Top TEN reasons to visit Scandinavia; Denmark, Norway and Sweden
October 2009
The ‘hottest’ travellers head for the world’s ‘coolest’ destinations – Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
VisitScandinavia has picked picked the top 10 from over 1000 suggested reasons why Australians should visit this unique region.
1. GREEN
The Nordic region is one of the most eco-conscious regions in the world. Nature rules: whether in the city or countryside it is clean and green. The Green Key is an eco-label for hotels, inns, youth hostels, conference facilities, camping sites and holiday houses.
So, for the greenest experience, look for Denmark and Sweden’s Green key!
Norway’s spectacular fjords belong to one of the greenest holiday destinations, with Geirangerfjord and the Naroyfjord both included on UNESCO's famous World Heritage List.
Swedish Lapland also offers a green experience in the Arctic wilderness of the Sarek and Abisko national parks with perfectly pristine mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers and wending rivers.
If you take one of the local eco-tourism packages, you will leave this last wilderness the way you found it - unique and untouched
2. FAIRYTALES
Norway and Denmark are the home of fairytales from the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the trolls of Norwegian folklore. Visit the magical countryside of Odense – www.visitordense.com or www.odmus.dk for fun fairytale activities.
3. CASTLES & MANOR HOUSES
Sweden and Denmark are the home of castles, manor houses and chateaux dating back centuries. There is Kronoberg Castle in Denmark – the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, just one of over 300 historic castles in southern Scandinavia.
Then there is the 17th century Drottningholm Castle in Stockholm known as the ‘Versailles of the North’ - magnificent. Wherever you turn, an imposing castle is looking down on you!
4. HYGGE – (hooga)
This is the Danish word for gathering with friends around a warm fire and just enjoying friendship, food and life! When in Denmark you must ‘hygge’ and experience the essence of the Danish lifestyle.
5. NORDIC CUISINE
Smororrebro, is the national delicacy of Denmark, the open sandwich filed with an ever growing number of luscious toppings. It is prepared in a time honoured tradition and everyone visiting the country must try at least one together with a Danish Gameldansk and a Carlsberg.
Or head to Sweden for smoked reindeer with mountain cheese or try Norway’s endless fish options in all forms.
Copenhagen has today over seven Michelin Restaurants so it is worth heading north for the gourmet lovers.
6. COOL AND QUIRKY
Cool and quirky, funky, cutting edge, innovative; the Scandinavian lifestyle reflects its dramatic seasons – long summer days, cool winter nights, the changing colours of autumn and spring. This ambience is captured in its music, art, cafes, restaurants, festivals, fashion.
Cross country skiing during the winter months under the midnight sun, mushroom picking in the forests during the autumn, island hopping in the archipelago during the summer, and lake swimming in spring, are just a few of the quirky activities one can explore in the Nordic region.
7. ARTISTIC
Creativity is a word for the three Scandinavian countries: think innovative architecture by Gunnar Asplund, Jorn Utzon and Eero Koivisto.
Think electro pop by Lykke Li, house by The Sounds, or indie pop by The Hives.
Think royal design by Georg Jensen, minimalist design by Eva Solo, Klippan and Normann Copenhagen.
Think cutting edge fashion by filippa k, Annhagen, Best Behavour and Noir Illuminati.
Denmark boasts great design trails, particularly in Copenhagen but also in the surrounding areas. There are plenty of factory outlets with major stylish Danish brands to visit for the bargain hunter.
In Stockholm, the up and coming area of ‘Sofo’ (south of Folkkungagatan) is also a must visit for the design aware.
In Norway, head to Grand Hotel for some artistic feminine inspiration. Four female designers together with thirteen of Norway’s most talented women, have designed thirteen unique rooms with the goal of making them better suited for the female business traveller.
Åsne Seierstad, Oslo born journalist and author of best sellers ‘The Bookseller of Kabul’ and ‘Angel of Grozny – Inside Chechnya’ is one of the talented Norwegians who have co-designed one of the rooms on the Grand Hotel’s Ladies’ Floor.
8. DESIGN SHOPPING
Think Design, think Shopping – think the Scandinavian countries! The three capital cities have their own dedicated design shopping neighbourhoods.
In Copenhagen, stroll down Stroget, the city’s main shoping drag and end up at Nyhavn for a drink and some people watching. Stroget is also home to two well-known design shops: Normann Copenhagen and Royal Copenhagen.
In Oslo, if you want to explore the scene of young Norwegian female designers, Grünerløkka is the place to visit. Small independent shops selling clothes, pottery and handicrafts are scattered around the area as well as second hand book and record shops.
The word ‘design-aholics’ was coined for Swedes. Especially in Stockholm, design shops will catch your eye left, right and centre. A good start however is to head to ‘Design Square’ where a collective of well known and up and coming Swedish designers have their products on display.
The south of Sweden in a small county called Smaland, is also home to world leading glass designers such as Kosta Boada, Orrefors and Boda Nova. Here you can find bargains in the many outlet shops.
9. CONTRASTING
The Scandinavian Countries: cool cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, Malmo, Copenhagen and Arhus, enveloped by centuries old history; long summer nights of the Midnight Sun and ice blue winters; the freshness of spring and the hues of autumn; the vast whiteness of the Arctic and the green of the forests; the vibrant open air restaurants of summer and spring, the warm cafes and bars of winter. Winter - Santa, reindeer, a snow- covered wonderland, northern lights; and the summer – lakes, culture festivals and long lingering days.
10. EFFICIENT
Everything runs like clockwork in the Nordic countries – the transport, the service, the technology. The infrastructure reflects the ease of the lifestyle. DFDS Seaways from Norway to Denmark work like clockwork as well as do local trams or buses in the four capital cities.
Environmental awareness and sustainability are in the Nordic psyche. The Nordic region has credibility as a destination
GETTING THERE
...and getting there with Scandinavian Airlines:
Scandinavian Airlines has introduced special Economy and Business fares to Scandinavia, Finland, the Baltics and beyond, for travel now and well into 2010.
These fares are on sale until November 30, 2009, for departures anytime between now and 30 September 2010.
Bookings can be made via a travel agent, or by calling SAS on 1300 727 707