There are plenty of warm, mineral pools in the open air around the world. However pleasant they may be in the summer, there is nothing like getting into one in the winter, when snowflakes are falling from the sky and you are soaking in warm, mineral water, not caring about tiny details like weather forecasts or an air temperature more suited to polar bears…

How to do it (better):

Don’t forget to take a towel to dry yourself off as quickly as possible as you climb out of the pool. Also take your favorite warm drink in a thermos for pure bliss (coffee, cappuccino, tea and rum, only rum – we’re not judging).

Where to do it:

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland – The Blue Lagoon gets its name from the incredible color created by the mixture of fresh and salt water. It lies 40 km (24 mi) from the capital of Iceland – Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon contains around 6 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of geothermal water, which renews itself naturally every 40 hours and its temperature is 37º C (98º F). Another cheaper and more tranquil option is the Myvatn Nature Baths nearby.

Japanese onsen – “onsen” is a type of spring that is very common in Japan. Visit Beppu, a city on the island of Kyushu, with its “Hells of Beppu” – geothermal hot spots, each differently colored due to the mineral content in the water.

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Source: the book “203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self.”

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If you are searching for spots with a beautiful view over Delft in the Netherlands, search no more. Head to the central square and climb the spiral staircase of the tower of the New Church. It is the second highest tower in the Netherlands and the view from above will make you feel like you are some kind of god looking over his possessions. On a clear day, you can see Rotterdam and the Hague from the top of the 85-m (280-ft) tower.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

History in short – the beggar and the vision

The central square of Delft has two churches facing each other – the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the Old Church (Oude Kerk). The New Church is not that new at all – it was built more than 600 years ago after Symon, the beggar, and Jan Col, a citizen offering him something to eat, suddenly had a vision of a golden church dedicated to Mary. It took Jan Col 30 years to convince the city council to built the church because at the time Delft already had a church, the Old Church. But he did and the citizens of Delft believed it would last forever. They even put a golden apple on top of the tower to symbolize eternity. Little did they know that the tower would be burnt down twice and it would even be struck by lightning.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Climb the tower

If you are a bird’s-eye view fanatic like me, you know beautiful views often require (a lot of) effort. Take a bottle of water, stretch a bit and climb the 376 stairs leading to the top of the tower. You will be granted not only a view of the rooftops of Delft, but also a look from inside at the clock mechanism of the tower.

Learn the secrets of the tower

Well, actually you can’t learn that much. For more than 400 years almost every member of the royal family of the Netherlands has been buried in the crypt of the New Church (that makes a total of 46 bodies according to the church’s official website). The crypt is not open to the public out of respect to the royal family and the keys are kept by the mayor of Delft.

Hear the bells

You can hear the carillon on Fridays (from 7 pm to 8 pm), on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from 11 am to 12 pm) and if you are lucky, you might come across a summer night concert.

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A view from the New Church in Delft, the Netherlands | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information:

Children under 5 years old are not allowed inside the tower, while those under 17 are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult. You can buy a ticket for the church (5 euro), for the tower (4 euro) or a combined ticket for both (8 euro). You can see the opening hours here and keep in mind that the tower closes an hour earlier than the church.

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So what does it mean?

Gökotta is an untranslatable Swedish word, which essentially means “to rise at dawn in order to go out and listen to the birds sing”.

What is the origin of the tradition?

In some parts of Sweden, there is a tradition of going out into the wild on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter) to listen to the birds, and in particular the cuckoo, sing their songs for the first time in spring. Even churches in many parts of the country agree to hold their Ascension morning service in the open so believers can hear the cuckoo sing.

Why should you do it?

It has long been known that having a positive and energetic morning is the most important step toward crafting a peaceful and productive day, though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that obnoxious alarm clock in the morning.

The other aspect of the concept – immersing yourself in nature – is yet another booster for mental and physical well-being.

And if that’s not enough, think of it as a way to get closer to Swedish culture without having to actually go to Sweden.

Want an extra challenge?

