 'largest' cities in Europe. The city center with a population of about 60,000 people only revolves around Lordi's Square and the surrounding area. The place where several hotels, cafes, shops, restaurants, travel agent offices, etc. are located.

However, with so many tourist attractions still within its reach, Rovaniemi continues to thrive as a bustling tourist city. Several winter tourist attractions, which are usually busy at the end of the year, are not far from this city.

Santa Claus Village, for example, is only 7.7 km from Rovaniemi city center. 10 min drive. Likewise, various other favorite tourist attractions that are popular throughout the winter season, for example, Snowmobile Safari, Reindeer & Husky Safari, Aurora Hunting, etc.

20220821

Visiting the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain

Plaza Mayor Square, The Magnificent Oasis of Madrid


      Every football lover knows the city of Madrid. Yup, the country where the Real Madrid football club is based has tourist sites that are no less interesting than other cities in Spain. It is the Plaza Mayor. 

Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain
                                                             Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Plaza Mayor is a square/plaza in the heart of Madrid and there is a statue of King Philips III in the center. Several events are held here frequently.
The Plaza Mayor in Madrid has become the center of the crowd and the venue for various events such as bullfights, football matches, markets, coronation of kings, and public executions.

Plaza Mayor is also often a starting point and a gathering place for tourists before exploring Madrid. Moreover, in this square there is also the Madrid Tourist Information Center and there are many guides wandering around.

While in Madrid you can enjoy beautiful buildings and gardens, such as Templo de Debod, Puerta de Alcala, Buon Retiro Park, Royal Palace Madrid and Gran Via. Apart from that, you can also visit museums such as the Museo del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Or do you want to watch the bullfighting at the Plaza del Toros del Las Ventas (Las Ventas)?

Plaza Mayor is a square in the center of Madrid, Spain. This square is one of the most famous squares in Madrid and is popular with local and international tourists. One of the most striking features of Plaza Mayor is the red brick buildings that surround it, just like the Place des Vosges square in Paris.

The average building on the edge of the Plaza Mayor has a similar architecture and consists of 4 levels. The first floor is occupied by cafes and shops, while the remaining 3 levels are residential buildings, apartments and hotels. If calculated, there are a total of 237 balconies facing Plaza Mayor.

The History of Plaza Mayor Square

Plaza Mayor was originally called “Plaza del Arrabal” and was used as the city's main market. In 1561 the square was transferred to the city of Madrid. King Philip II commissioned the Classical architect Juan de Herrera to renovate the area. Construction did not begin until the reign of Philip III in 1617. Juan Gómez de Mora continued the architectural renovation and was completed two years later in 1619. Historically, Plaza Mayor has experienced 3 major fires.

Plaza Mayor

In 1631. Juan Gómez de Mora reconstructed the square after the first fire.
The second fire broke out in 1670, the architect Tomás Román was responsible for the reconstruction. The last fire consumed a third of the square and occurred in 1790. Today, the Plaza Mayor's architecture is handled by Juan de Villanueva. He handled the reconstruction after the great fire in 1790. 

Previously, the buildings that surrounded the square were five stories high. Juan de Villanueva lowered the buildings around the square to three floors, closing the corners, and creating a large entrance into the square. Construction after the death of Juan de Villanueva was continued by Antonio López Aguado and Custodio Moreno, and was completed in 1854.

In 1880 Casa de la Panadería was restored by Joaquín María de la Vega. The building is part of the faade which is framed by two two-cornered towers. This place has been used for a number of purposes. Its name derives from its original use of the main town bakery. In 1921 the farm house was reformed, and again in 1935 by Fernando García de Mercadal. In the 1960s, the square closed itself off to road traffic, and added underground parking beneath the square.

The last show at the Plaza Mayor was held in 1992, consisting of a mural decoration, by Carlos Franco, from Casa de la Panadería, representing mythological figures such as the goddess Cibeles.
Today, Plaza Mayor is a major tourist spot, but it is also celebrated by the citizens of Madrid and has become a part of Spanish culture. Next to the Plaza Mayor on Arco de Cuchilleros Street is Restaurante Botin, the world's oldest restaurant.

