Nordic Dreaming: Slow Scandinavian Trips I'm Planning
It’s no secret that I have a bit of an obsession with the Nordic countries. I’ve spent a lot of time travelling in the north, yet have an endless list of places that I’d still love to visit or return to. There’s just something about the Nordic way of life that entices me: it’s everything from the focus on slow living and spending time outdoors, to the focus on stylish yet functional design (everything from architecture and interiors to fashion). Stuck at home during the pandemic, I’ve been quietly plotting potential trips for next year (fingers crossed) and a return to the Nordic lands is at the top of my list. My last trip to the region was to Skåne last spring - a trip that feels a lifetime ago now. With a lack of travel on the immediate horizon, I’m satiating my wanderlust by detailing the Nordic adventures that I can’t get out of my head. There are many, many places in the Nordic countries (particularly Scandinavia) that I’d love to visit - I often imagine living in the region and being able to spend all my weekends and holidays taking long road trips to explore the wilderness, staying in all the amazing cabins that I drool over on Cabin Escapes and Copenhagen Wilderness. These are the three Nordic adventures that are currently at the top of my list for post-pandemic.
A RAIL AND ROAD JOURNEY THROUGH SWEDEN AND NORWAY
I’ve been fantasizing about taking a long train journey through Sweden and Norway since reading my friend Anne-Sophie’s experience of her interrail trip on her journal. There are so many places that I’d love to visit in both countries that it would make sense to weave my way up north through Sweden, entering Norway in the north and continuing my journey back down to Oslo. My plan is basically to start with a day in one of my favourite cities, Copenhagen, before taking the first train up to Gothenburg. I’d then hire a car to drive across to Stockholm, stopping for a couple of nights in a place that has been on my wish-list for years, Naturbyn. I’ve always wanted to stay in their houseboat cabin for a couple of nights - imagine waking up in a rustic cabin floating in the water, cooking your meals on an outdoor stove and enjoying a dip in the lake in the morning - not to mention reaching your home for the night via canoe. I’d then continue to Stockholm where I’d spend a day exploring the city and its underground art before retreating to a cabin on a small island on the archipelago. I love the idea of spending a few days exploring the islands by rowing boat, juxtaposed by morning swims and evenings huddled around a bonfire. I’d then take a night train up to Swedish Lapland, where I’d spend a day exploring the landscapes and wishing I could afford to stay in the Tree Hotel. Next, it would be a long train journey admiring the beautiful scenery on the way across the border to Narvik, Norway. Again, I’d hire a car for a few days here to explore the Lofoten islands, an area that I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. I’d want to spend at least three days here, soaking up the scenery. Places I’d love to see include: the red fishermen’s cabins in Hamnøy, the iconic yellow cabin in Sakrisøy, a hike to Kvalvika Beach and a visit to Nusfjord harbour. Finally, a night train back to Oslo before heading home.
EXPLORING ICELAND’S WEST FJORDS
Iceland is still one of the most amazing places I have ever visited, and I’ve always dreamed of going back. This time, I’d concentrate my trip around the west of the country, focusing on the areas I didn’t visit last time: the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the West Fjords. I’d hire a car and spend a week exploring these regions, hunkering down in cosy cabins at night and spending all of my time outdoors during the day - hiking, taking photographs and seeking out hidden hot springs. Last time I visited Iceland at midsummer, enjoying the endless days but missing the chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights. I’d love to return in September, when there’s still enough daylight to explore but there’s a chance of spotting the Aurora at night. This trip would obviously have to include a day in Reykjavik, just wandering around and admiring the buildings, popping into cool little cafes and bars along the way.
DISCOVERING NORTHERN NORWAY IN WINTER
I’ve always wanted to visit Tromsø, and what better time to head into the Arctic Circle than in the depths of winter? I’d love to explore Tromsø when the landscape is covered in snow and there’s a good chance of watching the Northern Lights dance overhead. I wouldn’t want to spend my time in the city itself however, I’d rather get out into the wilderness to make the most of discovering the landscapes and wildlife that this region has to offer. I’d like to head up Mount Storsteinen on the cable car to admire the views of the city sprawled out below, enjoy a whale watching boat trip keeping my eyes peeled for humpbacks and orcas, and visit one of the neighbouring Sami villages to learn more about the traditional local culture. But mainly, I’d just like to spend time walking around the outskirts of the city, admiring the colourful wooden houses and heading into the wilderness to hike in the snow. I’d be at my happiest just walking around with my camera, capturing the landscapes and enjoying being outdoors, bundled up in warm clothes.