The Nordic social security system is the envy of much of the world, it is comprehensive, generous and competently run. However, it comes at an enormous cost which is recouped through high taxes on most products and services. This can make travelling in Norway an extremely expensive undertaking, but there are ways to see the country for less.

Norway’s natural heritage

One of the main attractions of Norway is its beautiful landscape, where mountains and fjords meet there are tumbling and verdant valley sides to explore and lush greenery all around. Many people chose to combine exploring the Norwegian countryside with an opportunity to get even closer to nature and camp for a few nights between hotel stays. German visitors have a reputation for adapting this and using camper vans to explore the country and provide a home away from home. Some visitors take this to extremes, however, and pack their camper with as much food as it can carry so that they have to buy almost nothing in the country whatsoever. This does not endear them to the locals.

Food and Restaurants in Norway

The social security system is also responsible for making labour more expensive in Norway and this means that any service is expensive. Travellers can reduce this by cutting down the number of times they eat in restaurants and going self-catering for some of the time. Thankfully the cost of eating in restaurants is not so high as to be completely prohibitive except for those on the very leanest budget.

Norway Public Transportation Network

Unless visitors are staying in only one part of the country, transport around Norway can be another high spending area. This is partly to do with taxes again but also because the country is very large and the cities spread far apart. Thankfully, there are a range of rail and even air passes that can save you a lot of money and are very useful. Enquire at any station or airport or even buy online before you travel. There is also a comprehensive bus network across Norway but the distances and journey time involved may make this an unattractive option to many.

Alcohol and cigarettes in Norway

Most people will enjoy the occasional drink on holiday and this can cause problems in Norway. The taxes on alcohol and tobacco mean that consumption of these goods can eat a serious hole in your budget. Smokers are in the worse situation as they will find it more difficult to cut down or go without while drinkers should be able to simply enjoy drinks less frequently without any major problems.

Although Norway can be an expensive proposition, the most important point of this blog post is to point out that no one should let that put them off. The breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and varied culture more than make up for some higher prices than visitors are usually used to.

Budget Accommodation in Oslo, Norway:

• Anker Hostel
• Catalina Bed and Breakfast
• Residence Kristinelund

Photo of Olso Map and Norwegian Krones by Mallol

Riga, Latvia is not lacking where the nightlife is concerned. The cities are filled with bars, casinos, clubs, dancing, and live music, and a great deal of these venues to be found in the Old Town area. Here you will find establishments that range from the older quainter atmosphere’s to the more modern with techno vibe décor and music to match. Here are four of the hottest night spots in Riga.

Martini

Martini is located on Kalku iela (the main strip) and features go-go dancers that entertain on the top of the bar counter. Whenever a lot of the other action quiets down on the strip there is usually something going on in this night spot. However, be aware that the owner is always trying to attract as much of the younger male crowd as possible.

Nautilus

Nautilus is a bit on the snobby side but still a great venue to venture into. Here you are apt to find the most discerning individuals of the party crowd. Interestingly enough, the club caters to two different crowds throughout the week – the house music crowd and those into Techno.

Club Essential

Club Essential is a bigger club, but it has also been referred to as being cheesy in some instances. It is still worth a visit since the club features one of the best DJ’s found anywhere in the city.

La Rocca

La Rocca is the favorite of Riga’s Russian crowd. Though you might find the music to be slightly more commercial here, with a lot of the thumping bass rhythms, numerous local and European celebrities pop in and out continually. This is one of the livelier bars and clubs in Riga, so be prepared for thick crowds and noise that can reach deafening levels.

“Sensation White 2007 – Arena Riga” picture by Marcus Vegas

• NDTravel recommends you not to miss Scandinavia’s ultimate scenic thrill article on the breathtaking Norwegian fjords.

• April Fool’s Day tweet: SheilaS gives you some tips on Hair Care Tourism.

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• If you’re visiting Pompeii, Italylogue recommends you the guide WhyGo Italy by Karen Landes.

As you will quickly discover with most other areas in Norway, Scandinavia in general has a very friendly acceptance of the gay and lesbian lifestyle. This toleration of the culture is also very evident in Oslo, the country’s capital city. The Kalmar Union established between Denmark and Sweden in 1397 created the birth of the city as well as the nation, but in 1814, it came under exclusive Swedish control. Additionally, Norway elected its own king and declared its independence in 1905.