In addition to walking and lounging, travelers can also relax in the many terrace and outdoor cafes that are around the edges. At midday, the atmosphere of Plaza Mayor can be very crowded, lots of people having lunch at the cafe, and also tourists passing by.

The atmosphere in the Plaza Mayor turns dim as night falls, when the lights start to turn on, and many cafes are ready to welcome Madrid residents and visitors who want to drink or have dinner while sitting around enjoying the atmosphere of Madrid at night.

20220820

Sintra Portugal, Beautiful City like a Fairy Tale

Sintra City, Portugal's 'Hidden Gem' in Portugal 


     If you travel to Cristiano Ronaldo's country of origin, Lisbon, it is often the main destination. However, about 40 minutes to the west of Lisbon there is a town called Sintra, which looks like a fairy tale. This city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, not just one place, but the entire city of Sintra. Try to explore the castles that you can visit if you are in Sintra.

Sintra Portugal
                                                          Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Pena Palace

The charm of the Pena palace in the city of Sintra is so global, that Portugal included it as the 7 wonders in the country. The striking colors of Pena's palace look very beautiful both up close and from a distance.
Reportedly, when the sky is very clear, even from the capital city of Lisbon, residents can see the beauty of the palace which is located high on a green hilltop.
Pena Palace is often dubbed as a historical building with a romantic architecture. In fact, its romantic architecture is said to be the first of any other palace in Europe.

Fort "Moorish Castle"

Fort "Moorish Castle"

The Moorish castle is a fortress built around the 9th century by the Moors to protect the city. However, this castle had to collapse during the war for power with the Christians. The situation is getting worse due to earthquakes and fires.
But 10 centuries later, the Moorish castle was restored and is now a very important historical landmark in Sintra city.
Moorish castle or Castelo dos Mouro is still in the same location as Pena palace and is included in the Pena park section. From the top of the fort, tourists can see a stunning panorama of the city of Sintra, including a beautiful view of the blue ocean from a distance.

Quinta da Regaleira

The Mystical Style Building "Quinta da Regaleira"

Quinta da Regaleira is perhaps the building in Sintra that has the most distinct feel from the others. This gothic-style building was designed by a rich man named António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro who has a special interest in mystical things, and he channeled his passion into the architecture and ornaments of the building.
There are caves, bridges, and wells in the form of a series of labyrinth-like spiral tunnels known as the initiation good. This well was previously used not as a place to hold water, but as a place for mystical religious rituals, one of which was tarot ceremonies.

The splendor of “Sintra National Palace”

The Sintra national palace is located in the heart of the city and has been the oldest residence of the royal family since the 15th century, until the end of monarchy in 1910.
This brilliant white palace features a gothic architectural design. Inside is the coats of arms hall, a room with magnificently carved ceiling walls and displaying the 72 coats of arms of the Portuguese royal family and nobles.

How to get to Sintra

The most frequently used option for getting to Sintra, unless you're coming from the north, is to go to Lisbon by plane and take a day trip to the city, as it is about 30 kilometers away. You can travel by car from the capital by IC19 and N6. Another possibility is to take the inner-city train to easily reach Sintra in half an hour. Trains are available at different stations, such as Rossio or Sete Ríos.

20220817

Austrian Hallstatt Village, Frozen Movie Inspiration

Austrian Hallstatt Village, A Beautiful Destination for International Travelers


      Like a fairy tale, one of the natural attractions with beautiful views of Mount Salzkammergut in Austria amaze many local and international tourists. It is surrounded by a row of traditional settlements that are rented out on vacation. The village of Hallstatt sits on the shores of a lake, a settlement set against a backdrop of mountains.

In 1997 Hallstatt Village was named by UNESCO as a world heritage in Austria, making this village ogled by foreign tourists. A visit to the village of Hallstatt in winter will remind you of Walt Disney's Frozen. Mount Salzkammergut is covered with white snow and the temperature is very cold.

According to the BBC, Hallstatt receives 10,000 tourists a day. The population of Hallstatt is only about 800 people. However, after Covid-19, it's a different story.

Skiing and snowboarding in the snow of these mountains in winter can add to the excitement of your vacation. However, visiting this village in spring, autumn and summer is also pleasant. If you want to go hiking or paragliding, you can visit Hallstatt village in autumn.
Here are some activities you can do when visiting the village of Hallstat in Austria.

