Berlin is a result of a union between two founding towns, Colln and Berlin. They affiliated themselves in 1307 for a union. After riots, elector Friedrich II declared Colln/Berlin his residence in 1451.
The city was devastated in 1945 after the Nazi terror and the end of World War II. Berlin was then divided into four parts: the East was administered by the Soviet Union, the Southwest by the USA, the West by Great Britain and the Northwest by France. As a result of the Berlin Blockade in 1948, Berlin became an object of the Soviet-American conflict as the Americans and British supplied the three West Sectors via "Air Lift" with aircrafts they nick-named "Candy Bombers". Reconstruction began in both East and West Berlin but not without a price. August 13, 1961 is remembered as the day of division, when the Berlin Wall separated this cities people.
Twenty-eight years later, celebration broke out in the city as the Berlin Wall was torn down on November 9, 1989. Months later in 1990, Berlin was reunified and became the residence of the Federal Government, which held its first plenary session on April 19, 1999 in the redesigned Reichstag. Because the Reichstag has a new glass dome, it has become an attraction for both Berliners and tourists from all over the world. Berlin celebrated the new millennium with a magnificent party at the Brandenburger Tor. Berlin has changed a lot since then and will continue to change.
Green Bornholm island is a favorite escape for Danes in the summer. The sea is blue, the sun is warm, the fields are bright with flowers, and the island is blessed with picturesque, round, whitewashed churches. On a bluff overlooking the sea: a ruined castle. For lunch, try local smoked herring.
Situated on the Swedish isle of Gotland, Hanseatic Visby was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Today quaint homes and churches huddle together inside 13th-century walls. In former times, it was called "the city of ruins and roses," for along with its rose-covered churches, there is one somber sight - Gallows Hill, a place of execution so villains "might die looking at the loveliest spot on earth."
Distributed across fourteen immaculate islands in a sheltered Baltic bay, crisscrossed by scenic bridges, Sweden's capital is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It is a sightseeing smorgasbord, including the medieval "city between the bridges," the vast Royal Palace, and the City Hall, which hosts the yearly Nobel Prize ceremonies.
Explore this medieval city and all of the culture it embodies...It is as lovely as it is historically significant, and you will have a vacation full of memories and pictures to show your friends.From shops to nightclubs, it is all here, radiant and vibrant.Walk along the docks, and watch a sunset that will truly take your breath away.
The European culture capital in 1996, Copenhagen is Scandinavia's liveliest city. The musical and artistic pageantry are rivaled only by the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family since 1794. Yet certain parts of Copenhagen maintain a village-like feel, like the winding streets around the Raadhuspladsen and enchanting Tivoli Gardens.
Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, together with forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.
This is a classic Norwegian town full of colorful charm. You can wander up narrow streets into the surrounding hills or enjoy Gamte Bergen, the old town, with cobbled streets and wonderful little shops and bakeries.
Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords and crashing waterfalls, bathed in the eerie light of the Midnight Sun. Just up the coast is the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the polar north.
In Spitsbergen''s main settlement located at the head of Advent Bay, you''ll experience the "Land of the Midnight Sun" as you look out on a coastline full of seals, walrus, and whales, not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.
In Spitsbergen''s main settlement located at the head of Advent Bay, you''ll experience the "Land of the Midnight Sun" as you look out on a coastline full of seals, walrus, and whales, not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.
This pristine European island is filled with glaciers, volcanoes, and hot, mineral-rich springs to explore. Native Icelanders have a remarkably rich history and culture, and would love to share it with you - they are great storytellers. Stroll through the charming Austurvollur Square, and be sure to stop in one of the many cafes for some of the freshest seafood you''ll find anywhere. Or visit the mighty Gullfoss or "Golden Waterfall," the most dramatic cascade in Europe.
Here on the shores of central Scotland, a land of bagpipes, clans, and tam-o'-shanter hats, is some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Stretching before you are the scenic lakes and lowlands around Greenock. If you go to Glasgow, visit the famed Burrell Collection.
Discover the relics of old Ireland on a port call to Dun Laoghaire, located only 15 minutes from Dublin. In Dublin, visit Trinity College and St. Patrick''s Cathedral. Tour the emerald countryside of Portmamock, and visit nearby Malahide Castle, or see the magnificent Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. Save time, too, for Dublin''s colorful pubs, or a visit to the world-renowned Guinness brewery.