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The highest peak, where you can get by a cable car, is Palon with its height of 2090 meters. The lowest station of the cable car is at an altitude of 1175 meters and the whole area has such an elevation of about 900 meters. Lone peak Palon offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain massifs, such as the Dolomites.

The resort of Monte Bondone boasts 20 kilometers of slopes, mainly red ones, which thanks to modern snow cannons, has always enough snow. The favourite ski slope is certainly Gran Pista, means “large slope”. It is 3.5 kilometres long slope, exceeds elevation of more than 800 meters and is considered the best slope in the region, which is confirmed by several awards. There is a lift called Rocce Rosse, which boasts being the chairlift with the greatest elevation in Europe. Thanks to Rocce Rosse you can be on the top of the slope within 7 minutes. All 6 lifts that are in the resort of Monte Bondone can carry more than 14 000 skiers per hour.

Monte Bondone is a friendly resort for families with children, so you can find here sufficient number of ski schools. Brave skiers can look forward to 120 meters long and 5 meters high U-ramp, boarder-cross track and many tricks. Cross-country skiers will appreciate the 35 km long route, which is located in the ski center Viotte. This route is suitable both for classic and skating styles. Among popular sports is also walking around in snowshoes, for which there are several trails prepared.

Ski pass prices and opening hours
The first lift runs at 8:45 in the morning, the last one at 16:45. Adult skier pays in high season €28 for a one-day ski-pass, €75 for a three-days ski-pass and €129 for a six-days ski-pass. Children under 8 years pay half price.

Of course there are rental services, shops, restaurants and bars in the resort. Much wider range of entertainment is ensured by nearby Trento, which can be reached by bus in about half an hour. The resort is situated in the Nature reserve of the Tre Cime del Monte Bondone and is a great travel tip also in summer.

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Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park was founded in 2005 by combining Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park and Ylläs-Aakenus Nature Reserve. It consists of peat bogs, which are surrounded by forests. It is an untouched corner of our planet and is breathtaking to see it with the northern lights (aurora). The local countryside is really beautiful. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is also very popular in winter, there are ideal conditions for cross-country skiing. The highest peak in the park is Taivaskero, which reaches an altitude of 807 meters above sea level.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is crossed with a series of marked hiking trails with a total length of 350km. They are suitable both for hiking or cross-country skiing. There are several log huts in the area of the park, where you can rest or even stay for a night. However staying here is not free. The park is home to reindeer.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Victor Sounds

Already mentioned Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park was the first national park in Finland, founded already in 1938. The park was established to protect unique parts of forestless highland areas, which stretch through the forests of Lapland. Finnish national parks are golden treasures of Finland and are waiting for each tourist with open arms.

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You can find there a number of endemic species of plant. The rock is also a home to sea gulls and falcons. If you manage to get onto the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the countryside. Peñón de Ifach is widely popular among climbers who test their strength and abilities here. The number of tourists is regulated due to the protection of site.

Otherwise, the resort of Calpe looks, of course, like any other local sandy beach resort with crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. You can try a wide range of water sports here. You can also visit The Old Church (Iglesia Antigua) here which was built in 14th century and is located just in the town centre.

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It is the oldest monument in the town and the only example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture in this region. Another interesting sight is the fortress Torre de la Peca, which was built in the 14th century as part of a defensive fortress. Tourist attraction can also be the district Arabal formed by narrow streets and white houses. Do not miss Paternina street, which is adorned with dozens of flowering pots and houses with colorful mosaics. On the hill above the town is the Shrine of St. Salvatore, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Calpe is one of the liveliest resorts on the Costa Blanca. It holds a lot of interesting cultural events. History lovers should not miss the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of the festivities. However Calpe is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Spain, you still can find cheap restaurants here and the access to the beach is free.

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In the delta of this Lithuanian river lies the island of Rusnė, which is, with its area of ​​4800 hectares, the largest island in the country. Moreover, it is still increasing by 15 to 20cm annually. The island is a haven for 270 of the 325 Lithuanian bird species. Wetlands here are a paradise for ornithologists. The best place for bird watching is Naikupė, Uostadvaris or Rusnė. Among the millions of species of birds that flies over the island every year, you can see also rare species such as black stork, white-tailed eagle, Black-tailed Godwit etc.

Neman (Nemunas) river, Lithuania by Claire

Rusnė Island is also a place of migratory water birds, as it lies on a major bird migration route – East Atlantic Flyway (birds flying from the Arctic through Europe to East Africa). Birds stop here to gain strength.

In Nemunas Delta Natural Park there is also an important ornithological station and museum. The first Ringing station was founded here already in 1929, but just in the years of 1959 – 1960, the large bird traps were installed here. In 1998 the station celebrated its interesting anniversary – ringed its millionth bird.

The information centers, located in Rusnė, Ventė and Šilutė, offer educational trips associated with bird watching and fishing. Another option is a boat trip with an English or German speaking guide, which guides you through the many waterways in the park. It is also possible to arrange accommodation in the farm or to arrange fishing permits.

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Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (La Riserva naturale orientata Monte Cofano) offers to Sicilian visitors an unspoilt beauty and presents a significant value for natural and anthropological features.

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The mountain is formed by a combination of dolomite, carbonate rocks that are the oldest outcrops in the province and date back to the Triassic, about 200 million years ago. They are separated from neighboring area Gnarosa Marcato by a small saddle. You can follow the marked trail starting from the beach Cala Buguto that leads all around the perimeter of the mountain. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy a splendid view of the coastline.

