Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Skopje Kale Fortress
Dating back to the sixth century, Skopje's Kale Fortress sits on the highest point in the city overlooking the Vardar River. Just steps from the Old Town, the fortress is thought to have been built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I using yellow limestone and travertine that came from the Roman city of Skupi, which was destroyed by an earthquake. The Kale Fortress itself was also partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1963, and excavation efforts have been underway for about 10 years, having thus far unearthed woodwind instruments and clay ornaments dating back thousands of years, as well as the foundations of a 13th-century church and the largest collection of Byzantine coins ever found in Macedonia.
Today the fortress is often visited on walking tours of the city, and visitors can walk along the restored fortress walls, which stretch for 130 yards (121 meters), or climb a couple of the turrets, which provide outstanding views all around Skopje. Theatrical performances are sometimes held in the summer.
Practical Info
The fortress sits just above the Old Town and is within walking distance of most central Skopje hotels. Buses 2, 2a, 8, 12 and 19 stop on Gotse Deltchev Boulevard below the fortress. The entrance is off Samoilova.
Address: Skopje, Macedonia
Hours: Dawn to dusk
From ¥ 108
Sitges
Situated along the Costa Dorada, southwest of Barcelona, Sitges is one of the most popular gay beach resorts of southern Europe. Young Europeans flock to this gem on the Costa Dorada for its white sand beaches, sizzling nightlife, festivals, and artistic culture—the 19th-century modernismo movement began here.
The Basics
Sitges is a popular day trip destination from Barcelona. While some visit independently, other travelers opt for the convenience and enhanced experience of a guided tour, with trips including add-ons such as a visit to the Roman ruins of nearby Tarragona. Most day-trippers come for the sandy beaches, but the old town is also home to numerous galleries and boutiques, as well as several excellent museums. Most notable is the Cau Ferrat Museum, which tells the story of the town’s early years as an art colony.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sitges is a must-visit for sun-seekers and gay travelers.
- A full-day tour from Barcelona can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, hat, and sunglasses to make the most of your time on the Mediterranean.
- There are three gay-friendly nude beaches: Playa De la Bassa Rodona, Playa De Las Balmins, and Playa del Muerto.
How to Get There
Sitges an easy trip from nearby Barcelona, with commuter rail trains departing from Barcelona-Sants and Estacio de França every 15 to 30 minutes daily. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Travelers with a rental car can make the 45-minute drive along the scenic C-246 coastal road or the quicker A-7 express highway.
When to Get There
Sitges is a year-round destination. In July and August, the town becomes one giant beach party, perfect for lazing in the sun by day and reveling in the cranked-up nightlife after dark. The volume gets turned up once again come Carnaval in Catalonia, when a quarter of a million people descend on the town for a week of parades, shows, and parties. Horror, sci-fi, and fantasy fans should plan to visit in October during the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.
Do Your Beach Research
Sitges has 17 beaches, ranging from family-friendly to clothing-optional stretches of sand. The beaches directly in front of the town center and those on the eastern end tend to be the best for families, while the beaches to the west tend to attract nude swimmers and sunbathers. Women can and do go topless all along the coast.
Address: Sitges, Spain
From ¥ 461
Skálholt
From the eleventh to the eighteenth centuries, the town of Skálholt served as one of two episcopal bishoprics in Iceland. As a center for Christianity, it became one of the wealthiest and most influential settlements in the country. In 1550, the last Catholic bishop was beheaded (along with his two sons), marking the end of the Reformation in the area. The town remained a Lutheran center until the seat was moved to Reykjavik in 1797.
Modern-day visitors will find a large Protestant cathedral in Skálholt, built between 1956 and 1963 to replace one destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700s. An underground vault below the church houses what are believed to be the sarcophagus remains of Pall Jonsson, one of the town’s most powerful bishops, which were discovered during an excavation in 1954.
Practical Info
Skálholt is located along Road 31 in the lower Biskupstungur Valley.
