Northern European Landmarks

Norway

The lovely city of Oslo is the capital of Norway. The city draws many tourists with its landmarks and parks, open spaces, protected forests, hills and many lakes. The parks and open spaces are accessible from almost any point in the city.

Popular among tourists is the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park located within Oslo's famous Frogner Park. The sculpture park is open all year and features the unique sculptures of Norway's well-known sculptor Gustav Vigeland. You can see 650 of his sculptures created in bronze, granite, and wrought iron.

The sculptures are in five themed groups with the oldest being the fountain group. The Monolith stands at the highest point in Vigeland Sculpture park rising 16-meters into the sky and depicts the human life cycle consisting of 121 intertwined human bodies.

Oslo Cathedral was consecrated in 1897 but since then has been rebuilt and renovated many times. Its tower dates from 1890. Some of the impressive features of the cathedral are the main doorway with its decorated bronze doors, the ceiling painting by H.L. Mohr, the Baroque pulpit and altar, and the stained glass by Emanuel Vigeland.

Along the old church walls, you'll find the Oslo Bazaar dating back to 1841 with galleries, cafes, and antique dealers.

Sweden

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is often referred to as the "Venice Of The North." The city sits on a number of islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Lake Maler into the Baltic Sea. The city is a charming combination of land and water with skerries along the coast, and crags coming up from the sea.

Gamla Stan or Old Town dates back to the 1200s. This is a favorite place for tourists to explore. Walking along the winding streets is like stepping back into Medieval times.

Many of the streets lead out to Stortorget the main square. In the wintertime, this is the place for the Julmarkned or Christmas Market. There are many interesting things to see here including the Royal Palace also known as Stockholm Palace.

Another favorite tourist attraction is The Royal Palace which is situated along the edge of the water on the periphery of Gamla Stan. The palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Royal Palace is one of the largest in Europe with over 600 rooms and several museums. It dates from the 18th century and was built in the Baroque style. A big draw is the daily changing of the guard.

Finland

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is the country's largest city. The city sits on a granite peninsula on the north coast of the Gulf of Finland, facing toward the Baltic Sea. In 1550 Helsinki was founded by King Gustavus Vasa of Sweden and in 1808 the town was incorporated in the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland.

Today Helsinki is a great city that can be explored on foot or by bike. There is an excellent public transportation system as well which includes boats to the islands and trains to other destinations in Finland.

In the city, you'll find the lovely Sibelius Monument in honor of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was designed by Elle Hiltunen. The monument is a collection of large metal pipes that create music when the wind blows through them.

The statue of Sibelius was added later on and the monument is part of the lovely Sibelius Park.

Helsinki Cathedral is a famous landmark in Finland. The Neo-classical cathedral dates back to 1830 and it took 22 years to complete it. The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran church has an impressive design with amazing features like 12 statues of the apostles of Jesus Christ on the roof. The cathedral rises over the waterfront and Market Square in Helsinki.

Denmark

Copenhagen the capital of Denmark is the largest city in the country, The city offers many attractions for tourists and has a lot to see and admire. It has a European feel to it, friendly street life and unique cafe culture. You can explore the city on foot or by bike.

The Little Mermaid is a world-famous statue that is one of the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen. it was created in 1913 to depict the heroine from the story "The Little Mermaid" by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. She is visited by more than a million visitors every year and is considered to be the most photographed statue in Denmark.

The Round Tower on Kabmagergade is a 36-meter-high structure that was built as an observatory in 1642. Today in the tower is a small collection that is connected with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.

At the tower, you'll find that you can reach the viewing platform by climbing a wide spiral ramp. The views from the top over Copenhagen are panoramic. The newest attraction is a glass floor that hovers 25 meters above the ground and you can stand on it and look down into the castle's core. The Round Tower features the well-known story by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen "The Tinderbox" - "eyes as big as the Round Tower."

Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn has a lot of charm. The city is steeped in history and has a mix of old and new attractions for visitors. The city is particularly photogenic especially during midnight sunsets in the summertime. Tourists flock to the city during the Estonian Song Festival bringing together 30,000 of the best singers in Estonia.