Hallstatter See
                                                              Image Source: wikimedia.org

Water Excursions at The Hallstatter See

The village settlement of Hallstatt sits on the shores of the lake in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. The depth of the lake is 125 meters. You can take an electric boat around Lake Hallstatt to explore the world's oldest small salt mining town.
You can rent an electric boat for EUR 16 euro for 30 minutes, you are also allowed to swim and fish in this location.

Hallstatt Old Church Austria

Worshiping at Hallstatt Old Church

For those of you who want to worship, or just visit one of the oldest buildings in Hallstatt, head to the Evangelical Church on the lakeside. The artistic building is decorated with bells and towers that show the hallmark of the church.

Market Square Hallstatt Austria

Shop for souvenirs at Market Square Hallstatt

Don't forget to stop by the shopping mall in Hallstatt. Here there are interesting restaurants and cafes with the price of their products around EUR 50
Apart from that, there is an interesting gift shop to take home as souvenirs. Prices offered range from EUR 15

Why was Hallstatt so popular? Hallstatt and the surrounding area in 1997, became a UNESCO World Heritage, for its majestic Alpine landscape and ancient salt mining tradition. Its salt mine – one of the oldest in the world – welcomed 19,700 visitors from January to March 15, 2020. All eager to learn about the 7,000-year-old history of the tunnel. Or enjoy the stunning salt lake views.

Another reason for Hallstatt's attraction is more unexpected. In 2006, an episode of the popular South Korean soap opera Spring Waltz was filmed at Hallstatt, which introduced the village to millions of people in Asia.

Hallstatt has always been friendly to Instagram. A search of #Hallstatt on Instagram turned up over 600,000 vacation photos of tourists.
Tourism has two sides to a coin. There are many challenges with the number of guests, but it is good for the city government to have tourists. Hallstatt's government wants travelers to do more than just take pictures, not get off the bus and go to the next place.

20220813

Lucerne Switzerland, Beauty City Among the Rivers

Lucerne Switzerland, Exotic Tourist Places for You to Visit


      Switzerland has long been known for its beautiful landscapes. Both a city in a beautiful mountain region, or on the shores of a scenic lake. One city in Switzerland that you must visit is Lucerne. A piece of card that always shows off the charm of the city with an iconic wooden bridge called Kapellbrucke.

Lucerne Switzerland, Beautiful City Among The Rivers

Lucerne or Lucerne has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the central region of Switzerland. Its position is not far from a series of famous mountains, such as Pilatus, Rigi and Titlis. The city of about 82 thousand inhabitants is an ideal base for tourists, skiers or hikers.

Lucerne is in the center of the country, in a German-speaking area, and is the capital of the canton of the same name. It is an important city in the region, a cultural, political and communication center. About 80 thousand people live in the city itself, but if you add the surroundings, along with other small towns, the number reaches 250 thousand people. It is on the shores of a beautiful lake. You can see Alps.

Although Lucerne does not have its own airport, like Basel, Zurich, or Geneva, it is easy to reach from many other cities. Zurich Airport is only about 67 km from Lucerne city center. Meanwhile, Bahnhof Luzern or Lucerne Train Station is connected to almost all major cities in Switzerland, which are managed by Swiss Federal Railways. For example: Zurich - Lucerne, served by about 40 trains daily.

Lucerne's history begins with the founding of a benedictine monastery of St. Leodegar in 750. The name Lucerne itself is first mentioned in historical records as "Lucaria" in 840. And since the opening of the Gottard Pass in the Alps in 1830, the position of the city of Lucerne has become increasingly important, as it is on the trade route between the Upper Rhine region - Swiss and Lombardy - Italy.

Lucerne's status as a leading tourist destination dates back to the mid-19th century. Interestingly, one of the travelers who has visited this city is Mark Twain, a well-known writer from the United States, as he wrote in one of his travel books, entitled "A Tramp Abroad".

At this time, Lucerne began to develop into a modern tourist destination marked by the establishment of several famous hotels at that time. These hotels include Schweizerhof Hotel (1845), Grand Hotel National (1870), and Chateau Gutsch (1879).

