Discover the age-old continent through these Europe travel stories, its curious, unsung places as well as its more familiar spots.
You may notice a few countries that may not traditionally be considered European. Europe’s borders are never easy to define. So I’ve decided to go by the old definition I learned in school: In the east, Europe ends at the Ural Mountains. That means the Caucasian countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – are part of Europe, according to Sophie’s World. This is probably also according to the countries themselves: all three are members of the Council of Europe and cooperate with the European Union with a view to future membership. Also, all three countries participate in the Eurovision Song Contest; can’t argue with that.
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Holy See (Vatican)
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Latest Europe travel stories
Elvis of the Balkans
Tose Proeski performed Macedonia's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 and was named by the BBC as the Elvis of the Balkans.
The Macedonian naming dispute
The Macedonian naming dispute: How Greece and Macedonia battle over the name Macedonia. And over the nationality of Alexander the Great.
First impressions of a fledgling nation – Kosovo one year on
A year ago (April 2008) I travelled to then 2-month-old Kosovo to get a first impression of the fledgling nation. The future seems hopeful.
Dreams of Antarctica
It looks as if my dreams of Antarctica are one step closer now I've discovered Hurtigruten travels to Antarctica in the southern summer.
Visiting Cambridge (Day out London)
In Cambridge, history just creeps up on you at every corner. Imagine students in black robes walking here 800 years ago. 800 years!
Homestay Riga: a unique B&B in the Latvian capital
Ever thought about visiting Riga? Latvia’s capital is a beautiful city on the Baltic Sea, with long, white summer nights, good food, cheap prices, a UNESCO-listed old town and more cool Art Nouveau buildings than anywhere in the world. If you do go, I recommend staying at Homestay Riga, a unique bed&breakfast in a large wooden villa next to Mežaparks. [...]
The Opera House on the Fjord
The Oslo Opera House opened last weekend - fireworks and royalty all around. Architects of this fabulous building is the team at Snøhetta.
Valdres and the airport of heavenly peace
The little airport in Valdres is known as The place of heavenly peace. It's beautifully located near heaven. And there's little traffic.
Autumn in Vienna
Autumn in Vienna, I adore it. Oktoberfest is on - with beer (and wine)! I take my wine glass along as I stroll along elegant Graben street.
Bicycles in Copenhagen
What never ceases to amaze me is the sheer number of bicycles in Copenhagen. This is how you go to school, to work, to the shops...
Kids and Dublin traffic – momentary musings
Why haven’t I noticed the busy Dublin traffic on previous trips? Walking the streets of Dublin with an active 5-year-old is a bit stressful.
Christmas markets in Bratislava (Day out Vienna)
All kinds of things are on offer at the Christmas Markets in Bratislava: hats, scarves, handbags, toys, lollipops, porcelain and ceramics...