Address: Skálholt 801, Iceland
From ¥ 320
Skara Brae
In 1850, a wild storm engulfed the isle of Orkney, ripping the grass from the Skara Brae sand dune to reveal 5,000-year-old stone dwellings. Older than the Egyptian pyramids, older even than Stonehenge, Skara Brae is remarkable in how well it’s been preserved. Even the neolithic furniture is intact: stone beds, chairs and dressers that were used by the prehistoric fishermen, hunters and farmers can all be seen here.
Set by the sandy bay of Skaill and run by Historic Scotland, Skara Brae is said to be the best preserved prehistoric settlement in Northern Europe. An important part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site, the well-equipped visitor center houses an interactive museum, gift shop, cafe and an impressive recreation of how one of the dwellings may have looked when it was lived in thousands of years ago.
At the site, you can also see impressive archaeological discoveries like primitive dice, jewelry and stone sculptures that are thought to have been used in religious ceremonies. No weapons have ever been found here though; it seems like the people of Skara Brae were a peace-loving lot.
Practical Info
From May to September on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, buses run to Skara Brae from Orkney's two main hubs: Stromness and Kirkwall. From April to September, the site is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From October to March, Skara Brae closes earlier at 4:30 p.m. Adult tickets cost 7.10 GBP, which includes a visit to Skaill House; an Orkney mansion.
Address: Orkney, Scotland
Hours: April to September: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
October to March: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: 7.10 GBP
From ¥ 614
Sky Road
Even though it’s only seven miles long, Clifden’s Sky Road feels like a journey through all of Connemara and time. When driving this winding, rural road, views look down on the town of Clifden and its two iconic spires—which is a view you’re sure to see on any postcard of Western Ireland or Connemara. Behind the town are the 12 Bens hills, standing brown, rugged, and proud, and as the drive loops around away from town, views stretch out to the offshore islands and the open Atlantic Sea. Aside from the sweeping landscape views, ancient castles and historic mansions are around every bend in the road. At the 19th century Clifden Castle—built in a Gothic style—visitors can walk the dirt road that leads right up to the castle. Another stroll is up Memorial Hill and offers famous view of Clifden, and by turning uphill at the fork in the road, the drive climbs past the old Coast Guard station to 500 feet above sea level. There is a small parking lot near the road’s summit, where whitewashed cottages appear as flecks on the misty, wave battered coast. The Sky Road has often been called one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, and seeing as it’s just a short loop from Clifden, is an Irish road trip that any Connemara visitor with a car can enjoy.
Practical Info
The Sky Road is most often driven in a clockwise direction from Clifden, eventually meeting up with the Clifden/Westport N59 Road after Eyrephort and Streamstown Bay. The Sky Road is also popular with cyclists, and on sunny days can almost become crowded with locals, photographers, and sightseers.
Address: Sky Road, Clifden Co. Galway, Ireland
From ¥ 2,337
Skaros Rock
Looming 20 meters high at the tip of a rocky promontory, the Skaros Rock is one of Santorini’s most memorable natural landmarks and its silhouette is so striking it can be seen from towns like Fira and Oia. The seafront cliff, sculpted from black lava rock, offers the perfect vantage point for looking out across the Aegean Sea and it’s an idyllic spot to watch the sunset, with views over the caldera and Kameni islands.
To visit Skaros Rock, follow the trail from Imerovigli village, then either climb the steps to the top of the rock or take the path around the base of the rock. Along the way, stop to visit the whitewashed chapel of Ekklisia Theoskepasti nearby, a remnant of Skaros’ early Catholic settlement, then explore the ruins of the Byzantine fortress that once stood on the peak.
Practical Info
Skaros Rock is located in Imerovigli, around 3km north of Fira on Santorini Island.
Address: Imerovigli, Greece
From ¥ 627
Skalka Sanctuary
The Skalka Sanctuary and St Stanislaw's Church are a Roman Catholic Church and monastery on the banks of the Vistula River in Krakow. The original Romanesque church which stood on this site was the place of one of Poland's crucial historic events - the murder of Stanislav, bishop of Krakow by the king, Boleslav. There are differing reasons why this happened but regardless, the people were not happy and Stanislav was eventually made a saint by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 - he has been called the saint of moral order. He was the first n ative Polish saint and remains patron saint of Poland. His relics are now in Wawel Cathedral.
