*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a nice city to be. However, the weather is getting nicer so everyone is on the street, in the parks. And let’s be honest, it’s gonna be crazy because we all were waiting for the sunny days the whole winter.
A sweet escape from the crowd in the capital – Pasarel. The Pasarel dam is a nice area just 30 min from Sofia by car. There is a small rope bridge on the left of the road. On the right side of the bridge, there is a parking area where you can park your car and cross the bridge. On the other side of the bridge starts a nice path in the mountain. You will have a nice view of the Pasarel dam and can observe the Villa Pasarel area. If you brought food with you, you can have a nice lunch under the shadow of the trees with a view to the Pasarel dam.
The rope bridge
Pasarel dam
take your dog with you!
Nice area to relax!
If you didn’t get food with you, don’t worry. I have a really nice suggestion for lunch – Golden Fish (Златната рибка). Here you can taste really fresh fish. The place is bringing the spirit of the ’90s of Bulgarian culture.
The Golden Fish restaurant
The Golden fish
Just 10 min from Pasarel
This trip is really easy to be organized, no need to think about extra baggage. Just bring your comfortable shoes and your smile. Cheers! Enjoy the sunny days in Bulgaria. Bulgarian nature is going to be so amazing! As always!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
This is a summer story. And my whole family is involved. It is so exciting to travel with your family but you need to be well prepared. Our team – my boyfriend, our parents, and my brother.
Relax zone near Zagreb Cathedral park
What I missed to think of and how to organize a better family trip than mine? Actually, mine was awesome. You don’t need to believe me, just keep reading.
Summer of 2018. The plan is to travel by car from Sofia to Zagreb. Sleep one night and travel to Vienna. One day in Vienna and then on the road again to Budapest. Budapest was our last stop and here we stayed for 4 days and enjoyed the Formula 1 2018 event! Woop Woop!
Destination Zagreb reached. After 8 hours driving by car. We stayed in a cozy apartment near the Tesla Museum – Apartment Marija, booked via Booking.com. I can recommend the place for people looking for a clean apartment, with everything you need inside, sunny comfy place and nice attitude. One disadvantage is they don’t accept debit/ credit card payments. The price is totally worth it!
What happens in Zagreb, stays in Zagreb
Not to be missed in Zagreb! Even we had just a day to walk around, we enjoyed the city and felt the spirit of the locals! Zagreb can be divided into Lower and Upper Town, located on romantic stone streets. Walking in Lower Town can be a lot of fun because of the many cafes, restaurants, bars, and music everywhere. Recommended street – Tkalciceva. The Upper Town is the old part of Zagreb and here there are breathtaking places.
My brother met Batman in the city center of Zagreb
Cathedral of Zagreb – It is on the list of the hundred most beautiful cultural monuments in the world.
Zagreb Cathedral
St Mark Church. Roman Catholic parish temple in the heart of the Old Town (Upper Town). Located on Piazza St Mark, surrounded by the buildings of the Croatian Parliament, the Croatian government, the Constitutional Court and the City Hall of Zagreb. The roof of the church depicts Zagreb’s coat of arms.
St Mark Church
The Tower of Zagreb/ The Tower of Thieves, in the past part of Zagreb’s fortifications. Zagreb residents set their clocks with the sound of the gunshot. If you visit the Tower at an exact hour, you might enjoy the gunshot. There is an amazing panoramic view of the Tower. You can walk on the winding stairs from the Tower to the Lower Town. Really joyful walk, full of music, colors, and a beautiful sunset!
Red bike
Red car
Ancient clock
Ok, what actually happened is that me, my boyfriend and my brother really enjoyed the walk in the city but our parents got so tired and didn’t want to walk that much. They prefer to sit and relax somewhere.
Tip 1 for family trips: What can be better planned is to include one more day for visiting Zagreb.
4. Tesla Museum. On the next day, early in the morning, me, my boyfriend and the two mums have visited Tesla Museum. Actually, I don’t like museums but this one was awesome! I really recommend it!
Me trying to be a spaceman
Tip 2 for family trips: When planning a family trip, try to think of what everyone is interested in.
Destination Vienna. 4 hours from Zagreb by car. We arrived in the afternoon at our booked apartment Betariel Apartments S22. It was clean but not enough space. It worths the price and was fine for the night because we planned to travel on the next day but for long staying it will be better to choose something nicer. It was close to the city center and to the metro station.
Not to be missed in Vienna!
Our romantic pic in Vienna
Visit the famous Prater. It is nice for a walk during the night; there are many lights and music. You can enjoy Vienna’s wheel and the amusement park.
