Garden Pond Pump

Located between Europe and North America, Iceland is a mountainous island in the North Atlantic. Although she can be a bit austere, Iceland is a country of exquisite splendor. Eruptions of lava, hot springs, geysers, spectacular fissures and awesome glaciers seem surreal at times, but they make this land utterly remarkable. Iceland was settled by the Nordic and Celtic people, in the 9th century AD. Indeed, a Norwegian Viking named Ing?lfur Arnarson, established the first settlement on what is today known as Iceland?s capital, Reykjavik.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the most famous attractions for tourists. Although it is thought these lights are only visible in winter, the truth is they can be seen all year long. Another of Iceland?s attraction is the Midnight Sun. When this occurs in Scandinavia, during early summer months, the sun is visible at midnight. Its opposite is called the Polar Night, and occurs during the winter months.

At some point of their vacation, visitors usually find themselves in Reykjavik City. Iceland?s capital is thought to be one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. The nightlife in Reykjavik is vibrant, with an amazing variety of pubs, bars, cafes and dance halls. In fact, live music is fast becoming a trademark of this city. You can find a concert on almost every night of the week. There is also a variety of local craft shops and Scandinavian designer stores in Reykjavik, and the Kringlan shopping mall is a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.

No trip to Iceland is complete unless you try one of the whale-watching tours. Surrounded by an ocean that provides a natural habitat for whales, dolphins and seals, Reykjavik is ideal for this activity. The tours will also take you past Puffin Island, as well. Reykjavik?s landmark, the Perlan, or Pearl, is simply a must-do on any itinerary. Built in 1988 atop huge tanks, which store the natural hot water for heating the city, this rotating restaurant sits under a huge glass dome. The cuisine is top-notch, and the views breathtaking.

If Viking history is an interest of yours, you most definitely want to check out some of Reykjavik?s museums. The Sun Voyager should be another stop on your list of things to do. This Sun Voyagers is a huge steel sculpture of a Viking ship, by Jon Gunnar Arnason. You definitely want to view this sculpture at sunrise or sunset. Another attraction you can?t miss is the Restaurant Fjorugardurinn. Done up in the Viking style, and serving up a traditional Viking feast, this one-of a-kind eating establishment lets you to step back into time, and taste a little Viking culture.

If you have the time, don?t miss another of Iceland?s top tourist attractions, The Blue Lagoon. This outdoor, geothermal seawater pool, can be found about 45-minutes from Reykjavik, and is worth a trip. The steam-covered, fluorescent blue pool is 104-degrees all year long.

This amazing country offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences, and all of them delight and awe. Dramatic, striking, and eerily austere, a trip to Iceland is truly memorable.

The best time of the year to visit Hungary is in the autumn months. Autumn not only gives the cool relaxing winds from the Mediterranean but will offer less crowded streets. The winter is extremely cold and filled with frequent snow showers while the summer months are extremely humid and offer crowded hotels and streets.

Hungary is located in central eastern Europe and is mostly a flat land that only offers a few rolling hills and small mountains.

The majority of Hungary is covered in either woodlands or wetlands and will boast an array of wildlife for the adventurous explorers. The national parks offer a way to get a peek at the countries wildlife in a safe environment. The tectonic fault line is where Hungary lays so the many hot springs will bring enjoyment to those wanting to rest their mind and their bodies. Several spas offer hot springs along with their other first class treatments.

The most exquisite architecture in Europe is found in Hungary such as the third largest church in Europe known as the Esztergom Basilica. The second largest abbey in the world is located in Hungary the Pannonhalma Archabbey and many other gorgeous and unique architecture designs are to be found there including the baroque castle in Budapest.

Budapest is a very popular tourist city due to its rich historical culture. The city is delicately placed along the Danube river banks and people come from all over the world to partake in the beauty it has to offer. The most popular landmark for tourists is the Buda castle.

Hungary is richly inspired when it comes to the arts. You will find embroideries, paintings, carvings, and pottery pieces that would flatter anyones art collection. Folk dance is adored throughout the country and many famous musical composers originated in Hungary.

Hotels in Hungary offer reasonable prices for guests with beautiful rooms throughout the year. The summer months may be slightly higher and finding a room harder with so many tourists flooding the streets. Autumn and winter months have the better rates and offer less crowding during your stay.

Hungary cuisine consists of mainly soups, smoked meats and sausage. The majority of menus will include beef, veal, chicken and pork entrees as well and all will include goulash. Goulash is a famous Hungarian dish that you will find prepared in many different ways throughout the country. A glass of wine will be offered at dinner as Hungary produces red and white wines in the many vineyards and wineries. Beer, fruit juices and coffee are also drinks produced in Hungary.

The common currency in Hungary is the Forint but the EURO is accepted at most places throughout the country. If you are a member of the European union you will not be required to obtain a visa to visit or work in Hungary. U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport as well as a visa if their trip is going to be for longer than 90 days.

Clinking glasses for a cheer in the local pub may have you viewed as rude or impolite since it was a decree for locals to remember the poor treatment the 13 generals turned martyrs in the 19th century received. The decree was to end after 150 years, which was 1999 but many still are upholding the tradition.