Have you already incorporated gökotta into your routine? We still have one more challenge for you: go camping near the city on a work day and start the following morning by using the birdsong as your alarm clock (here’s how we did it last summer). When you arrive at work, all your colleagues will be wondering where your good mood has come from.

More sunrise ideas

You’ve already made it out of bed, realized how different life is under the soft light of sunrise and want some more creative suggestions for how to celebrate the dawning of the day. Take some inspiration from our list of sunrise challenges and give yourself an energizing start to the day.

Read more: 10 sunrise ideas to start the day with a smile

Discover more untranslatable words: like aylyak in Bulgaria or dolce far niente in Italy. 

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Here are the most important attractions in Berlin to create your own itinerary:

Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer) – Stretches of the wall are still preserved to remind about the past that should never repeat. Part of the wall can be seen at Potsdamer Platz, while close to Spree River, in its eastern part, the wall is painted by modern artists expressing different messages. This section of it is known as the Gallery.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Mauermuseum) – The museum documents the events that led to the construction and the fall of the Berlin Wall and the attempts of the citizens of Berlin to cross it. Nowadays you can walk freely through the zone where in the past those who tried to cross the border were executed and reconsider the meaning of the term freedom. The museum is open every day (even during the holidays) from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The entrance fee is EUR 12.50.

Reichstag building – The parliament, or the Bundestag, holds its sitting here. The dome of the building offers a beautiful view to the city, while inside, behind the glass walls, you will see a photo exhibition dedicated to the history of the Reichstag.

Potsdamer Platz – This is one of the most popular squares in the central part of Berlin. It is named after the city of Potsdam, located close to the capital. Until 1989 the Berlin Wall used to pass through the square but after its fall many new buildings were constructed at this place. Nowadays the square is known for its theatres, cinemas, modern trade buildings and skyscrapers.

Postadamer Platz in Berlin

Kollhoff-Tower – This is one of the skyscrapers at Potsdamer Platz, offering a wonderful view to Berlin from its panoramic balconies – the Panoramapunkt, located on the 24th and 25th floors. You will reach them with the fastest elevator in Europe, which moves at 9 m/s. Once up there you can enjoy the incredible view with a cocktail in your hand.

Brandenburg Gate – Its image is probably the first thing that pops up in your mind when you think of Berlin. The gate was built in 1788 as the official entrance to the city. On its top there is sculpture of a chariot drawn by four horses, ridden by Victoria, the goddess of victory. The monument is really impressive during the night when it is brilliantly lit up.

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – On a clear day here you can enjoy a magnificent view to Berlin stretching over 40 km. You should better visit it early in the morning or late in the evening as during the rest of the day the queue of visitors waiting for the elevator leading to the top of the tower gets very long.

Unter den Linden Boulevard – Literally the name of the boulevard means Under the Linden Trees due to the fact that the branches form a tunnel over the pedestrian zone, filling the air along the entire boulevard with the sweet scent of the linden trees – a nice natural idyll amidst the urban environment. The boulevard leads to the Brandenburg Gate and crosses Spree River close to the Berlin Cathedral.

Berlin Cathedral – Its dome is 114 m high and it is adorned with stained glasses with flower patterns. You can go up there and feast your eyes on the splendid view to Berlin. The Baroque interior of the cathedral is really impressive. Inside you can also see a huge organ. In front of the cathedral there is a garden with a fountain where you can have a rest.

The Berlin Cathedral

Alexanderplatz – Be a real Berliner and schedule a meeting in front of the fountain or under the clock at this square. The TV Tower is here, too. The clock shows the time in each time zone in the world. It has a specific construction and does not look like an ordinary clock. Under the World Time Clock you can see a model of the Solar System. It was built in 1969. At the Alexanderplatz square, you can also find modern trade centers, stores, cafes and restaurants.

Charlottenburg Palace – This is the biggest palace in Berlin. It was built in the XVII century by Frederick I of Prussia as a summer residence of his wife Sophie Charlotte. Inside, in the huge ballrooms and halls you will see furniture, paintings, and porcelain collections that belonged to the royal family. Don’t miss to take a walk in the big garden.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) – After you cross the bridge over Spree River you will find yourself on this small island in the central part of Berlin. There are several museums here, as well as the Berlin Cathedral and beautiful parks where you can have a rest after the long museum tour.