My best is the Schonbrunn Palace and Schonbrunn Gardens – part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. I took an audio guide inside the Palace and it was crazy interesting to touch this Habsburg culture! This is my second time being here. The first visit was during one cold winter and there was a huge Christmas market. I really enjoy the summer flowers and the colors everywhere now. TIP 3: BOOK YOUR TICKET ONLINE IN ADVANCE FOR SCHONNBRUN!
Schonbrunn Gardens
Schonbrunn Palace
The Zoo next to Schonbrunn Palace is the oldest existing zoo in the world founded in 1752. My brother loves it. It is huge and there are a variety of species. We really enjoy the 3 hours spent here and it was not enough but we were run of time.
My fav bear
At the ZOO
St Stephen’s Cathedral – amazing Cathedral! Stephen Piazza is a nice area with classy shops, chocolate, you can drink coffee here and enjoy the city. There are nice restaurants, bars, and other entertainments. The city center of Vienna is with historical building and nice architecture. 10 minutes walking from St Stephen’s Cathedral, you will reach St Peter’s Church.
St Stephen Cathedral
We spend one night and half of the next day in Vienna and we were on the road, traveling to Budapest, Hungary. Hungary was our final destination before returning to Sofia. We needed more time here as everyone’s interests were different. Don’t forget F1 event!
Something that happened to us is that my mum broke the back window of my dad’s car in a ridiculous way at a gas station. My dad couldn’t be angrier but he needed to calm down because my mom got so nervous. We fixed the window with a special tape! and we had the luck to get back home like that! How Lucky people we are!
It takes 3 hours by car Vienna – Budapest. Destination Budapest reached. We booked our apartment here via Airbnb.com – Keleti Station Apartment. The apartment looked much better on the pictures. When we arrived there were a broken bed and broken stuff inside. This was an unpleasant surprise and we informed the host immediately. We informed the Airbnb as well and they contacted the host.
We were moved on the next day to another really nice and bigger apartment and no additional fees were taken. I will write in a separate post on how to avoid booking bad apartments and what to do if this happens to you. Coming soon! I promise.
This was stressful moments for the parents but we encourage them to just stay relax.
The second apartment was perfect! I really recommend it – Royalpest Residence. Our two hotels were located near the Jewish Quarter – I recommend this area for your staying as it is calm and not far from the city center.
TIP 4: ALWAYS KNOW AND DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS!
What must be seen in Budapest?
Budapest beats with the rhythm of two hearts – Buda and Pest. The river Dunav divides the two sides of the city.
The amazing Parliament building Budapest
Fisherman’s Bastion – an impressive structure and beautiful views. Going down from the hill, on the way to the Chain bridge, there is a zero km Statue – the old city center of Budapest where the boundaries of the Empire were measured from.
Fisherman’s Bastion
The Citadella – Hapsburg fortress with nice views and best photos.
Chilling around the Citadella in Budapest
Buddha Castle and the Royal Palace on the Buda side.
The Matthias Church – it can be seen from the Fisherman’s Bastion and it is on the Pest side. The first parish church. The area around is nice for a walk.
The Chain Bridge – this bridge connects Buda with Pest. Before the construction of the Bridge, there were two different cities. During the Second World War, the bridge was destroyed by the Germans but it was reconstructed after the war and in 1989 becomes a symbol of Hungarian freedom.
Walk on the river Dunav side – There is part with shoes along the Danube – a memorial in honor of the Jews who were shot on the Danube after being asked to get out their shoes. You can enjoy a boat trip on the Danube using normal public transport. Just buy a regular ticket (around 750 HUF).
Parliament is amazing during the night and there are nice restaurants where you can taste traditional dishes, for example, Gulas and Hungarian bread langos. Don’t miss to enjoy the traditional Unikum drink! Cheers!
Something I missed – Central Market Hall – it is open every Friday and Saturday and there is a variety of local food and drinks.
The other thing I missed – The thermal baths. If you travel to Budapest during the winter – this is something you should enjoy a lot!
Formula 1 event! My father and my brother are big fans of F1 and they love Kimi Raikkonen. They enjoyed the 3 days spent at the F1 event a lot! They were so happy and full of adrenaline! The tickets were a gift from me and my boyfriend so we were so happy too that our surprise turns to be so cool! I will share with you in a separate post how to organize your next Formula 1 event!
Everyone was so emotional during the whole trip, there were smiles and tears, funny moments and some stressful moments but we all went home more adventurous and knowing each other a little bit more. It turns that this was nice teambuilding! You should try it!
My exciting November tour in south-west Bulgaria was really nice and I strongly recommend it! What I actually have visited?
1. Rupite
I was traveling from my living city Sofia to Rupite. This is the region where the famous prophetess Baba Vanga has been living. People say the region is magical. It is under an inactive volcano. Baba Vanga’s life has changed here because of the energy around.
