Burning sky in Sweden by Per Ola Wiberg

If you’re looking for somewhere cheap, it’s the last place that you should go. But if you are looking to experience some the best scenery and dining that Europe has to offer, head North. Here are six reasons I believe Scandinavia to be worth every penny.

The Northern Landscapes

The top of Scandinavia is not easy to get to. Budget airline routes are scarce by European standards and train journeys are long, even by European standards. But in terms of awe inspiring landscapes, vast empty spaces, and fjords that have to be seen to be believed, the north really can’t be beat. If you’ve got the time and the seasons are on your side, there are few better places in the world to drive and drive and drive.

High Prices but Exquisite Quality

Another thing that I like about Scandinavia is that though the prices are high, the quality usually follows suit. In other words, most establishments do seem to at least attempt to justify their ridiculous prices. Expensive hotels are generally pristine and modern. Fine dining is the very definition of fine.

Hotel 71 Nyhavn – one of the most expensive hotels in Denmark (Copenhagen) by Casper Moller

Camping is Free

An excellent way to cut down on the cost of a trip through Scandinavia is to go camping. Provided you are not in the immediate vicinity of somebody’s home i.e. not in anyone’s garden, you can set up a tent wherever you like, completely free.

In most countries, this sort of camping would involve hiding and excessive fines if unsuccessful. But in Scandinavia, it’s considered your right to set up a tent wherever you choose. Of course, given the climate, this is very much a Summer activity.

Cross Country Skiing

Though the ski resorts of Scandinavia are not really up to the standards of their Swiss and French counterparts, when it comes to cross country skiing, the countries of Scandinavia are in a league of their own.

Not only does the flat landscape lend itself perfectly to the activity, the snowfall is both powdery and plentiful. And I have yet to find a city other than Helsinki where business men ski to and from work. It’s like being on another planet. A much better one.

Cross Country Skiing in Sweden by Ina Widegren

The Nightlife

You might be forgiven for thinking that the nightlife would be somewhat tame in countries where the alcohol is taxed so severely. Luckily however, any such concerns would be very much unwarranted. Saturday nights in Stockholm are at times downright scary in terms of debauchery.

In fact, if there’s a university in town, you can expect to find a party atmosphere regardless of what Scandinavian city you find yourself in. Most people in Scandinavia love to drink and love to party. The cost just seems like some sort of strange after thought.

The Midnight Sun

Finally, there is the midnight sun. Each Summer, should you head way north, you can expect to say goodbye to the darkness for up to ninety days. It doesn’t do much for your sanity, it doesn’t do much for your sleep, but it is something that just about everyone should experience once in their lives. It is worth noting however that anything more than a week is likely to lead to both insomnia and irrational smiling.

Mike Johnson is a well known NSW based travel writer who is currently writing for www.onemilebeach.com.au.

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The biggest attraction of Hornbæk is its local beach. It is also one of the best beaches in Scandinavia, awarded by the Blue Flag. Hornbæk Beach has fine white sand and you can enjoy here really clean air. It is a popular place of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Unfortunately there is no rent available, so you must bring your equipment yourself. In summer, the swimmers are secured by the Coast Guard. Hornbæk beach stretches on both sides of the harbor.

View The town of Hornbæk in Denmark – seaside resort called “Danish Saint-Tropez” in a larger map

Those who like walking and hiking are invited to the public forest Hornbæk Plantage, which stretches several kilometers along the coast. In the forest there are several marked routes. You can stop at one of many small parks and pick up the map of the trails at the local tourist Information Centre.

Hornbæk is also a popular place for fishing enthusiasts. Here you can rent a boat here either at the local Information Centre or in the office of Captain of the port, located on the south side of the harbor. Prices are around 600 DKK (80 EUR) per boat per day and up to 3 people.

You can stay in the local camp, which is well equipped and offers also cabins, a playground and an air trampoline for children. Or in one of the hotels. In the port you can visit the fish market.

Hornbæk is best accessible by train and car. The nearest international airport is located in Copenhagen, which is 50km away.

View The town of Hornbæk in Denmark – seaside resort called “Danish Saint-Tropez” in a larger map

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hunter-Desportes

European E20 route passes through Öresund Bridge as well, which is important connection between Scandinavia and Central and Western Europe. But not only the bridge is interesting here. Another part of this route is a well-built tunnel under the sea that ensures better navigation and transportation network for the ships. The long tunnel permits fleets of large cargo boats, passenger ships and speed boats steer safely through this extended tunnel.

On Öresund Bridge you will pass the borders but thanks to Schengen Agreement there are usually no passport inspections.

View Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark in a larger map

The Architect of the bridge is Georg Rotne who designed several important bridges throughout the world. Öresund Bridge is 7,845 meters long and up to 23.5 meters wide and today it serves to more than 17,000 road vehicles every day.

If you visit Sweden or Denmark in the future, you have to make a trip by train or car through this unique bridge and tunnel. It is really very impressive!

View Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark in a larger map

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You can see thousands of small people, Scouts on the streets. weddings or people on strike. Within minutes you walk through Finland, Hamburg, Germany, The Alps and Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia or America. All Miniature Wonderland is divided into six sections (southern Germany, Hamburg, America, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the airport). In addition, France and Italy sections are in preparation and you can watch the modelers and technicians at work. Day and night is changing there in 20 minute intervals.

