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Go Viking in Norway's fjord region

How to feed your inner Viking in Norway’s fjord region
By: Jacqueline Kehoe

Photo: Visit Flam/Sverreh Jornevik

In winter, shadows fall on Norway’s fjords. They get darker. Rawer. Grittier. And — most importantly — wilder. This is the land of Vikings, and this is their season. Are you ready to experience it? Are you ready to “Go Viking”?

Fortunately, the region is much easier to access than it was in centuries past. In the US, you’ll find direct flights to larger Norwegian cities like Bergen and Oslo, where the fjords are just a beautiful train ride away; there are also direct flights to smaller Fjord Norway hubs like Stavanger from many major European airports like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Paris. What you’ll encounter once you get here has changed a bit since Viking times as well (think more street art and world-class cuisine) — the unrivaled beauty of the land, however, has not.

But Norway’s coast is long and its mountains vast. Where does one begin? We’ve highlighted six areas of Fjord Norway that hold particularly true to the Viking spirit, where winter adventure is always just around the corner. Consider this your “Viking Season” itinerary.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Fjord Norway.






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Sognefjord



















Kaupanger






Fjord safari






Balestrand



The Sognefjord is tangible evidence of the power of nature. Traveling here is surprisingly easy…though that doesn’t mean you should rush through this region of spectacular glacial fjords. Such a colossal landscape can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but venturing into the unknown of the Sognefjord makes for the greatest of adventures.

The experience: The Nærøyfjord is nature running free. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, winter actually makes its waters clearer: They take on light teal and azure shades that expose, at the shallowest points, what’s not seen in summer: a carpet of starfish. An eco-friendly boat tour or an open-air RIB safari on the Nærøyfjord is an experience not to be missed. For something more involved, check out the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour, which includes a ride on the super-scenic Flåm Railway.

The taste: The Cider House, in Balestrand. Their orchard produces 100+ fruit varieties every year, most of which are transformed into Sognefjord cider, brandy, or juice. Be sure to go inside — the restaurant exterior is made largely of glass, and the view of the water is a scene-stealer. (Pro tips: Pair your drink with some of that famous brown cheese from Undredal. And in winter, book in advance.)

The snapshot: Located between two of Norway’s mammoth national parks, Jotunheimen and Breheimen, is the fjord village of Årdal. Get their early in the day to beat winter’s afternoon sunset, and then hook up with Bulder & Brak Adventures for an unforgettable winter kayak adventure. It’s an otherworldly experience that will score you some otherworldly Instagram shots. Snowshoe hiking around Årdal is another solid option (remember to book in advance).

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Photo credits: Chris Holter/Norrøna, Sverre Hjørnevik/www.fjordnorway.com, and Shutterstock/Nickolay Stanev







Flåm






















Stegastein Viewpoint






Flåm Railway






Snowshoe hike at Aurland mountain






Ægir Brewery



Flåm isn’t a secret. In the summer months, it’s one of the country’s busiest ports of call. But come “Viking Season,” the streets are quieter, the waters empty save the views, and roaring fires light up and warm the night.

The experience: The Flåm Railway, one of the most beautiful train rides anywhere, starts right here at its namesake station, running 12 miles up (and up and up) to Myrdal. Once you tire of simply looking at the mountains, hit ’em with your skis at Myrkdalen, one of the snowiest places in the country. This is the best of both worlds.

The taste: Order the Viking Plank (and a flight!) at the Ægir Brewery. It’s five tapas-sized courses of some of the best Neo-Nordic cuisine in existence (vegetarians can also indulge), each paired with a different beer — a Viking’s favorite drink. Even beyond the exquisite presentation, it’s the kind of meal you’ll remember for years to come.

The snapshot: Not far from Flåm is the Stegastein viewpoint, one of the most famous in the country. It hangs precipitously over the Aurlandsfjord, and the stunning view doesn’t even require a sweaty hike to access (though the snowshoe tour is worth it if you have the time).

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Photo credits: Sverre Hjørnevik/www.fjordnorway.com, Gjertrud Coutinho, Sverre Hjørnevik/www.fjordnorway.com, and Kaitlin Bailey/www.fjordnorway.com







Bergen






















Bergen Christmas Market






Lysverket






Bryggen






Bergen from Fløyen



Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and the “Gateway to the Fjords,” could almost be mistaken for Seattle. Coastal and cloudy, young and painfully hip, immersed in nature — both mountains and the sea. But Seattle is a sophomore to Bergen’s senior, the cobbled European city wizened and serene.

The experience: Bryggen, the district with the old, colorful merchant houses along the harbor, was designated a UNESCO site in 1979 (only 900 years after the city was founded, at the end of the Viking Age). Be sure to come both during the day and at night — in darkness, the golden lights start at Bryggen and climb up the hillside to the sky.