Baba Vanga’s home
Rupite
One day she falls into a storm. Really bad storm! After that storm, Baba Vanga is blind and starts seeing the energy of the people and their fortune.
Many books describe her life and her sayings for the Bulgarian future, for Europe, for the World! Most of the recently happened worldwide events were predicted by her. For example the Muslim wave in Europe!
Baba Vanga is unique and she has helped many people to have better lives.
Baba Vanga words
Being at her home, I expected to feel this strong energy! But I could only feel the sadness of the place. In fact, as a prophetess, Baba Vanga has had a really sad life. Can you imagine if you could know what will happen in your life! Everything! I think this is the worst curse.
Last words of Baba Vanga
In Rupite, the home of Baba Vanga, people are going to pray for health, for a better future, for help. It is a really magical place in fact. The belief of the people is everywhere!
2. Melnik
After spending about an hour and a half, the next destination is Melnik. Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria, famous for its wines and architecture. It the past, the city was one of the main trading centers. The trade was carried out with camels. Clothes, food, wine, spices and many more have been subjects of the active trade between Melnik and Europe. Today visiting the city can be a moment of pleasure. Wine tasting, good traditional food, and SPA are among the choices what to do in Melnik.
При Шестака
Kordopulov House
Kordopulov House
Kordopulov House
Kordopulov House
Kordopulov House
Traditional clothes
old Bulgarian instrument
Bulgarian cellar at Kordopulov House
After tasting of wine and a walk around the city, our next destination is Rozhen Monastery.
3. Rozhen Monastery
One of the oldest in Bulgaria, nice green areas, wooden furniture, and calmness.
Rozhen MonasteryRozhen Monastery
And the last stop – Sandanski!
4. Sandanski city
We used the chance to visit the city and to spend 2 amazing days inPirin Park Hotel. The SPA during the cold months is my favorite entertainment. It brings health and tonus in your life! Check my review of the hotel.
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
Barcelona has been amazing from the very first touch. We were landing and it was sunset time. The beautiful panoramic view from my plane window prepared me for one exciting week in Barcelona! Can’t wait to share with you!
Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona Fountain
The food, the music, the street dance, bikes around me, the breeze, the whole spirit is something I fell in love with! But let’s start from the beginning.
We used Airbnbto reserve our apartment Habitat Apartments. It is suitable for 2 couples/ 4 people. It is close to the city center and close to some of the most popular Gaudi’s houses. The restaurants around are one of the bests.
Smart Tip 1: It is much better to be outside of the city center during your stay. You can walk to the central areas. The reason is the main street is not the best choice to eat and to rest.
Barcelona is so colorful!
Smart Tip 2: If you use Airbnb, check what is the cleaning fee and the fee if you arrive later than the arranged hour – sometimes these fees can be unexpectedly huge.
Smart Tip 3: Plan in advance what you will visit during your stay in Barcelona! The city is so charming, there are plenty of architectural and historical places, some of them are far away from each other. Organizing what you will see during the day, will save your time and energy and you will have an enjoyable experience!
Not to be missed. Sharing my list 🙂
1. Casa Batlló and La Pedrera
Casa Battlló can be seen from the outside, there are benches you can sit on and admire the building just in front of it. Inside, there is no furniture and taking into consideration all the entrances you’ll pay during the next days, you can save money from this entrance. Of course, it is up to you and Gaudi is always charming, no matter which masterpiece you are visiting.
Casa Batlló in the night
Casa Batlló during the day
In front of Casa Batlló
La Pedrera is one of my favorite attractions. They have one of the best audioguides. It’s like you are in a fairy tale. The house is one of a kind and the symbolism is everywhere. You will see the four vital elements as parts of the house and many more… I strongly recommend this house to be visited even the entrance is 20 EUR. I will write my fairy tale in La Pedrera in a separate post soon! The house is so vital and inspiring!
In front of La Pedrera
La Pedrera – rooftop
Best Audio guide in Casa Mia
Gaudi’s Perfection
Rooftop view La Pedrera
2. The main street Las Ramblas and the most famous market La Boqueria
The main street is full of tourists, emotions, different languages and offers unexpectedly little streets you can take to escape from the crowd. In the past, it has been a flowing river here and that’s why you can notice the waves on the mosaic of Las Ramblas (representing the water element). The market La Boqueria is on Las Ramblas. Only Sunday is not working day for it. There you can find yourself exploding because of the delicious food you have tasted.
The waves on the mosaic of Las RamblasGothic Square
Patatas Bravas, Paellas, Gazpacho, Jamon Iberico, Calamari and seafood, Tortilla Espanola, Crema Catalana, Chorizo, and much more typical Spanish delicacy will make your day one of the best! The wines, of course, are the cherry on the cake! Saludos! Cheers!