Of interest to visitors is the Old Town which has become a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll enjoy strolling through the ivy-covered Viru Gate and explore the gothic Town Hall and walk along the town walls. The Old Town is known for being one of the world's best-preserved Hanseatic town centers with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture and vibrant cafes.

Take a look when you visit the Town Hall Square and see the circular stone marked with a compass. Standing atop it you have a unique vantage point from which you can see the steeples of the historic churches around Tallinn. The Viru Gate is of interest dating from the 14th century with round towers topped by coned roofs.

Another well-known landmark in Tallin is the Tallinn TV Tower rising 314 meters into the sky. On the 21st floor, you'll find the observations deck for awesome views of the city and the Gulf of Finland. A high-speed elevator will take you to the observation deck. On the first floor, you can try out for a broadcasting career and record your own news clip in the TV studio. Also, you can learn more about the history of Estonia's tallest building which was constructed for the 1980 Summer Olympics at the TV Tower history exhibition.

There is the Tallinn TV Tower Walk on the Edge where you'll be strapped into a harness and can walk along the ledge of the tower's outdoor terrace and if you wish you can go for a full adrenaline rush and dangle your feet over the 175-meter drop.

Latvia

The capital of Latvia, Riga sits on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Daugava River, which runs through the city dividing it into two banks, - The Right and the Left. You'll find the city on the Right bank.

Of interest to tourists is the Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are lovely cobblestone streets and squares among the oldest houses and churches in Riga. Rising above the Old Town is St. Peter's Church which has an observation platform from which you can see all over the city. Town Hall Square offers the impressive reconstructed House of the Blackheads. There are many lively cafes.

Of interest among the winding streets in the Old Town or in Latvian VecRiga is a narrow street called Rozena Street which is so narrow you can touch both sides of the houses as you walk along. Stop at Skarnu Street and enjoy the arts and crafts market.

Enjoy Dome Square which is the largest square in the Old Town. From the square stretch out seven streets. The square has a marked point from which you can see all three of the golden cockerels atop of the churches of the Old Town. Of prominence on the square is the lovely Riga Dome Cathedral which was the city's first Eclecticism style building.

Just east of the Old town is the most well-known landmark in Riga the Freedom Monument that is a remembrance of the soldiers killed fighting the Soviet forces during the Latvian War of Independence (1918-20). It stands on a pedestrian plaza between Rainis and Azpazija Boulevards right in the center of the city on Brivibas or Freedom boulevard. The monument rises up into the sky 42 meters and dates back to 1935.

It was built from red granites and travertine and atop of the monument is the copper figure of Liberty with arms lifted holding three gilded stars and she stands atop of a 19-meter high travertine column rising above the base of the monument and overlooking the city.

At the base of the monument, you can see 13 groups of reliefs depicting national heroes, allegories, images from Latvian culture and pivotal moments in the nation's history.

Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is known for its Baroque architecture. It has many impressive churches, especially in the Old Town.

Gate of Dawn is the only portion that remains of the former city wall that once surrounded Vilnius in the 16th century. It is home to a chapel built in the 1800s that has a famous icon known as the Madonna of Mercy, This icon draws pilgrims from all over the world since it features the Virgin Mary. It was painted in the 17th century.

The Hill of Three Crosses is a well-known landmark silhouetting the skyline of the city with three crosses that have been depicted in many paintings, photos, and postcards. Even though the current white crosses were erected recently, the tradition of three crosses on this hill dates back to the 16th century. The original crosses were wooden but got destroyed during the Soviet occupation in the 1950s.

Iceland

Reykjavik the capital city of Iceland has lovely colored coastal homes and a lot of Viking history. There are charming downtown streets and you can relax at one of the city's 17 thermal pools.

In Reykjavik, the most prominent landmark is the Hallgimskirkja Church right in the city center. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. This is an impressive national monument both from the outside and the inside.

The church was built as a tribute to Icelandic poet, Hallgimur Petursson, Inside the church one of the most impressive highlights is the 25-ton pipe organ. It took over 40 years to build the church and it has become a symbol of Reykjavik. You can take the elevator up 74 meters to the steeple for awesome views of the city.

Enjoy taking a stroll in the Old Harbour area where you can get a sense of Icelandic culture, This part of the city offers the best views of the bay and Mount Esja. It is also the place from which whale watching tours and puffin excursions depart. There are many vibrantly colored buildings. You'll find shops, cafes, and restaurants in old renovated fishing sheds.

