Europe Explored » northwest https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Seafront Zeebrugge – a maritime amusement park in Belgium https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/31/seafront-zeebrugge-a-maritime-amusement-park-in-belgium/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/31/seafront-zeebrugge-a-maritime-amusement-park-in-belgium/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:02:48 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5782 Seafront Zeebrugge is a marine amusement park in the town of Zeebrugge. It is located on the Belgian North Sea coast, about 110 km northwest of the capital city of Brussels. Amusement park is situated close to the port at the former fish market. The exhibition is divided into three parts. Photo licensed under the […]

The post Seafront Zeebrugge – a maritime amusement park in Belgium appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Seafront Zeebrugge is a marine amusement park in the town of Zeebrugge. It is located on the Belgian North Sea coast, about 110 km northwest of the capital city of Brussels. Amusement park is situated close to the port at the former fish market. The exhibition is divided into three parts.

Seafront Zeebrugge, Belgium
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by daniel.herding

Maritime theme park
The first exhibition called Maritime theme park is located in buildings of the former fish market. This exhibition is interactive and can be divided into several parts: Bruges and the sea, military-Zeebrugge harbor, fishermen earlier and now, the International port Zeebrugge or Pirate Paradise. Here you can take a closer look at the Zeebrugge port – its history and present, or at a hard life of fishermen and through the film into the depths of the sea.

Lightship West-Hinder II
The second exposure of Seafront Zeebrugge is Lightship West-Hinder II. It is the ship, which until recently served as navigation and was moored at a position at sea to mark the coast near the town of Nieuwpoort. You can walk through it, touch and learn more about the role of beacon ships.

The Russian submarine Foxtrot
The third exhibition is The Russian submarine Foxtrot. Submarines of this type were used until 1994. During your visit you will learn, how is the life in such submarine when it is filled up with 75 crew members.

Seafront Zeebrugge theme park is open every day from 10am to 6pm and in July and August to 7pm. Keep in mind that the tour of all three parts of the Seafront Zeebrugge takes about two hours. You can buy tickets up to one hour before closing time. Children up to one meter in height, accompanied by parents, have free entry. Children to 12 years pay €8.50, and adults €10.50. Special rates apply for the groups and Seafront Zeebrugge offers many other additional programs for schools and companies. The nearest tram stop is Zeebrugge Kerk. Parking is free right at Seafront Zeebrugge.

For further information, visit the official site of Seafront Zeebrugge.


View Seafront Zeebrugge – a maritime amusement park in Belgium in a larger map

The post Seafront Zeebrugge – a maritime amusement park in Belgium appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/31/seafront-zeebrugge-a-maritime-amusement-park-in-belgium/feed/ 0
Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/14/santa-maria-de-leon-cathedral-one-of-the-most-beautiful-cathedrals-in-europe-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/14/santa-maria-de-leon-cathedral-one-of-the-most-beautiful-cathedrals-in-europe-spain/#comments Sat, 14 May 2011 13:22:20 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3795 Santa María de León Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. It is located in Spain, in the northwestern part of the country, in the historic city of Leon. Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. […]

The post Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Santa María de León Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. It is located in Spain, in the northwestern part of the country, in the historic city of Leon.

Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. It was built in the place where originally (in the 2nd century BC) stood Roman Spa, which was about 800 years later converted into a palace.

León Cathedral was completed in the 16th century. Today it is a wonderful building and since 1844 it is Spanish National Monument.


View Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe Spain in a larger map

Right at the entrance of the León Cathedral there are three decorated portals. Inside the cathedral there are more than 250 magnificent stained glass windows and a large circular window. Stained glass windows occupy more than 1800 m2.

In León Cathedral you also find cathedral’s museum. You can see there La Virgen Blanca, which is a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Then the treasury of the 16th century and the cloister decorated with frescoes by Nicolás Frances. Cathedral Museum is in the summer (July-September) open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. On Saturday it is open from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Cathedral is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

But the museum is open all year round, however opening hours are changing, it is better to look at the official site of the León Cathedral. Basic admission fee is 4 €.


View Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe Spain in a larger map

The post Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/14/santa-maria-de-leon-cathedral-one-of-the-most-beautiful-cathedrals-in-europe-spain/feed/ 0
Storforsen rapids – the biggest rapids in Europe | Sweden https://europeexplored.com/2010/12/05/storforsen-rapids-the-biggest-rapids-in-europe-sweden/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/12/05/storforsen-rapids-the-biggest-rapids-in-europe-sweden/#comments Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:14:15 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2158 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 […]

The post Storforsen rapids – the biggest rapids in Europe | Sweden appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
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.


View Storforsen rapids – the biggest rapids in Europe Sweden in a larger map

The post Storforsen rapids – the biggest rapids in Europe | Sweden appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/12/05/storforsen-rapids-the-biggest-rapids-in-europe-sweden/feed/ 0
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – crown jewel of Portugal’s national parks https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/09/parque-nacional-da-peneda-geres/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/09/parque-nacional-da-peneda-geres/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:06:14 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1600 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês (The Peneda-Gerês National Park), also known as Gerês, is the only national park in Portugal (however there are many natural parks, protected landscapes, and reserves across the nation). It is 703km2 large and is located in the Norte region, in the northwest of Portugal, specifically in the districts of Viana do […]

The post Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – crown jewel of Portugal’s national parks appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês (The Peneda-Gerês National Park), also known as Gerês, is the only national park in Portugal (however there are many natural parks, protected landscapes, and reserves across the nation). It is 703km2 large and is located in the Norte region, in the northwest of Portugal, specifically in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real. The main base is spa town Vila do Gerês. The park shares 80km of borders with Spain and embraces a corresponding Spanish reserve.

Peneda-Gerês National Park has been established on 8 May 1971 due to its national and international scientific interest, and to protect the soil, water, flora, fauna, and landscape, while preserving its value to the existent human and natural resources. Therefore it is also the most important park in Portugal. Education and tourism are also goals of the park.

Peneda-Gerês National Park is blessed (or cursed) with more rain than anywhere else in Portugal.

Due to the difficult living conditions, there have never be lots of residents here, so the ecosystems was saved and now you can still see wolves, eagles and other predators king. Once an area was also a home to brown bears but it is not at this time.

The peaks reach a height of about 1 500 meters. You will find here beautiful, untouched picturesque landscape with nice peaks and forested valleys with oaks, pines and yew. Park is one of the most visited areas of the Minho region, but you can easily climb into the mountains, where you will meet only herds of mountain goats.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is divided into two main areas: the southern part Serra de Gerês which is a very popular for hiking and quieter and wilder hills of the Serra da Peneda, with much lower number of tourists.

The main starting points are the towns Mezio, Lamas de Mouro and Geres, where you also find information centers providing detailed information on the most interesting places in the park. They also can advice you on accommodation and are familiar with the possibilities of sport activities such as horseback riding. The whole area is covered by numerous hiking trails leading to many places around the reservoirs, where you can refresh after the whole-day tour.

In the park you will find mountains, river valleys, the megalithic monuments (Antas), waterfalls and small mountain villages. You can observe many different species of animals (such as deer, wolf, fox or wild horse or eagle) and plants. The rarity of the park is in 15 kinds of rare wild flowers. In some parts of the park you can see the extraordinary interesting flora (including remnants of oak forest).


View Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – crown jewel of Portugal’s national parks in a larger map

The post Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – crown jewel of Portugal’s national parks appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/09/parque-nacional-da-peneda-geres/feed/ 0
Czech republic – the best beer all over the world https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/czech-republic-the-best-beer-all-over-the-world/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/czech-republic-the-best-beer-all-over-the-world/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:41:40 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=49 The Czech Republic became independent in January 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into two parts (Czech Republic and Slovakia). Before World War II Czechoslovakia was one of 10 most industrially developed states of the world and the only European country that retained its democratic regime until 1938. Capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is more […]

The post Czech republic – the best beer all over the world appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
The Czech Republic became independent in January 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into two parts (Czech Republic and Slovakia). Before World War II Czechoslovakia was one of 10 most industrially developed states of the world and the only European country that retained its democratic regime until 1938.

Capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is more than thousand years old, and offers rich architecture of different styles. Therefore, the city became a popular destination not only for tourists but also for many international film makers.

The most important economic sector is still a production, especially production of automobiles (Škoda), machinery, mechanical engineering and construction products. In Moravia, which forms the eastern part of the country, the iron and steel sector is predominant. The main crops grown include corn, sugar beets, potatoes, wheat, barley and rye.