3. All Squares has their own charm. Gotic Quarter. Columbus Monument.
Columbus monuments have to be observed by all 4 sides as the figures are quite nice. If you decide to go on the top of it, the panoramic view well worth it. The monument is on the first line of the sea. Another option is to enjoy this view from a cable car, which I did.
Columbus Monument
Smart Tip 4: Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, and The Columbus monument plus some nice squares around (The biggest Square is Plaza Catalunya at the beginning of Las Ramblas) can be good combination on your planning list as they are close to each other and basically you will follow the main street and will reach the seaside where is the Monument at the end.
Plaza CatalunyaLa Boqueria
4. Biking on the seaside + Ciutadella Park and Monument
Actually, this was one of the best choices we’ve been taken. Amazing way to discover the whole seaside, to refresh yourself, to visit the sightseeing around and to do some sport before the next portion of TAPAS and WINES. I truly enjoy this biking tour that we’ve organized for ourselves. I felt like Shakira who actually did her clip of “Loca Loca” song on the main seaside street. In the city center, you can easily rent bikes. It is cheap and saves your time.
The Aquarium is on the seaside as well and it is quite nice!
Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Lake
Smart Tip 5: If you don’t have much time to spend in Barcelona, definitely this is the way how you should explore the city.
Biking in Barcelona
Ciutadella Monument
Biking
5. Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s masterpiece!
Definitely, a must on your list. It is a symbol of the city, one of the most significant works of Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia has been building for many years and it is expected in 2021 to be finished. It represents an amazing symbolism and an unbelievable architecture. Gaudi has been a genius!
Sagrada Familia
At Nativity Tower
At Nativity Tower – going on the ground floor
Smart Tip 6: Book your ticket in advance to skip the queue. Saving slot for a certain hour of entering the building will give you 15 minutes to walk around and then you will need to follow your second slot on the ticket for one of the 2 Towers. Don’t be late for this second slot! After observing the Tower, you will have time to walk around the whole Basilica.
NB:The hours after lunchtime are better because the sunlight is going inside the Cathedral in a unique way! The photos will be better as well if taken during this time.
Smart Tip 7: When booking your ticket for Sagrada Familia, you will be requested to choose which of the 2 Towers you want to visit – the Passion or Nativity Tower. The choice is yours. The Passion tower is the new one, built after the Gaudi’s dead. It is without much ornamentation. The Nativity Tower is the older tower and the ornaments and symbolism are everywhere. Both towers are quite nice, but you need to choose one of them. There are no tickets that include both.
clover gate!
Passion Facade
Sagrada Familia’s ceiling
Nativity Facade
Colors everywhere
Sagrada Familia
Smart Tip 8: Take an audio guide for Sagrada Familia. Definitely worth it! Otherwise, you will skip most of the little details which are so interesting and hide history behind.
6. Park Guell
Nice park with lots of opportunities for fun, walks and relax. Nice alleys and you can spend 2 or more hours walking here. There is only one paid part of Park Guell, where you can see the famous mosaic of Gaudi and the famous Gaudi’s lizard.
Smart Tip 9: To be honest, you can save around 17 EUR for this paid part if you plan to visit other Gaudi’s things like houses, Sagrada Familia. Because this paid part is nothing really distinctive from his work done at La Pedrera or Sagrada Familia for example. It is nice of course and totally your choice.
Park Guell
7. Camp Nou
If you are a big football fan, then it totally worths to visit Camp Nou. For all the rest, the entrance is expensive – around 30 EUR and you can save some money for tapas and wines.
Camp NouDid you know Barcelona has quite a good handball team!?
8. Olympic Park and Montjuic Castle
The Olympic Park will be more interesting for people who like sports. Montjuic Castle is more related to local history. It is with nice architecture and beautiful view. Olympic Park and Montjuic Castle are close to each and should be considered to be visited together.
The Olympic Fire Place
Montjuic Hill
Montjuic Castle
9. Tibidabo – the translation of the name means
” I am giving to you”,
taken from The Bible. It represents the episode where the evil enchants.
Tibidabo is a hill with a beautiful church and an amusement park. The perfect place if you are with kids. In the church, you can see one of theBlack Madonnas. There are 400-500 Black Madonnas in Europe depending on how they are classified.
The Black Madonna at TibidaboTibidabo Amusement Park
What I missed was the Montserrat tour but I heard it is hot! Next time I am there and if you have time, don’t miss it!
This seems like the end of my Barsa experience. For now! I will definitely visit this city again! Maybe next summer!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
Nowadays we have a lot of choices about how to spend our vacation. The variety of options makes it a difficult decision. We need to spend time and energy before we are ready to travel to our next booked destination.
