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VATNAJOKULL GLACIER

July 31, 2016 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Iceland The Vatnajokull Glacier is the largest formation of ice (by volume) in Europe.  With over three thousand square miles in surface are and over a half a mile thick in places, it covers about one-tenth the surface of Iceland, effectively giving the island its name.  Vatnajokull actually feeds over two dozen smaller glaciers.  Much of the glacier falls inside Vatnajokull … [Read more...]

GULLFOSS (GOLDEN FALLS)

July 30, 2016 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Iceland The Gullfoss (Golden Falls in English) is arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Europe and possibly the finest located in a Subarctic setting.  For much of the colder months of the year, the canyon into which the Gullfoss plunges is covered in massive ice formations, giving the waterfall a particularly spectacular setting.  It is one of the sites of the ‘Golden … [Read more...]

GEIRANGERFJORD

July 30, 2016 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Norway The Geirangerfjord is Norway’s most beautiful fjord, which is saying a lot.  Technically an extension of the much larger Storfjorden, the Geirangerfjord is one of the most stunning sites in Scandinavia, and one of the most visited.  Because of the steep slopes of the surrounding mountains, the fjord is virtually uninhabited.  The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World … [Read more...]

PREIKESTOLEN

June 26, 2016 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Norway (604 m) – Most Iconic Mountain in Scandinavia The Preikestolen is an immense outcropping of exposed granite known for the famous cliff at its peak which juts out over the Lysefjorden in southern Norway.  The view from this peak, overlooking the specatular blue waters of the coastal fjords, is considered to be one of the most beautiful on Earth.  Not surprisingly, it is … [Read more...]

MOUNT GRIMSVOTN & MOUNT KATLA

June 15, 2016 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Iceland (1,725 m, 1,512 m) – Most Active Volcanoes in the North Atlantic Mount Grimsvotn and Mount Katla are two of the most prominent, and most active, volcanoes in the entire North Atlantic.  Together they dominate the heavily volcanic island-nation of Iceland, and both have experienced major eruptions within the last few years.  Despite this activity, or perhaps because of … [Read more...]

SUOMENLINNA FORTRESS

December 20, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Helsinki, Finland Suomenlinna Fortress is also known as the Sveaborg, or Swedish Castle, and also as the Sea Fort because it occupies a cluster of small islands just outside of Helsinki, Finland.  A relative latecomer to Scandinavia, Suomenlinna was built by the Swedes in response to the construction of Russia’s new capital at St. Petersburg, which posed a serious threat to … [Read more...]

GRIPSHOLM CASTLE

December 20, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Mariefred, Sweden Gripsholm Castle is Sweden’s answer to Akershus in Norway.  Built to protect the western approaches to Stockholm from the threat of Danish or Norwegian incursions, it enjoyed a relatively peaceful history, and even served as the residence of the Swedish monarchy for the better part of two centuries.  Other than being torn down and replaced in the 1500s, … [Read more...]

KRONBORG CASTLE

December 20, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Elsinore, Denmark Kronborg Castle, tucked away close to the northernmost tip of continental Europe, is the pride of Denmark, and with good reason.  Dominating the extremely narrow straits between Denmark and Sweden, Kronborg may be the most strategically located fortification in Northern Europe.  This was especially true after the development of gunpowder cannon, when … [Read more...]

AKERSHUS CASTLE

December 19, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Oslo, Norway Akerhus Castle is one of the oldest and largest medieval fortresses on the Scandinavian Peninsula.  Originally built to protect the city of Oslo from the Swedes, it is also one of the oldest castles in Europe still actively used for military purposes, and as such has been exceptionally well maintained over the centuries.  Akerhus Castle’s military record is … [Read more...]

GINGERBREAD CITY

October 19, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

GINGERBREAD CITY

Bergen, Norway For the ultimate in gingerbread architecture, the end-all and be-all is without a doubt the Gingerbread City of Bergen.  While gingerbread is popular throughout Europe, and gingerbread construction projects a favorite activity for Christmas celebrants around the world, no one takes gingerbread more seriously than the good citizens of Bergen, Norway.  Every … [Read more...]

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THE COMPLETE AMERICAN PILGRIM – NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

THE COMPLETE PILGRIM

Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

Site of the Week

WITTENBERG CASTLE CHURCH

WITTENBERG CASTLE CHURCH

Wittenberg, Germany The … [Read More...]

Friends of TCP Spotlight

5 PLACES TO VISIT IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA – MUSLIM TRAVEL ROCKS

5 PLACES TO VISIT IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA – MUSLIM TRAVEL ROCKS

by Glory Ali The City of Brotherly Love offers tons to see and do and get this, it’s FREE. That’s right you heard it right it’s FREE. Click here for complete article  

MOVING THE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM – FAITH IN FAITHS

MOVING THE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM – FAITH IN FAITHS

by Mary Neuhauser President Trump recently announced his intentions to move the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thereby recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel. The purpose of this article is to give you a brief overview of what this decision means and why it matters. Click here for […]

Photo of the Week

BASILICA OF ST. DENIS

Last month, I visited one of the most fascinating churches I have ever been to, the almost completely ignored Basilica of St. Denis in the northern suburbs of Paris.  Almost every French monarch is buried here, and almost nobody goes here.  Here are some pics I took:

Basilica of St. Denis

Tomb of Clovis

Tomb of Clovis

Tombs of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Tombs of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Tomb of Louis XIV The Sun King

Tomb of Louis XIV The Sun King

Royal Tombs

Royal Tombs

The Crypt

The Crypt

 

 

 

 

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Contact Us

Have a comment, a great photo or a religious site you'd like to nominate for the weekly spotlight? We would love to hear from you. Email us at hkramer@thecompletepilgrim.com.

About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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