Chapel Bridge  Kapellbrücke Lucerne, Switzerland
                                                         Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Grand Hotel National has such a unique history. At this hotel, Cesar Ritz, a well-known Swiss hotelier, worked as a manager between 1878-1888. Cesar Ritz later became known as the founder of luxury hotels, such as The Ritz Paris, The Ritz Hotel - London and The Carlton Hotel - London. The Ritz is also recognized as one of the pioneers of the hotel chain and is nicknamed "King of Hoteliers".

Lucerne has fantastic tourist attractions. The old city center is decorated with classic buildings with charming architecture that line the banks of the Reuss river. From the Rathaus (Town Hall) which has a Renaissance architectural style, to the Jesuit Church, which has a baroque architecture. There is also this city icon, The Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrucke, which is very famous.
The Rathaus or Lucerne Town Hall, built in 1606 by Anton Isenmann, stands on the bank of the beautiful flowing Reuss river in the center of Lucerne. On the same side lined with a variety of restaurants and hotels with charming facades.

20220812

6 Tourist Destinations in Copenhagen Denmark

Tourist Attractions in Denmark That You Must Visit 


      Denmark or Scandinavia is one of the countries located in Northern Europe. This country, which also gets the nickname Nordic Country, includes a monarchy or kingdom. Denmark is also bordered by several other countries, the south with Germany, Sweden in the east, and Norway in the north.

When viewed geographically, Denmark has an area throughout the Jutia peninsula, as well as 443 islands around it, complete with 4 large islands named Zealand, North Jutilandic island and Funen. Almost the entire island is connected to the main island using a bridge. The country with the capital city of Copenhagen also has a variety of interesting tourist attractions in Denmark that you should visit.

Copenhagen is the city center as well as the administrative center of the country. In this city there are also various kinds of interesting tourist objects that you can visit. Starting from a variety of historical buildings, monuments, museums, various natural attractions and others.

Nyhavn Copenhagen Denmark
                                                           Image Source: Wikipedia.org

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is an interesting tourist spot, where there are several buildings flanked by canals, complete with very beautiful views around. Tourist facilities that exist in this place are also fairly complete. You can browse the canals, enjoy various culinary tours, or others.

Christiansborg Istana Palace

Christiansborg Istana Palace

You can visit Christiansborg Palace, which is located in the prins Joergens Gaard. Just like a palace, the scenery in this place is very interesting, coupled with a unique and magnificent building design, suitable for taking pictures. Exploring the palace buildings will definitely provide a very interesting experience for you. Just like the previous palace, this tourist spot is only open every Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 10.00 to 17.00 local time.

Rosenborg Kastil Castle

Rosenborg Castle

Still in Copenhagen, at Oster Vold Gade to be precise, you can see a charming castle which is known as Rosenborg castle. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can also capture various interesting moments in that place. The castle itself is not open every day, only Tuesday through Sunday, from 09.00 to 17.00 local time.

Stroget

Stroget

For those of you who like shopping tourism, Stroget is the right choice. Stroget is a complete and comfortable shopping center, with a wide selection of branded goods. You can also enjoy a variety of culinary tours that are unique and interesting. This shopping location is located in the Stroget area as the name suggests.

Amalienborg Castle

Amalienborg Castle

This Amalienborg Castle has a building design that is no less beautiful and luxurious, compared to other castles in Copenhagen. What's interesting about the castle, which is located in Amalienborg palace Square, is that you can see the changing of soldiers who usually stand guard in front of the castle. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the castle up close, of course you have to visit it during its opening hours, which is Tuesday to Sunday, at a predetermined hour.

Islands of Brygge

Islands of Brygge

Tired of sightseeing and shopping? You can refresh your mind by visiting the beautiful beach still in Copenhagen, namely Island Brygge. Tourist facilities on this island are also quite complete. So, besides being able to enjoy the typical views of the beach and the sea, you can also use the various tourist facilities in that place.

20220809

Nicosia, The World's Last 'Split' Capital

Travel Destinations in Nicosia, the Beautiful Capital of Cyprus


     Republic of Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus's capital is Nicosia. Judging from the United Nations website, Nicosia is a unique capital.
Nicosia is the last 'split' capital city in the world. Yes, physically, the city is purposely divided into two parts.
The capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia is two different parts of the region. The southern part of the city belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern part belongs to the Republic of Turkey, namely Northern Cyprus.