Let’s go to the topic. I spent amazing time in the SPA and Wellness paradise Pirin Park Hotel near the city of Sandanski. And I just can’t stand calm without sharing my great time here!
What should I start with? It’s a five-star hotel, ok! And the money worth! Nice welcome. Cool SPA zone, space for relaxing. Inside and outside pools. Bio sauna, aroma sauna, two different steam bathrooms with relaxing music and lights. Emotional tropical showers. Mineral water, a variety of massages and aroma therapies.
SPA in Pirin Park Hotel
They have two restaurants – Mediterranean and Balkan. Variety of fresh and delicious food. Breakfast included in most of the packages. The breakfast includes so many different ways to start the day with a smile. Healthy food. Good wines. Good quality of the service. Piano bar.
The hotel is orientated to families with kids. Nice area for them to play, to paint and to have a good time while their parents are relaxing.
I suggest taking a luxury room with a nice view of the terrace to the river. You will listen to the song of nature while drinking wine or coffee.
Definitely, a place to come back! Also, Sandanski city is a nice one. A green city with a cool park and Main Street with coffees, bars, shops.
Where the 5 🌟 deserves this rating, you can also thanks for the time, for the attitude and for the whole great staying.
Thank you Pirin Park Hotel, Sandanski. Dear friends and followers, if you are in Bulgaria and looking for your next destination – try something different. take your time to relax at Pirin Park Hotel.
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
There are many places in Bulgaria which can make you feel small. Assen’s Fortress is stunning! Vertiginous! The Historical Assen’s Fortress rises on a lonely marble rock above the Asenovgrad – Smolyan road.
First touch with Assen’s Fortress
Love the view from here!
Assen’s Fortress is a symbol of Rodopi mountain. It is part of the Golden Bulgarian Period when Bulgaria was on 3 seas – Black Sea; Ionian Sea; Aegean Sea. One of the most powerful Bulgarian kings – Tsar Ivan Asen II left entire historical epoch, to which everyone who decided to take a tour of Assen’s Fortress will inevitably be touched.
Assen’s Fortress will give you a clear idea of the medieval defensive system and the construction peculiarities of the fortification facilities. This Bulgarian proud is a must to see when traveling to Bulgaria and visiting Rodopi mountain!
I had a great extraordinary “visit” there. I was so happy to welcome our friends who were getting married! I am the Maid of Honor and the Best Man is my boyfriend.
Our friends are getting married! So proud of them! Aren’t they amazing!
The Bulgarian tradition states that the Best Man and the Maid of Honor welcome all guests of the wedding and together with the groom start the great adventure “Bulgarian wedding”. They should go and “steal” the bride.
We arranged to welcome all guests at Assen’s Fortress! It was an amazing experience. We were dressed in traditional Bulgarian clothes as a surprise.
Traditional Bulgarian clothes from Rodopi mountain
The traditions keep the spirit of each culture alive!
One of the most important guests at the wedding is with fur and a big heart!
At this very special day. Dressed in this beautiful traditional dress. At this massive Fortress. With so much Bulgarian spirit in the air. I felt so proud! Proud to be Bulgarian!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
Norway is a Scandinavian country and it is very intriguing for all travelers. Just before traveling to Norway, you should be prepared in advance for some Vikings habits and a way of life! Of course, it is totally worth to travel to Norway, to explore the mountains, to enjoy the Fjords! I write down for you 13 simple rules for Norway. Enjoy!
Breathtaking view from Bergen! Second biggest city in Norway.
Rule 1: Don’t need to wave and say “hello” to Norwegians. Greetings are considered fake gestures. They rarely greet each other at work.
Art on the street. Fairy tales are alive.
Rule 2: You are not from there and you will feel it at every step. But that’s fine. You will get used with it in a couple of days.
Nice view in Bergen. Colorful trees.
Rule 3: The summertime is during May, June, July. It doesn’t mean it will be hot. Some summer days can be easily turned into cold winter days. Pack your luggage smart. The Viking country is cold and green.
Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle in Bergen.
It is so green and fresh in Norway!
Rule 4: Everyone goes to the Fjords and/ or in the mountain. All you have to experience.
Rule 5: Don’t tell to locals that the Fjords are cool but you’ve seen cooler things. It is a National proud. The Fjord tours is the most touristic adventure in Norway. People from all over the world come here because of that. And the good advertising of it, of course.
Fjord tour
The emotions are always calm with this beautiful view.
Rule 6: It is hard to buy any kind of alcohol after 6 pm. There are strict restrictions. The wine should be bought only from e specialized shops till 6 pm again. In the bars and restaurants they can serve you alcohol till late hour but it is quite expensive.