The taste: Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. For the most iconic taste of Neo-Fjordic cuisine, beeline it to the minimalist and ultra-local Lysverket. Then stop at the OSS Craft Distillery, just south of the city. This is where Bareksten gin is distilled, waiting for you to decide for yourself if it truly is the “world’s best gin.” Or, for an even more epic dining experience, check out Fjord Cuisines, a fjord safari that ends with bonfire-prepared seafood.

The snapshot: Walk around the picturesque Nordnes neighborhood. Hop on the Beffen ferry to catch the city from the water. Climb up Mount Ulriken or Mount Fløyen. Visit the Fish Market or Gamle Bergen (straight outta the 1700s). Or use Bergen as your starting point for a Norway in a Nutshell winter tour and take your camera to the fjords.

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Photo credits: Bergen Tourist Board/Robin Strand, Kaitlin Bailey/www.fjordnorway.com, www.fjordnorway.com, and Christer Ronnestad







Stavanger



















Preikestolen






Color street






Stavanger waterfront



It’s been decades since Norway’s oil boom ended, and the former petroleum hub of Stavanger is settling nicely into a more complex identity. Here, you’ll come across a unique juxtaposition of architecture: one of Europe’s largest (and best-preserved) wooden settlements, modern Nordic design, historic cathedrals and harbor buildings, and Mother Nature’s contribution just to the east: the tremendous Lysefjord.

The experience: The city is smack dab in prime Viking territory. Check out the Museum of Archaeology (where you’ll see actual artifacts from actual raids and burials), explore the 12th-century cathedral, and then fast forward to the circa-1700s Old Town. Finish up with a bit of modernism by wandering the alleys of street art — some of the country’s best.

The taste: Stavanger is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: RE-NAA and Sabi Omakase. Each will hand you their version of the city on a plate.

The snapshot: First? Check out the manmade hues of Stavanger’s “Color Street” (it’s full of hip cafes, bars, and restaurants). Second? Soak in the colors of nature, cruising on the Lysefjord to Preikestolen, aka Pulpit Rock. To do more than see it from below, make the 3.7-mile round-trip hike to the top.

Photo credits: Outdoorlife Norway, Radoslaw Zukowski, and Eduardo Grund.







Loen






















Loen Skylift






View from the top






Snowshoeing on Mount Hoven






Hotel Alexandra



The village of Loen and the surrounding area is home to some of the oldest farms in the entire country. It sits at the Nordfjord’s eastern-facing cul-de-sac, just below the Jostedalsbreen glacier, begging the question: Did those first farmers choose this spot for the views?

The experience: The Loen Skylift. It’s an aerial tramway that soars above the Nordfjord, terminating at the top of Mt. Hoven. Its 60° gradient makes it one of the steepest tramways in the world. (Dare we say it also has the best views?)

The taste: The Hoven Restaurant, at the top of Mount Hoven, is remarkably tasty — don’t skip out before the whiskey-marinated cloudberries arrive. Otherwise, Hotel Alexandra has been the place to stay in Loen since 1884. If you can, grab reservations to wine and dine in their 22-person restaurant, Markus Winecellar.

The snapshot: Once you’re at the top of Mount Hoven, you’ve got a million photo opps. Apart from the obvious — just gaping open-mouthed at the incredible view of the Nordfjord — you can also sled, snowshoe hike, or just walk around the snowy trails. Afterward, head back down to the fjord to ice skate. You can take a selfie while nailing a triple Axel, right?

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Photo credits: Loen Skylift, Bård Basberg/Loen Skylift, and Hotel Alexandra







Hardangerfjord



















Trolltunga






Eidfjord






Voringsfossen Waterfall



Home to the second-longest fjord in Norway, the Hardangerfjord region brings its own set of wild winter adventures. This is the land of glaciers, roaring waterfalls, adorable fruit farms, and that famous daredevil rock, Trolltunga.

The experience: In winter, the orchards freeze and everything becomes still. Visiting the Hardangerfjord this time of year means snowshoeing to frozen waterfalls, dining on Neo-Nordic cuisine by bonfire in a traditional lavvu, and slowing down to the speed of the snowfall.

The taste: The Hardangerfjord is home to idyllic little villages like Jondal, Lofthus, and Rosendal, all with cozy food scenes. Ulvik and Lofthus especially have farms where you can do a cider tasting — a regional specialty.

The snapshot: From what vantage point do you photograph geologic perfection? If Trolltunga isn’t an option (due to weather or otherwise; either way, you can’t make this hike in winter without a guide), scout out Vøringsfossen waterfall in Eidfjord — it’s one of the most famous in the entire country. The best way to get to either? The Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell tour. (If you opt for this tour, make a stop at Voss for a snowy adventure around the frozen waterfall, and don’t skip the wind tunnel…it feels just like you’re parachuting.)

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Photo credits: www.fjordnorway.com, Heidi Kvamsdal, and Shutterstock/Kataleewan Intarachote

Flying from the US? Norwegian and SAS offer direct flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and San Francisco to Olso, from where you can hop on one of Fjord Tour’s Nutshell itineraries. KLM has several daily flights from Amsterdam to Stavanger and Bergen, or you can get there from Copenhagen on SAS — both hubs have great connections to the US. And heads up, New Yorkers! Starting spring 2019, Norwegian offers direct flights from Stewart International to Bergen.