About 95% of the country covering the hills and mountains which are perfect for skiing, horseback and mountain bike tours. In the dense forests you can meet the wild boars and foxes.

World-famous beer is produced in the Czech Republic, for example, Pilsner Urquell. Wine is produced in southern regions of Moravia and in some parts of Bohemia. Thanks to the 900 natural springs the country produces large volumes of mineral water. From traditional meals you should taste dumplings made ​​from potatoes or bread.

Within the list of the famous Czech people you can find e.g. Art Nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha, composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana, marathon runner Antonin Zatopek, as well as the writers Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera.


View Czech republic – the best beer all over the world in a larger map

The post Czech republic – the best beer all over the world appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/czech-republic-the-best-beer-all-over-the-world/feed/ 0
Spain – tomatos, bulls and tequilla https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/spain-tomatos-bulls-and-tequilla/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/spain-tomatos-bulls-and-tequilla/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:07:10 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=36 Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe and lies on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spain also includes two North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Balearic and Canary Islands. Spain is surrounded by Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay. Spain is separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar and […]

The post Spain – tomatos, bulls and tequilla appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe and lies on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spain also includes two North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Balearic and Canary Islands. Spain is surrounded by Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay. Spain is separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar and from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees mountains. We can find almost all possible types of landscape here. The nature is really varied. There are mountains, deserts, semi-deserts, plains, beaches, cliffs and deep fertile valleys. The country is laced with a number of rivers, however their dry riverbeds are not unusual in the summer months. There are very watery rivers like the Ebro, Tajo, Duero and Guadalquivir. Iberian Peninsula consists of a high plateau (the Meseta), which significantly contributes to the fact that the average altitude is around 600m. Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe (just after Switzerland). While Madrid is the highest European capital city (655 m). In Spain, there is Mediterranean and continental climate.

Spanish cuisine
Spaniards have a great fondness for food, so they put the care in its preparation. Spanish cuisine is a tasty and colorful. The basic food-stuffs which they use are fish and other seafood, beef, mutton, pork, but they use also poultry, rice, potatoes, beans, various vegetables and white bread. Spaniards also use to add their typically piquant spices and herbs that make their dishes come unmistakable taste. Their kitchen is divided into Catalan, Basque, Galician, Castilian, Andalusian, and more. Each of them is something typical and special. However in all of them you can find lots of garlic and olive oil. The best known Spanish dish is certainly “paella” which is a mixture of rice, vegetables, meat or seafood and spices. Furthermore, gazpacho – cold vegetable soup. National food is tortilla – raw potato omelette with eggs and onions. Typical Spanish cuisine is tapas – small savory snacks that are served before a meal during the day and especially night.

Spanish restaurants
In Spain, all restaurants are legally obliged to offer a “menu del Día“, which includes appetizer, main course, dessert and beverage. This dish is served only at lunch time and it is a popular and inexpensive way to eat well. Expensive restaurants sometimes offer a tasting menu, where you can taste the little bits of several courses. It is common that during the bank holidays, the restaurants are closed.

Spanish drinks
A typical drink in Spain is wine. It is usually served with both lunch and dinner. The oldest and best known wine cellars in Spain are in La Rioja. These wines can be compared with the quality of French wine from Bordeaux. They have also classic wine Jerez and popular Spanish sparkling wine Cava. The perfect complement to all the dishes is a sweet Sangria, which consists of a mixture of fruit with sweet red wine, a little liquor, fruit juice or sparkling wine. It is best chilled and with ice.

Accommodation
In Spain you can find a wide range of accommodation of all kinds. From humble “fondas” or guest houses to luxury five-star hotels. Great interest is enjoying rural accommodation, located on farms, in cabins or in the restored palaces. It is possible to do a variety of outdoor activities, horse riding, cycling or hiking.

Spanish unique accommodation is the “Parador” which is a chain of hotels which are located in different historic buildings or in national parks, with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. It is also possible to stay in a bungalow or apartment, they are located mainly in the coastal tourist resorts. There are also youth hostels, which can be found throughout the country. It’s a cheap way of accommodation. In Spain there are also over 1400 camps of various categories.


View Spain – tomatos, bulls and tequilla in a larger map

The post Spain – tomatos, bulls and tequilla appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/spain-tomatos-bulls-and-tequilla/feed/ 0