The current Gothic church which stands on the site dates from the 14th century, with a Baroque update from the mid-18th century. Beginning in the 19th century, the church became a place for burial for well-known artists and writers, including Nobel Prize winning poet Czeslaw Milosz. Each year on May 8th, the Bishop of Krakow carries the bones of St Stanislav from Wawel Cathedral to St Stanislav's church.
The church or sanctuary is a short walk down the Vistula River from Wawel Cathedral, in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. Begin at the base of Wawel Hill and walk south along the river bank, just past the Grundwald Bridge you'll see the Pauline Church of SS Michael & Stanislaus, also known as Skalka, It is still an active church.
Address: Ul Skaleczna 15, Krakow 31-065, Poland
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From ¥ 783
Skocjan Caves
Formed by the Reka River, which still flows through this underground canyon, the Škocjan cave system is a 4-mile (6-kilometer) network of interconnected caves and one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes cavernous chambers, pools, sinkholes, and jumbo-size stalactites and stalagmites.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Škocjan cave system during various guided tours. Lasting 1.5–2 hours, the Through the Underground Canyon tour includes access to many of the dramatic subterranean landscapes, such as the Silent Cave, a dry canyon replete with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones; and Cerkvenik Bridge, which is suspended about 160 feet (50 meters) above the Reka River. Between April and October, it’s possible to take the Following the Reka River Underground guided tour, which follows the river path.
Visitors can prebook tour tickets for the caves and make their own way to the site. Alternatively, visit as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Ljubljana, Koper, Rovinj, or Trieste in Italy. These longer tours typically combine a cave visit with other Slovenian attractions, such as Lipica Stud Farm or the seaside town of Piran.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Find a restaurant and souvenir shop on-site.
- The temperature in the caves is a cool 53°F (12°C) year-round, so bring an extra layer or two.
- Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as paths can be slippery.
How to Get There
Škocjan Caves are situated about 28 miles (77 kilometers) southwest of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and about 16 miles (26 kilometers) east of Trieste in northern Italy. Take the train from Ljubljana to Divača station. Shuttle buses run from the station to the caves.
When to Get There
Tours through the caves run year-round but are more frequent during the busy summer months (June–September). The caves are quieter in winter and the water levels of the Reka River are often higher, meaning the roar of the current can be louder.
The Škocjan Educational Trail
If, after seeing the caves, you want to further explore Škocjan Caves Regional Park, follow the self-guided Škocjan Educational Trail. This circular 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walking route begins at the park’s visitor center, where you can see models of the underground canyon and exhibits explaining the unique karst landscape. The route leads past various geological features, including sinkholes, and through the villages of Betajna and Škocjan.
Address: Škocjan 2, Divača 6215, Slovenia
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 125
Skanderbeg Square
Named after a national hero of Albania, Skanderberg Square is the main plaza in the capital city of Tirana. All roads in Tirana seem to lead into the square, which has been the subject of various reconstruction plans since 2010. Many of the original buildings on the square were destroyed during communist times, but a few older structures do remain, like the early 19th century Eth’em Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. In 1968, a statue of Joseph Stalin was replaced by the Skanderberg Monument, honoring a nobleman who once resisted the Ottoman invasion. The equestrian monument stands 11 meters tall and depicts Skanderberg on horseback in full armor, with an Albanian flag flying alongside.
Around the square today, you will find the National History Museum, the Tirana International Hotel, the National Library of Albania, City Hall and the Palace of Culture, which is home to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. Don’t miss a climb up the Clock Tower, which offers superb views around Tirana.
Practical Info
Skanderberg Square serves as a meeting point for many walking tours of Tirana. If your hotel is not within walking distance, get there by taking a bus along Rruga e Kavajes or Rruga e Dibris.