Old Museum (Altes Museum) – This is one of the museums on the Island. It houses an art collection of the Prussian royal family. The building is designed in neoclassical style by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. His inspiration for the building came from the ancient and classical Greek architecture.

Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) – Dinosaurs, fossils, glass vessels storing thousands of fish species. Here you can learn about different stuffing and storing methods, see an exhibition dedicated to the universe and the Solar System, and get detailed information about our planet. You will be really impressed yet in the very first hall of the museum, which presents three huge dinosaur skeletons. There are also models of the planets, as well as of the Earth’s crust.

Trabi-Safari – The emblematic Trabant car has not disappeared from the streets of Berlin, just on contrary, it became a fascinating means of transport that you can rent for the day. A trip through Berlin in a classic Trabant car, painted in pink, tiger prints, or any other funny color – a really exotic experience, indeed!

Trabant in Berlin

Musical Instrument Museum (Musikinstrumenten Museum) – Here you can examine more than 3,500 instruments from the XVI century onward. In addition, you can also listen to the music produced by many of them on audio records, which are available as part of the exhibitions.

Tiergarten – This is the biggest park in Berlin. The Berlin Zoo is sheltered here, as well as the President’s residence, the Potsdamer Platz, and the Victory Column. It is a perfect place for a picnic, to go jogging or roller-skating, or simply take a walk amidst the fresh greenery, flower paths and beautiful fountains.

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) – This is one of the biggest zoos in the world with around 15,000 different species! Giraffes, elephants, pandas, hippopotami, giant turtles, lions, and whatnot… You can even touch some, like the penguins, for instance. The zoo opened doors back in 1844, which titled it the oldest zoo in Germany.

Jewish Museum – It traces the history of the Jews in Germany from the mid-centuries onward, in a very interesting way. Interactive screens, games teaching curious facts, small drawers hiding traditional or religious items, such as photos, paintings, pieces of art and of the everyday life, films and audio presentations. The building of the museum is a real masterpiece of the architecture with its unusual zigzag forms.

Gendarmenmarkt Square – Here you can find the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom), the French Cathedral (Franzosischer Dom), and the Concert Hall (Konzerthaus), which form the architectural face of the square. At the German Cathedral you can learn much about the German democracy, while at the French Cathedral you will get acquainted with the Huguenots, who sought asylum in Berlin. The Concert Hall is the home of Berlin’s symphony orchestra. It was built at the place of the former National Theatre, which was destroyed during the war.

Hackesche Höfe – A complex of eight restored German buildings and their adjacent courtyards that are interconnected. Nowadays they are modernized and have turned into a center of fun and culture, as well as of residential and business premises. Hackesche Höfe shelters many entertainment and catering establishments, stores, restaurants, cinemas, galleries, residential and business institutions.

Victory Column (Siegessäule) – The monument is located at the Tiergarten Park. It is 67 m high and has a golden statue on its top, which is called the “golden angel”. Well, it is not exactly an angel but yet it has big golden winds. The statue weights 35 tons. Up at the top there is an observation deck, which you can reach following tens of stairs and then enjoy the splendid view to Tiergarten.

Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) – This building’s name is inspired by the red bricks it is made of. On the top of its clock tower there is pole waving Berlin s flag with the bear, which is a symbol of the city. In front of the entrance to the City Hall you will see the Neptune Fountain.

Sip Gluhwein Chritsmas punch – Want to warm yourself up while walking in the snow? When in Berlin in December you should not miss trying this traditional drink, which is offered everywhere along the festively decorated streets and markets. Red wine, rum, orange juice, clove, cinnamon and black tea – this mixture will leave a sweet Christmas scent in your memory.

Stollen – This traditional German fruit bread is seen everywhere in Berlin at Christmas time! It reminds about Easter cake but it is much richer in fruits, buts and fragrant spices.