So to visit this city, you need to show your passport when you are in a certain area in several areas of the city. Some of the tourist destinations below may make you believe that this city is worthy of being the next vacation destination in Europe.

From the air, the shape of the old city of Nicosia is very unique. The old town is surrounded by a ring-shaped wall with eleven ornaments.
This wall was once the bastion of the old city's defense. It was the Venetian rulers in the early 16th century who built this defense system.
The northern part of Nicosia is controlled by Turkey. This part of the city is laden with the majority being Muslim. Food, traditions and currency follow Turkey.

While in the southern part of Nicosia controlled by Greece. In this section, the view of the church is a treat for the city. The majority of the population is orthodox-Christian.

In the central part of this city, there is a UN buffer zone along the 180 km. Extending from west to east, this neutral zone stretches from 3.3 meters in the center of Nicosia to 7.4 km in rural Anthienou.

The city of Nicosia in the south is the seat of government of the Republic of Cyprus, which is a recognized member of the European Union. Meanwhile, in the north, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognized by the Turkish state. This recognition was carried out since the occupation in 1974.

Venetian Walls of Nicosia

Venetian Walls of Nicosia

As a giant wall that surrounds the old city of Nicosia, the Venetian Walls of Nicosia was once a strong protective building in its time. Although now only some of the ruins remain, the splendor of this three-kilometer long wall is still preserved.
The Famagusta Gate is the only well-preserved gate on the Venetian Walls. In addition, the Paphos Gate is known to have an interesting history, as it is the dividing line between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.

Old town Nicosia

Old Town

Taking a leisurely stroll, around the small alleys, while gazing at the rows of houses with Ottoman architecture are activities that you can do in Old Town. There is also a small church that is the prima donna, because it is considered the oldest church in Nicosia.
One of the streets that must be passed in the old town is Ledra Street. This street is very popular, as it is lined with cafes, restaurants and small shops which make it even more attractive. In addition, this street is often used as a photo spot for many tourists.

Büyuk Han

Büyuk Han

Built in 1572, Büyük Han is a very well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Büyük Han itself is a building used as a storage and resting place for traders passing through the city of Nicosia.
Now, Büyük Han has turned into a modern tourist attraction. With many of its old rooms that have been converted as cafes and several upscale restaurants. Sitis is located near Ledra Street, in the old town.

Cyprus Museum
Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Cyprus Museum

The Cyprus Museum is a museum that has a large collection of artifacts from various ages. These artifacts from the Neolithic to Byzantine period are a collection of excavations carried out throughout the Cyprus region.
This museum is one of the most visited of many other museums in Cyprus. Thousands of people come here every year to see and learn more about the history and culture of Cyprus.

20220803

The Charm of Yorkshire Dales National Park

Explore Yorkshire National Park in the North of England 


      Yorkshire Dales National Park is a tourist destination that has a variety of unique tourist attractions for you to visit. This national park, located in England, also has many caves, which makes it a tourist destination for cave lovers.
Besides caves, there are also expanses of green meadows, waterfalls, and villages.
Yorkshire Dales National Park is a national park that was inaugurated in 1954. This national park has an area of 1,770 square kilometers.

Yorkshire Dales National Park
                                                        Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Yorkshire Dales National Park attracts about 8 million visitors annually.
This park has hills, valleys, small villages, to dry rock walls. The dry stone walls combine to create a wonderfully captivating picture of British rural life.
There are also about 900 miles of walkable walking trails, and these trails have excellent terrain.

The park is also popular with hikers who want to complete the challenge of climbing the three peaks, namely Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.
Yorkshire Dales National Park has approximately 2,500 limestone caves. This has earned him the reputation of being one of the UK's best destinations for cave enthusiasts.

Things to Do in the Yorkshire Daleso

The park has beautiful towns, valleys and villages. Find attractions, events, places to eat and drink, and places to stay, and things to do with kids in the great outdoors.

Yorkshire Dales National Park England

Strolling the Yorkshire Dales
A lot of people come to the Yorkshire Dales for walking. Taking a walk in Yorkshire Dales National Park is great for your physical and mental health.
There are some 60 short walks for people of all ages and abilities on our short walks page. Each trail is equipped with a detailed map and some roads have audio guides.