Address: Skanderberg Square, Tirana, Albania
From ¥ 188
Skaftafell National Park
Established in 1967, Skaftafell National Park became a part of the enormous Vatnajokull National Park in 2008, but the area, which sprawls across the southern tip of the vast Vatnajokull glacier, still remains one of the most popular corners of the park. Skaftafell is dominated by the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, one of the most accessible parts of Vatnajokull and offers 5,000 square-kilometers of rugged mountainous terrain and icy glacial tongues.
With no roads traversing the region, hiking, glacier hiking and ice climbing are the main ways to get around in Skaftafell and a vast network of trails are mapped out by the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which now acts as an information center and exhibition space for the entire Vatnajokull National Park. Dotted with active volcanoes, fast-flowing glacial rivers and lava-sculpted peaks, Skaftafell’s highlights include the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall (Black Fall), tumbling 20 meters over a cliff of black basalt, the scenic Morsárdalur valley and the looming ice caps of nearby Öræfajökull, Iceland’s highest peak.
With no roads traversing the region, hiking, glacier hiking and ice climbing are the main ways to get around in Skaftafell and a vast network of trails are mapped out by the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which now acts as an information center and exhibition space for the entire Vatnajokull National Park. Dotted with active volcanoes, fast-flowing glacial rivers and lava-sculpted peaks, Skaftafell’s highlights include the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall (Black Fall), tumbling 20 meters over a cliff of black basalt, the scenic Morsárdalur valley and the looming ice caps of nearby Öræfajökull, Iceland’s highest peak.
Address: Skaftafell Visitor Centre, Öræfi 785, Iceland
Hours: Nov-Feb 11am - 3pm; Mar-Apr 10am - 5pm; May 9am - 7pm; Jun-Aug 8am - 9pm; Sept 9am - 5pm; Oct 10am - 5pm.
From ¥ 929
Skanderbeg Statue
Albania’s greatest national hero is aristocratic military leader Gjergj Kastrioti – universally known as Skanderbeg, or Skënderbej in Albanian. He lived between 1405 and 1468 and managed to create a strong, independent country for 25 years before it was torn apart again by the might of invading Ottoman forces. Throughout the Ottoman occupation of Albania, Skanderbeg became a symbol of national pride and still today he is regarded as the father of the nation. Such is his place in Tirana life that the city’s gently chaotic central square is named after him and dominated by his mighty equestrian statue, which was erected in 1968 on the 500th centenary of his death. In stark contrast to the socialist-realist architecture that surrounds the square, Skanderbeg’s statue is remarkably Byzantine in style. The masterpiece of Albanian sculptor Odhise Paskali, it sits on a stone plinth and is 36 feet (11 meters) high, depicting the much-venerated military leader in full armor and on horseback; the Albanian flag flies alongside.
Practical information
Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square). Open to all, no admission charges. Best accessed on foot.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square), Tirana 1000, Albania
From ¥ 188
Skansen
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.
The Basics
Hazelius originally built Skansen from 150 reconstructed historical buildings. Since then the museum has expanded dramatically, featuring houses and workshops where you can experience the making of traditional Swedish crafts such as butter-churning, weaving, shoemaking, and glassblowing. There is also a children’s zoo containing a wide range of Nordic animals such as bison, brown bears, moose, reindeer, and wolverines.
The museum is one of Stockholm’s top cultural attractions, and many city tours include a visit to Skansen. A Stockholm Pass provides free entrance to the museum, and cruise ship passengers can visit on a shore excursion from Nynashamn port. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also a good option for travelers who want to see the museum at their own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Skansen is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
- A variety of restaurants and food stands serve both traditional Swedish items and modern fare. You can also find dedicated picnic sites on Offerholmen (the small island in one of the ponds) and other sites throughout the museum park.
- Strollers are available for rent, and wheelchairs are available free of charge at all entrances.
- Most of the property is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.
How to Get There
Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården outside the city center, and is accessible by public transportation. While parking for private vehicles is not available, guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Skansen is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In the winter, the site’s central Bollnäs square is home to a popular Christmas market. Spring brings the Walpurgis bonfire and egg decorating, and in the summer Skansen plays host to folk dancing and concerts. Autumn features the celebration of harvest time and linen-making demonstrations.
