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Getting Around: It’s Easier Than YouThink
It may seem a little daunting, but Scandinavia is well connected by air, sea, rail, and road or a combination of them. But two of the most convenient ways are by air and ferry. All the main cities have international airports, and even some smaller cities cater to international flights. Almost all European airlines service Scandinavian airports.
A more scenic mode of trans- portation is the ferry. Major coastal cities are connected by ferry lines,
and the larger long-distance ferries
are cruise ships, which feature decks full of shops, restaurants, spas, and saunas. Longer routes are usually conveniently scheduled to sail at night, so you arrive fresh at your destination, not to mention you’ll also save on accommodations. (If you travel by ferry to Norway or pass through Aland, take advantage of Tax Free sales on board, since Norway is not part of the EU. For the same reason the Stockholm- Helsinki ferry, is a great place for a drink or two as you escape the heavy taxation on alcohol.)
Never Run Out Of Things To Do
The region is famous for its spas, hot springs, fjords, skiing, hiking and music festivals. It also offers visitors over 300 historically and culturally fascinating castles, chateaus and manor houses from various periods,
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especially in Denmark and southern Sweden. Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the ancient renaissance-style Egeskov Castle, located close to Hans Christian Andersen’s birth place, are just a start.
But definitely one of the most memorable, and awe-inspiring sights is definitely not man-made. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that paints the night
sky with unearthly, surreal colors. The Lapland (the northern part of Finland, Norway and Sweden) offer ringside seats to the Lights which usually reach their peak in September and March, but are equally mesmerising in October and April. True to its name, the Lights can best be seen around midnight.
The Midnight Sun is another natural phenomenon that occurs
in Norway, Sweden and Iceland. Unbelievable as it sounds the sun is visible even at midnight. A full 24 hours of sun a day makes it easier to plan outdoor activities at leisure. The best times to bask in endless sunlight is from May 14 - July 30.Take advantage of this phenomenon by indulging in
the region’s more popular activities. 24 hours of sunlight may take some getting used to and your concierge will be happy to help you acclimatise.
Conversely, Polar Nights are an equally unique experience for travelers. This phenomenon can last 2-3 months.
In northern Norway’s Hammerfest (northern-most city of the world)
the sun remains hidden for most of
the time. During Polar Nights, the landscape is covered in snow, and this beautifully reflects the light of the stars above. Polar Nights are the perfect time to watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
In Scandinavia, whale watching
is another popular activity, and many travelers choose to go whale watching in Norway or Iceland. Adventurous travelers can even sign up for special whale watching safaris which allow a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with the whales! The best months are between April and October. Whale safaris out of Iceland are very popular as one quarter of the world’s whales have been recorded in its nutrient-rich waters.
Closer to land you may want to venture out to Lapland which straddles the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland. The indigenous Sami
call the area home. In fact, they have inhabited the northern arctic and sub-arctic regions of Scandinavia and Russia for at least 5000 years. They eke out a livelihood through fishing and the rearing of reindeer. They are nomadic and keeping track of their whereabouts can be an adventure in itself.
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