This post is proudly produced in partnership with Fjord Norway.

The post How to feed your inner Viking in Norway’s fjord region appeared first on Matador Network.

Irish music students sing on plane

These travelers from London, England, to Killarney, Ireland, got a heavy dose of Irish culture even before landing. While it normally might be annoying to share a flight with people who won’t stop humming or singing under their breath, we’re pretty jealous we couldn’t experience first-hand the talents of this music class from St. Brendan’s College in Killarney, as they broke into an Irish song concert during their Ryanair flight.

The music school posted the video on YouTube, and so far it’s been viewed over 123,000 times.

They performed “Step It Out Mary,” followed by “Red is the Rose.” It wasn’t just a vocal performance, either. A few took out their instruments, and two went full Riverdance in the aisle. Far from being annoyed, passengers can be seen smiling and recording the performance with their cell phones. And Ryanair didn’t exactly flash the seatbelt sign and tell the kids to be quiet — it posted on its Twitter page praising the show.

The music class from St Brendan’s College in Killarney had their Irish trad instruments with them on yesterday's flight from London Stansted to Kerry

California to experience super bloom

Rain in California brings a pretty cool silver lining — an epic wildflower season.

The rain and storms that have hit the sands of San Diego’s eastern desert this winter are already bringing early blooms (sand verbena, sunflowers, and desert lilies) to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, as reported by Ernie Cowan for The San Diego Union-Tribune. And the conditions point to possible a super bloom as spring approaches.

The most recent super bloom in California occurred in 2017 and was so intense you could see it from space.

Super blooms are generally only seen every five to 10 years in the area, so another one so soon would truly be a welcome spectacle. Kathy Dice, superintendent of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, told Travel & Leisure that “morning is prime time” to see the bloom. She added that the desert is known for its wide variety of flora. “100 different types of flowers,” she said. “It’s very colorful.”

If you’re planning on taking a day trip to the desert to witness the phenomenon, Dice advises you to drive a few miles away from the park’s main gate to avoid crowds. You’re also likely to see a greater variety of flowers there, like brown-eyed primrose, little gold poppies, and fields of desert sunflowers. You should get there soon after blooming occurs, though, before the caterpillars hatch and feast on the flowers.

Check the park’s official wildflower update page for current flower reports, conditions, and other information. There’s even a map you can use for a self-guided flower tour.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: The 5 best places to see spring blossoms in their peak

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KGB museum opens in NYC

Not many people want to relive the Cold War, but there’s no doubt that the KGB — the infamous Soviet security agency — was, and still is, a topic of fascination for many Americans. For aficionados of Cold War history, the new KGB Spy Museum in New York City, which contains thousands of artifacts related to the secret agency’s rise, is a must-see.

Even for those who don’t exactly consider themselves historians, the museum may prove interesting in light of current events, which have thrust Russian intelligence into the forefront of the news cycle. The museum was founded by Julius Urbaitis and his daughter, Agne Urbaityte, the result of over 30 years of collecting. Urbaitis first became fascinated by spy history when he came across a listening device that belonged to Adolf Hitler.

The museum doesn’t gloss over the KGB’s controversial history, either. Far from it. There’s even an interactive mock-interrogation exhibit where visitors can sit in a room with a KGB-uniformed mannequin and get tied to a chair. A general rule as you proceed through the museum — if it looks authentic, it probably is. You’ll find lamps taken directly from the desk of Stalin and the original doors from a KGB prison. Glass displays showcase the KGB’s surveillance tactics, like embedded lenses and bugs in various household objects.

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Vitali Baganov, the actor who played a Russian gangster in The Sopranos and starred in the TV show The Americans, even visited the Spy Museum recently and recorded a brief video expressing his support.

Guided walking tours cost $43.99, but if you want to show yourself around, the cost is $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Children under six can enter for free. The museum is located at 245 West 14th Street in New York City and is open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

H/T: The New York Times

More like this: The 7 most incredible museums to visit in 2019

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Snowmobiling in British Columbia

You like rockets? Well, similar to NASA calling, this is the way Canadians hurtle themselves across (a snowy) space. Gently squeeze that throttle, feel the overpowering torque of the sleigh between your thighs, loudly ripping across the sweet powdery slopes. Roar. Braaap. Laugh. Scream with joy. This is winter in British Columbia, the new snowmobiling capital of the world.

Snowmobiling is an incredible rush, and it’s crazy risky — and there’s no better place to try it than in the powder-filled ski towns of British Columbia, where it’s becoming more popular than ever. If you have the guts to give it a go, here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about snowmobiling in BC.

What is snowmobiling?