Everyone has the right to access the countryside in Yorkshire National Parks, and suitable public roads and permissive routes in the National Parks are among the goals agreed upon by the Authority and the various local partner organizations in the National Park. 2019-24 Park Management Plan.

Choose the Miles no Stiles line which is the perfect route for wheelchairs, pushchairs and a leisurely stroll after a pub lunch. You can also purchase route cards at the National Parks Visitor Center. To see where the route can be found in the National Park.

20220802

Lofoten Archipelago, Paradise in Norway

Your Ultimate Guide to the Lofoten Archipelago


      Norway is a special nation for all nature lovers. The natural scenery is incredibly beautiful. More and more tourists from all over the world are abandoning their doubts, (usually related to the cold, culture and language) to go to Norway.

Lofoten Archipelago
                                                             Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Lofoten's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, since a photographer flaunted his photos on Instagram. Many people are finally curious about where this beautiful island is, until in 2017, more than 1 million visitors flock to this island every year.

The Lofoten Archipelago is one of those destinations that is hard to forget. They're inside the Arctic Circle, so before you start your adventure, it's easier to know well when to go, and what to see. The beauty of the islands changes with the seasons.

Lofoten is an ideal place to view the beautiful northern lights, and experience the midnight sun. It also provides a fascinating insight into Norway's past, as well as the fishing trade which played a significant role in the nation's history.

The Lofoten Islands are a group of islands located between parallels 67 and 68 above the Arctic Circle. There are several large islands and a small island, and in total it covers an area of 1227 square kilometers. Currently, the population is around 25 people.
Most of the residents in this place work as fishermen so that the houses are shaped like the typical cabins of Lofoten Island

The Lofoten Islands are mountainous islands, with many fjords and beaches. Of course you think it's very cold here, but it's actually a temperate climate, thanks to the famous Gulf Stream. In May and June the temperature can range between 9 and 15 Celcius, in August it is a little lower and in January, it can drop a little below zero, but not too badly. And if you're having a very hot summer, you can even feel 30 C.

Lofoten Archipelago Norway

How To Get To Lofoten Archipelago

You can take a plane, car or boat. It has three airports: Svolvaer, Leknes and Rost. All three have connections to Bodo and to Oslo. The flight from the capital city takes three hours. You can select the airport depending on your destination.

Harstad/Narvik Airport is the closest flight to Oslo, from here it's a three hour drive to Svolvaer, which is the departure gate for Lofoten. Svolvaer Airport on the islands is very easy to reach from Bodo, as is Leknes airport which is in the center of the island.

You can take the boat or car from Bodø. Boats to Svolvær in Austvågøya are fast and scenic, but taking a car to Moskenes on the southern island of Moskenesøya is the best option, if you want to take the road by land.

What To Do in The Lofoten Islands

That all depends on your taste. If you want to see something stunning, these Northern Lights are a great winter destination. You can rent a three-day tour package and stay in a cabin by the sea, at the foot of the mountains. This tour package is offered directly on Norway's official tourism website.

20220731

Estonia Travel Guide for Tourists

Estonia Travel Tips & Useful Info

 
      Estonia is located next to Finland and is separated from the Baltic Sea, Estonia is one of the countries in Northern Europe that is starting to have a lot of visitors because of its tourist destinations. Estonia presents a city panorama that is still thick with medieval nuances, but is very modern with various facilities that are all electronic and online. Estonian holiday travel is also one of the cheapest destinations compared to other European countries.

Estonia old town

Flight tickets to Estonia are among the cheapest. You can enjoy the nightlife in lively Tallinn, or enjoy the natural beauty spread across 1,500 Estonian islands. Starting from green fields, beautiful safe forest areas, charming old churches, to various ancient castles with historical value. Then there are many beautiful locations in this country that you can visit without tickets or for free. (britannica.com)

The currency prevailing in Estonia is the Euro, as is the case with surrounding European countries. Estonia is also one of the countries in Europe that already accepts payments with e-wallet. So you can exchange money through an international electronic wallet account, to make it more practical. Almost all places such as transportation tickets, supermarkets and restaurants accept e-payments, especially in the capital city and surrounding cities. So, transaction activities while traveling in Estonia are more practical.