Oslo gay areas are fairly centrally located in between the Royal Palace and the railway station, and there are numerous bars and restaurants catering to the gay and lesbian audience. The museum of the artist Edvard Munch, the open air folk museum, the Vigelands Sculpture Park, and the Viking ship museum are all excellent reasons to visit and explore the city of Oslo, but there are so many other attractions and events that you can explore in order to truly the sample the flavor of the city.

The larger gay and lesbian communities are well entrenched in this Scandinavian city compared to others, making it one of the most tolerant European cities for that lifestyle. Although the city is divided into several different segments, you will quickly discover that the area surrounding Karl Johan Street witnesses the larger tourist crowds. However, if a quieter, less crowded atmosphere is what you are craving then the more intimate, smaller bars of the Grönland district and Grünerlokka are what you need to explore.

Whether it is the culture, the gourmet cuisine, or the many shopping venues that the city holds, there is something here for every member of the gay and/or lesbian community to enjoy. Here are some categories for your agenda when you visit Oslo as well as a few attractions or events in each that are the most commonly recommended for visiting gays and lesbians.

Guided Tours

The Full Day Grand Tour of Oslo – nicknamed “the Grandfather of all Guided Tours” in Oslo, this the most interesting 7-8 hours you can spend seeing this spectacular city. The Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Norwegian Folk Museum, Polarship Farm, Vigeland Park, and the Viking ships are all featured on this tour so remember to pack your camera.

The 3 Natural Phenomena of Scandinavia – truly an amazing aspect of nature within the Arctic Circle, you will no doubt be held in awe of the Midnight Sun in Scandinavia, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), and the Polar Nights in Scandinavia in general.

Gay and Lesbian Nightlife

Gay and lesbian couples alike will find numerous bars and restaurants to explore and even capture a few intimate moments together away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Make sure you visit both Bobs Pub and Ett Glass for the best nightlife experiences possible in the city.

Photo of Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway by PIXistenz

For those of you who don’t know, a sauna is the equivalent of sitting on the surface of the sun for about an hour or so. It’s hot, it’s steamy and it’ll even make your sweat sweat. It cleans your entire body by drawing out all the toxins and sweat and opens your skin’s pours to bring in more oxygen. They are known to help people with rheumatic pains, they can help to alleviate skin problems such as psoriasis and even help with the common cold.

The history of saunas worldwide is as hazy as their heat but there is strong evidence to show that the Fins were the first to pioneer the use of saunas and regularly use them for recreation. Dates go back as far as 5th Century, when they were thought to have been dug into hills underground. The design of above-ground wooden huts appeared shortly afterwards, when the right tools were available. Fins originally lived in the sauna hut. It was a multi purpose dwelling. Sleeping, cooking, cleaning and even giving birth could all be done under one roof.

The heat was originally generated by a wooden fire that heated large stones and filled the room with smoke and steam. When the heat was enough, the smoke would be bellowed out leaving the room smoke-free but still piping hot. These non-chimney saunas were soon replaced with new models that had the ability to circulate air more efficiently and take much less time to heat and maintain. However many Fins still insist on the old smoke saunas, as they feel they give a better experience.

Almost every single Finnish household has a sauna. They are considered a vital part of daily life. People meet for chats in saunas, have time with their families, conduct business meetings, wind down after a day at work and even give birth. Traditionally most people pop in for a session in their saunas on a Saturday. Families treat their sauna in much the same way that people in other (hotter) parts of the world treat their swimming pool. Instead of a quick dip, it’s more like a quick sweat, then a cool down in the lake, then maybe a sausage (makkara) and a beer, then back in the sauna for more sweating.

Finnish saunas have never been considered sexual places and, although most of the time people are naked or at least wearing very little clothing, there is nothing venereal about the experience. Saunas have now spread all over the world and many bear little resemblance to the fairy tale ones in Finland. But few will be able to match the ancient and beautifully crafted saunas in Finland. They are just as hot today as they were when they were first built.

Photo of Finnish sauna originally posted by MiikaS

1. Romantic Castle Excursion

Top on the list of romantic activities for you and your special someone is the must see and must do romantic castle excursion. Copenhagen has some of the world’s most divine historical castles. One especially special romantic castle visit is the Amalienborg Palace & Amaliehaven. This castle is especially romantic as it is also the winter residence of the Danish royal family. So if it is good enough for them then it has to be good enough to make this oh so romantic list.