Photo: Globe Guide Media Inc/Shutterstock

Snowmobiling is as Canadian as cheesy poutine and pond hockey. Canadians buy a third of the world’s snowmobiles every year. Up here in BC, local clubs rev up thousands of snowmobiles each winter to enjoy the thrills of riding a tracked machine. You sit on a long, padded cushion seat atop a brilliantly designed steel frame that encases the rubber track, which provides traction on trails and deep powder laps. Don’t worry, the front engine provides plenty of juice to propel you across both snow and ice.

What was once a tool for work and transportation in communities with limited accessibility in winter has now become a regular, everyday sliding joy for many — and the growth of participation in “sledding,” as it’s called, has taken off faster than the full-throttle horsepower under their feet.

But listen up. Although snowmobiling is adrenaline-inducing, it’s critical you pay serious attention when it comes to these wild horses. Be safe and develop your skills before freaking pinning it. Be wise with both riding and snow safety awareness; they go hand-in-hand. You must heed Avalanche Canada’s forecasts and, most importantly, begin sledding with guides first and experienced friends after that.

Your guide will share safe riding skills and handling tips, and they’ll point out important local signage. Many areas are closed to riding in order to protect the wildlife and national parks, or they’re being reserved for non-motorized use. That being said, let’s go ride the goods. Here’s where to do it.

The Powder Highway — Fernie and Golden, BC

Photo: Rocky Mountain Riders Snowmobile Tours and Rentals/Facebook

The Powder Highway loops through British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains, connecting some of the best small, hardcore ski resorts in North America. One of those Powder Highway stops, Fernie, is famous for legendary powder. That powder also makes it a sledder’s happy place. This is snow globe time, where an expansive groomed trail network leads to a variety of alpine bowls, ridge riding, and myriad natural terrain parks. Take a snowmobile clinic with Weir Boondocking and learn to handle your pocket rocket from pros.

There’s something about Golden, BC, that screams, “RIDE HERE.” Maybe it’s because when you drive down a main street, you’ll see it lined with snowmobile-towing pickup trucks. They kind of give away the secret that you’ve landed in piston paradise. Check out the Kicking Horse snowmobile tours at Rocky Mountain Riders to get that taste. Feel like forested trails or shooting for the moon — straight up to the sky? There are snowy, rideable peaks aplenty here.

Mining history — Wells, BC, and the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail

Photo: District of Wells/Facebook

Going into the heart of central British Columbia, here lies a vast expanse of trees, ranges of peaks, and the real feeling of discovery. Wells is just a bit off the beaten path, but who can resist hanging with the wild folk, old timers, miners, cowboys, and dirtbags who gather, ride, and share one heck of a beautiful spot? Wells, British Columbia, probably doesn’t ring a bell, but it should. It’s got a bonanza of trails. Some of those paths head to the high country, some lead to powder-filled meadows, and others to forgotten structures from mining-town days gone by.

For a deeper dive into BC’s mining past, strike it rich on the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail. Few long trails have so much history; each bend unfolds a tale. Be a pioneer, sled the gold rush trail, and follow the 1850s miners’ trail across high passes, through densely forested valleys, and into alpine snow-filled basins. Some places still show tunnels of hope along this 280-mile winter journey of a lifetime.

The northern wilderness — Smithers, British Columbia

Photo: Harvey Mountain Adventures Ltd./Facebook

Smithers, British Columbia, is a place where a tremendous refresh happens, where you can feel like you are all alone in your own winter wonderland. Flakes feel sweeter here, along miles of mountain trails that fork into endless alpine or leave you to your own private snow bowl. Go with Harvey Mountain Adventures as they’ll show you a good time, northern style.

Going coastal — Whistler, BC

Photo: Blackcomb Snowmobile/Facebook

Right next to the largest ski resort in North America, limitless sledding is calling. You’ll find something for every age and rider level here, from cabins and campfires to fondue dinners after spinning your treads. There are miles of riding options from alpine to valley floor. Go guided: Check out Whistler’s array of snowmobile adventures — like the folks at Blackcomb Snowmobile — and let the friendly, caring team introduce you to a classic Canadian adventure.


More like this: You can bike your way down this beer trail in British Columbia

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Things to do in the Galapagos

The Galapagos giant tortoise is so big that it’s started to overshadow all that’s great about its home islands. Not that the rep is undeserved — this chain of volcanic islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean is the only place you’ll see these big guys in the wild. And they’re definitely worth seeing, if for no other reason than to appreciate the effort it took to bring them back.

But there’s a lot more to a place so abundant in biodiversity Charles Darwin anchored much of his theories to what he found here. We took a trip down to the Galapagos Islands with Intrepid Travel, which runs a number of different in-depth, highly localized adventures to the islands, and found that from swimming with penguins to hiking volcanoes to drinking craft beer on the beach, the Galapagos makes for one of the most unusual and naturally impressive vacations in the world.

1. Stroll and swim with iguanas and sea lions.

Photo: Laura Grier

The most unique part of the Galapagos Islands is their abundance of wildlife — and how close animals will get to you. Because the entire archipelago is a national park, animals haven’t experienced human harassment and have absolutely no fear. So you’ll find yourself stepping over wild sea lions on the street like they were passed out drunks from the night before. Or eating lunch by the beach as a black and red marine iguana wanders up looking for scraps like a stray cat.

