Leiden or Leyden, city in the western Netherlands, in Zuid-Holland (South Holland) Province, on the Old Rhine River, near The Hague. Leiden is also the site of the State University of Leiden, one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in Europe. It was the birthplace of several important Dutch painters, including Rembrandt, Jan van Goyen, and Jan Steen. During the 17th century the English settlers who became known as the Pilgrims took refuge in Leiden before leaving for North America.

Esztergom is one of Hungary’s oldest and most historically significant towns, located along the Danube River just an hour north of Budapest. It was the country’s royal capital during the Middle Ages and the birthplace of its first king, Saint Stephen. Today, visitors are drawn to the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Its dome rises over 70 meters high and offers panoramic views of the river, the surrounding hills, and neighboring Slovakia across the Mária Valéria Bridge.

Rauma is a historic coastal town in western Finland, located on the Gulf of Bothnia and known for its well-preserved wooden Old Rauma district. Narrow lanes, colorful timber houses, small courtyards, and irregular street patterns give the historic center a distinctive appearance. Outside the old town, Rauma remains an important port and industrial center, while the surrounding coast contains islands, rocky shores, and forested landscapes.

Glennallen is a small community in the Copper River Valley of south-central Alaska, positioned near the junction of the Glenn and Richardson highways. It serves as a regional service center for a widely scattered population and is surrounded by broad valleys, forests, wetlands, and distant mountain ranges. The Wrangell and Chugach Mountains rise around the wider region, while the Copper River and its tributaries shape the landscape.

Nantes, situated on the banks of the Loire River in western France, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, creative energy, and dynamic cultural scene.

Helena is the capital of Montana, set among mountains, forests, and open valleys in the western part of the state. Its identity is closely tied to the gold mining that shaped the early settlement, while the modern city combines historic architecture with an active arts community and extensive outdoor recreation.