Leberknödel soup (Leberködelsuppe) – This is one of the most popular soups in Germany – clear calf bouillon with calf s liver noodles. Hurry up and don t let it cool!

Nightlife in Berlin – Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg quarters offer the best night fun places. Bergmannstrasse Street in Kreuzberg is full of clubs, bars and discotheques. Here you will find the popular Yorckschlösschen jazz and blues club. More beach bars, restaurants and clubs are found along the Spree River, offering not only entertainment and fun but also nice views to the river scenery.

The design, the 3D visualization – are very important in many ways. The designers are creators.

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Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What to do at Keukenhof

Before you head to the gardens, charge your batteries and bring a second memory card, because you’ll want to take thousands of photos. Besides walking around the flower beds (outdoors and in several pavilions), you can also take a flower photography course, take a canal boat tour or join a guided walking tour around Keukenhof. There’s also a retro-style labyrinth where you can lose yourself.

A special corner is dedicated to the favorite Dutch children book character Miffy the rabbit, and there’s even a mini zoo. Don’t miss the more than 120-year-old mill, whose squeaking stairs lead you up to a beautiful view. If you’re obsessed with treasure hunts like I am, take a map from the entrance and enjoy discovering the secrets of the park.

History in five sentences

Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century, loved horticulture and had a special garden with herbs and spices for her castle’s kitchen. That’s where the name Keukenhof came from – meaning the ‘kitchen garden’. After changing ownership a few times, the area became an English-style garden in 1857 and a tulip garden in 1949. It was the idea of the then-mayor to create a special place where Dutch growers could showcase their tulip hybrids. Nowadays, more than 800,000 visitors tick off Keukenhof from their bucket list every year.

The 120-year-old mill in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Best time to visit Keukenhof

Keukenhof is open only two months a year, when the spring flowers bloom – usually between the end of March and mid-May (2018 dates: March 22 to May 13). The best time to visit is in the middle of April, because in March many of the flowers are still buds.

Three challenges for Keukehof:

1. Find the tulip Walk of Fame.

2. Climb the mill for a panoramic view of the park.

3. Find your way through the labyrinth.

Practicalities

If you’re coming from the Hague or Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, look online in advance to buy a combined bus and entry ticket (Keukenhof is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam). You’ll get a free map of the park from the ticket office. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the park, so you can share your photos as you explore. The walking lanes are 10 mi/15 km long, but you can’t ride a bike in the park. You can, however, rent a bike and explore the surrounding tulip fields outside the park. More information here.

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A piglet at the mini zoo in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

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The Northern Venice, and what once was the glamorous capital of Russia, today is a destination you should not miss out on. A winter wonderland or a midsummer dream during the White Nights – St. Petersburg has plenty to fill an entire month with, let alone a weekend. Here are some of the key landmarks in St. Petersburg:

A walk by the Neva River: During the day, you can take a walk around the beautiful parks that complement the Neva River, and at night – enjoy the sparkling lights of the city, the passing ships, and the drawbridges. You will also see the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the gilded domes of many churches. You can also tame the river s waves, by going on a boat trip and enjoying a romantic dinner on board.

State Hermitage Museum (Государственный Эрмитаж): What once was the winter residence of the royal Romanov family is now the largest art gallery in the world. In 1764, Catherine the Great created a museum, where she displayed here personal art collection. Today, the Hermitage houses over 3 million pieces of art, displayed on a territory of over 46,000 km2. You ll see works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and many more. It is located in the palace s main square. Here you can find the exact address, visiting hours, and ticket prices.

The Palace Square (Дворцовая площадь): This is the city’s main square. It houses the Winter palace, a few churches, the headquarters of the Russian army, as well as the column of Alexander the Great, erected as a celebration of Napoleon’s defeat, in 1812. Take a walk and experience the rhythm of the city, become one with the hurried crowds of people, or simply take a cup of hot tea in one of the cafes.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral (Исаакиевский собор): The church’s large dome is covered by 100 kilograms of gold. Its interior is lavishly decorated in mosaics and murals, and behind the main altar is a stained glass display with the resurrected Christ. The walls and floors are covered in Russian, Italian, and French marble, in 14 different colors. The cathedral s construction was completed during the 19th century. Don’t forget to climb the 300 steps leading up to the cathedral’s top where you’ll find a mesmerizing view of the entire city. The cathedral is located close to the West end of Nevsky Prospect.