Castle’s the world are magical places unto themselves. The fairytale history behind most castles often entail the legendary story of the prince who finds his princess creating even more heaving romanticism and notion for this romantic getaway spot. Taking long romantic walks through the castle hallways, gardens and corridors will warm even the most harden romantic free heart. Other romantic castles of Copenhagen include the Rosenborg Castle & The King’s Garden, Frederiksborg Castle & Baroque Garden and Kronborg Castle.

2. Cupid at Thorvaldsen Museum

Cupid at Thorvaldsen Museum is almost a dead give away with Cupid in the name drop for this romantic excursion out. This 1848 museum features the works of honored Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The Cupid and Psyche sculpture will be actually what the romantic doctor ordered for your romantic Copenhagen getaway. Who can resist the glance of Cupid himself, God of erotic love and beauty with his trademark sending his arrows through people’s hearts to invoke love and romance?

3. A night at Copenhagen Opera House

A night at The Opera in Copenhagen is a quintessential romantic experience you would not want to miss even if you are not a lover of opera itself. Any opera is an experience, but a Danish opera well that is an experience in a league of its own. The opera drawn by Danish architect Henning Larsen, is an experience you will never forget. Dining out before the opera is almost a prerequisite as the local cuisine is just superb especially when you choose a restaurant with panorama view of Copenhagen. Another great aspect of our opera experience is just as darkness falls catching a glimpse of the city lights from the Opera’s balcony on the 4th floor. For this excursion be sure to get your opera tickets in advance just to ensure you do not miss out.

4. The Baroque Park at Gammel Holtegaard

The Baroque Park at Gammel Holtegaard is located in Holte just north of Copenhagen. Here you will find exhibitions of Danish and international art, ancient and modern, paintings, sculptures and photographs. The lovebirds in you will most delight in the romantic setting of the Baroque Park. In 1755, Laurids de Thurah established the park with fruit tree avenues, fountains and arcades. Summer is one of the best times to attend and experience to the fullest your romantic excursion as on every Sunday afternoon there are open-air concerts featuring jazz and classical music. Love could truly be in the air after experiencing this romantic getaway in Copenhagen things to do list.

Photo of Guard House motif, Copenhagen originally posted by Percita

The Swedish green fee is much lower than that in other parts of Europe. The country, strewn with scores of golf courses, boasts championship courses, Pay and Play courses, snow courses and courses that open at all hours. But Halmstad Golf Club, Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, Falsterbro Golf Club and Ljunghusen Golf Club are just superb.

• Halmstad Golf Club

Halmstad Golf Club, situated on Tylosand, houses the South and the North Courses, par 72-championship courses. Doglegs, plateau greens, brooks, ravines, sloping fairways enhance both beauty of the landscape and challenge. The club welcomes players of all classes. This tranquil club hosted the Solheim Cup in 2007 and PGA Open Championship in 1982. Though sea sounds and salty sea air reach your ears and nose, you can not see the expanses of water.

Halmstad Golf Club is situated 90 miles North of Göteborg.

• Barsebäck Golf & Country Club

Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, a leading golf club in the country and one of the best ten European clubs, features two 18-hole courses: Masters- a championship course and Donald Steel. On the Oresund coast, the Masters course is known for true and fast greens, links, sand dunes, heather fields, fairways fringed with pines, woodland, parkland and marshland- home to migratory birds. Seven holes are in the pine forest and four on the sea side.

Barsebäck Golf & Country Club is situated 15 miles North of Malmö

• Bro Hof Slott Golf Club

The Stadium course at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club is a recent addition to the long list of Swedish golf courses. The Scandinavian Masters would be played here during 2010 – 2017. This eco-friendly course has inclined fairways to prevent water logging and bunkers of crushed marble. The second course, Castle Course is being built at the club and would be ready by 2009.

Bro Hof Slott Golf Club is a 30-minute train ride from Stockholm.

• Falsterbo Golf Club

Falsterbo Golf Club in picturesque Falsterbo Peninsula that draws migratory birds in autumn has an 18-hole links course. Thin vegetation, sand dunes, fine turf in low lying areas, sand bunkers and water hazards make the game interesting and taxing. International and national tournaments are organized at the club where golf can be played through out the year.