There are many signs of human presence in this area since prehistoric times as evidenced by the graffiti and stone tools which were found in caves Miceli, Buffa, del Crocefisso and Mangiapane.

In June 1991 the area was declared a nature reserve.

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To get to the waterfall you can use wooden walkways, which is suitable also for cyclists or families with prams. The waterfall is a part of the Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve. At present, the waterfall Hepoköngäs is very popular tourist destination in Finland.

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Nigula Nature Reserve has a rich fauna and flora. There are rare plants here. Nigula Nature Reserve is also home to Europe’s protected and not very abundant carnivores such as bear, wolf and lynx and to big game animals such as elk, roe deer, red deer, wild boar. The area is also an important bird sanctuary. In 2000, the Nigula Nature Reserve was added to the group of Natura 2000 (the largest network of protected areas in the world).

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Srebarna lake is one of the most significant natural heritage in Bulgaria. The entire lake is surrounded by mosses, which reach a length of more than 1.5 km. The water covers an area of 638 hectares.

You will find here also many rare plants. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists.

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The main characteristic feature of the landscape Nebrodi is a great diversity of landforms, rich vegetation and wetlands. The Arabs called Nebrodi as “Island in the Island” and the reason was the richness of forests, green pastures, quiet lakes and bubbling streams – the country so different from the image of dry and sun-scorched Sicily.

Nature Reserve (Parco naturale) Nebrodi was founded in 1993 and covers the most important and largest forested area of Sicily (about 50,000 ha). Despite of the deteriorating conditions of environmental, Nebrodi still offers the greatest wealth of fauna from all over Sicily. Some species have disappeared, unfortunately – the last wolves were killed at the end of twentieth century, the population of vultures extinct during the 60′s due to poisoned baits for foxes. Among the current, often scarce inhabitants of Nebrodi are porcupine, wild cat, pine marten, greenish turtle, mud turtle, frog, and colorful green jumper. Area of Nebrodi includes 150 bird species, many of them are endemic.

The hiking trails lead through the protected area from the west to the east. In the ridge you can find the only wetland in Sicily, which offers also the beautiful natural scenery.

The highest peak of Nebrodi is the Monte Soro (1,817 m).

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Oulanka National Park lies near the Russian border and the Arctic Circle, in the regions of Kuusamo and Salla on the boundary of North Karelia and southern Lapland. In Russian Karelia it continues as the Paanajärvi National Park. The name Oulanka comes from old Laponian language and it is also a name of a river that flows through the area. So the National Park is formed by the Oulanka River, which flows into Lake Paanajärvi and then continues into the White Sea. Its tributaries are the rivers of Kitka, Savina, Aventa and Maaninka that are cutting into the rocks, and creating a canyon valley. At some places you can see massive rapids and waterfalls, such as Kiutaköngas, Taivalköngas or Jyrävä.

Nature in Oulanka National Park is absolutely unique, geographically it can be assigned to the southern Lapland. The vegetation is very diverse and varied, includes more than 500 plant species. The northern part of the park is rich of extensive marshes and peat bogs, and is not easily accessible, there are just a few routes. Tourists can get here only if the soil is frozen. However, you have to use snowmobiles or skis.

Oulanka National Park has been left in pristine conditions for more than 100 years. The result is a forest, where you cannot see any human action and nature has to solve all of the problems alone. Many species of plants and animals occur only in certain places, as they would have set their boundaries. Richer soils are covered with spruce or pine forests. High pine and mixed forests are mainly on the rocks. During a walk through the park you can collect strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or cloudberries.

Oulanka National Park is also very rich in animal species. You can find here over 30 species of mammals, such as wolf, lynx, numerous mustelidae as a polecat, weasel and ermine, as well as badgers, foxes and even Wolverine or brown bear. The traces of these large predators can come across quite often, but you have to be lucky to see some of them. Mostly because they are hidden deep in the woods outside of marked trails. There are also deer, elk and Siberian wild reindeer. The park has many rare species of nesting birds such as swallows, cuckoos, larks, kingfishers, Whooper Swan, robin, Siberian skylark, and many others. In the sky you can see large predators such as golden eagle and eagle owl. Rivers are full of salmon which expanded here by migration from the White Sea.

Hiking lovers should try the path Karhunkierros. Karhunkierros or “Bear’s Ring” is one of the oldest and best hiking trails in Finland, measuring an impressive 80 km. The trail leads to a large remote areas, hence you have to be properly prepared for this. The best time to visit Oulanka National Park is autumn when the surrounding countryside is playing with all colors. There is such a beautiful scenery!

Along the way you can see some natural huts that serve as a shelter for single overnight. All of them look almost the same and during the high season can be overcrowded. It is a good idea to bring your own tent with you. All routes are well-marked, therefore it is not necessary to have your map, sufficient is also the simple schedule that you can get at the information center. Much more important part of your outfit is insect repellent.

If walking is your real hobby, you can extend the trip by 22 km long stretch leading from Hautajärvi. From the town of Juuma you have the opportunity to go to “Little Bear’s ring” that is 12km long and leads to cascades Myllykoski and Jyrävänjäri. It is possible to make this circuit within five to six hours.

In the middle of the park it is established the Research base of the University of Oulu and the major information center for visitors.

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