Lemmenjoki National Park borders on Övre Anarjokka National Park in Norway. In addition to nature conservation, the park is also important to wilderness trekking and reindeer herding.

In the Lemmenjoki National Park one can find great rivers alternate with forests. The reasonably permanent populations of the Brown Bear and the Golden Eagle indicate the wilderness-like nature of the National Park. The Moose population is abundant, considering the arctic conditions of the Northern Lapland.

View Lemmenjoki National Park – the biggest national park of Finland and one of the largest in Europe in a larger map

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When you chose to visit Italy, if you can manage to free up a single day during your trip, then you have to visit the popular lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. It is possible to visit all three of them in a single day if you plan ahead.

Murano, Italy by Alex Proimos

Murano Island is known as Glass Island. It was back in 1291 when glass production began on Murano. There are kilns dedicated to blowing glass all over the island and many different shops dedicated to selling the art. The most famous of the glassworks on Murano is that of Venini whose works are features in modern art museums all over the world. There is also a museum on the island that is dedicated to glassblowing. You will also find the 8th century Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.

It is said that the Island of Burano is perhaps the most beautiful of the lagoon islands. Since back in the 16th century, the island of Burano has become known for the lace work done by the island’s artists. There is a museum on the island dedicated to lace and you can even see how it was woven centuries ago.

The island of Torcello is of course the most romantic of the three islands. The island is practically uninhabited which means you will be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island. It is also home to many archeological finds that are just waiting for you to explore. There is the Devil’s Bridge which is known as Ponte del Diavolo and comes complete with an amazing local legend. In the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta you will find an awe-inspiring mosaic of the Universal Judgment. The island is also home to the Estuario Museum which houses artifacts that date back to the Medieval, Byzantine and Roman periods.

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Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Italy by Ed Webster

The first island acquired was that of Isola Bella which was nothing more than a rock that was named after the countess Isabella Borromeo. Over the years, a number of improvements to the island have been made including the construction of a palace during the 17th century. Vast amounts of sand were filed in around the island to increase its size over the centuries.

The second and largest of the Borromean Islands is that of the Isola Madre. The island is well-known for its many beautiful gardens. There is also a palace on the island which is adorned with many fine masterpieces from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Isola dei Pescatori (known also as Isola Superiore) used to be owned by the Borromo family. Today it is known as the only inhabited Borromean Island. With a small fishing village, the island has a population of a little more than 200 residents. The residents of this island are also the one responsible for bringing tourists to the Borromean Islands during the peak seasons of the year.

Both the Isolino di San Giovanni and the rock known as Malghera are uninhabited and no major structures have been built upon them. The rock of Malghera is only 200 square meters in size and is known for its small beach; it is located between the islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

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