On the shores of the Torne River, in the old village of Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland lies the Ice Hotel, a place that is like a surreal waking dream. Each November the creation of the Ice Hotel begins by taking massive clear cubes of ice from the Torne river. This water is incredibly clean and provides some of the best ice in the world for carving and creating such structures. The glass like structure uses over 30 cubic meters of snow and 5 thousand tonnes of ice. A true frozen wonderland, the Ice Hotel is created each year by a team of international designers, no two rooms the same, changing appearance, structures and layout from year to year. The intricate sculptures and wall carvings that ...
Slicing through the limestone lined gorge, the cool waters of the Tara River powered by seasonal rain and snow melt, flow through some of the deepest and most secluded canyons in the world. This natural oasis is protected by UNESCO as it is home many rare animals, insects and local vegetation. Although deceivingly tame in places such as Djavolje lazi (Devil's lanes) where you can merely step over the current, the Tara river is a serious feat for white water rafting, classified as a level 4 for difficulty. One scenic fall in particular is over 3.6 meters, turning out some enchanting twirling torrents and cascading falls. Just as enticing as gliding through the gorge is climbing some of the surrounding mountains in Durmitor National Park, ...
Waterfalls are one of Mother Nature’s most majestic and powerful creations. Short and wide, tall and skinny – it doesn't matter the shape, waterfalls are always a welcome sight. Langfossen, or Langfoss Waterfall in southern Norway is one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful falls. It is the 5th largest waterfall in Norway, spanning 2008 feet high by 205 feet wide.Technically Langfossen is not a waterfall but a cascade, as the water rushing down keeps contact with the cliff face behind it. Technicalities aside, Langfoss Waterfall is a natural wonder and worth the effort in your journey to find it. Skirting the edge of the serene Åkra Fjord, Langfossen is located just outside of a tiny Norwegian hamlet, Etne. Home to 4,000 locals, the town’s ...
Harmoniously blended with its natural surroundings, the Acropolis towers gracefully over the archaeologically-rich and modern city of Athens, often referred to as the most important historical compound left behind by Greek Antiquity. The Acropolis, or city on the edge, was erected on a flat-topped rock high above the rest of the city as a form of defense. Its location atop a rocky crag doesn’t stop hundreds of tourists from climbing up to it every day and admiring what was formerly the cradle of one of the grandest civilizations of all time. The Acropolis of Athens is only one of many acropolises that were erected in Ancient Greece, but it is by far the most famous having been the greatest cultural center during the peak of ...
As the crisp scent of dawn gives way to the break of day, quiet solitude can be found along the waterfall lined trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park. While the morning dew subsides, a winding plank walkway unfolds, lacing together an exquisite collection of waterfalls. Comprised of 16 interconnected lakes, Plitvice Park is divided into the Upper Lakes, Gornja Jezera, and the Lower Lakes, Donja Jezera. The azure waters and distinctive cascades are derived from the location of the basin, which lies on a large deposit of karstic rock. Spanning over 8km, the terraced Plitvice Lakes are sprinkled amongst a lush forest backdrop home to deer, wolves, bears, wildcats and some 160 rare species of birds. The Big Waterfall also known as Veliki Slap, is ...
On the last Tuesday of January, the tiny village of Lerwick bursts into a blazing effigy, filling the dark winter skies with fire and smoke. The event is Up Helly Aa, Europe's largest fire festival and the location is the Shetland Islands - an area considered very remote even by Scottish standards. The Up Helly Aa festival is not to simply provide heat on a cold night; it provides the citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their strong spirit and willingness to carry on tradition. Visitors bathed in light and heat so intense it's hard to believe they are in the wilds of the near-Arctic, appreciate the sense of history and understand the strong ties that the Shetlands have with Norse (Scandinavian) and Viking legends. The ...
The majesty of the Wild West meets the exotic flavor of the savanna wetlands here in the Rhône Delta region of southern France. Around 350,000 acres in size, the Camargue is a fascinating region of different topographic settings blended beautifully into one relaxing locale with plenty to see and experience. In this province you will find salty marsh lands, picturesque pastures, old world towns, and some of the loveliest beaches in all of France. Exploring the region can be done in several ways, and the most preferred is by horseback. Visitors can purchase guided tours by horseback, bicycle, motorbike, and even take guided walking tours throughout the region. All guests are welcome to go off and explore the landscape on their own. In fact, 12 ...
Drinking a mass at the Hofbrauhaus delivers a delicious taste of Germany! This definitive Munich experience provides everything you'd expect when you think of Bavaria: oompah bands, lederhosen, and beer, all done in a big way. Waitresses whiz about the bustling hall balancing several 1 litre beer steins on a tray, as if it's nothing at all. The noisy chatter of over 4,000 thirsty patrons mixes with the catchy music coming from the lederhosen clad band. Looking around the Hofbrauhaus, you'll see people from all over the world, and undoubtedly, they will be laughing, smiling and enjoying a brew. The vigor is contagious here, you can't help but be happy, and of course a few extremely large beers doesn't hurt the cause. This massive traditional ...
Once upon a time, there was a great Irish war hero named Finn McCool. Finn was a huge man - a giant revered by all who looked upon him, the fiercest warrior in Ireland. Finn's arch rival was a Scottish giant called Bendandonner. Upon setting out to greet his foe in battle, Finn realized that there was no way for him to reach Scotland, as no boat was sturdy enough to carry him the long journey across the sea. At that, Finn built Giant's Causeway out of rock and stone, creating a lengthy bridge that spanned all the way to Scotland. After arriving though, Finn saw his enemy's size and ran away back across the Causeway in worry. Followed by Bendandonner, Finn coyly hid in ...
If you are anything like me, the idea of having infinite conversational skills and the ability to wow friends with your charming anecdotes and interesting musings certainly sounds appealing. High upon the defensive walls of Blarney Castle in County Cork lies the Blarney Stone, that when kissed, is purported to bestow the "gift of the gab" to the smoocher. Though the exact origin of the Stone is unknown, one legend suggests that the Blarney Stone is related to Lia Fáil, or the Stone of Destiny. Others believe that the Stone was a gift from the Scots, and still others hold that Blarney has Biblical origins. Whatever the case may be, the Stone's magic is real to those who kiss it. Make no mistake though, the ...
