Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, the highest of which, at 643 metres, is Mount Ulriken. Take the cable car up to the top or if you're feeling adventurous, choose one of the routes to the summit and conquer the mountain on foot or by bike.

Named during the Tang Dynasty when Taoism was at its peak, Laoshan is one of those places that is as much about the views as it is about the history. The area is dotted with iconic sites like Laoshan Jufeng Peak, Liuqing River, Taiping Palace, Yangkou Beach, and the Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools — each offering a different slice of the region’s natural beauty. From rugged mountain peaks to serene beaches, Laoshan's landscapes are a traveller’s dream. If you're planning to explore, there are a few routes to choose from. The southern route covers the towering Jufeng Peak and the peaceful Taiping Palace. The eastern route takes you to Yangkou Beach and the Qipan Stone Area, while the central route is all about the lush Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools.

The Palats Mastatsva is a stylish and trendy hangout – well compared to the dour museums that tend to make up Minsk’s cultural scene. Palats Mastatsva is an arts institute where you will find galleries and book stalls.

Spread out over ten acres, these beautiful gardens offer a tranquil day out to see the largest sculpture garden in the US in addition to a zoo, a variety of historic and nature trails, excursions and tours that take full advantage of the lush location.