It is especially known to be a favorite place for king Louis XIV. This amazing castle was built in 16th century and it was a proof of the squandering nature of most of French kings. It contains 440 rooms and, when horses were used for traveling, it could host 1200 horses.

This amazing architectural structure with huge historical value is today owned by French government who bought it back from an Italian Ducal family of Parma in 1932. Despite the fact that almost 500 years have passed since it was built, this building still remains stable and glorious as it was in time of its construction. Photos via flickr .

One of such parks called “park Karlshorst” has been built in Berlin where visitors can find miniature versions of some of the most known buildings from Berlin and Brandenburg.

You can see a few of photos here taken in this park. If you decide to visit it yo can see there miniature versions of the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Pergamon Museum and plenty of other buildings from Berlin and Brandenburg.

Images source: gavailer

It is a part of ancient village of Ugrup and it is believed that those caves are old about 1500 years. Someone got idea to build there a luxury hotel which now attracts a plenty of tourists.

Living in a cave doesn’t sounds pretty fashionable but when you see this hotel you will have to reconsider your thoughts about caves.

Let’s have a look at ten skiing locations that make Europe one of the most sought after ski destination. These small towns flourish during the ski season, where everything from Mom & Pop bakeries to insurance sales leads keep the pulse of the village lively.

Nestled in Ampezzo Valley, Cortina d’Ampezzo enjoys the title of the most beautiful winter playground in the world. It is not only the most famous ski resorts in Italy but is one of the most important and sought after ski resorts in the world. Apart from offering great skiing experience, the slopes offer picturesque view to the valley. This is only place which provides clear distinction between Dolomites and rest of the Alps.

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The picture perfect location combined with exciting slopes makes this resort top destination for the up market crowd from all over the world. The beauty of these slopes has been captured in many James Bond movies as well.

Val D’Isere, France

Skiing in Val-d’Isère dates back to 1930’s after a drag lift was built on the slopes of Solaise. Being named as the most famous resort for experts, Val D’Isere can easily pass as the all round destination in whole of Europe. The resort offers a range of ski schools and has something to offer everyone from beginners to experts. It offers modern chairlift and cable cars with most modern lift system you could think of.

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No wonder the resort is one of the busiest in whole of Europe. If the ski is worth the way up, the journey will not disappoint you as well. The view on the way up to the Val D’Isere is spectacular and looks just out of Narnia series.

Igls, Austria

Located in the “Capital of the Alps”, Innsbruck, Igls offers a combination of old world charm and access to some of the world’s finest ski resorts. The charming village is surrounded by some of the best skiing in Austria. Beginners can start with the lower slopes while intermediates can try the pistes in Igls itself. For advanced skiers, there is a possibility of eight ski areas totaling 295 km all accessible by free ski buses.

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Two time host of Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck has lot more to offer than skiing. If you’d like an adrenaline pump, a ride down the Olympic bob slight at 100 km per hour is highly recommended. Other adventures offered include ice skating, floodlit skiing, tobogganing. If you’d like to take a break from skiing, there are some rich museums and galleries to draw your attention as well.

Kandersteg, Switzerland

The village of Kandersteg could easily pass for the most picturesque centre for mountaineering. More people land in this destination for the scenic view and tranquility the village offers. Best known among beginners, it is one of the best places to learn skiing. The slopes here are easy and daunting and give learners enough space to test their techniques.

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Courchevel, France

Courchevel ski resort is built for nothing but Winter Sports. It is made up of four villages which are named after thir altitudes in meters- Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850. It boasts of about 370 miles of pistes and is is a part of the Trois Vallees ski area.

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Courchevel 1850 – the highest located resort district has been quite popular with the rich from all over the world. Guests arrive on their private jets and if your pockets are deep, it’s worth experiencing the air here. There is room for everyone and if you’d like to go for a ski resort just like any other part of the world, you could choose from the villages from 1650 and lower. The mountain has skiing range for both intermediates and experts.

Wengen, Switzerland

With a terrain of 112 km over 53 pistes, Wengen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Wengen is an ideal location if you are looking for a combination of absolutely beautiful views and classic architecture. Only accessible by road, the village has excellent slopes for intermediates.

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It also has ranges for experts but is best known among intermediates and snowboarders. More than skiing, the village rates high for the charm and tranquil alpine beauty.

Chamonix, France

Charmonix offers some of the best mountain skiing in whole of Europe. With 12 ski areas, the valley is apt for skiers at all levels. The valley offers beautiful views and draws crowd from all over the world for its excellent skiing conditions and picturesque scenery.  It is located right next to the peak of Mont Blanc and offer range of recreational activities. It is the oldest ski resort in France and has great ski slopes for children and ski area for intermediates and experts as well.

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Pas De la Casa, Andorra

The highest resort in Andorra, Pas de la Casa has an excellent snow record. It is placed on the border between France and Andorra. Before it got combined with Soldeu, the resort had the biggest ski area with highest lift served terrain in Andorra. Now it gas 186 km of pistes and is favored for its southern latitude.