KINN PILS – National Norwegian beer
Rule 7: Norway it is not on a budget destination. So enjoy it a lot!
Rule 8:The Norwegian kitchen is absolutely delicious. Fresh fish and seafood! A must try when you are there.
jubel – cheers in Norwegian
Rule 9: Take with you your credit card. Some of the services can be paid only by credit card and they are automated. For example in the parks, the WC should be paid only with credit card.
Rule 10:In the late hours of the night you will notice the Vikings have bad drunkenness. Be careful. Go out with friends, especially for the ladies! But they have nice clubs and the music is cool.
Rule 11:During the summer, you will enjoy the white nights. Extremely long days. I managed to be in Norway when it didn’t go dark at all for a week. You feel super energized and can spend many hours outside having fun and walking. During the winter it will be cold as hell and dark.
3 am in the morning
When the day is long, you have time enough to stay on the top of the mountain and just chilling!
Rule 12: Tromso, in Norway, is considered as the best point to watch the Northern lights. They have to be seen during the winter.
Rule 13:Norwegians like trolls, boats, submarines, biking, fish, beer, snow, rain, nature, The North Sea. Don’t ask why. It is just because they are born Vikings.
Trolls
wolf
My friend -the white bear!
Even from the picture, you can see the clean air.
Biking is one of the most popular activities in Norway!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
I didn’t travel the whole of Norway but Bergen is my best staying! It is an amazing city with World Heritage colorful wooden houses which are part of the UNESCO list. I’ve spent about a month in Bergen. I have experienced Fjords tour in the North Sea with a lot of snow and it was really cold and windy. Before my living from Bergen in June, it was summer already and I climbed on the top of the mountain nearby with shorts and short sleeves. The temperature during my stay varies from 5 to 30 degrees… But even on the north, the climate is warm because of The Gulf Stream. For Norway, you will need warm clothes no matter the season!
During the summer you will have plenty of time to walk around as it is the time of the white nights.
Sometimes I needed to go to the gym at 1 am because it was hard for me to sleep. But this is me, don’t worry. In the hotels, they have really cool curtains and you will never see the white nights through them. I stayed in Augustin Hotel. It is well priced but it has sweet rooms, perfect location close to the city center and close to nice areas to walk around the North Sea. The gym is ok and they have a really cool Winebar & Kitchen restaurant Altona! It is a really interesting place as they kept the very old architecture from the past, they serve nice wines and the food is extremely delicious!
The Norwegian kitchen is a must to try. On the Fishmarket in Bergen, you can eat the fresh seafood, they have plenty of different kinds of fishes. I tasted the food there and every time was a joyful moment!
Well, it is time to have some fun around Bergen! I will love to share what I managed to visit and what impressed me in this North pearl of Norway. Let’s go through my Top 10:
1. Bryggen – since 1979 has been on the UNESCO list for World Cultural Heritage sites. Why? Because of the beautiful old wooden houses – a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the Vågen harbor in Bergen. The houses are really old and even wooden they were protected from burning during the years. The area is magnificent, there are small shops with handmade stuff, Christmas shops and nice coffees and restaurants.
2. Fløyen – the closest mountain where you can get on the top and see the city from really cool perspective! There are a funicular and a cable car which can take you to the top for about 15-20 minutes. The price if you want to go up by funicular/ cable car is 270 NOK (28 EUR) for adults and 160 (17 EUR) NOK for children. I went there on a hot sunny day and I preferred to walk up. It takes me about 2 hours to reach the top and to go back. Personally, I found this way more enjoyable as on every corner there is a nice view, I can walk and breathe the fresh air of the mountain. I experienced the beautiful neighborhood on my way. It is up to you how you will reach the top, but it is totally worth it because of the view! Simply breathtaking! 3. St. John’s Church
4. Bergen Cathedral – There have been 5 fires here.
5. Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle. The locals go there for swimming and outdoor activities during the weekends. They play volleyball, do jogging and running, walking with dogs. It’s perfect for a picnic and relaxing.
6. The Akvariet – I missed this aquarium because I have experienced many others but for people who are new to this kind of attractions that can be a lot of fun!
7. Fjords tours – The Fjords are the biggest attraction in Norway. There are many opportunities and you will be able to see the longest Fjord, the widest… the deepest. Bergen is in a unique situation halfway between the two biggest fjords in Western Norway – The Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The Fjords in this region have been inscribed on UNESCO’s famous World Heritage List. Norwegian people say: “when you are in Norway you have 2 options – to go in the sea or to go to the mountain.” The Fjord tour combines both and it is a really cool experience. The prices of the Fjords’ tour varies from 1600 NOK to 2000 NOK per person for a day.