Estonia tourism

The peak of the Estonian tourist crowd is in the summer months of June to August. There are a lot of festivals that enliven the atmosphere in the city. If you want a quieter holiday, you can come in early fall, around the end of August. At the end of the year, the cities will be decorated with Christmas decorations and impromptu fairs.

Historical Tour in Tallinn.
As the capital of Estonia, there are many historical landmarks and museums to be found. Starting from the Open-Air Museum, the National Museum, to the KGB Museum. A walk in the Town Hall area is fun too. In the evening, Tallinn turns lively with nightclubs and bars known for their cheap drink prices.

Lahemaa National Park.
Still in Tallinn, enjoy the natural beauty of Estonia in Lahemaa National Park, about 1 hour from the city center to the east. This location is famous as a refreshing location for city dwellers which is close and free. You can hike while seeing the beauty of the forest and wild animal ecosystems in the area, but it is guaranteed to be safe.

Estonian Foods You Must Try

You can find many culinary tours or street food in Tallinn, Estonia. Starting from the Baltic Station Market to food trucks at Bueno Gourmet. Culinary tourism in Estonia is dominant with Russian food to various American snacks such as: burgers or tacos you can find while on holiday in Estonia. For truly local food, here are some names for Estonian specialties:

Sprat Sandwich
Sprats are the most numerous fish in the Baltic Sea.
Sprat fish become the typical basic ingredient of the surrounding countries. In Estonia, sprats are served as sandwiches. This Estonian sprat sandwich is made of Estonian black bread, topped with a hard-boiled egg, and added sauce. You can find this dish in restaurants and street food when you are traveling in Estonia.

Mulgipuder
Mulgipuder is an Estonian simple dish. Made from potatoes, groats, and butter, usually served with side dishes such as bacon. Eating Mulgipuder for breakfast is guaranteed to be full.

Kama
A signature dish that you can only find in Estonia is Kama. This food looks like oatmeal, but is made from different types of wheat that are more varied. This dish contains buttermilk and a variety of berries. It's perfect if you eat it as a sweet snack or a delicious breakfast menu.

Vastlakukkel
Vastlakukkel is a typical Estonian bread made of wheat with cream as the filling. There are also those who serve it with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. In the past, this bread was only available during festivals or special holiday days, but now you can buy Vastlakukkel at your local bakery at any time.

20220729

Facts About Lake Titisee, Germany's Black Forest

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Germany's Titisee Lake


      You Want to travel to Western Europe? You can visit a lake located in southern Germany, namely: Lake Titise. This tourist spot in Germany has an area of ​​approximately 1.3 square kilometers.

Surrounded by the Black Forest forest, this lake will become a truly natural natural destination to explore. Where there you can also enjoy very original black forest cakes.
Lake Titise has an altitude of about 858 meters above sea level, so the temperature there is very cool and the air is clean. There are many activities to do there for example: surfing, swimming, sailing and other sports.

Lake Titisee Germany
                                                          Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Germany's Black Forest is one of the most environmentally friendly areas in the country. This is where the beautiful Titisee Lake is located, which is able to provide aesthetic pleasure to tourists and travelers from all over the world, with its beautiful scenery.
The Black Forest region is located in southern Germany. The area borders France, Austria and Switzerland. This place in Germany is untouched by industry, which is why stunning nature has been preserved here.

Interesting Facts About Titisee Lake

Titisee is a lake in the southern black forest of Baden-Württemberg. This lake has an area of 1.3 square kilometers and has an average depth of 20 meters. Titisee has become a favorite destination for travelers.
Here are interesting facts about Titisee that can help you organize your holiday itinerary.

1. Titisee is located close to Switzerland and France. If you are planning to visit Basel (Switzerland) or Strasbourg (France), then Titisee can be your stop on the tour. The journey to Strasbourg is only 2 hours by train, while it takes only 90 minutes to get to Basel.

2. When you arrive in Germany, the pronunciation of Titisee is not what you think. They say Titty Zay. Where Zay means lake. While Titty in the Alemannic dialect means little child or baby, it is so named because according to local legend, the lake is the place where little children originate.

