Fjords to Czars
Cold, snowy conditions to present the icy fjords for this post “Fjords to Czars”
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome, curious souls and kind-hearted travelers, to another leg of our Around the World journey. A series built to help us all become more familiar with every country on the map, one quick and meaningful stop at a time. With each post, I spotlight six nations, offering a brief introduction to their names, locations, flags, and essence. All to expand awareness, shift perspective, and spark wonder.
Today’s chapter is titled “Fjords to Czars.” A passage through lands of striking contrasts and legacy. From icy fjords to vast empires, these countries shaped Europe’s borders and beyond, carrying stories of resilience, reinvention, and influence that echoes far past their borders.
So buckle in, today we journey through Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, and San Marino. A blend cliffs, monarchies, medieval cities, and modern crossroads.
NORWAY
Official name: The Kingdom of Norway
Pronunciation: nor-way
Capital: Oslo
Official language: Norwegian
Location: In Northern Europe on a peninsula within the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Sweden
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Its natural scenery, including the Northern Lights
Fun fact: Home to the longest road tunnel
Recent news article: Wooden Reindeer Trap Found in Norway’s Melting Ice
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar with Norway
POLAND
Official name: Republic of Poland
Pronunciation: pow-luhnd
Capital: Warsaw
Official language: Polish
Location: Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czechia, and Germany
Climate: Continental
Most known for: Pierogi’s
Fun fact: Has the world’s largest Castle, Malbork Castle. The castles complex is about 52 acres
Recent news article: Poland: The deposit return system was introduced in Poland on October 1, 2025
My knowledge: I know some things about Poland
PORTUGAL
Official name: The Portuguese Republic
Pronunciation: por-chul-gl
Capital: Lisbon
Official language: Portuguese
Location: Part of Southwestern Europe on the peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Spain
Climate: Continental
Most known for: Surfing at Nazaré
Fun fact: Home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bookstore. Opened its doors in 1732
Recent news article: World Tourism Film Awards set to take place in Portugal
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar with Portugal
ROMANIA
Official name: Republic of Romania
Pronunciation: row-may-nee-uh
Capital: Bucharest
Official language: Romanian
Location: In Southeastern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, and Moldova
Climate: Temperate-continental
Most known for: Medieval castles, such as Transylvania and the legend of Dracula
Fun fact: Has the heaviest building in the world, the Palace of Parliament, weighing in at approximately 9.04 billon pounds
Recent news article: Study: 3 out of 4 Romanian employees say work is not their main purpose, 9% disengaged
My knowledge: Most familiar with Romania from the legend of Dracula. That’s about the extent of my knowledge
RUSSIA
Official name: Russian Federation
Pronunciation: ruh-shuh
Capital: Moscow
Official language: Russian
Location: In Eastern Europe but is also transcontinental and thus also located in Northern Asia all within the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, North Korea,
Climate: Mainly continental
Most known for: Vast size of the country and Vodka
Fun fact: Home to the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal as well as the world’s coldest inhabited place, Oymyakon
Recent news article: Russia to increase scholarships for Nigerian students, seeks cultural exchange
My knowledge: I know some
SAN MARINO
Official name: Republic of San Marino
Pronunciation: san mah-REE-noh
Capital: San Marino
Official language: Italian
Location: In Southern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Italy
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Being the fifth smallest country in the world
Fun fact: World’s oldest republic as it was founded back in 301AD
Recent news article: Little country surrounded by Italy has no airport and just 34,000 residents
My knowledge: Very unaware
As we wrap up Fjords to Czars, it’s clear that these countries aren’t just stops on a map, they’re chapters in a story of Europe’s identity. From Norway to San Marino, this journey reminds us how landscapes and legacies intertwine.
Travel lesson? In places shaped by both grandeur and grief, move slowly. Listen more than you speak. Whether navigating ancient streets or towering fjords, the quiet moments often carry the deepest truths.
If this chapter sparked something in you, there’s more to explore. The next post within the Around the World series lands in three days. Until then, revisit past posts, share your reflections, or let me know if you’ve walked the roads of these nations yourself. Your voice adds something only you can bring.
And if you’ve lived in, visited, or were raised in any of these countries, I’d love to hear your experience. Please reach out via any of the social links listed at the beginning of this post.
For further climate information, check out NOAA’s “What Are the Different Climate Types?” here.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