Children at Skansen
Many of Skansen’s activities are specifically catered to children. There is a popular children’s zoo, where guests can ride ponies and even help out with farm tasks during the summer. Kids can also play with old-fashioned Swedish toys, go on fair rides, navigate a classic car track, or participate in summertime sing-alongs.
Address: Djurgarden 49-51, Stockholm 115 93, Sweden
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 164
Skógafoss
Stretching 82 feet (25 meters) across the Skógá River, into which its teeming waters plunge 197 feet (60 meters) from a rocky cliff, Skógafoss clocks in as one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls. Its clouds of spray regularly create vivid rainbows—often double rainbows—across the waters. The waterfall is also an important site for local folklore.
The Basics
As one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls and one of its most picturesque, Skógafoss is a must-see on any trip to the south coast of Iceland. Visits to Skógafoss are typically included on guided tours—private or group—of Iceland’s south coast, most of which depart from Reykjavik. Those tours usually also include visits to nearby Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, Thingvellir National Park, and other sites around the Golden Circle. Upon arrival, climb up the fall’s staircase for a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape and learn about the entertaining folklore associated with the site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Skógafoss is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and those who want to check off Iceland’s most important sites.
- Waterproof clothing is recommended—Iceland’s weather changes quickly and you can get soaked by the spray, especially when it’s windy.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The climb to the top of the fall’s stairway is fairly demanding, but there are also plenty of photo opportunities from the bottom.
How to Get There
Set on Iceland's south shore, Skógafoss waterfall is about 93 miles (150 kilometers) from Reykjavik along Route 1 (the Ring Road), which makes for a simple day trip from the capital. You can rent a car in Reykjavik and make stops along the Ring Road, or skip the hassle of driving and book a guided tour that visits Skógafoss as part of a southern Iceland day tour that includes Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
Iceland’s most important attractions are all at their busiest in summer. Beat the biggest crowds by arriving early in the morning or at night—during the height of summer, it is still light out around midnight. If you can brave the cold, you’ll have an even quieter experience in winter, when you’ll see surrounding icicles and snow with a chance at spotting the northern lights as well.
Skógafoss and Icelandic folklore
Skógafoss is a popular subject of local Iore, which tells that the region’s first Viking settler, Thrasi Thórólfsson, buried a chest of treasure in a cave behind the mighty falls. Legend has it that a local boy found the chest years later and while attempting to haul it out, pulled the ring from the front of the chest. According to the story, this ring is now displayed in the nearby Skógar Museum.
Address: Skógá River, South Iceland, Iceland
From ¥ 547
Slea Head
Slea Head is a headland on the western end of the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland. It is also considered to be the most western point in Europe. Slea Head is a scenic view point offering visitors a look at the Blasket Islands and South Kerry. It is a rocky region that was part of a volcanic area. The Slea Head Drive is a scenic drive that forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Aside from the scenery, visitors will also see some of the region's rare and unique plants and wildlife.
The drive passes through the village of Ventry which is on the coast and has a good beach for swimming and water sports. Then the drive winds through cliffs and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean as it nears Slea Head. Scenes from Ryan's Daughter and Far and Away were filmed near here. The Slea Head Drive continues through wild landscapes and several villages. One of the highlights is the Gallarus Oratory, the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. The drive also passes through fishing villages and mountainous regions, including Mount Brandon, the second highest mountain in Ireland.
The drive passes through the village of Ventry which is on the coast and has a good beach for swimming and water sports. Then the drive winds through cliffs and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean as it nears Slea Head. Scenes from Ryan's Daughter and Far and Away were filmed near here. The Slea Head Drive continues through wild landscapes and several villages. One of the highlights is the Gallarus Oratory, the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. The drive also passes through fishing villages and mountainous regions, including Mount Brandon, the second highest mountain in Ireland.
Practical Info
Slea Head is located 10 miles west of Dingle Town and can be reached using route R559.