The whole world of Miniature Wonderland does not include only trains, but there are also computer-controlled running cars or a sailing ship. But the Miniature Wonderland is not just about transport but also about people. You can find here humans in almost every real situation, from work to entertainment. Furthermore, the world contains domestic and wild animals.

You can also see flying planes and even UFOs. As in the real world there are days and nights and sometimes the wind blows. From time to time you can see some accident or fire.

Opening Times at Miniatur Wunderland
Open 365 days a year;
Daily – 09.30 to 18.00
Tuesdays – 09.30 to 21.00
Saturdays – 08.00 to 21.00
Sundays and Bank Holidays – 08.30 to 20.00

Basic adult admission is €10 and children pay €5. It is recommended to book the tickets before your visit.

View Miniatur Wunderland – the world’s largest model railway in Hamburg, Germany in a larger map

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The Kronborg castle has been one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. The castle was originally used to collect duties, and was later rebuilt to Renaissance castle. However it is important to note, that Renaissance means something else in Italy and something else in Scandinavia. Later the castle was used as barracks for two centuries.

You can save a tour of the interior. After the fire, there is not much remained to be seen inside. It is best to walk along the sea and the view from the ship.

Kronborg Castle has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in 2000.

History of Kronborg Castle

• In 1420s the fortress, Krogen, was built by the Danish king, Eric of Pomerania.
• In 1585 was rebuilt by Frederick II into a magnificent Renaissance castle and renamed to Kronborg.
• In 1629 the castle was totally burned due to some mistake of two workers.
• In 1639 the castle was restored by Christian IV, but the interior never fully regained its former glory.
• From 1688-1690, an advanced line of defence and ramparts were built around it, which made Kronborg Castle the strongest fortress in Europe.
• From 1739 until the 1900s, Kronborg was used as a prison.

View Kronborg Castle in Denmark – the place of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Hamlet in a larger map

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Since 1848, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and kings have not been crowned any more. In 1859 there was a large fire in the castle and the majority of the castle has been destroyed. Restoration has been proceeded with the intention to build a museum of Danish history in the castle. Tourists now pass through magnificently furnished rooms which are divided into different time periods, and can see the rich history of the Danish kingdom. The castle is richly equipped with paintings, furniture and interior decorative accessories. Frederiksborg is the Denmark’s largest gallery of portraits of all kings and queens from the year 1500, along with hundreds of other prominent Danish people.

Frederiksborg Palace is surrounded by a lake and park, which consists of a Baroque French garden and English park. From May to September, you can take tour boat around the castle. The start point is near the main square with city hall and the finish at the castle gardens.

The castle is located in the town of Hillerød, the final lines of the S-train. The city’s history is closely linked to the castle. Before castle construction there stood only a few village houses. Soon the city grew and became a center of commerce. Even today you can do shopping here, as well as in the center of Copenhagen, all the major companies have their own clothing shops here in the shopping street.

Hillerød is a vibrant town with 35,000 inhabitants and a beautiful castle, which is its greatest attraction.

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The area around Tanumshede has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

View The rock carvings in Tanum, Sweden in a larger map

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Because the depth of the canyon, the waterfall is shrouded in darkness nearly all year long. At the base of the Njupeskär, you will find countless species of lichens and mosses that can only survive in the moist dark environment. However, during the middle of the summer light guys reach all the way to the bottom of the canyon; but only during the wee hours of the morning.

Njupeskär waterfall, Sweden by m.prinke

When it comes to getting to the Njupeskär, you will have to take the four kilometers journey. However, because either gravel or boards cover most of the trail, the hike is actually very easy on the feet; even when you are wearing regular shoes. There are many easy to follow signs located along the trail that will help guide you to the waterfalls.

One of the first things that you will notice as you make your way to the Njupeskär, is the more than 400-year-old Spruce tree that can be found alongside the path, called “Old Tjikko”. It is one of the world’s oldest trees. Much of the entire Valley is lush and green and is home to a wide variety of plant species. There are also countless animals that can be seen throughout the Valley. It would be impossible to visit the region without also hearing the sounds of the three-toed woodpecker slowly digging a hole into the side of a tree trunk to catch a juicy worm.

Once you arrive to the waterfalls, you will encounter another trail that will take you down to the foot of the canyon. The breathtaking views from the top of the falls are definitely worth the trip, but getting down to the bottom of the Valley will offer the most rewarding experience possible. Unlike the past to Njupeskär, the past leading down to the base of the canyon is a little more difficult walk. Make sure that you stay on the path because straying away from the marked areas can be quite dangerous.

Brook in Fulufjällets Nationalpark, Sweden by m.prinke

Do not worry though, there are several nice cabins along the way where you can stop and rest your feet. Take a breather and admire the views afforded to one within the canyon. Once you have got enough rest, continue making your way down to the foot of the Njupeskär and feel the cooling mist on your face. From there, you will be able to continue following a footpath through the forest leads to the nearby Njupeskär Café.

Choosing to visit Njupeskär is definitely worth the trip. The experience of the deep and narrow canyon is definitely a unique one. So when you choose visit Sweden, do not forget to make your way to the Valley of the Njupån River.

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