Marrinsky Theatre (Мариинский театр): This is one of the best theaters, of opera and ballet, in the world. It began to host performances in 1860. Its stage was the place where many of Tchaikovsky’s creations premiered. The main hall is U-shaped and sits 1625 people. The theater is located in the West Mariinsky district.

Yusupov Palace (Юсуповский дворец на Мойке): See the luxurious apartments, numerous paintings, and the emperor’s chambers. The palace’s halls often host classic music concerts and plays. In this palace, in 1916, the spiritual guide of Nicholas II – Grigori Rasputin, found his death. Today, this occurrence and the subsequent events have been recreated in the palace s museum, with the help of photographs, documents, and even wax figures.

Peter and Paul Fortress (Петропавловская крепость): This is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1703, by Peter the Great. Its purpose was to protect the city from Swedish invasions, but it never had to serve that purpose. In the fortress’s courtyard is the Peter and Paul Cathedral – the largest one in the city, and also the first one to have been crafted out of stone. Peter the Great, and all the Russian monarchs after, have been buried in the cathedral.

Peterhof Palace (Петергофский дворец): Built in 1705, by Peter the Great. Apart from its beautiful architecture, the palace is primarily famous for its spectacular water cascades, numerous fountains, and gorgeous gardens. The halls of the palace have been decorated with fine art pieces, marble, lavish chandeliers, and gilded carvings. It is located 30 km outside of St. Petersburg.

Peterhof Palace | Pixabay

The Cruiser Aurora: This is a war ship that took part in battles with the Japanese Navy, and started the October Revolution. Today it is a museum. You can take a tour of both the decks and the inside of the ship, where you will find different cannons, nautical maps and tools. If you don’t hire a tour guide, you can enter without paying a fee. The ship is anchored by the shore street of the Neva River.

The Alexander Pushkin Museum and Memorial Apartment (Мемориальный Музей-квартира „А.С.Пушкина”): This is part of one of the oldest houses in the city, where the famous Russian writer lived, from 1836, until his death in 1837. Here you will find household items, related to his life and work, including his personal ink pot and the original couch, on which the poet drew his last breath. Most of the other furnishings are not the originals that belonged to Pushkin in his family, but copies.

Museum of Cosmonautics and Rocket Technology (Музей космонавтики и ракетной техники): The museum opened its doors to visitors in 1973. The display follows the evolution of rocket technology, from Soviet Union times, until today. You will see rocket engines, astronaut gear, and the city’s flag, which was part of the Mir Space Station for 161 days. The museum is located in the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Catherine Palace (Екатерининский дворец): Located in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), 25 km away from St. Petersburg. The palace was built in luxurious Russian Baroque. Alexander Palace (Александровский дворец), which Catherine the Great gave to her grandson Alexander I, is located in close proximity. In the halls of both palaces you will find bountiful exhibitions of fine art, cutlery, furnishing, and jewels, which belonged to noble families. Don’t forget to take a walk in the beautiful royal gardens.

Pavlovsk Palace (Павловский дворец): This was the summer residence of the Russian emperor Pavel I. The palace was built in the 18th century. It was erected on top a large rock, 26 km south of St. Petersburg. Inside, you can see the emperor’s rich collections of porcelain, gold, sculptures, silks, furnishing, and paintings. The grounds around the palace, which once were a game park, have now been turned into a huge garden, with lakes and large meadows – the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, playing outdoor sports, or a picnic.

Saint Petersburg, Russia | Pixabay

Russian Museum: This is the first public fine art museum in Russia. It was created in 1895, by the monarch Nicholas II. Here you will find rich collections of religious icons, paintings, graphics, sculptures, as well as creations by contemporary Russian artists, famous worldwide. The museum is located on Nevsky Prospect.