In the water, the story is the same. My first day I snorkeled along a beach called La Loberia on the island of San Cristobal, where I found myself following sea lions and massive sea turtles for an entire afternoon. Later on the island of Floreana, we reached an empty cove where we sped around with brightly colored marine iguanas, turtles, and even a handful of Galapagos penguins.

2. Watch blue-footed boobies and other rare birds.

Photo: Laura Grier

Darwin’s most famous Galapagos observation involved finches that evolved with different beaks to survive the varying terrain of the different islands. But they’re far from the only birds here. The electric-blue features of the blue-footed booby are probably the most noticeable, with over a third of the world’s population living here. You’ll also see Earth’s biggest colony of red-footed boobies, as well as the largest concentration of Nazca boobies.

Even if you’d rather fight crowds at Costco on a Saturday than go birding, it’s hard not to be impressed by great and magnificent frigate birds; those are the species names, not just adjectives, and their wingspans can reach over seven feet. You’ll also find albatross that learn to fly in the Galapagos then don’t return to land for years, as well as herons, egrets, and massive Galapagos hawks.

3. Sip craft beer with a view of the ocean.

Photo: Santa Cruz Brewery/Facebook

Yes, the spectacular nature and friendly animals are nice, but after a full day out in the sun taking iguana selfies, sometimes you just wanna relax with a cold beer. Like the rest of the world, the Galapagos is fully onboard the craft beer train, and you can grab a local Endemic lager at most stores and seaside bars for $5. It has a sort of sweet, wheaty taste, not unlike Iron City, and pairs well with pizza.

But if you’re jonesing for Giant Jenga and IPA flights, the Galapagos has that too. Right along the main drag in the islands’ largest city, Santa Cruz, you’ll find its namesake Santa Cruz Brewery, a two-story brewhouse where you can sample island-made craft beer, then take it out onto balconies that overlook Charles Darwin Avenue and the Pacific Ocean.

4. Hike to the top of a volcano.

Photo: sunsinger/Shutterstock

The Galapagos are all volcanic islands, formed millions of years apart and slowly sinking into the ocean. And many volcanoes on the islands are still active. On Isla Isabela, you’ll find five volcanoes including Volcan Wolf, the highest point in the islands, and Sierra Negra, the most recent to erupt last July. Hike a couple miles and you can stand at the top of its caldera, peering into the still-steaming bottom where the river of lava flowed.

The view across the caldera is a spectacular landscape of black rock and rising steam stretching to the horizon. A hike along the rim gives you multiple viewpoints of the geography before branching off into a steep walk through lava fields to the tops of some smaller volcanoes. Those calderas are filled with rock that shines bright red, purple, blue, and even green at times from the minerals that lie within.

5. Sample some of the best coffee in the world.

Photo: 1835 Coffee Lab/Facebook

Equatorial countries are never lacking when it comes to java, and on these tiny islands, you’ll find some absolutely spectacular coffee. Even the basic drip coffee in the hotels is good, but stroll along Charles Darwin Avenue in Santa Cruz and you’ll find tiny coffee shops doing gourmet pour overs and coffee-based cocktails. One of the biggest is OMG Galapagos; you’ll forgive the name when you taste the coffee and take a picture with the statue of Darwin drinking coffee in the courtyard.

Right across the street, you’ll find the 1835 Coffee Lab, which sells its coffee all over town in souvenir shops but is best experienced in pour over. The baristas will let you smell the beans from jars on the counter, then custom-make each cup. It’s not a quick experience, but in the islands all you have is time.

6. Dive with hammerhead sharks.

Photo: Andy Deitsch/Shutterstock

Though surface-swelling travelers might not know it, the Galapagos Islands are right up there with the Great Barrier Reef and the Maldives as lifelong dreams for experienced divers. So if you’re not certified, it may be worth getting that done if you’re making a trip to the islands. In addition to the aforementioned marine iguanas, penguins, turtles, and sea lions, the Galapagos is also a prime place to swim with hammerhead sharks.

Though not the rarest sharks in the world, they are some of the most unusual, and even after nearly 20 years of diving, the afternoon I spent swimming among schools of them was the coolest thing I’ve ever done underwater. The same day we also saw dolphins swimming in a different spot, manta rays, eagle rays, and plenty of colorful fish. While the wildlife above the surface is unique, getting below the water is the best way to appreciate the other half of the Galapagos’s stunning biodiversity.

7. Kayak through untouched nature.

Photo: Ppito00/Shutterstock

Though the waters in between the Galapagos Islands can be treacherous, each island features bays and coves where the water is still, and you can easily paddle a sea kayak along the untouched coastline. On a particularly hot and sunny afternoon our group took kayaks through Tortuga Bay where, yes, there were turtles. But also an empty white-sand beach with red marine iguanas and sea lions lounging around. And when we needed to cool off, the shoreline had plenty of mangrove forests to go explore and enjoy the shade.