The slopes are more suitable for intermediates than beginners and experts. Image source

Pelion Mountain, Greece

While talking about beautiful locations for skiing, Pelion Mountain is easily one of the noteworthy locations. The best part about the ski resorts here is that not many people know about it and skiing here is still not explored completely. Greece has been gaining popularity for skiing among other winter sports. Pelion Mountains offer majestic scenes and is one of the most preferred destinations for those who have discovered the ski terrains here.

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Newstift, Austria

Newstift is a favorite with family and friends looking for skiing all year round. With 28 lifts, the resort offers skiers 7382 feet of vertical descent. Best suited for beginners and snowboarders, it has some regions for experts and intermediates as well. With finest skiing conditions and largest glacial ski resort, a small portion of the resort is covered by snowmaking.

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Algarve is situated at the extreme south of mainland Portugal, and has a contrasting combination of attractive beaches and beautiful valleys. Its climate is mostly mild, and sun smiles upon it all year long. Many have declared it the favorite holiday destination, and its tourism rate has been growing over the years.

A total of 16 municipalities jointly form Algarve, and each of them are distinct in their own ways. There are some pretty good tourist destinations, from which I would like to describe the famous five.

Albufeira – This is considered as capital of tourists. A complete mixture of modern attractions and history are found in this place, and tourists can explore a rich culture of bygone eras.

Water lovers would be delighted here too, as 23 wonderful beaches are found here in albuferia, with each being distinct from the other. The capital also has marina, countless restaurants, bars, and of course a vibrant night life. There is much in store for every kind of person.

Vilamoura – Vilamoura is the centre of Golf. You can sight a big marina as well as some golf courses in vilamoura. There are also a lot of water sport opportunities to choose from, and there is just much you can do. Resorts ranging from 3 to 5 stars are abundantly found in each of the tourism spots. There are places to enjoy night activities such as discos, pubs and etc which make night dwellers excited.

Faro – It is the governmental capital. Transport facilities are very good in this part plus it also have a public university and of course a marina too. There is also 170 kilometers long Ria Formosa Lagoon which is a great viewing place for bird watchers as it is a heaven of different birds associated with different parts of the world.

Then of course, if you love history then you would find much for yourself in these lands as they are rich in historical and cultural heritage. There is a part of this area surrounded by Roman walls, signifying the 9th Century AD. You can also find a convent in the city museum. The convent belongs from the 16th Century. There is this attractive church of Nossa, known as Senhora do Carmois which has a chapel doubted to be made from the bones of 1200 monks!

Lagos – Then of course is the Lagos, which is a modern site of well known past and a highly attractive place for traders. Lagos was once a maritime port now listed among the major seaports found in Portugal.

Cape St. Vincent –This site is present in the southwestern part of Portugal, and in fact all of the Europe. It is the richest place as far as folklore and history is concerned. Second most powerful lighthouse of the Europe is found here.

The Algarve is truly a heaven to visit. Next time you are planning your vacation; do think about all the things this place has to offer you, especially if you are interested in history.

Praia Da Rocha, yesterday. Algarve, Portugal.

This is the main stack on Marinha Beach, between Benagil and Porches in the Algarve, South Portugal, caught at dusk.

Cardoama beach in the Western Algarve

The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland never fails to impress anyone. It is a magnificent and magical site which may be one of the best in the world. Mind boggling rock formations and inaccessible bays which have influenced how plants, animals, and locals have survived through the ages.

How the Giant’s Causeway came to be is a mix of legends and science. Stories tickle the imagination and leave a certain wondering and smile when one becomes witness to the beauty of the giant causeway.

The myths play around the battles of Ireland with Scotland, Wales, and England. Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was built by a giant Finn McCool so he can cross between Northern Ireland and Scotland so he can fight his foes.

According to stories, the fight did not go well for Finn McCool. He was on the losing end and he needed to retreat. The giant was holding on to dear life and he stepped and tore the Giant ’s Causeway. What is left of it is the portion that we can see today.

Men of science have their own version of why the Giant’s Causeway ended up the way it looks today. They trace the formation of during the Paleogene period. The lava cooled down and formed the cliffs of the causeway.

It is just rare that in this part of Ireland, the lava started to cool from the bottom going up giving it the cracks and appearing as if they were manmade. It is a rare phenomenon but lava cooling from the bottom up can also be seen in some parts of the world like some spots along the coast of California.

Which side will you believe in, myth or science? Finn McCool definitely makes a thrilling impression to anyone’s imagination. A giant building the Giant ’s Causeway and destroying it by accident while he was retreating. On the other hand, science gives credit to how nature comes up with beautiful creations like the hexagonal pattern of the rocks.

The Giant’s Causeway is piece of nature’s art work and to some a chunk of folklore passed on until today through the merriments in the pubs overlooking the coast.