Museum of Water (Музей воды): Located in a water tower, which was the first one in the city and was built in 1860. Here you will have the opportunity to try different water pumps first hand, you will see ancient toilets, sewage systems, steam boilers, and an attractive multimedia display, where you will learn about the various applications of water: as a medication, as music, as mystery. The tower has a panoramic glass elevator and a viewing platform on the last floor, where you will find a wonderful view of the city.

Russian Vodka Museum: We can’t talk about the Museum of Water and then neglect the Russian Vodka Museum. This is the place where you’ll learn when and where Russian vodka came to be, what to eat with it, and all kinds of other useful alcoholic facts.

White Nights: Every year, from the middle of June until the beginning of July, the sun never sets. This is because of the city’s Northern geography and its close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Enjoy the magical light and the unique the atmosphere it creates in the city. However, you should also be careful, because the White Nights can cause insomnia and drowsiness.

>>> Read more about the White Nights in Saint Petersburg.

Eat borscht: Soups are an important part of Russian cuisine. This particular soup, always contains beetroot, meat, and cabbage. You can eat borscht both hot and cold, with whipped cream or mayonnaise.

Eat pirozhki: This is dough-based dish, which can be either sweet or savory. You can find pirozhki with meat and vegetables, just vegetables, apples, jams, or cheeses. Just pick and enjoy!

Drink vodka: What more can we say about the traditional Russian alcoholic beverage, other than having to drink at least one while in St. Petersburg, if you don’t want to be cold. Just don t overdo it. Cheers! Or, as the Russian say: ‘Nazdarovye!’

Shopping in St. Petersburg: The main street – Nevsky Prospect (Невский проспект), has plenty of luxurious boutiques, leather and souvenir shops, antique shops, galleries, as well as large bookstores with books in all kinds of languages. A typical souvenir to buy from Russia is the Matryoshka doll – it is made up of several dolls with different sizes, that fit into one another. On Bolshoi street (Большой проспект), at Vasilievsky Island, you will also find many shops, as well as outdoor markets with fresh goods.

Gostini Dvor Shopping Center (Гостини двор): This is the oldest mall in Russia. Since the 18th century, it has been the primary shopping location of the city. Today, it has over 300 shops – for home appliances, clothes, jewelry, sports goods, toys, souvenirs, and plenty more. It is located on Nevsky Prospect.

Nightlife in St. Petersburg: Start off the evening with a drink or a delicious dinner, then dance the night away, or simply enjoy some great live music. The main street Nevsky Prospect has many night clubs with live music, dance clubs, casinos, and restaurants. The smaller alleys in the center of the city are where you will find bars, strip clubs, pubs, bowling alleys, and restaurants serving European cuisine.

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More than 2 million sheep spend the summer in Norway – grazing freely and gazing at the fjords, meadows and forests. Anyway, only five lucky ones become tourist guides.

Each sheep is located in a different area if Norway and has a camera broadcasting the landscapes as seen from the woolly wanderer. They can be spotted in the nature or in the vibrant city life of the capital Oslo.

One of the main rights existing in Norway is allemannsretten or the right to roam freely in nature. Since 1975, everyone has been able to enjoy nature, by walking, camping or picking berries and flowers, even in private property, as long as they don’t bother the owners.

This right to freely roam is the one that the sheep promote. The five guides have been carefully selected among the others, based on their fluffy and thick wool and their unusual lifestyles.

Here are the five sheep who present Norway in summer 2016:

Kari is located in Lofoten and she is keen on sports. She loves sunbathing and surfer boys on the beaches. As she lives very far north, she enjoys both the midnight summer sun and the northern lights.

Heidi is from Oslo. She is a cultured fashionista who keeps an eye on the latest trends. She can be spotted in a new gallery or at the art bazaars.

Lars from Trondelag is a real foodie with a taste for viking reenactments, where he sometimes is battling.

Frida likes the fjords, jumping from rock to rock. And listening to rock too – especially Viking metal.