3. In the Titisee area, you can also find a cuckoo clock manufacture. Where a lot of tours and workshops are held here. You can follow how it's made, and also admire the different types of cuckoo clocks. This is one of the most interesting activities at Titisee.

4. The lake has a magical color, because the lake was formed by the Feldberg glacier in the Pleistocene era, when it was home to saber-toothed tigers, giant sloths and woolly mammoths and mastodons.

5. In addition to the Cuckoo Clock, another interesting place in Titisee is shopping at Drubba. Drubba is a shop that sells items from various brands such as Mont Blanc to Pandora to Coach to Longchamp. Of particular interest are Rimowa suitcases, as they are much cheaper here and still deducted tax-free for foreign tourists.

Lake Titisee in winter
                                                                   Lake Titisee in winter

On the north shore of the lake, there is a small but comfortable resort town, namely: Titisee-Neustadt. Here tourists are provided hotel services with all modern conveniences. The city's quaint beaches offer beautiful views of the waters of Lake Titisee. Apart from swimming in the clear water of the reservoir, tourists are offered catamaran rides, small cruises and boats.

There are also a number of other small resort towns along the lake shore. The population is only 12,000 people. However, during the holiday season, the population in these areas increases.
There are walking trails along the shore of the lake, where you can rollerblade or bike, admiring the stunning forest views.

20220721

Cinque Terre, Beauty Village by the Mediterranean Sea

Cinque Terre Tourism, Beautiful Destinations in the Liguria Region


     Italy is very attached to beautiful and romantic things, as well as its tourist attractions. Many people make Italy as a destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. One of the favorite tourist destinations is the Cinque Terre, a beautiful village that stands on a rock on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Cinque Terre is a hilly coastal region on the Italian Riviera that is part of the Liguria region.

In Italian, Cinque Terre means the five villages. Because the Cinque Terre consists of five villages, namely Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso which are connected to each other by footpaths. The five villages have their respective beauty and uniqueness.

These villages are built on steep rocky cliffs facing the sea. The colorful color of the house makes it stand out in contrast to the blue sea, and also the sky as the background. Its beauty makes this village one of the world heritage sites designated by UNESCO.

In the past, Cinque Terre was an isolated village, because access to this place only relied on sea transportation by boat. However, since the railway line was opened in the 1870s, access to these villages has become easier.

Here are the five best places in the Cinque Terre. The scenery is incredibly beautiful.

Footpath Monterosso
                                                             Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Footpath Monterosso
The Monterosso Footpath is a road that connects Monterosso and Vernazza, which is a beautiful yet challenging road. On the trail, tourists will climb a number of eerie steps, but the views of the citrus groves and vineyards will pay for the horror. You can walk with your partner, while enjoying the natural scenery that is presented. But make sure that you are in excellent body condition.

Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia

Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia
Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia is a hill connecting Vernazza with Corniglia. Along the way, hikers will enjoy views of meadows, olive groves and vineyards as they pass through the villages of Prevo and San Bernardino. You can also turn off the trail between the Cinque Terre villages to visit Guvano beach.
Some tourists recommend walking from Vernazza to Corniglia, as opposed to Corniglia to Vernazza, as the first part of the climb has a fairly high steep grade. Other travelers also recommend starting in the early morning, to avoid the crowds and midday sun. You better check the weather forecast in advance.

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre
The Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the smallest national parks in Italy, with a population of about 4,000. In 1997, the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors love the ambiance, scenery, food and people, but also be warned that the city is full of tourists. Many plan day trips from Milan or Florence and recommend travelers who don't have a lot of time to do the same.

The Church of San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco
This church was constructed in the 17th century. The Church of San Francesco is also known as the Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco and the Abbey of the Capuchin Friars, as it contains many remarkable works of art, including "The Crucifixion" by Anthony van Dyck.

Cinque Terre Boat Tours

Cinque Terre Boat Tours
If you have very little time in the Cinque Terre, and want to get an overview of the area, many travelers recommend seeing the five cities by boat. This tour is accompanied by delicious snacks, drinks and Italian multicourse meals. If the weather is good, many boat operators stop in unknown coves along the tour for a short break.

If you are interested in visiting the Cinque Terre, make sure you are in top condition. Because most of the tourist attractions in this area are uphill and of course you have to walk.