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Storforsen rapids – the biggest rapids in Europe | Sweden

Claire — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:14:15 +0000

Storforsen rapids are not only the biggest rapids from the Nordic countries, but probably also in Europe. They are located in Sweden, in the northern part of the country, in the county of Norrbotten, about 40 km northwest of Älvsbyn.

Storforsen rapids are located at the River Pite. The rapids area is approx. 5 km in length and decreasing by 82 meters. The most interesting point is that at the last 600 m, the water is falling 50 meters down. During the biggest flows in the spring there are 1000 m3 of water passing per second. During the floods in 1995, it was 1200 m3 of water per second.

The history of Storforsen rapids is quite long – several thousands years. Approx. 8500 years ago there was the sea, but it gradually receded and 7000 years ago it grew into massive mouth, which created the Storforsen rapids.

More than 150 000 people visit Storforsen rapids each year.

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Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna – most beautiful castle in Finland

Claire — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:55:42 +0000

Olavinlinna medieval castle lies on a rocky island in Lake Saimaa area in the town of Savonlinna, in Finland. Olavinlinna Castle is one of the best preserved castles in the Nordic countries. The castle (fortress) was built in 1475 by Dano-Swedish statesman and regent of Sweden Erik Axelsson Tott and should serve to repel attacks from the east and as a protection of the eastern border of Sweden. The castle had an important strategic position, as it lies on the channel connecting many lakes around.

Olavinlinna Castle in Finland by Miraceti

In 1714, the Castle Olavinlinna became the property of the Russians for a few years until 1721; but by 1741 it was once again in Russian hands, and remained so until Finland was granted independence from Russia in 1917. The castle has three massive towers, however it originally had five towers. Today there are several museum exhibitions and Castle Museum. In the museum there are objects associated with the castle. There is also a museum with a collection of religious icons and religious objects in Finland and Russia. Olavinlinna Castle Opera Festival takes place here every year already since 1912.

Olavinlinna Castle is one of Finland`s biggest tourist attractions.

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Denmark – country of design and wind energy

Claire — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:03:13 +0000

Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe and the senior member of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark borders both the Baltic and the North Sea. The country consists of a large peninsula, Jutland (Jylland) and many islands, most notably Zealand, Funen (Fyn), Vendsyssel-Thy, Lolland, Falster and Bornholm, as well as hundreds of minor islands often referred to as the Danish Archipelago. Denmark has long controlled the approach to the Baltic Sea; before the digging of the Kiel Canal water passage to the Baltic was possible only through the three channels known as the “Danish straits”.

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