Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, and Sweden

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Rosenborg Castle

Denmark

Denmark is a small country with a quaint, friendly atmosphere. The hallowed streets of Copenhagen still have marks of the people who use to walk them. The home of Hans Christian Anderson, here you will find influences for some of his most famous works.

Tivoli Gardens spans fifteen acres in Copenhagen, and is a must-see in Copenhagen. The garden contains over twenty rides, thirty-six different restaurants, and over 100,000 blooms. Tivoli Gardens are a popular destination in the summer, but is also open in the winter. Christmas is celebrated from mid-November through the end of December. During the winter, you can go ice skating on the lake, or see a performance of The Nutcracker by the Royal Danish Ballet.

Stroget is located in Copenhagen, and is the longest pedestrian street in the world. The street has historically been used for the sale of produce, clothing, and household items, and still is today. With a multitude of stores, the Stroget has everything from designers to bookstores to candle shops. Illum is the most famous department store, containing six floors of designer stores and nine restaurants.

The Rosenborg Slot is a prime example of the architecture of Denmark. It was built as a summer palace by King Christian IV, and became open to the public as a museum in 1833. The most impressive room is the mirror room, which has mirrors covering the walls, floor, and ceiling entirely. Another sight is the Green Cabinet, located in the basement. The royal jewelry is stored here, but the crown jewels are in the Treasury along with an array of gold artifacts and the silver Oldenburg horn.

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Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Iceland is a country of immense beauty. The stunning water scenery will take your breath away as you relax, and enjoy all that the country has to offer.

Probably the most popular sight in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a serene way to just relax on your visit. People visit the lagoon to enjoy the water year round. Even in the cold winter months, people are found sitting in the water, enjoying its warmth. The water is hot in most places, and offers a relaxing atmosphere. The lagoon includes a waterfall, a cave, and a café where you can buy sandwiches and a drink. The bottom of the lagoon is silt, which you can find many people putting on their faces. After a swim in the water, there is also a sauna for you to relax in.

Gulfoss is one of the most beautiful sights in Iceland. The waterfall is about an hour east of Reykjavik, and is worth the drive. A path is located on the side of the waterfall that allows you to walk down and touch the water. In the winter, the mist coming off of the waterfall can actually turn into snow because of the low temperatures, which is a sight to see.

The capital city of Reykjavik has plenty to do for the traveler. The Pingvellir National Park is an interesting stop to see the Great Atlantic Rift, which is where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet. The town of Krysuvik is one of the earliest settlements of the country, founded in the year 900. The town grew into a center of agriculture and fishing, and soon became an estate. The town was destroyed in a volcanic eruption in the 12th Century, and only one building remains now, a restored church.

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Netherlands

The Netherlands is probably best known for its infamous Red Light District in Amsterdam or pehaps even the endless flower fields throughout the country. Upon looking further, there is much more to do in this country than what most people already know about it. The Netherlands is full of artistic venues, and pieces of history that are unforgettable.

The Anne Frank house is a must see while in Amsterdam. This museum shows visitors into the daily life of the Frank family in the secret annex behind the bookshelf. Each room has been reconstructed to its original form, and has a video that explains what the room was for. At the house, there is usually an exhibition being displayed as well that can vary depending on the time visited. A regular exhibition includes Anne's diary in every language ever published that is known worldwide.

The Van Gogh museum is also a good place to go. The museum not only contains works by Van Gogh, but by other artists who lived during the same period, or were friends with the famous artist. Two exhibits are included in the museum, including the main building and the Exhibition Wing. Van Gogh made over 800 paintings in his lifetime, and over 200 are in this museum. "The Potato Eaters" and "Wheat Fields Under Thunder Clouds" are two famous works housed in this museum.

A little further off from the usual visit to Amsterdam is the Heineken brewery. Even for someone who doesn't drink regularly, this place is worth the visit. Upon entrance, you receive two tickets for beers, and one for a gift. When you get to the first bar, you hand the bartender your ticket and get a fresh beer. Included here is an exhibit on the history of Heineken brewing as well as several videos on all sorts of things including old Heineken commercials.

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Sweden

Sweden is a country for those who love the outdoors. Here you can go snowmobiling, or just take a walk through the streets of town. The snow covered grounds are perfect for any winter lover, as Sweden is truly a winter wonderland.

Gamla Stan, or Old Town, in Stockholm is a place where the entire city melds together. The small streets are lined with shops that sell authentic, handmade trinkets, as well as small cafes and restaurants. The Royal Palace, with its six hundred and eight rooms, is an impressive sight, and a nice stop in Old Town. The Gamla Stan contains several museums, most notably the Nobel Museum, where you can learn about the Nobel Prize winners. For a more relaxing time, just do what the locals do and people watch as they hustle by to their destinations.

The Ice Hotel in Sweden is one of the most impressive sights in Europe. The hotel is situated in the village of Jukkasjarvi, home of the Sami people. The landscape is breathtaking, and the beautiful Swedish wilderness is dotted with forests covered in feet of snow. From the outside, the hotel looks like an igloo, but once you have entered the reindeer-skin door, the solid ice reception desk will take your breath away.  The hotel is usually quite cold, but is nothing compared to the outdoor temperature. It is recommended to wear several layers of clothing for a stay. The rooms themselves have no windows, but have several ice lights, each unique in design. The rooms contain wooden framed beds with a reindeer skin covered mattress and two pillows.

The suites of the hotel are each uniquely carved with their own theme. The ice headboards are expertly carved, and each clear as crystal. Ice pictures decorate the walls, and the unique chair designs are covered with reindeer skin. The ice bar is something to see as well. The drinks are served in ice glasses that you are allowed to keep. The hotel also has a chapel, where weddings are held each year, and offers many excursions such as snowmobile trips. The Ice Hotel is something every traveler should see in their lifetime, and is truly a frozen fairytale.

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