Scandinavian Sensations
Winter breaks in winter wonderlands. Scandinavia is home to Lapland, volcanoes, fjords, the northern lights and so much more! It could be the icy break waiting to warm your heart. But where and what exactly is Scandinavia? Formed by a group of countries known for their Viking spirit and seasonal light, Scandinavia is a pocket of unspoilt Europe with vast landscapes and sparse populations. Here is are some little tips to wet your appetite: Iceland
One of the most popular destinations within Scandinavia. Famous for volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, black sand beaches, whales and music festivals.
Must See: The Blue Lagoon Hot from ... toe to freezing head? Said to have magical healing properties. Most Known For: Katla Volcanoe Partially covered by Mýrdalsjökull glacier (good luck pronouncing that!) beautifully majestic.
Friendly Factor: Nudist Elves Icelanders are famous for going the extra mile, they are also known for their eagerness to strip off and strong belief in elves!
Northern Lights Meter: Okay/Good A little lower than it's Scandinavian counterparts making sightings less likely. Try: Hákarl (Shark) Insta-spiration Image: @iheartreykjavic
Finland
The land of endless tenses and Moomins, Finland ("Finnish Land", the worlds end), is an icy wonder of ingenuity between Arctic and Baltic seas. Design must be in their DNA.
Must See: Sauna, Any Finnish Sauna is a worthwhile experience!
Most Known For: Rovaniemi (Lapland) Almost completely destroyed during WWII Rovaniemi is "officially" Santa's home, be sure to check out Arktikum museum.
Friendly Factor: Sisu A Finnish word reflecting Finnish competitiveness (perhaps too competitive? people have died for glory in Sauna events)
Northern Lights Meter: Good/Excellent
Head north to Kakslauttanen where it is often red.
Try: Lakka (Cloudberries) and cream
Insta-spiration Image: @j_vallius
Norway
"Friluftsliv" (Free Air Life), meaning activity in the outdoors and our connection to nature as a way of living. It is hard to be in Norway without experiencing friluftsliv, let the landscape translate this word properly when you get there...
Must See: Lofoten Islands Atlantic Ocean Road will be the drive of your life.
Most Known For: Fjords Go north in winter for whale watching under purple auroras and snowy Tromsø! Friendly Factor: Koselig/ Jante Jante law "you are not to think you are better than anyone else" meets Koselig pleasure in sharing. Home to the Nobel Peace Prize.
Northern Lights Meter: Good/Excellent Hugs the northern coast with Russia, you can see it on the horizon as low as Bergen on clear nights.
Try: Waffles, Jam & Brunost (brown cheese)
Insta-spirational Image: @fjelljenter
Denmark
Beer, style, fairytales and pastries; do you actually need more convincing?
Must See: Copenhagen Hipster heaven; check out alternative Christiania.
Most Known For: Bacon
68% of Bacon consumed in the UK is Danish? It tastes even better in Denmark Friendly Factor: Hygge Happy People
Think "special moments" as a verb. Voted happiest nation year after year, The Happiness Institute actually lives here.
Northern Lights Meter: Not Good
The most southern of the lot, better in Scotland.
Try: Smørrebrød (Dark Rye bread with topping)
Insta-spiration Image: @jesperbulow
Sweden
Eco-conscious tech-heads with a secret love for Eurovision and panache for minimalism, this may just be your heartland.
Must See: Stockholm Fika (coffee and cake) before exploring the Venice of the north.
Most Known For: Ice Hotel It all began here in Jukkasjärvi, 1990 and is rebuilt every year fit for an ice queen/king!
Friendly Factor: Lagom "just the right amount" the Swedes know how to balance work and play.
Northern Lights Meter: Good/ Excellent Head to Kautokeino, Saami cultural capital for an aurora with folk tales.
Try: Reindeer and Lingonberry jam
Insta-spiration Image: @Babes_in_boyland
Faroe Islands
One of the harder-to-reach destinations, drenched in ambient green hills and rolling mists.
Must See: The Jawbone Something to make you feel small, the jawbone of a sperm whale.
Most Known For: Múlafossur Google image search Faroe Islands and you are likely to see this well renowned waterfall.
Friendly Factor: Islanders Celtic/ Nordic cultural melting pot. Strangers are spotted easily, which might not be a bad thing.
Northern Lights Meter: Okay Lower than Iceland but with less light pollution. Not guaranteed but if seen, sure to be breathtaking.
Try: Ræstur fiskur (air dried fish/Whale meat)
Insta-spiration Image: @visitfaroeislands
Greenland
If you fancy something really different (non-European Scandinavia) then perhaps Greenland is for you, home to the worlds biggest ice sheet.
Must See: Ice Diving Shipwrecks meet exotic fish, bit chilly though!
Most Known For: Ilulissat Icefjord Probably one of the most arctic experiences you can get and home to climate change "ground zero"
Friendly Factor: Puppy Elitests Generally friendly but note dogs are working dogs here before you pet them.
Northern Lights Meter: Good- Excellent Weather permitting, Greenland is secluded and far north. Just check the auroracast.
Try: Suaasat (seal soup)
Insta-spirantion Image: @ilovegreenland
More in-depth posts these magical lands to come... Don't forget to subscribe/ follow, so you don't miss a post! Winter is waiting for you to arrive.
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