Things to Do in Europe

Spanning 20 square miles (51 square km) of southern Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park is a unique and eerie landscape of dormant volcanos and lava fields. Visitors flock to the park from nearby beach towns to explore the otherworldly terrain that looks more like the moon than the Canary Islands.

This rocky, hilly volcanic landscape in the southwestern countryside was made Iceland’s first national park in 1928, and a UNESCO site in 2004. A deeply significant cultural site for Iceland, this is where Althing, a historic open-air assembly of Icelandic representatives, was held from 930 to 1798. Ruins remain of 50 rock-hewn attendee booths, symbols of a medieval-era Norse political practice that persisted here well into the 18th century.

Althing was Iceland’s initial version of Parliament, and reflected the governmental style of Iceland’s early Norwegian settlers. In the ancient Norse culture, individual chieftains ruled disparate geographical areas but worked collaboratively with other chieftains to create a balance of power; this collaboration required annual face-to-face gatherings of chieftains and their extended clans. These gatherings would last two weeks or more, accompanied by temporary dwellings and markets, as well as entertainment like storytelling, feasts and sports tournaments.

By the year 930, the public land of the Thingvellir region had been chosen for this purpose, as it was deemed accessible from much of the country, which is full of (then-insurmountable) obstacles like huge mountains, glaciers and wide rivers. While communal gatherings here ultimately strengthened the Icelandic culture, the power of the Althing system eroded over time, proving ineffective at keeping more influential chieftains in check. The country was folded into the kingdom of Denmark in the late 1300s, kicking off a long period of decline that included the Black Plague and other deadly diseases; Danish imposition of the Reformation and later, a crippling trade monopoly; and many violent volcanic eruptions.

Though it evolved to represent the voices of an increasingly feudal system of land ownership, the Althing continued to be held at Thingvellir until 1798, when it was moved to the growing capital of Reykjavik. Within two years, it would be dissolved by royal decree, but re-established in 1848; it was this fateful move that prompted Iceland’s eventual autonomy as a sovereign state with its own flag and government.

The little island of Thirassia has a population of only 200 or so, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch at a cliff-top taverna, with views over to Santorini. The island used to be part of Santorini’s mainland, until the violent volcanic eruption of 1650 BC set it free.

Sail over from Santorini to escape the crowds on Thirassia’s lovely beaches, and bring a traveler’s dictionary as not many people here speak English. Those tavernas are clustered in the village of Manolas, near the ferry stop, and the tranquil island also has scattered blue-domed churches, ancient monasteries and stone villages

With freshwater swimming, waterfront beaches and a snowcapped mountain backdrop so striking it’s become the poster child for alpine getaways, it’s easy to see why Lake Thun (Thunersee), the region’s largest lake, draws a steady stream of visitors to its shores year round.
Active types will be in their element here, with the St. Jacob’s hiking trail running from the northern side towards the St. Beatus Caves, and walking tracks to Hünibach and Spiez passing by the lake. Speed-boat trips, wakeboarding, water skiing and windsurfing are all on offer for thrill-seekers, while the less adventurous will be content hiring a pedalo or rowing boat and taking a gentle cruise along the lake.

Visit in July and you’ll get a chance to witness the unique Lake Thun Festival, where popular musicals are performed on a dazzling floating stage, constructed specially for the event and anchored on the lake itself.

Berlin’s Central Park is Tiergarten, a huge stretch of parkland, formal gardens and leafy walkways in the city’s west.

Until the 1830s the parkland was used as a hunting ground. Today it houses the home of the German President, an array of public sculptures and memorials, canals and lakes, and a network of lovely shady avenues.

The park’s avenues merge on the 66 meter (216 foot) Victory Tower, topped with a gilt angel. If you’re feeling fit, you can climb the 285 steps to a platform at the top to catch stupendous views of Berlin.