Países Nórdicos | optimiza tu viaje

Nordic countries

Guide of places to travel

Geographical and cultural region comprising five States of Northern Europe: Denmark , Finland , Iceland , Norway and Sweden . They also include the autonomous regions from Aland (Finland), Greenland and the Faroe Islands (Kingdom of

Denmark ), in addition to the archipelagos dependents from Svalbard and Jan Mayen (Norway). They have a surface of 3,425,804 km² . The Nordic countries have much in common in terms of lifestyle, history, language and social structure. It should be noted that the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands , known as the "Northern Isles" (located north of Scotland ), share cultural or ethnic ties with the Nordic nations, and sometimes fall under the classification. It is known as Scandinavia to mainland Norway, Sweden and the northwesternmost part of Finland.

Ancla 1

It covers the Jutland peninsula and several islands. Connected to Sweden through the Öresund Bridge, it is the southernmost of the Nordic countries and also the smallest. Officially, the Kingdom of Denmark is a community made up of three autonomous parts, Denmark itself and its two overseas territories or dependent territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands . Its capital and most populous city is Copenhagen , located on the island of Zealand . It stands out for having advanced engineering, cold winters, heavily forested and low population density. It was named the least corrupt country in the world (2010), with high economic growth since 1987 and, according to studies, the country where the inhabitants are happiest and one of the best in the world to live. Copenhagen, its capital, boasts royal palaces and the colorful port of Nyhavn, along with the Tivoli amusement park and the iconic "Little Mermaid" statue. Odense is the birthplace of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, with a medieval center with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.

How to get to Denmark

Plane: it has two national airlines Scandinavian Airlines and Sterling. However, there are many companies that offer flights to Denmark. Most international travel arrives at Copenhagen airport and only those from Scandinavian countries or the United Kingdom they arrive at regional airports in Århus, Aalborg, Esbjerg and Billund.

Train: the TGV-Europe international train network includes railway lines that link several European countries including: Spain , Italy , France , Holland, Germany , Denmark, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland.

Boat: it is not too difficult to get to Denmark by boat as it is made up of a group of islands and has many ports. The most important are those of Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Hirtshals and Hanstholm.

Auto: The ports to which motorways lead on the European continent are serviced by ferries to Copenhagen . So arriving by car to Denmark is an option to consider. A bridge connects the peninsular area of Denmark with the island of Fyn, the second largest in Denmark, and this in turn connects with the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen is located by the Storebæltsbroen bridge.

How to get around Denmark

It is very easy to move around Denmark by road, train or plane and also in each of its cities since public transport is very well organized and the bicycle is a great protagonist of urban life.

Plane: Copenhagen International Airport is practically the gateway to Denmark as it receives direct flights from six Spanish cities and several from northern Europe. From here it will be very easy to move to the city center with the metro, in a 15-minute trip. Another important airport is Billund, in Jutland; which is connected to the main cities of Denmark by a bus service that has 16 daily services synchronized with the arrival times of the flights. A third airport in Denmark is Tirstrup, near Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark; they are linked by a bus service which also runs to Randers and Ebeltoft.

Train: the rail network links all urban and rural locations, combined with bus and ferry. The city of Copenhagen It has three metro lines that connect different parts of the city with each other and with the Airport and the Amager peninsula; it is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the city.

Bicycle: she is the undisputed queen of Denmark and it is estimated that at least half of Danes travel by bicycle. Copenhagen and Aarhus have a free bicycle service that can be picked up and dropped off at certain points in the city called Citybike.

What to see in Denmark

Copenhagen

Capital of Denmark, located on the offshore islands of Zealand and Amager. It is connected to Malmo in southern Sweden via the Öresund Bridge 28 km from Malmö (Sweden) and 164 kilometers from Odense . She was awarded the title European Green Capital in 2014. It became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. During the seventeenth century, under the reign of Cristián IV , became an important regional center, consolidating its position as the capital with its institutions, defenses, and armed forces. In Indre By, the historic center of the city, is Frederiksstaden, a refined neighborhood from the 18th century, which is home to the royal family's Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens, which houses the Crown Jewels. What's more it is home to a number of large companies and cultural institutions: AP Moller-Maersk, Carlsberg, Park, the National Museum, the Opera and the King's theater.

Christianshavn neighborhood

It is one of the most attractive and fashionable, a treasure of unusual beauty with narrow streets and old and colorful houses Inside it is the Free City of Christiania, an "autonomous" area where 850 people live, with a legislation to measure, in a unique community in the world. A parallel world founded in 1971 by hippies from all over Europe where drugs circulated freely and the main street, Pusher Street, was characterized by the sale of hashish A few years ago this trade no longer exists and has become the main point of capture for drug traffickers from organized crime.

