10 Scandinavian adventures worth the long flight
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If you’re craving a different style of European summer, and have a strong love for IKEA furniture, then Scandinavia is the place for you.
Nordic cities come alive at this time of year and there are some amazing places with your name on them.
If you can’t get out of work until European wintertime, don’t worry. The Northern Lights are on everyone’s bucket lists, as is seeing the Scandinavian mountains.
Luckily Babbel, a language teaching service, has selected some of their fave Scandinavian must-sees, for whatever time of year you’re going.
DIVE IN: Go for a swim in Malmö, Sweden
Just south-east of Copenhagen, Malmö is Sweden’s Gold Coast. The sandy stretch of Ribban is 2.5 kilometres and surrounded by green regions. Västra Hamnen is a neighbouring hot spot, especially in the summer.
A sustainable district filled with interesting architecture, its delicious restaurants and cafés are only a five-minute bike ride from the city centre.
DANCE UP A STORM: Check out a music festival in Slottsskogen, Sweden
The summer festival season is huge throughout Europe, and in Sweden especially. Slottsskogen hosts a massive amount of events over summer, including Way Out West (WOW) – Europe’s biggest combined music and film festival and one of the most popular, attracting around 30,000 visitors.
WOW has been named the ‘Most Innovative Festival’ by MTV, and since 2012 has only served vegetarisk mat (vegetarian food). The decision, praised by Jamie Oliver, has reduced the festival’s carbon footprint by 20 per cent.
AFTER HOURS: Catch the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle, Sweden
Can you still sleep when the suns out? Summer nights last longer up north, and you can travel up past the artic circle – the sun doesn’t set at all between 25 May and 19 July. That’s 56 days of pure daylight!
Summer temperatures in the north of Sweden are often a comfortable 15°C, but can reach up to 30°C. Plan a hiking trip up north and stay in one of the many cabins dotted along the road.
The midnight sun is an unmissable and unique experience for anyone and everyone.
AURORA BOREALIS: Shine bright with The Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden
The Northern Lights – this indescribable vision of astrological lights streaming across the night sky – is an experience you absolutely can’t go past. Abisko has developed a reputation for being the number one Northern Lights destination on the planet, because it’s located in a unique microclimate location.
The best time to catch the Aurora is during the months of November to April – but be sure to bring a jacket or five, as it occurs between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am local time.
AT SEA: Explore by water on Norway’s fjords, Norway
One of the most popular ways to experience Norway’s magnificence is by cruising its deep fjords (long, narrow water inlets).
Cruising past larger than life mountain faces, fjords such as Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Sognefjord, are one of the best ways to see the true beauty of Norway.
To see all that Norway has to offer, and to have a real Viking reise (voyage), travel by water.
STATE OF THE ART: Get creative at the Arctic Arts Festival in Harstad, Norway
The Arctic Arts Festival of North Norway has been held in Harstad since 1965, and is ranked as a top shelf international event that presents and produces a vast array of musical genres.
The festival hosts many visual, literature, cinematic and performance arts acts. The Arts Festival also has a strong focus on children, young people, and travellers from foreign countries, so it’s perfect for everyone.
LAND IN WATER: Island hop around the Lofoten Islands, Norway
Find idyllic Norwegian fishing communities – complete with docked fishing boats and racks of drying stock fish – all over the Lofoten Islands. Surrounded by giant rockies and with birds eye views of Vestfjord, the capital Svolvaer is a great base for island hopping on the ferries.
Home to the world’s largest known cold-water coral reef, the Lofoten Islands are also perfect for deep-sea fishing. As well as panoramic beauty and fishing culture the Lofoten Islands also offer loads of adventure activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking.
Sign us up!
A BED OF ROSES: Wander through the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Tivoli amusement park and its beautiful gardens date all the way back to 1843, and are home to over 20 attractions, including a roller coaster, roundabouts, halls of mirrors, pantomime, puppet shows, and open-air theatres.
Restaurants and cafes lie within the flower garden, making is a perfect spot for a long summer lunch. The move-star park is famous worldwide and is one of the most famous attractions in Copenhagen.
PIECE OF CAKE: Picnic in Kongens Have in Rosenborg Castle, Denmark
Known as the people’s backyard, Kongens Have (or The King’s Garden) are the oldest gardens in Copenhagen. Stop by the local supermarket to pick up some snacks then set up a big blanket on the lawns and enjoy the royal garden views.
ELECTRIC PINK: Get colourful with Superklien in Copenhagen, Denmark
Superkilen, a park in Copenhagen city, has been transformed into an artwork to celebrate the area’s multiculturalism. Artists mixed design elements from across the globe with futuristic art touches, making it a must see, even if you aren’t an art buff.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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