Northern Iceland is a dream for the adventurous traveler (well, really Iceland as a whole, to be honest!). The Hverfjall crater, or Hverfjall volcano, in northern Iceland gives people the chance to walk the rim of an ancient volcano. It is one of the best preserved ancient volcanoes you can see today. Walking the rim of this huge crater gives visitors a sense of the immense size and dramatic explosion that must have occured when the crater was created between 2,500 and 2,900 years ago.
Dimmuborgir is one of Iceland’s most well-known tourist attractions. The interesting formations, the walkable paths, the close proximity between the lava fields, Lake Mývatn, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater, and the fact that it was featured prominently as part of the lands beyond the wall in Season 3 of Game of Thrones make it a must see destination if you ever find yourself in the northern part of the country.
With Christmas quickly approaching, I decided to visit the old folktales of Grýla and Leppalúði that harkens from the frozen lands of Iceland. Here in the States, naughty children receive the threat of coal from Santa, but in Iceland, naughty children might be used as the main ingredient in a winter soup! If you are still unafraid after reading this, you can visit Grýla and Leppalúði in person on the streets of Akureyri in northern Iceland. But for now, read along to learn about Grýla, Leppalúði, their Yule cat, and the Yule Lads.
Located in the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, is the well-preserved ancient Roman triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii. It stands at the entrance to the old town, providing visitors with the perfect introduction to this beautiful part of the city.
Nestled within the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, along the Adriatic Sea, is the famous Pula Arena. This ancient Roman amphitheater is truly one of a kind. It is the best preserved Roman amphitheater in the world and the best preserved archaeological site in Croatia. It is the only Roman amphitheater to have all four side towers with the three original Roman architectural orders (the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns) still extant.
The Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is the oldest standing church in the city. Over the years, it has changed hands, from Viking kings, to the Irish Church, to the Anglo-Normans, to the English after the Restoration. As the official seat of the Church of Ireland, it is busy with services and church activities, but is quite accessible for those who just want to peek inside this majestic building.
Today, the Dublin Castle in Ireland is a government building used for official ceremonies, dinners, presidential inaugurations, and other state affairs. Historically, however, it has had a varied past and was once called home by the Vikings, Normans, English, and British. Through most of its history, it has served as the administrative seat for English and British rule in Ireland. In 1922, it was finally handed back to the people of its country and has served them ever since.
The Temple of Jupiter in Split, Croatia is a small, ancient Roman sanctuary located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. This marvelous little building is nestled in one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and is well worth the visit.
One of my bucket list items in life has always been to hike in the Black Forest; the very same forest where Hansel and Gretel got lost. So during our drive through this part of Germany, we spent a few days exploring the area, and hiked the Feldberg Steig trail. We were in the very same woods where Little Red Riding Hood encountered the wolf and my heart couldn’t be happier.
We stopped in to pay our respects at the Greyfriars Kirkyard during our stay in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dating back to the 16th century, the Greyfriars Kirk and the cemetery attached to it have an extensive history. Walking amongst the graves, you can feel it in your bones.