8. Relax with a drink on a perfect and empty beach.

Photo: Marie Campbell/Intrepid Travel

The beach at Tortuga Bay wasn’t the only mostly deserted beach in the Galapagos. On the island of Floreana — population 100 — you’ll find large stretches of black-sand beach with views out to the nearby islands on a clear day. On Isla Isabela, you can bum around the long stretches of white-sand beach with nothing but volcanoes behind you.

Here you’ll also find a strip of bars along the sand full of hammocks, volleyball nets, and some of the grandest sunsets in the world. Drinks aren’t cheap, like you might find at similar spots in Central or South America, but they are fully worth the price to send pictures to your friends back home of your life in this tropical paradise.

9. Eat the freshest seafood in South America.

Photo: Ekaterina McClaud/Shutterstock

Bold statement, yes, but the fish market along Charles Darwin Avenue in Santa Cruz isn’t just a creative way of making the tourist drag smell “authentic.” It’s literally where the restaurants lining said tourist drag get all their seafood from the fisherman arriving after a long morning on the water. The nightly specials change based on what comes in, but the lobster is a can’t-miss and will be available almost every night. The ceviches are also phenomenal, each one tasting clean, fresh, and cold, perfect for lunch under the hot equatorial sun.

10. Send a postcard from the world’s most unusual post office — and bring one home in return.

Photo: Laura Grier

Along the lava caves and black-sand beaches of Floreana, you’ll find Post Office Bay, a ramshackle collection of signs around a heavily decorated barrel that’s been distributing mail for nearly 200 years. The barrel — or an earlier incarnation of it — was started by whalers who would leave mail at this remote spot for sailors to pick up and deliver to their families around the early 1800s.

Today, it’s home to literally thousands of postcards addressed to people around the world. Stop in and leave one of your own, then search the inventory to see if one might be addressed to someone near you. It’s a system just begging for a romantic-comedy plot and doesn’t even require a stamp.


More like this: 12 pro-tips for visiting the Galápagos Islands you need to know

The post 10 things you can do in the Galapagos Islands other than look at tortoises appeared first on Matador Network.

Hitler paintings on sale in Berlin

Update: Since original publication, police in Berlin have seized the paintings, believing them to be fake, according to the BBC. Berlin police tweeted that they had opened an inquiry into “attempted fraud” and “falsification of documents”. No arrests have been made. 

Those less concerned with artistic quality and more with historic significance may soon be bidding on these paintings by former Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. Created in the early 20th century, when Hitler was still an aspiring artist, these watercolors depict three bucolic scenes: mountain peaks, quiet rivers, and a man sitting calmly under a bending tree. According to auctioneers the paintings have no artistic value but may still sell for thousands of euros due to the artist’s infamy.

Photo: Kloss Auktionshaus

Heinz-Joachim Maeder, a spokesperson for the Kloss auction house in Berlin, told Reuters, “If you walk down the Seine and see 100 artists, 80 will be better than this. The value of these objects and the media interest is because of the name at the bottom.”

Before World War I, Hitler tried to make a living as a painter in Munich, producing dozens of postcards and paintings. His broader dream of becoming an artist was thwarted, however, when he twice failed the entrance exam for the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. Although Hitler later ordered his artworks to be destroyed, several hundred still exist, many of which are held by the US army. Others live in the private collections of individuals and museums.

Photo: Kloss Auktionshaus

In 2014, a watercolor of a registry office in Munich sold for $148,000, and in 2009, a collection of 13 paintings was sold for $147,000.

While many art collectors may steer clear of these paintings, both for their lack of quality and their tragic associations, strong demand is expected for these works. Bidders in the UK, Scandinavia, the US, and Russia are reported to be highly interested.

H/T: BBC

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The post Berlin police seize “fake” Hitler paintings that were being auctioned appeared first on Matador Network.

Horses dead amid Australian heatwave

Heatwaves aren’t just tough on people and crops — they can also be devastating to animals that don’t have an easy way of cooling off. This unfortunate reality reared its ugly head last week when rangers in Australia found about 40 horses dead near a dried-up watering hole. The tragic deaths came in the midst of a sweltering heatwave in South Australia, which saw temperatures rise as high as 117 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a new record.

In Alice Springs, where the horses were found dead of dehydration, temperatures have remained that high at nearly 42 degrees above the January average. Rangers found the horses after being alerted to their absence by the local community. Ralph Turner, a local resident, described the scene as “carnage” after visiting the site. “I was devastated,” he told the BBC. “I’d never seen anything like it — all the bodies. I couldn’t believe something like that had happened.” The local city council has arranged a culling of the remaining horses, which were found close to death. An additional 120 feral horses, donkeys, and camels from a nearby community are also scheduled to be culled since many are dying from thirst.

Unfortunately, this probably isn’t the last we’ll see of incidents like this. Central Land Council director David Ross said in a press release, “With climate change well and truly upon us, we expect these emergencies to occur with increasing frequency and nobody is truly prepared and resourced to respond to them.” Indeed, according to the UN’s 2018 emissions gap report, Australia’s climate policy has not improved, and emission levels for 2030 are already projected to exceed the target.