Falsterbo Golf Club is situated 20 miles Sud of Malmö

• Ljunghusen Golf Club

Ljunghusen Golf Club, overlooking the Baltic Sea, is tree-less and full of heather. This flat course poses two major challenges, heather and wind. Asymmetrical fairways, a dozen water hazards and eighty bunkers demand excellent golfing skills. The European Men’s Team Championship in 2001 and the Telia Tour Grand Prix on the Challenge tour during 1996-2004 were organized at the club.

Ljunghusen Golf Club is situated 15 miles Sud of Malmö

Photo of Swedish golf course originally posted by paip

Swedish symbols: According to a recent survey from the Swedish Travel and Tourism Board, if you’re planning a trip to Sweden you probably expect to meet hot blonds and elks.

More news from Sweden: Be careful of drunk Swedish symbols – elks, not blond girls – and read the story of a child attacked by a drunk elk in Kungälv, a small town 12 miles North of Göteborg.

Air travel anecdote: Last Saturday a charter plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Frankfurt Airport after two drunk women went on rampage.

Prague stag party nights: A public drinking ban has taken effect in Prague, one of Europe’s favorite destinations for stag weekends.

Amongst the many delights that the Danes have given the world are the sweet flaky pastry called the ‘Danish’ which is a popular breakfast favorite, wonderful magical fairy tales like the Little Match Girl and the Ugly Duckling, written by Danish author and Copenhagen native, Hans Christian Anderson in the 19th Century and Lego, the popular industrial toy which is a perennial favorite with children all over the world.

Apart from the above mentioned products the Danes, are also known the world over for their inimitable sense of style and design. The capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen is a charming and vibrant city which is full of indigenous stylish lifestyle and clothing stores which are ideal showcases for the cutting edge Danish design sensibilities and are always worth a visit for design aficionados.

Most of these stores and art galleries are located on Copenhagen’s chic Bredgade Street, a street which is also home to Denmark’s leading auction house called Bruun Rasmussen. This auction house, which was established in 1948, sells art, furniture, jewelry etc through its various live and online auctions and it’s filled to the brim show rooms are always worth a visit.

Jorgen L Dalgaard

This small store is the veritable treasure trove of Bedgrade Street which presents a smorgasbord Scandinavian style including much Danish modern furniture and art works from Sweden and Finland. It specializes in Danish porcelain, stoneware and glass.

Georg Jensen

The world famous Danish silver company which was founded in the late 19th century and has outlets all over the globe is also located here on Bredgade Street. This fine store sells a wide variety of household and personal silver products which are the embodiment of Danish style and design.

The Royal Copenhagen

This fine porcelain company has been associated with Danish Design ever since it was founded in 1775. The flagship store of the company is located in the heart of Copenhagen in Amagertorv. The store has displays of its various world renowned lines like the Blue Fluted with its blue and white patterned dinner service which is always in demand. The store also displays its new and contemporary lines like the Blue Fluted Mega which is the result of collaboration with a young ceramist called Karen Kjældgärd- Larsen and which was created to appeal to a new generation of customers. At the four storied store you can actually watch the artisans work on their delicate designs and also shop for bargains from past seasons from the factory outlet in the basement.

The Danish Design Center

This exciting display of Danish style is housed in a high tech building on Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard opposite Copenhagen’s other famous landmark, the Tivoli Gardens. The building itself has been designed by a world famous Danish architect called Professor Henning Larsen and has several changing exhibitions which display the works of eminent Danish designers like Arne Johnson, Piet Hein, Jørn Utzon and iconic Danish products from Danish companies like the stylish Hi-fi company Bang and Olufsen, Bodum and Lego. The building apart from its offices and exhibition halls also has a café called Café Dansk which retails Danish cuisine and has a store called the Danish Design Center store where you can buy books, home products and a line dedicated to traveling light called Travel Light, which consists of stylish multi use products that enable you to travel light with much oomph and style.

Copenhagen design hotel on venere.com: The Square Hotel Copenhagen

This Copenhagen hotel is centrally located on Radhuspladsen Town House square, within easy walking distance of Stroget, Tivoli Garden amusement park and Copenhagen Central Station. The Square is an exclusive design hotel that boasts Scandinavian style interiors including the famous ‘Egg’ circular sofa by Arne Jacobsen. The Square Hotel Copenhagen also offers a lounge bar and a breakfast restaurant enjoying breathtaking views over Copenhagen city’s rooftops.

