Europe
Travel Guide > Europe
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HienIntroduction
Europe may be the world's second smallest continent, but it's a place of extreme importance, both in today's world and throughout history. The grand empires of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome were the early signposts, but the centuries since that time have seen the rise and fall of more great powers. Perhaps the era of Europe's greatest dominance began several centuries ago, as European nations set out to explore, colonise, and "Westernise" the rest of the world. Even now, decades after the official end of colonisation, Europe enjoys the power birthed and fostered during previous centuries.
Europe may not be large, but it is unique and diverse. Compare the wealth and power of Western Europe with the comparatively underdeveloped Eastern Europe. Enjoy the warmth of Southern Europe; or take in breathtaking winter scenery in Northern Europe. Witness some of the world's most modern buildings in some of the world's oldest cities.
Geography
Boundaries
Europe is situated on the Eurasian continent, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. The eastern boundary with Asia and the Middle East is more tenuous. While there are several competing definitions, a common one uses the Ural Mountains, Caspian River and Caucasus as the eastern border. Russia is widely considered to be part European, part Asian.
Countries like Turkey and Greenland do not technically belong in Europe when defined as a continent. For travelling purposes however, these countries are generally considered part of this region.
Physical geography
Despite being one of the smallest continents, Europe's landscape boasts an incredibly varied terrain. From the Baltic Mountains and Dinaric Alps on the Balkan, the land rises as you go north, with the Carpathian Mountains stretching from Romania to Slovakia and the Alps jutting up in central Europe. The Apennines extend south from the Alps into the Italian peninsula, while the Pyrenees separate France and Spain. Further north, the landscape is less dramatic, from the lowlands in northwestern Europe to the vast East European Plain. In Scandinavia, the terrain once again becomes mountainous, as the Scandinavian Mountains stretch from north to south and Norway's coast marked by impressive fjords. However the highest peaks of Europe can be found in the Caucasus, the mountains seperating Russia and Georgia. Mount Elbus is with 5,642 m (18,510 ft), the highest mountain of Europe.
There are several major rivers in Europe, including the Volga in Russia and the Danube in central and eastern Europe. The Rhine, Elbe, Loire, Rhône and Seine are other famous rivers in Europe, all of which are found in western and central Europe. In northern Italy, the Po is the most important waterway, and on the Iberian Peninsuala the Tagus and the Guadalquivir.
Subregions
- Eastern Europe: Belarus, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary.
- Northern Europe: Denmark (includes Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, Finland (includes Åland), Guernsey, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway (includes Svalbard), Sweden, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
- Southern Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Gibraltar (UK), Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Vatican City
- Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland
- Russia and the Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia.[1]
Several other sub-groupings exist within Europe, including the Benelux and Scandinavia.
Countries, Dependencies and Territories
Sights and Activities
Major cities
Some of the world's most important and fun cities to visit are found in Europe. The list can go on and on. Each city is a symbol of Europe, marrying modern industry with a long, proud heritage. Here is a short list of some of the most famous cities in Europe:
Landmarks
See also: Famous Landmarks
- Norwegian Fjords are just stunning
- The Alps are great for skiing, summer hikes and rock climbing
- Eiffeltower located in Paris is one of the main sights of Europe
- Big Ben and Tower Bridge in London are quite stunning
- Icelandic geysirs are some of the most amazing geothermal spots in the world
- Alhambra in Spain
- Italian cities like Venice, Florence, Pisa and Siena can truly impress anyone
- Monaco is a great place for gambling and high end beaches
- Auschwitz is an important landmark regarding European historics
- Hermitage, in St. Petersburg, the place for all sorts of art
- Colosseum in Rome is one of the most famous Roman ruins
- Acropolis in Athens is one of the most famous Greek ruins
- Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland
- Dubrovnik Old Town.
Beaches
The warm Mediterranean at the southern end of Europe affords some of the world's most popular beaches. Countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and France receive many visitors each year in search of a tan. Over the past decade, Croatia has also become popular as a beach destination, thanks to its ideal location on the Adriatic Sea.
Churches
Although not the home to Christianity Europe is defiantly the center for Christianity. Some of the world's most amazing Churches are located in Europe and the Vatican, the center of the Catholic world, is also located in Europe. From the giant stunning Duomo of Florence to the subtle small churches of rural Norway there are impressive churches to see everywhere in Europe.
Skiing
In Alpine countries such as Switzerland and Austria, skiing is an immensely popular activity. Further north, the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden also offer skiing opportunities, while in the very far east of Europe, in the Caucasus, are lesser-known skiing destinations.
Learning European Languages
These language phrasebooks were created by Travellerspoint members to help travellers pick up some basic phrases, grammar and pronunciation skills before their trip:
Find out about contributing to or starting a new phrasebook on our project page: Project:Language phrasebooks.
References
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