H/T: BBC

More like this: Earth only has 12 years to curb global warming, according to UN report

The post Forty horses found dead near dried-up watering hole during Australian heatwave appeared first on Matador Network.

Best vacations for introverts

Crowded tourist sites, shared dorm rooms, and big group tours are not the ideal situations for introverts when traveling. The good news is that there are plenty of options out there for those looking for peace, isolation, space, or to make deep personal connections, and many things in between. From staying in a monk’s cell in Italy to windswept walking in the Scottish Highlands, here are a range of vacations that might appeal to the introverted traveler.

1. Take a train ride through Switzerland.

Photo: gevision/Shutterstock

Some people might see a train ride as just a way to get from A to B, but others love the idea of gazing out the window for hours on end, watching the landscape change. A long train journey is also the perfect excuse to spend hours getting caught up in a good book. One of the most scenic train journeys in the world is surely the Bernina Express in Switzerland. The four-hour journey takes you through tunnels and across bridges, past sheer waterfalls and alpine scenery, and over the 7,000-foot Bernina Pass. The giant panoramic windows make scenery gazing so attractive that you might not even get round to picking up your book.

2. Walk the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast.

Photo: Roman Babakin/Shutterstock

Summer on the Amalfi Coast means throngs of people filling the flower-adorned streets and sandy beaches of its coastal towns. But high above all the bustling confusion, a walking path runs along the cliff tops, affording magnificent vistas of shimmering azure seas far below. There’s no better feeling for an introvert than standing alone in the midst of nature, knowing that you’ve left the hubbub and crowds far behind. Small villages along the route are a far cry from the tourist traps down by the beach, so there’s no danger of being pestered by restaurant hawkers or souvenir sellers when you stop for a break.

3. Simply “be” in the Indian Himalayas.

Photo: DR Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock

If remoteness is what you’re looking for, then the Indian Himalayas will not disappoint. Shakti is a holiday company that takes guests to secluded areas of the Himalayas. Its experiences include trekking to the villages, where you can be sure no emails or calls from the outside world will reach you, and spending plenty of time to just soak up the mountainous surroundings. This is small groups only, so it’s also a less pressurized environment in which to make friends.

4. Attend a cooking course in the South of France.

Photo: Hostellerie Berard & SPA/Facebook

Not all introverts want to spend a holiday alone, but trying to make friends in a big crowd of people can be challenging. Joining something like a cooking course means spending time with a small group of people with like-minded interests. Cooking lessons also provide a great springboard for conversation. The South of France is the ideal place to join a cooking course, with its rich soil and warm climate. The picturesque village of La Cadière-d’Azur is home to the Michelin starred-restaurant Hostellerie Bérard. Four-day residential courses include trips to local markets and vineyards in between cooking magnificent Mediterranean meals.

5. Feel small at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Photo: Gil.K/Shutterstock

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in northeastern Botswana are some of the largest salt flats in the world. If you ever want to be reminded of how small you really are, standing with these glaring, white salt pans stretching infinitely out before you is a good lesson. This is the place to take time to connect with yourself and hear nothing but your own breath, a true paradise for an introvert that wants to find solitude.

6. Stroll the coastal walks in the Scottish Highlands.

Photo: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock

Scotland’s beaches may rival the Caribbean for looks, but the chilly winds and icy water of beaches in the north of Scotland mean even in the summertime they are sparsely populated. Introverts can have a wonderful time taking a walk along the sand or along the cliff tops, wrapped up of course. Durness has a beautiful, unspoiled beach, and plenty of wild headland for isolated walks. For the brave, it also has a campsite just above the beach where you can stay the night, provided you know how to pitch a tent against strong winds.

7. Enjoy people watching in Paris.

Photo: Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

Being an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t like busy places, but maybe you prefer to be on the outside looking in rather than in the midst of it all. Streetside cafés in Montmartre provide the perfect location for those who love people watching, and the streets of Paris are littered with entertaining subjects who almost seem to be putting on a performance just for onlookers. Indeed, as the birthplace of the flâneur, Paris is just the place for a spot of street-side observation.

8. Road trip around Lake Michigan.

Photo: Renray/Shutterstock

Open roads, not another car in sight, and miles and miles of ever-changing natural beauty are just the ticket for an introverted traveler. Lake Michigan’s lakeside provides an almost two-week-long road trip of around 1,000 miles. The route is relatively peaceful due to the fact that most visitors choosing a road trip in that area will opt for the famous Route 66, beginning in nearby Chicago. The circle route around Lake Michigan shows off all the area’s different personalities, from popular beaches in Ludington to a view of the dainty white houses on Mackinac Island, which is worth hopping out the car to visit.