Photo of Danish Design Center, Copenhagen by jetheriot

Traveling to Stockholm, Sweden this weekend? On About.com read information on the Midsummer festival and get ready to celebrate the summer solstice in the Swedish way.

Otbeach.com presents the world’s most luxurious hotel swimming pools including the pool of Gran Hotel Central Barcelona and Hotel Habita in Mexico City.

On Sun-sentinel.com read an article by Thomas Swick on international street food in Paris, France, Mexico City and Singapore.

Read Tripso’s article ‘4 cool ways to upgrade your vacation with Google‘ to know how to ‘Google’ your next holiday trip.

Vikings… Stoic, adventurous, courageous, intimidating, resourceful, blond-haired, blue-eyed knights in chain-mail armor on scary dragon-looking ships. Right? Right. But what are their Danish descendants like today?

Beautiful

Danes are a pretty people, no question. Tall, mostly, and yes, quite often blond. If you find yourself wondering what so many models are doing walking around in the middle of the day, you might as well be in Copenhagen. Or anywhere else in Denmark, for that matter.

Stylish

Still wondering what are all those models right off the runway doing walking down the streets? That’s because you are in Copenhagen, a design-obsessed, fashion-loving city where the latest fashions can be found at virtually any price. Copenhagen proudly hosts a fashion week every year at the end of the summer. But if you want to see a real-life fashion show, stroll down Stroget, the above-mentioned pedestrian street in the heart of Copenhagen at any time of the year and you’ll be wowed by the fashion sense of the local beauties.

Oh, wait; did I just see a model riding a bicycle? …

Bike-riding

Tricky city, Copenhagen. Judging by the number of bikes rushing past you in ever-present bike lanes or parked at any given moment on any given street, one might think they are in Tokyo. But biking is as much an attribute of Danish culture, as, let’s say, H. C. Andersen, or Carlsberg beer, which, if you were to believe another bold slogan, is “probably the best beer in town.” That “probably” is precious. Speaking of beer…

Beer-drinking

Where else in the world can you enjoy beer at a museum cafeteria? Or at a mall food-court? A bakery? A coffee-shop? An amusement park? Well, probably in a few places, but one of them is definitely Copenhagen. Vikings would approve…

Hard-working

Copenhagen is a rather expensive place to live, what with the rent rates, high taxes, food prices and the over-all high-climbing numbers on any price tag in view. But that’s the cost the Danes pay for their excellent welfare and healthcare systems. So, in order to meet the financial challenge and not end up moving out to the country, the Danish work hard, often after hours. An office building across the street from my home in Copenhagen has its windows lit by seven o’clock in the morning (that’s the earliest I ever wake up), and well into the night, any day of the week. Even on Sunday, somebody is there, in that vast office buildings with huge windows for walls, showing off their zeal and making me feel so lazy by comparison… There is a whole row of these transparent office “aquariums” on my block, and I am sure that’s not a coincidence.

Fun-loving

Danish people work hard, no question, but they play even harder, in my opinion. The amount of bars in this city is staggering, and they are never empty. Danes love to party and nothing, even a day-old baby (by the looks of it) would stop them; I’ve seen it myself. A large group would gather at a local café, join almost all of the tables together and form an instant party, with kids in tow. Party sounds from every other window in my apartment complex, that’s how you know it’s Friday night… Danes live their lives to the fullest on their time off. They enjoy outdoors tremendously, trying to catch every single ray of precious sunlight by immediately occupying all available grass-covered space in the vicinity. On any given nice-enough day, parks are full of picnickers, with their baskets, kids, dogs, bicycles, portable barbecue grills, what have you. Lounging in the sun, that’s what the Danes seem to adore. Just visit a canal-adjacent street in Amager, right across the river from downtown, on an especially sunny day in the summer, and you’ll see what I am talking about. Danish people are also very active, participating in any outdoor activity you can imagine, from jogging to… picnicking, of course.

Patient

It never ceases to amaze me, the way Danish people tolerate crowds and lines, or any kind of inconvenience, for that matter. Copenhagen is not a very crowded city, but it can get pretty tough on my beloved Stroget, especially in the last weeks before Christmas. So, what do the Danes do? Push their way through the crowd and snap at each other? Not in Copenhagen, they don’t. People would patiently follow the flow of the human river, at any pace that the crowd dictates, and rarely voice their displeasure. Same can be observed in queues, which, by some unexplainable reason, the Danish cannot quite form properly. They would gather in a crowd and patiently advance towards, say, a cash register, but in no particular order. The strangest thing… And, nevertheless, no complaints, not from the Danish. That’s how you know a foreigner – by seeing them pacing impatiently or rolling their eyes, or sighing obnoxiously loud. No Viking blood in those, obviously.

