Norway, Lofoten and Vesteralen islands, july 2007

Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway.
Though lying within the Arctic Circle, the archipelago experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude.

The Lofoten Islands are characterised by their mountains and peaks, sheltered inlets, stretches of seashore and large virgin areas.

Vesterålen is made up of several islands. The landscape is mountainous, but the mountains have a more rounded shape compared to the mountains in Lofoten. The towns and villages are situated on the coastal brim between the mountains and the fjords. There are also several lakes.

July 5-6, 2007: Flight from Amsterdam to Oslo to Bodo, hire a car and take the boat ferry to A i Lofoten
Stay at:
Å-hamna Rorbuer , 2 nights

Highlights:
- Midsummernight sun at Fredvang
- Stockfish museum


July 7, 2007: Drive from A i Lofoten to Stamsund.
Stay at:
Stamsund Vandrerhjem, 1 night
Highlights:
- Habour Reine
- Kittiwake birdscolony in Hamroy



July 8-9, 2007: Drive from Stamsund to Henningsvaer.
Stay at:
Johs. H. Glaever Rorbuer , 2 nights
Highlights:
- Eggum en Unstad, two beautiful cities at the see
- Boatexcursion to the Trollfjord at Svolvaer

July 10-11, 2007: Drive from Henningsvaer to Andenes at the Vesteralen islands
Stay at:
Rorbuferie Andenes, 2 nights

Highlights:
- Whalesafari
- Walking at the beach of Bleik


July 12, 2007: Drive from Andenes to Bodo.
Stay at:
Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Bodø, 1 night






July 13-14, 2007: Flight from Bodo to Oslo
Stay at:
P-Hotel, 2 nights

Highlights:
- The Akershus castle
- Vigeland museumpark
- The Norwaygian folksmuseum

July 15, 2007: Flight from Oslo back to Amsterdam

Germany, Berlin, february 2007

Berlin is the capital city of the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin is noted for its numerous cultural institutions, many of which enjoy international reputation. The diversity and vivacity of the Zeitgeist Metropolis led to a globally acknowledged trendsetting image among major cities. The city has a very diverse art scene, and is home to hundreds of art galleries.

The Fernsehturm (TV tower) at Alexanderplatz in Mitte is the highest building in the city at 368 m. Built in 1969 it is visible throughout most of the central districts of Berlin. The city can be viewed from its 204-m high observation floor.

The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic landmark of Berlin and Germany. The Reichstag building is the traditional seat of the German Parliament, renovated in the 1950s after severe World War II damage.




Februari 15, 2007: Train from Amsterdam to Berlin
Februari 18, 2007: Train from Berlin back to Amsterdam
Stay at: 3 nights. Quentin design hotel Berlin










My Pictures:

Slovakia, Bratislava, March 2007

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, located in the south west of Slovakia, lies on both banks of the Danube. One of the most prominent of the city's buildings is Bratislava Castle, situated on a plateau 82 m above the Danube.

Most historical buildings are concentrated in the Old Town. Bratislava's Town Hall is a complex of buildings erected in the 14th-15th centuries and now hosts the Bratislava City Museum. Michael's Gate is the only gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications, and ranks among the oldest of the town's buildings.

March 23, 2007: Flight from Amsterdam to Bratislava
March 25, 2007: Flight from Bratislava to Amsterdam

Stay at: Venturska residence, 2 nights








Pictures of Bratislava:

Italy, Verona and lake Garda, may 2007

Verona is famous for its Roman amphitheatre, the Arena, completed around 30 AD, which is the third largest in Italy, after Rome's Colosseum and the arena at Capua.

Verona is the setting of the story of Romeo and Juliet, made famous by William Shakespeare. A balcony falsely claiming historical connection to the fictional lovers has become a tourist attraction for lovers; the short passageway leading to the balcony is covered with slips of paper carrying their graffiti, and a bronze statue of Juliet stands under the balcony, one breast polished by those touching it for luck.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is located in Northern Italy, about half-way between Venice and Milan. It is in an alpine region and was formed by glaciers at the end of the last ice age. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the provinces of Verona (to the south-east), Brescia (south-west), and Trento (north). The lake is a major tourist destination, with a number of hotels and resorts along its shore.

May 25-28, 2007: Flight from Amsterdam to Verona and drive to Torri del Benaco along the shore of lake Garda.
Stay at:
Hotel Garni Onda 3 nights

May 28-30, 2007: Drive from Torri del Benaco to Verona.

Stay at:

Hotel Torcolo 2 nights

30 may 2007: Flight back to Amsterdam