Address: South West Ireland, Ireland
From ¥ 211
Skeppsholmen
One of the largest of the Stockholm Archipelago’s 24,000 islets and skerries, Skeppsholmen is close to the channel leading out into the Baltic Sea and historically had great tactical significance to Sweden’s capital city. However, although its 18th-century Bergrummet complex originally played a military role, now it has been transformed into museums and cultural emporiums including the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), the East-Asian Museum (Ostasiatiska Museet) and the avant-garde Theatre Galeasen. Other sights on this peaceful backwater island include a 19th-century fortress; the elegant Neoclassical church of Skeppsholmskyrkan, which is now a concert venue; an historic shipyard where wooden boats are still made; and open-air installations of unique sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle and her partner Jean Tinguely.
Accessible from mainland Stockholm by road bridge, Skeppsholmen is also connected to the neighboring islets of Blasieholmen and Kastellholmen by foot bridges. The island’s leisure facilities include restaurants and an upmarket hotel as well as a floating youth hostel on the yacht Chapman. The week-long Stockholm Jazz Festival also takes place on the island every July. These days Skeppsholmen is on the itinerary for Segway tours of Stockholm as well as hop-on, hop-off boat tours of the city.
Practical Info
Open 24/7. Admission free. Accessible by ferry to Nybroplan, Slussen or Djurgarden from Gamla Stan (Old Town); footbridge from Kungsträdgården; road bridge from the city center and bus no 65.
Address: Skeppsholmen, Stockholm 111 49, Sweden
From ¥ 377
Slotsholmen
Slotsholmen is an island in the harbor of Copenhagen. One of the most notable and impressive buildings on it is Christiansborg Slot, a Neo-Baroque palace built on the site of the old castle founded by Absalon, a Danish archbishop and statesman, in 1167. Christiansborg is the site of the Danish Parliament today.
Slotsholmen seats many of the central institutions in Denmark. Apart from the Parliament these include Christian IV's Stock Exchange (famous for its dragon spires), the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister's and Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Royal Reception Rooms, the Chancellery and the Royal Library, and the National Archive. A few museums are also located on the island.
Practical Info
As a central location both geographically and institutionally in Copenhagen, Slotsholmen is sometimes referred to as “the Island of Power.” Nine bridges connect Slotsholmen to the rest of Copenhagen.
Address: Copenhagen 1468, Denmark
Admission: Free
From ¥ 211
Skellig Experience
Situated on neighboring Valentia Island, the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre showcases the history and habitats of the Skelligs, two remote and rocky islets off Ireland’s southwest coast. Exhibits document the history of the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael monastic settlement, Skellig Lighthouses, and the wildlife of the islands.
The Basics
Housed inside a distinctive glass-roofed building, the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre allows you to find out more about these two wind-swept Atlantic islets from the safety and comfort of indoors. The center is a great complementary activity for those who plan on heading out to the monastic ruins on Skellig Michael, and a terrific alternative for those who can’t access the Skelligs themselves, whether because of bad weather, having young children in tow, or mobility issues.
The center is often visited as part of Ring of Kerry day tours from Killarney, Killorglin, Sneem, or Cahersiveen. Day tours to the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre typically make stops at other nearby sights, such as the fishing town of Portmagee. The center also runs boat cruises around the Skellig Islands (no landing) during the summer months.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre is a must for history buffs, natures lovers, and anyone planning a trip to the ruins.
- A restaurant with excellent sea views and a shop are situated at the center.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Skellig Experience Centre is situated on Valentia Island, County Kerry. Drivers exploring the Ring of Kerry should depart the route between Cahersiveen and Waterville, following the sign marked Valentia Island and Portmagee. Find the center at the far end of the road bridge from Portmagee.
When to Get There
The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre is open from March through September, with boat trips running from April to September, weather-permitting. The busiest months are July and August. For a quieter experience, get here early in the day.
