Some far-flung geographical blurbs that I wrote for a large travel company…
Haderslev, Denmark
Straddling a fjord, the quiet town of Haderslev gives visitors a glimpse into old-school Europe. Cobblestone streets wind among red-brick buildings, with lunch-minded folks seeking out smørrebrød and frikadeller. A stroll or snooze in Dempark – with its view of the 13th-century cathedral (Haderslev Domkirke) – is in order. Nearby, there’s golf – plus a castle to see in Kolding, 20 miles north.
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Sønderborg, Denmark
The seaside town Of Sønderborg – best known for the imposing, red-brick Sønderborg Castle – sits on Als Strait on the Baltic Sea. Vibrant old-town buildings run right up to the waterway, where locals watch ships and bask in sunny parks with Danish hot dogs. The town hosts festivals, concerts and plenty of students from two colleges. For kids, Danfoss Universe science park is in nearby Nordborg.
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Havneby, Denmark
A lonely post on the North Sea island of Rømø, Havneby serves the ferry route from List, Germany. This wind-swept fishing village offers beer and lunch with a view, miniature golf or a dog walk on the beach before taking route 175 across to Jutland proper. Rømø Island also hosts sandcastle competitions and horseback riding.
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Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim’s tree-lined streets offer Tronheimsfjord seafood and Nidelva River views. Visitors should hit the 12th-century Nidaros Cathedral, Stiftsgården palace, the fortress islet of Munkholmen, and landmark Tyholt Tower for views. A drastic change in scenery can be had by grabbing the tram to the forest park of Bymarka. Nordic summers are highlighted by the medieval St Olav Festival.
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Vaernes Airport (TRD), Norway
Set 30km east of Trondheim, via route E6, this airport is in Stjordal – an hour’s flight from Oslo and Bergen. Worth a visit are several old churches, Steinvikholm Castle- a former archbishop’s residence – and Hegra Fortress, famous for WWII action. Visitors also flock here for fly fishing in the Stjordal river and bird-watching in the Halsøen tidal area.
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Mina Clavero, Argentina
The sleepy village of Mina Clavero is set 85km from Cordoba (Argentina’s second-largest city) and 670km from Buenos Aires. At an altitude of 915 meters, this high-desert town sees 300 days of sun per year, which locals and tourists honor by hitting the river often. The area hosts donkey rallies and concerts, and crawls with mountain hiking trails, as well.
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Pampa de Achala, Argentina
A vast, largely barren region about an hour west of Cordoba, this region is home to rock, sun, adventurers and birds. People hike into Quebrada del Condorito National Park to view condors and endemic species. They hike into Quebrada de Yatán for a little more greenery, mountains, stunning ravines and, yes, nudist footraces. Highway 20 is the only access road.
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Cipolletti, Argentina
Paired up with the town of Neuquen, Cipolleti sits 450km west of Bahia Blanca, in the north end of Patagonia. This central-Argentina town is probably best known for its regional futbol (soccer) team, but agriculture (pear and apple trees) and fishing for trout in the Limay River are big, too. Carlos Ameghino Museum and Peuser Palace offer historic artifacts.
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Neuquén, Argentina
Chief city of the Rio Negro region, the modern Neuquén sits at the junction of the Limay and Neuquén rivers. Popular draws are the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Whimsical Fountain amidst downtown skyscrapers, agri-tourism farms, and wines and microbrews in a variety of dining spots. Regional pro soccer, local golf and day-trips to scenic areas are other options.
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San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
Known simply as Tucumán, Argentina’s 5th-largest city has bloomed in the northern desert, with roots dating back to 1565. An agricultural hub 1,300 km northwest of Buenos Aires, Tucumán hosts 4 universities, numerous theaters and the annual Septiembre Musical festival at Independence Square. The indigenous-themed Museo Pachamama (in Amaicha del Valle) may be worth the long day trip.
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Tafí del Valle, Argentina
For a taste of pastoral life in a verdant valley, the village of Tafi del Valle does the trick. Sweeping views, lush forests, llamas and tradition greet travelers who make the 110-km trip (2 hours by car) from Tucumán. This village offers peace and quiet in the eastern foothills of the Andes. Bring a camera! Nearby, the indigenous cultures-themed Museo Pachamama is definitely worth the trip.