Hello! I've traveled to a few countries in Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, and England. I'd like to try visiting someplace new on my next trip to Europe and am considering either Spain, Austria, or Norway/Sweden/Finland/Denmark.<BR><BR>I'm interested in sightseeing (dramatic scenery and nice countrysides, not really into historic buildings or architecture). In terms of food, I'm not too crazy about fish or most seafoods (although I love shrimp and other shellfish).<BR><BR>I've heard the Austrian scenery is not as nice as Switzerland, and I've already been to Switzerland. And if their food is similar, I wasn't too fond of the Swiss cuisine. But I also heard that it's mostly fish in Spain and throughout Scandanavia.<BR><BR>Does anyone have suggestions/recommendations as to which area(s) would be best for my interests?

Norway/Sweden/Finland/Denmark

<BR>Maria,<BR>Another vote for Scandinavia. Depending for how long you plan to travel - 4 countries are a little bit too much unless you have a lot of time (and money).<BR>AA

I agree with AA. You shold take a map and compare the area of Scandinavia to the area of Austria. Austria is the size of very southern part of Finland or very southern part of Sweden or very southern part of Norway. Scandinavia is something like 10 timea the size of Austria if not more. It is also a lot bigger area than Spain. So, if your time is limited, and you decide on Scandinavia, you should pick one or two countries, or just visit the capitals. But the capital idea is not really good, because (except Denmark) those countries are more about nature than towns, and there is a lot of it.

Hi , Maria, I have been in all of them, frankly I love Spain, the North have absolutely fantastic sceneria in Picos de Europa , and las Rias de Galicia.<BR>If you like shrimps and shellfish , nothing is better there....<BR>I am thinkin of Hotel El Oso in Picos de Europa, a charming place with outstanding food, great service, a very nice room, is about 60 to 70 euros....where can you get this?<BR>this Hotel in the little town of Cosgaya , near Potes, has a tennis court, a pool, and those fantastic mountains all around.<BR>A fabolous monastery the Monastery of Sto.Toribio de Liebana is nearby also beautiful lakes, etc etc.<BR><BR>I would give Spain a try ....

Spain & Portugal offers lovely scenery and great culture. And, these countries also have other delicacies besides seafood.

We will be departing to Spain tomorrow on our yearly trip there for the past 12 years. I would highly recommend Spain to anyone interested in diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and simply fine gastronomy.

Maria<BR>I love the Alps and go there as often as I can. If a person is not blown away by Switzerland's beauty we don't even speak the same language. Swiss cuisine can be great but you have to find the right restaurants and know what to order. I am going to Austria for three weeks this September and can't wait. I have not been there for 30 years and I am sure it has probably change since my last two visits. Here is my take as I remember it. Switzerland has higher and more dramatic mountains. Austria,however has beautiful mountains, many small quaint villages,and lakes to die for. Being a bigger country it is easier to get away from other tourists and industrialization. Am going to Vienna for the first time, which I know is one of the geat cities of the world. Salzburg in my opinon is one of the world's real gems. The food is very germanic, and may not be your cup of tea. I find when I go to Europe I can always find something I like,but food is way down my list when traveling for it sounds like if it is a priority you might be excluding a lot of great countries to visit. Also you might find Austrians to be a little less uptight and out going and a little cheaper. Have not been to Scandinavia but really like Spain. Although it is very different, you might find Spain more like Italy as compared to the other countries you have visited. Greener and colder in the North and warmer and drier in the south. Like Italy great architecture form different periods and lots and lots of history. My favorite painting museum in the world (Prado) castles galore. Seafood mostly on the coasts. People not as outgoing as Italians, but very friendly. Went to Barcelona for the first time in February and loved it. Anyway your choice. Sorry to those who love Scandinavia, but have never been there, although I know I will. Have been to every country in Europe except Potugal more than once and have loved each one for different reasons. Good luck.<BR>Dennis

Norway-hands down-for scenery. Nothing compares.

Ethel - I'm going to Spain on a globus tour of the whole country for 2 weeks. Any "must sees" from your experience and great restaurants too? I appreciate suggestions from real people not just guide books.

No, it´s not mostly fish in Scandinavia. Sure there is excellent fish there, but they eat meat (pork, lamb, cow, moose, reindeer), fowl (also wild birds) and vegetables just like everybody else. You should try reindeer fil&eacute;!

We loved Norway - - especially the fjord country. But prepare for cool and often damp

ALL are nice, but it's what YOU want after doing lots of research and reading...not necessarily what the rest of us would like. I would do Austria, but would imagine Scandanavia would be a good variety since you haven't been up that way. We lived 2 yrs. in Portugal and it is truly a beautiful, interesting country..and not as widely "touristized"as some countries, AND they eat at a decent hour at night....not at 10 or 11 pm as in Spain. Spain is a pretty popular destination however.Am sure you will have a great time, wherever you go.,(if you take along your sense of humor and openmindedness!)<BR>

Have you traveled to Cannes, Monaco, village of St. Paul De Vence and Arles in Provence? From Nice you can go on to Pisa and rent a car to drive to the walled city of Lucca and then stay at country homes in Tuscany (take a look at Locanda dell' Amorosa in Sinalunga near Siena) or drive up the coast. The other countries you expressed interest in are heavily into fish but you wouldn't starve! If you decide on Scandanavia I would go to Norway and Denmark--really spectacular scenery. Take a boat thru the Fjords. Good luck.