8. Bergen on foot – walking through the narrow streets and alleyways can be a lot of fun! The narrow idyllic streets are so romantic and sometimes with beautiful views of the North Sea. A great mix of residential houses, small shops, and cafes create a lovely relaxed urban atmosphere.
Bergen is a lovely city with musical and cultural events running all year and you can check what’s on the calendar next.
9. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains. Whenever you have a chance to get to one of them, it will be a lucky day! The freshness of the mountain is one of the best things I have experienced in Norway. Never ever feel the air in this way.
Now you are ready to go to Bergen! Enjoy and remember to take your credit card because sometimes this is the only option to pay here. A lot of services are automated in Norway and allow you to pay only by card. Including bathroom services.
Norway is an expensive country to be visited and never can be on a budget. Plan to spend money on your joyful moments there. And be happy!
Kisses!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
I was traveling for a whole day to reach my final destination Floro in Norway. And this was just the beginning of exploring the culture of the Vikings living in Norway!
Floro, Norway!
My route: Sofia ( Bulgaria) – Vienna ( Austria) – Oslo ( Norway) – Bergen (Norway) – Floro (Norway).
I reached Floro from Bergen by boat. And this was so cool because I could see some of the very popular and beautiful Fjords in Norway. They are really nice, it’s true! When possible try to travel by boat while in Norway because these Norwegian Fjords are quite beautiful and impressive.
Floro. Beautiful small town on the North Sea. Traveling to Floro can be organized with a flight from Oslo or Bergen. Another option is to get a boat to Floro. If you are in a hurry, you can take the fast boat. If you want to spend some more hours in the water, take the touristic boat. Taking some of the touristic tours will mean deeper exploration of many Fjords and amazing breathtaking mountain views.
The White House in the middle of the North Sea. On my way to Bergen from Floro!
It is not a rumor that the standard it’s high compared with many other European countries. The prices of the hotels are almost one and the same no matter of how north or east you are in Norway and the lowest fares in a good hotel can vary from 120 EUR to even 200 EUR per night. In the summer they get higher because of the high season. The high season is April, May, June when it is expected the weather to be a little more friendly and with more sun. During this period many cruises are organized for people all over the world and Norway is really full of tourists. The white nights are also happening during these months and I really like them!
Midnight in Floro during the summer!
One of the charming things about Floro is that this town is really local town, no tourists and really calm even during the high season.
Everything in Norway is well priced. In the stores, in the restaurants. Norway it’s not on a budget destination. But of course, the quality of almost everything is good. The food is delicious. They have really warm clothes and accessories. Plenty of Christmas ornaments and the traditional trolls figures everywhere.
Good news: The drinking water is free in Norway! It is fresh and super cool! And clean! And you can drink from the tap with no worries! It’s even recommended!
Cold, clean and beautiful. North Sea.
How about the weather? Yes, it is cold. And the local people are a bit cold especially at the beginning of a new conversation. But if you spent some time with the Norwegians, some of them can be nice.
Floro! The town is not a touristic place and the local people are not used to see many foreigners around. In the stores, they don’t have many touristic magnets and stuff and it is hard to make a gift from here.
Recommended hotels in Floro: Comfort Hotel & Quality Hotel. I stayed in Comfort Hotel and I can say it was fine for me, the gym is outside the hotel but it is a big one, the breakfast is super, it is clean and the relaxing area is nice. It is close to the center, close to supermarkets, close to restaurants. Quality hotel is just 5 minutes from Comfort Hotel.
What to see and what to do in Floro? Floro has incredibly beautiful nature! The nightlife is not something you can come for. It is a really calm city. Of course, there are small and big restaurants with beautiful views of the North Sea, also there are some pubs where you can taste local beer. The food is extremely delicious and you can taste different fishes and seafood. Be prepared to spend about 20 to 45 EUR per dish or even more if you gonna eat in a restaurant. A glass of wine is about 10 EUR and the beer almost the same.
Regular view from office building in Floro
Another usual view from office building in Floro
Feeling part of National Geografic!
The harbor is something every town in Norway should have. In Floro, the harbor area is quite nice. Many boats are coming and going and they bring the vitality of the town.
Floro’s Harbor
There is a town football team and you can watch some of their games. I had the chance to be a part of one. It is a good way to experience the Vikings’ spirit! I don’t watch football but I did enjoy the football game in Floro. Next, to the stadium, there is a beautiful path in the forest and of course I had a walk there. The air is so fresh, the trees so big, the forest was really impressive and massive. Everything is so green! It gives me the sense of freedom.
Watching the Vikings football game
Floro’s forest
I feel so small!
There are so many lakes in the city and there are areas where you can sit around them and have a lunch with champagne. You can even have your dinner outside in nature. You know in the summer the sun doesn’t go down or it goes but really lately. So the too many light hours give you more time to be outside on the mountain or in the North Sea.