Non-discriminating

There are people of all colors and walks of life living in Copenhagen, whose Muslim population, for example, is rather large. But everybody treats each other in the same Nordic reserved manner, with no exceptions. At times, foreigners attribute certain cold demeanor from clerks or other service providers to some hostility towards their ethnicity or skin color. I can declare with all certainty that no such discrimination can be encountered in Denmark. Everybody is treated as equals, with no exceptions. If a foreigner breaks some non-written rule (like failing to ring the bicycle bell when passing another bicycle in the fast lane, for example), they would be non-discriminately scolded (but calmly, mind you). Even the whole Danish social system is structured so that nobody advances too much financially. The high taxes are making sure of that. So everyone remains equal.

Political

With all that patience in store, the Danish, nevertheless, do not tolerate any infringement on any of their rights or even expectations, politically speaking. Almost every month, you would encounter some sort of demonstration or picketing in the downtown area of Copenhagen. The Danes know what they are entitled to, or they think they do, and do not hesitate to demand it. Very Viking-like.

So, what would the Vikings think? My guess, they would be proud!

Picture of Danish flag originally posted by eriwest

To avoid the bland taste of endless sightseeing, here is a checklist of things to sample to fully taste the flavor of Finland, Northern Europe:

• Coffee

Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other people in the world. Be sure to try their particularly dark brew.

• Sauna

The word sauna is a contribution to English from the Finnish language. Going to Finland without jumping in the sauna is like going to Turkey without visiting a bath. It’s not just a dying tradition, but a veritable cultural institution that’s as important to the Finnish way of life today as ever. A great way to bond with your new Finnish friends and to work up an appetite for Finnish cuisine.

• Reindeer

Up in Lapland, reindeer petting zoos are an option, but they’re present throughout the rest of the country. On the dinner plate. Try to get over the guilt of eating Santa’s helpers. Reindeer can be raised without the unecological deforestation practices required to raise beef, so it’s serves as a counterpoint in the Finnish diet. Don’t worry, they’re delicious.

• Fazer Chocolate

Finland’s biggest candy company also produces the most popular kind of chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet.

• Pole walking

The national love of cross country skiing isn’t forgotten in the warmer months. Poles for fitness walking are available for purchase, and many locals stay in shape by practicing this combination of power-walking and cross country skiing.

• Salmiakki

A spicy, salty black licorice. Somewhat of an acquired taste, but unique and worth trying.

• Xylitol

Birch trees are plentiful in Finland, and it’s extract, xylitol, is found in gum and toothpaste as it has excellent teeth-cleaning properties. Though it’s usually flavored with mint, xylitol gives things a hint of it’s own unique taste.

• Rye Bread

The rye bread popular in Finland is different than what’s eaten just about anywhere else. It has little to no yeast so it’s very flat, and has a hearty flavor. Traditionally eaten with salmon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, or even just butter on top. Varieties abound, different shapes, tastes, consistencies. There’s bound to be one to suit everyone’s palate.

• Koskenkorva

The national alcoholic spirit. Although it looks and to some tastes like vodka, it’s made of barley and has been made in Finland for centuries. Also available in different flavors, the most popular of which is salmiakki.

• Ice Hole Swimming

During the winter time, locals will cut open holes in frozen over lakes or rivers to take a dip in the icy water. The practice is said to stimulate the circulation, and some of the older generation swear it’s what keeps the life expectancy high. A dip in the cold is usually easier to bear when coming from and returning to a hot sauna.

Picture of Finnish flag in Helsinki, Finland originally posted by Harry Brignull

Planning a Rome vacation ? According to Cnn.com Travel, a visit to Ostia Antica archeological site is a must-do.

Flying to London ? Find out what happens to the bags lost at Heathrow Terminal 5 on BBC News Magazine.

Dreaming of a holiday in Venice ? See beautiful pictures taken from a room of the 5-star Hotel Bauer on Hotel Chatter.

Interested in the ultramodern architecture of Northern Europe ? Read an article about the splendid new Oslo Opera House, Norway on USA Today, and have a look at the spectacular design of the future Guggenheim Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania on Vagabondish.