England

The capital of England, London and the UK has a history that goes back to Roman times. There are many exciting tourist attractions to see. The Thames divides the city in half and on one bank you can ride the London Eye to get panoramic views of this beautiful city.

Big Ben

Among the popular tourist attraction is Big Ben which is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben can be seen from many places in the city. It is lovely to look at night when all four clock faces are illuminated.

Tower Bridge is London's most recognizable bridge. It stretches across the Thames with dual towers. Visitors can book tours that cruise the Thames which offer many spectacular views of the bridge as well as a look at many famous city sights as you enjoy your cruise on the river.

Wales

Cardiff the capital of Wales is just a drive over the Severn River from the English city of Bristol. Cardiff offers visitors some top tourist attractions and points of interest.

Cardiff Castle was built atop of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman fortification, It has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wales. The oldest sections of the castle date back to the 10th century.

Among the highlights here are the State Apartments where each room is full of interesting displays and information as to the people who once lived and worked there. You can also find out key events in the history of Cardiff Castle.

Other highlights include the picturesque chapel, the clock tower and the impressive Banqueting Hall that is famous for its artwork and murals, as well as the room's decorative fireplace. If you prefer you can join an organized tour.

Llandaff Cathedral is one of the best-known churches in Cardiff. It was built in the 1300s. It is an impressive looking landmark. Among the exterior highlights is an impressive 15th-century tower. Inside you can have a self-guided tour or one arranged by the church staff. You can see an exquisite and fully restored 18th century Italian Temple that is noted for its rare religious sculptures and artifacts.

Scotland

Edinburgh the capital of Scotland is one of the most lovely cities in the UK. It is a center of culture and the arts and is known for its festivals as well as internationally known events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh might seem like two separate cities from the vast differences of the Old Town's narrow winding streets, steep staircases, and hidden passageways to the New Town's elegant Georgian neighborhoods.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions are found along the Royal Mile, which follows the crest of the hill between the castle and Holyrood Palace and Princes Street.

You'll find Grassmarket on the other side of the hill which is one of the city's most important market squares since the Middle Ages.

It is a pedestrian-friendly area with shops and cafes like the White Hart Inn where at one time Robert Burns the National Bard wrote poetry.

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous landmark in Scotland and one of the most visited tourist attractions. Among of the highlights here are hearing the famous One O'Clock Salute from Half Moon Battery (cannon fire commemorates the tradition of helping ships synchronize their clocks),

and the impressive Scottish National War Memorial and National War Museum, as well as the amazing collection of Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace.

A notable feature is the Stone of Destiny or the Stone of Scone that was once stolen by Edward I and place under the English throne in London, It was returned to Scotland 700 years later in 1996.

Northern Ireland

Belfast the capital of Northern Ireland was once a shipbuilding center. It is the birthplace of the infamous ocean liner, RMS Titanic. The city has undergone transformations and visitors increase year by year to see its captivation history.

Titanic Belfast opened in 2012 and is known as " the world's largest Titanic visitor attraction." This is a landmark building that pays tribute to the story of the city's rich maritime history. There are nine interactive exhibits that show how Belfast developed from a city that was once home to the most powerful shipbuilding industry in the world into a reborn visitor destination.

Over a century ago the ill-fated ocean liner, Titanic was built here. Guided tours take you around the slipway and gigantic dry-dock. The building, which is star-shaped represents the logo of the White Star Line and has a number of interesting artifacts that are related to the ship, among them letters, brochures, and menus.

There is also the fully restored tender to the Titanic, the SS Nomadic which you can board and explore. IF you prefer you can stay at the Titanic Hotel Belfast set in a former shipyard building next to the main attraction.

Belfast Castle is located around four miles from the city center. It hosts year-round events and is a popular wedding venue. The castle sits in a picturesque location and is an impressive historic building. The castle dates back to the 12th century with the current structure dating from 1870.

Visitors to Belfast Castle enjoy the on-site restaurant, get information at the Cave Hill Visitor Center and take a walk in Cave Hill Country Park and the Adventure Playground. During the summer months, people come here for picnics.