Håholmen, Norway

Håholmen, Norway - among CNNs 10 secret European summer getaways:

 Quote:

"Dodging tourists tethered to cruise ships in Norway's fjords is no easy feat. To get away, many Norwegians retreat to the jagged, UNESCO-free Lofoten Islands, but under-sung Nordmøre also gets its share of locals seeking refuge.

Perched just off Norway's western coast, just 20 minutes south of Kristiansund, is Håholmen Havstuer (from $200; Kårvåg, 6530 Averøy; 47-71/517-250), a renovated 17th-century fishing camp turned posh retreat. Take a ten-minute crossing on the hotel's private boat and enjoy fish soup and bacalao fireside atop the Håholmen dining room's burnished timber floor -- with nary a mega cruise ship in sight.
http://www.classicnorway.no/haholmen-havstuer" (CNN)

Håholmen is also close to Aalesund, the Geirangerfjord and Hjorundfjord.
Spring and summertime is the right season to visit this area if you don`t like snow and cold weather!

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Aalesund, Norway

Aalesund town is located in north west of Norway. Aalesund is adjacent to the famous Hjorund og Geiranger fjords.  The legend Gange Rolf or in France better known as Rollo was born and raised in this area. He was the founder of the dynasty of the dukes in Normandy in France. He is also a forfather of Queen Elisabeth II. Aalesund is a very small town, not a place to have a wild night out. But the area around is stunning. Mountains going straight down into the fjords, awesome remote islands, no words can describe the landscape. But it is very very expensive traveling in Norway, the food, beer – you name it! But you won`t regret a trip to this area – I`ll promise you!! If you`re a sunseeker go to Spain or something, if you looking for nice surroundings, great views and quiet life go to Aalesund!

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Leeds, UK

I have visit Leeds 7 times during the last 3 years. It is a friendly and trendy city.
Staying in Leeds, you`ll be near cities like Manchester, York and Liverpool. The airport is located in Bradford, but I prefer to use Manchester Airport as my destination - more connections direct from Europe. Leeds is the UK´s largest centre for business outside London. You might get a cheap stay at the Etap hotel, but it is very noisy in the weekends. If you book in advance at the Hilton hotel, you will get it almost at cheap as Etap. And you will get nice and quiet rooms as well :-). 

If you fancy stylish shopping, Leeds will be a Mecca for you. At the Victoria Quarter you will find several hot designer brands. At Royal Armouries you will find weapons and armour of warriors though the ages from early medival knights to the modern day soldier. This is one of my favorites what to do in Leeds “thing”. The area around the Armouries are very quiet and nice, very next to the river. Many of the restaurants in Leeds are Italian inspired, the food is okey. I prefer Asian food and my favorite restaurant is the Thai Edge in Calverly Street. Unique food and warm hospitality. If you are looking for a quick asian lunch you can try the buffet at No. 1 Oriantal Buffet. The selection of dishes is huge.
Plenty for veggies too. But this is not the place for nice and relaxing meal. For the price you pay the food is good.

Remember that Leeds have a soccer team with an impressive history. Check out for soccer games while you are in Leeds and enjoy the atmosphere at Elland Road. Have a good time in Leeds folks! 










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Grand Hotel Oslo, Norway

The Nobel Peace Prize has been presented in Norway since 1901. The prize is presented every year on December 10th. The laureates always stays at the Grand Hotel. All laureates receive ovations on the balcony from the crowd.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of the ceremony and see the prize winner in person, you can get a cheaper stay at Rica Vicoria Hotel or Thon Hotel Cecil close to Grand Hotel.
Be prepared with your camera and make sure you have enough memory to store all the good times that you will be enjoying.

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