Stories of the Skelligs
Skellig Michael was originally known for its early Christian monastic settlement, which was built by the Skellig monks who first arrived on the wind- and wave-battered islet in the sixth century. Parts of the complex, including beehive-shaped cells, a church, and graveyard, can still be seen. In recent years, the Skelligs have been thrown into the limelight for a different reason, having been used as a filming location in the latest Star Wars movies.
Address: Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 548
Slovak National Theatre
The architectural focus of the eastern flank of Hviezdoslavovo namestie (one of the two Baroque main squares gracing Bratislava’s Old Town), the Slovak National Theatre is a splendid Neo-Renaissance building that was created by Viennese theater designers Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It was completed in 1886 in a time when the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire was thriving and its elaborate pillared, colonnaded façade is encrusted with busts of playwrights such as Shakespeare and Goethe.
Seating for just over 600 in the plush, red velvet and gilded auditorium is in banks of boxes, and the season runs from September to July. The repertoire features a full program of opera, ballet and drama, including such old favorites such as Mozart’s Magic Flute, as well as contemporary performances by the Dragon Kungfu Dance Company.
An innovative new adjunct to the Slovak National Theatre opened in 2007 on the banks of the Danube; the seven-story SND New Building is of gleaming glass and marble, seating 1,677 in its three auditoriums.
Practical Info
The theater's box office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 7 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and for one hour before any performances. It is open on Sunday for one hour before performances as well. The SND New Building Box Office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has the same weekend hours as the box office of the Slovak National Theatre. Ticket prices vary between €5 and €30.
Address: Pribinova 17, Bratislava 811 09, Slovakia
Hours: Box office: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-noon & one hour before performances; Sun. one hour before performances
Admission: Tickets €5-€30
From ¥ 78
Skerries Mills
Rising out of the green Irish countryside, the working watermill and windmills in the town of Skerries are both scenic and historic. Learning about the operation of the mills provides context on the history of the area, which has ties to stone-ground milling back to the 12th century. Visitors can walk the interior of the mills to see how they operate, and even try their hand at milling flour the old way.
Particularly scenic are the two windmills perched up on the rolling hills, where you can find views of the nearby islands off the coast—as well as the idyllic wetlands and millpond. Take a stroll through the sprawling area to get a sense of true, Irish countryside, without even being that far from Dublin.
Practical Info
Skerries is a small coastal town 19 miles (30 km) north of Dublin City. Though the mills are located just outside of town (parking available) the town itself is also worth a stroll. Guided tours of the mill are given daily, and a bakery on site serves up tasty local breads and pastries. The mills are open from 10am to 4:30pm, and the costs for entry with tour are EUR 6.50 for adults and EUR 3.50 for children.
Address: Skerries, Dublin, Fingal, Ireland
Hours: 10am–4:30pm daily
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 454
Slottsparken (The Royal Palace Park)
Located in central Oslo, Slottsparken (or the Royal Palace Park) is the city central park that surrounds the Royal Palace. Construction began in the 1820s by Hans Linstow, the same architect who built the palace, although because of financial restrictions it took more than 30 years to put together. Altogether more than 2,000 trees were planted, most of which are still standing.
The main feature of the park is The Royal Palace, which is the main residence of Norwegian royalty, currently Herald V. If you happen to be in Oslo during the summer months, the palace opens for guided tours, including some of the most beautiful state rooms, upper vestibule, dining room, bird room, mirror hall, and Palace Chapel.
In 1911, the trend of adding monuments and statues to the park began, amongst the first were Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, and author Camilla Collett. Years later, statues of Queen Maud, mathematician Nils Henrik Abel, and Kronprinssesse Martha were added.
Practical Info
Situated in the Nobel district of Oslo, the park itself is 54 acres (22 hectares), although including the palace and Castle Park covers 225 acres (91 hectares) in total.
As the park is located directly in the city center, it is easily accessible by public transportation, including metro, at stop Nationaltheatret, taking you to the southeastern entrance at Karl Johans Gate, and nearby tram 11, 17 and 18 stopping at Holsbergs plass, a 2 minute walk to the northern entrance.
Address: Oslo 0010, Norway
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From ¥ 345