Erik from Southern Norway enjoys his laid-back lifestyle, sailing on a boat from island to island.

If you want to follow the life of the lucky five sheep guides of Norway, you can do it here.

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Award-winning Copenhagen regularly features in the top 10 Best Places to Live in the World, but also ranks highly in The Most Expensive Cities in the World and Cities You Can Never Afford to Live In categories. We know that, as a visitor to this picturesque but pricey paradise, you’ll be craving some suggestions for free things to do. That’s why we’ve made some inquiries, called some friends in Copenhagen and compiled this list of free activities in the Danish capital.

Admire the Little Mermaid statue (before it gets defaced again)

This is both the biggest and the smallest attraction in Copenhagen. If you come expecting a giant, imposing sculpture you’ll be disappointed, but what the statue lacks in size, it makes up for with its frankly bizarre history. The poor Little Mermaid has been decapitated three times, had her right arm amputated once, has twice been covered in a burqa and was pushed off her rock in 2003. She has even been photographed, embarrassingly, with a dildo in her hand.

The Little Mermaid | © Rasmus Flindt Pedersen/ Visit Copenhagen

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view over Copenhagen

Since 2004, the Tower (Tårnet) of Christiansborg – the palace of the Parliament – has opened its doors to visitors free of charge. If you can handle the long lines and crowds of tourists, you’ll be rewarded with splendid views over Copenhagen. You can also dine at the restaurant inside the tower, although it’ll cost you a cartload of krone.

The Tower of Christiansborg is open Tuesday–Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm. More useful information here.

The view from the Tower of Christiansborg, Copenhagen | © Visit Copenhagen

Watch the changing of the royal guards

Amalienborg Palace is the official home of the Danish royal family, which is why it requires protection by scores of guards in ornate uniforms. Some of the guards change every two hours, but the most impressive scene occurs at noon, when all the guards change their posts to the sound of majestic music.

Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace | © Klaus Bentzen/ Visit Copenhagen

Picnic in the King’s Garden

Bring a picnic blanket, a feast and a bottle of bubbly with you to the King’s Garden (Kongens Have in Danish) at Rosenborg Palace, and you too will feel like royalty as you laze on the picnic-perfect grass. Visit the garden in summer to enjoy an array of free events, including concerts, puppet shows and exhibitions. It’s open 7 am – 18 pm.

Picnic in the King’s Garden | © Morten Jerichau/ Visit Copenhagen

Ride a bike through the city streets

Practically everyone cycles through Copenhagen’s extremely bike-friendly streets, and the best way to blend in is to do the same. You can take advantage of Copenhagen’s bike rental system, which has been free of charge since 1995. All you need is a 2 euro coin for a deposit, which you’ll get back when you return the bike.

Exploring Copenhagen by bicycle | © Jon Ram Bruun Pedersen/ Visit Copenhagen

Swim outdoors (in summer)

You may think you’re too far north to swim outdoors, but if you visit Copenhagen in the summer months you’ll see hordes of Danes splashing about in the water. Head to Brygge Islands, a wonderful free pool near the port and just a stone’s throw from the city center, to take the plunge. The water is clean and refreshing, although definitely on the chilly side.

Brygge Islands | © Christian Alsing/ Visit Copenhagen

Walk around the free town of Christiania

The world-famous bohemian neighborhood of Christiania was founded in 1971 as a haven for hippies and non-conformists, and soon gained a reputation as the place to buy hash and pot (but no hard drugs). Today, many of the original settlers still live in the collectively controlled village within the city, helping the area retain its laid-back ’70s feel. A lot of those Christianians built their homes themselves, which explains the quirky architecture on display.

Christiania | © Visit Copenhagen

Enrich your mind at Copenhagen’s free museums

Admission is free at the National Museum and the National Gallery, making some of Denmark’s most important cultural treasures accessible to everyone.

The National Museum in Copenhagen | © Visit Copenhagen

Join the festivities at Copenhagen Pride 

Every year in mid-August the city’s LGBT community celebrates Copenhagen Pride with a range of out-there activities and flamboyant festivities. Dates and more information here.