9. Go snorkeling in Grenada.

Photo: R Gombarik/Shutterstock

The Caribbean is a no-brainer holiday destination for most, but no introvert wants to lie on a crowded beach and fight other tourists for the best umbrella. Grenada is one of the less-popular Caribbean islands, and it also offers the perfect activity for introverts. With absolutely no obligation (or possibility) to talk, snorkeling is a godsend for introverts. Here, you can dive down to Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park and see the mysterious corral encrusted figures on the sea bed.

10. Go temple hunting in Kamakura, Japan.

Photo: Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

Introverts may balk at the idea of negotiating Tokyo’s people-saturated streets, but just an hour away by train is the temple town of Kamakura, where there are significantly fewer crowds. It’s home to several Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines that lie amongst the bamboo groves, conveniently spread out thus reducing the crowds. Even when you’re confronted by a group of tourists, the meditative air of these religious buildings seems to encourage polite and respectful behavior, so an introvert can feel at ease.

11. Meditate like a monk in Italy.

Photo: Eremito/Facebook

For true solitude and isolation, what better role models to look to than monks. The Eremito “hotel” is described as “somewhere in Umbria,” and it’s located inside a 14th-century hermitage that has resisted modern interventions like TVs or phone signal. As such, it’s perfect for the solo traveler who wants to escape completely from modern distractions and connections. Instead, you can get involved in activities like singing Gregorian chants, icon painting, and helping in the vegetable garden.


More like this: 8 of the most underrated UNESCO sites you need to visit

The post The 11 best vacation ideas for introverts appeared first on Matador Network.

Southern Greenland travel photos

Last summer, photographer Jorgo Kokkinidis traveled to southern Greenland. He explored the countryside, sea kayaked, and trekked on a glacier. In a land so little touched by human influence comes a stillness and silence that can touch you in surprising ways. Jorgo spoke with Matador Network’s Outdoors Editor Noelle Salmi about his voyage, adding that he will carry Greenland with him always.




1

The majority of Greenlandic residents are Inuit whose ancestors migrated from the Canadian mainland in the 13th century, gradually settling all over the country. The man in this image is a local sheep farmer. Sheep farming is one of the main activities in southern Greenland, and you see many sheep farms as you travel around it.

2

An estimated 56,000 people live in Greenland. Greenland covers the same area as continental Western Europe without the Nordic countries; the total population of which is 550 times greater, at over 310 million. In Greenland, you have a lot of space to yourself.

3

Many believe that Greenland is only ice and snow, but in fact, Greenland has over 150,000 square miles of ice-free land. The mild climate of southern Greenland has traditionally been ideal for sheep farming, and Greenlandic lamb is considered by many experts to be among the best in the world. Today, climate change is creating dry summers that harm pastures and, as a result, the number of sheep farms is in decline.

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4

South Greenland is truly a land of jagged mountains and green pastures where sheep farms directly border ice fjords. The conditions are spectacular for those who love trekking and hiking.

5

Greenland has hundreds of ice-filled fjords. Sometimes waterways can be so full of them, you need to be very cautious if you’re out boating. The darker the ice formation, the heavier it is, which means more of it can lie unseen below the surface. But the waterways are also stunning and a thrill for outdoor lovers.

6

Kayaking in Greenland, which you can book with Tasermiut South Greenland Specialists, is an incredible experience. Paddling over glassy smooth waters, with only birds above and marine life below, you feel awed by the landscape.

7

A gigantic ice sheet covers 80 percent of the surface of Greenland. Getting close to massive glaciers, you’re overwhelmed by their power and beauty. It is a sight you will remember for a lifetime.

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8

Icebergs, amazing sculptures that are given to us by nature, can be white, black, striped, or stunningly blue, like this one. The blue ones are from older ice, which has been compressed over centuries as new snow has fallen on top of it. The compression squeezes out the air, resulting in blue or even black hues. South Greenland has a lot of blue ice because the ice here has traveled farther - over a long period of time - to get to the southern glaciers at the edge of the Greenland ice sheet.

9

While hiking is a wonderful adventure activity in many places around the world, in Greenland you can do it quite differently. Here, you can trek on a glacier that is constantly making noises - from deep, low rumbles to sudden crackles and pops - as the ice moves and shifts.

10

Glacier hiking can be very risky. If you’ve never hiked on a glacier before, go with friends who have glacier experience. Better yet, hire a mountain guide, who will bring local expertise. In doing so, you will also contribute to the local economy.

11

The glaciers in Greenland are stunning, but they are also severely threatened by climate change. Recent news tells us they’re melting faster than we thought.

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12

Sailing is central to Greenlandic way of life. Since ice covers most of the surface of the country, the sea route is often the only way to travel between areas. The sealife and birds of Greenland make sea travel a wonderful experience.

13

Greenlanders hold kaffemik to celebrate special events, from births and birthdays to confirmations and even the first day of school. In the past, Inuits only wore clothes made from animal skins and hides, which were warm and durable. While both men and women’s clothes consisted of furs, pants, and boots, the cut and choice of animal skin differed for each sex.

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The post How to explore breathtaking southern Greenland appeared first on Matador Network.