If you wanna go on a beach, that’s not a problem. There is a nice sandy area, a barbeque can be organized there. It is called Sørstrand Folkepark. It is close to the airport but hidden in nature. In a good weather you can get some ten here and even go in the water, locals said. But that’s more for the locals. I felt cold all the time being in Floro and the wind is cold. Around this sandy beach area, there are some historical monuments from the Second World War. These German Bunkers are many in this area and there are some more in the Forest Area of Floro as well. If you like history, this can be something to explore.
Sørstrand Folkepark beach
Sørstrand Folkepark beach
Hiking is a very popular activity and there are organized hikes for tourists but you can also rent a bike yourself. I got a bike from my hotel Comfort Hotel for free, so you better check your hotel options first. It is a really nice experience. You are passing mountains and North Sea views are just wonderful. The vast mountain area is called Flora districtand offers good walking and hiking experience. On the south/ east side of Svanøy, there are many signposted footpaths and hiking paths. You better be in warm clothes!
Biking in Flora District
I strongly recommend doing the Brandsøyåsen Hiking. This is the highest peak in the Flora mountain area. It is reachable from Floro town. I can say it was a little extreme to reach this top, it was rainy and even some snow but the sun came up when I was at the top and the view took my breath.
Norway is a really different experience from any other European countries. It is the touch of the nature that gives you the sense of the powerful energy around. It is once in a lifetime experience to explore the culture, The North Sea, The Ocean, The Fjords, the beautiful forest in Norway.
Floro is just the start of one Norwegian adventure. I spent almost a month in Norway, so I am really excited to share more of what I’ve learned from the Vikings. Stay with me on the road!
Kisses!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
It’s been a great weekend spent in the nature of Mineralni bani village (region Haskovo, Bulgaria) and I am going to share more about it. With pleasure! The spring shows its beauty on every step, the views are just breathtaking… the green warm of the forest gently touches your senses…
ATV adventure with Moto Squirrels
I experienced an amazing ATV adventure with Мото Катерици/ Moto Squirrels(click on the name for Facebook). I got so much adrenaline and these guys from Moto Squirrels showed me so amazing paths in the forest. The start: Горно Брястово/ Gorno Bryastovo (in Minerlni bani village). My very first impression at the start: peak Garvanica, or called by the locals the hill “horn” because of its shape. It is an old Thracian terrain close to Mineralni bani village. The hill keeps secrets from the past and the human touch is stamped in the stones. Can be notices even nowadays.
Time for photos. Shtrak! 🙂
Before I even realize what is about to happen I am on the whirl of a cool Kawasaki Brute Force 300 (2018) and the route is unbelievable! I feel the off-road passion in my blood and the wind blows my hair about . All the stress is gone with the wind. I feel so relaxed and I truly enjoy the moment! Moto Squirrels gave me professional equipment and I feel comfortable with it and at the same time protected. The equipment protects the upper body, back, arms, shoulders; I have helmet and glasses, and the mud splashes are not a problem at all.
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Share the adventure with a friend!
The route starts a little extremely and we cross a mountain river. Then we speed up and I can feel the power of the ATV machine. WoW! The road is wonderful, green, mud splashes, emotions, birds’ songs, incredible views, sun. We pass a green lake with beautiful tree in front. We have stops for relaxing, taking pictures and just enjoying the nature. Then we pass the area called Юртите/ Yurtite. There is а stone fountain with fresh water. Later on the road, I got the courage to switch with my boyfriend and to take the ride. I push the throttle gently and the joy is in my blood. Off-road emotion! Our guide was super cool and the whole experience was really exciting!
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5835.
DCIM100GOPROGOPR5831.
Kawasaki Brute Force 300, 2018
My turn now!
We are on the way back, a little tired and with big smiles. These two hours adventure were awesome! Special thanks to Moto Squirrels and our guide. We promised to ourselves to come again for a ride.
Me, myself and I posing…
We had a delicious dinner in a local restourant in Mineralni bani village and suddenly we fell asleep. Amazing weekend in Mineralni bani ( Haskovo).
Perfect equipment!
If you are passionate about off-road adventures and want to get some adrenaline emotions, to discover new places and enjoy the beauty of the Rodopi mountain – I strongly recommend you ATV adventure with Moto Squirrels.
Special thanks to Мото Катерици and to the spring because it’s so beautiful!
3. St. John’s Church
5. Gamlehaugen – historical royal castle. The locals go there for swimming and outdoor activities during the weekends. They play volleyball, do jogging and running, walking with dogs. It’s perfect for a picnic and relaxing.
travellifestory 