Copenhagen Pride | © Visit Copenhagen

Catch a movie at Copenhagen’s open-air summer cinema

Every summer, Danish TV channel 2 Zulu hosts the Zulu Summer Open-Air Cinema, which pops up in city parks throughout Denmark. Admission is free, so all you have to do is bring a blanket, some food and drinks (which you can also buy on site), and insect repellent. Exact dates and locations change every year, so ask a local to help plan your cinema session. Read our guide of Copenhagen as a movie location inspiration.

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Alkmaar is well-known for its numerous well-preserved medieval buildings, most notably Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk tower. The other main attraction, especially in the summer, is Alkmaar’s cheese market at the Waagplein. 

Courtesy of Julia Dimova

The cheese market

After the old-fashioned tradition of the hand clap, traders and carriers start weighing the cheese. The demonstration takes place in front of the medieval weighing house, which is surrounded by stands where you can buy local cheese. Pay special attention to the ceremony; you probably won’t see it elsewhere, as Alkmaar is one of only five remaining traditional cheese markets in the Netherlands.

It is quite a challenge to take nice pictures here, as the cheese market is packed with tourists and shoppers. You don’t need more than an hour here, and if you need a break, simply embark on a city boat trip – it’s a whole lot of fun and it’s the best way to take kick-ass photos of the city.

If you are passionate about museums and culture, you can also visit the Beatles Museum (dedicated of course to the legendary band), the Dutch Cheese Museum and the National Beer Museum “De Boom”.

Practical information:

The cheese market takes place every Friday morning between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm from April to September. For more information about when, where and how the Alkmaar cheese market is held, visit its official website.

To check times for the train from Amsterdam to Alkmaar, visit this website. 

If you are curious to know more about the other typical cheese markets in the Netherlands, check this website. 

This is a guest post submitted by Julia Dimova, a 30-something Bulgarian currently living in the Netherlands after having sampled several other countries and beautiful cities. French language and culture are her passion and her love, as well as books, cooking, eating, drinking wine with friends, visiting museums and of course travelling. In her free time she writes in her blog about everything that crosses her mind. For more info, please check it out at OrpheeWay and have fun!

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If you don’t know what destination to choose for your next trip, then Lithuania is a great idea. If you have no idea what the most popular destinations from this country are, here is a glimpse.

What are the most popular destinations in Lithuania?

You can start your visit with Vilnius, the capital of the country, also considered the oldest city in Northern Europe. Kaunas is another beautiful city situated where two of the biggest rivers in Lithuania meet. The Curonian Spit also makes it to the top three with thousands of people visiting it every year.

How many days should you plan?

If you want to plan a city break, Lithuania may not be the best option because it’s the type of country more suitable for long trips.

> Four to five days are enough if you only want to visit the main tourist attractions like Kaunas and Vilnius.

> Another route option is to spend three days in Vilnius, a day in the historical city Trakai, a day in the historical Kernave and two days in Kaunas.

> If you want to visit only Vilnius, then three days are enough.

> If you plan to spend your vacation on the Lithuanian Baltic coast, then plan at least seven days. Keep in mind that the coastal cities are 300 km (190 mi) from Vilnius, so it’s not worth it to spend less than four days in Nida or Klaipeda if you want to explore the beauty of the Northern coast.

Use a parcel company to send part of your luggage ahead

If you travel by plane, you may not be able to take all your belongings with you, but you can ship them to Lithuania. If you send a parcel to Lithuania, you can be sure that your belongings will get there safe and without any damage. The majority of people don’t consider this option when traveling because of the misconception that this service is very expensive. In fact, it’s quite affordable. For example, if you send a package from the USA, and it weighs 10 kg (22 lbs), you will pay around $100.

How much money should you take?

Calculating the budget for the trip is another important step before you leave. The average daily budget for a trip to Lithuania is $90 per person. Add around $30 more for food. The average price of a double hotel room is $70. When it comes to transportation, you will probably not spend more than $8 a day if you opt for local buses and subway.

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