Christiansborg Palace

It is located on the small island of Slotsholmen, in the historic center of the capital, surrounded by bridges and canals. It is the seat of the Danish Parliament and for 350 years it was used as a royal residence, however, in 1795 a fire forced the Royal Family to move to Amalienborg. A three-story building with rococo shapes and an austere granite façade, it houses the tallest tower in the city (106 meters). In the basement there are some architectural relics - the ruins of all previous buildings from the 12th century. Here you can visit the beautiful Riddersalen (the hall with tapestries telling the story of Denmark) and the Tronsalen (throne room). To the right of the façade is the Slotskirken, a neoclassical court chapel now used as a concert hall.

rosenborg castle

Its construction dates back to 1606 by the will of King Christian IV. It was supposed to be a summer residence, but it ended up becoming his residence and that of his successors. The bathroom had running water and the whole structure was elegant and comfortable. Immersed in the greenest part of the city, it inspires fairytale stories and atmospheres at first sight. Over the years it has become a huge museum filled with precious and historical objects of all kinds. There are also the Crown Jewels, the royal treasure collected in 400 years of reign, from 1500 to 1900. Outside the castle chambers, the other treasure is the King's Gardens (Kongens Have), the oldest in Denmark, which they are visited by up to 2.5 million tourists every year.

Statue of 'The Little Mermaid'

sculpture of a siren of bronze of only 15 centimeters on some rocks that go into the sea. It is located on the boardwalk Langelinie , in the bay of the Port of Copenhagen, which empties into the Baltic Sea and also close to the real Amalienborg Palace . It is inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen's most popular fairy tales. which tells the story of the sea king's daughter in love with a handsome land prince. Carved by Edvard Erksen in 1913, it was commissioned by J. Carl Jacobs, owner of the Carlsberg Brewery.

Kastellet Citadel

This old fortification, which today shows all its beauty among trees, fortified walls, bridges and old mills, was the German headquarters during World War II and today is the headquarters of the Danish Ministry of Defense. It is a classic military citadel surrounded by a moat that follows a star-shaped path, amid numerous willow trees and typical red-roofed houses. During the summer, the Military Band concerts are held here. In this area there are also several churches, a windmill and the five walls from which you can see the city to the sea with its port: an extraordinary sight.

Tivoli Gardens

Inaugurated in 1843, it is the second oldest amusement park in the world after another Danish park, the Dyrehavsbakkenm, founded in 1583. It is one of the places most appreciated by the Danes as it is welcoming. It is visited especially in family. It has a large number of games, a dozen dynamic attractions and a score of quiet attractions. The attractions allow you to discover the norse mythology (with the Castle from Valhalla , Valhalla Borgen), the tales of Hans Christian Anderson (with the "flying suitcases", Den flyv Kuffert), and the view over Copenhagen (from the Ferris wheel).

Indre By neighborhood

is the heart of Copenhagen and its most visited neighborhood. Nyhavn is just one of many points of interest in this part of the city, which is also home to the family-friendly amusement park Tivoli Gardens , Strøget the lively pedestrian shopping street and the famous statue of the Little Mermaid , on the edge of the city center. Here you can to explore the cobbled streets of the city, its captivating squares and excellent museums. at the royal residence Amalienborg Slot visitors can watch the changing of the guard and try to see the queen.

Danish Royal Library

King Frederick III founded the first library in Denmark in 1648, with the aim of bringing together his collection of works by European authors under one roof. Over the years, this collection of books grew and eventually the library became associated with the University of Copenhagen. Currently, the Royal Library has more than 30 million documents. The new building of the Royal Library of Denmark, built in 1999, has become one of the most beautiful places to see in Copenhagen . It is an authentic work of engineering and design known as the Black Diamond for its dark marble walls that reflect the sea and the sky. Among the preserved manuscripts, the evangelical and Christian book that bears the date of 1060 stands out.

Carlsberg Brand Store (Calsberg Brewery)

The most famous Danish beer in the world is Carlsberg beer and the factory where it is brewed has become a place of pilgrimage. Two elephants grace the entrance and contribute to making it very special, as well as the part that was the former residence of the founder JC Jacobsen, the beautiful villa and the inevitable interior garden. Among the curiosities offered by the guided tour inside the factory is the possibility for visitors to create their favorite beer by choosing the most personalized aroma.

Aarhus

It is the second largest city and one of the oldest in Denmark . Located in the homonymous municipality the Aarhus metropolitan area on the Central Jutland , in Aarhus Bay with views of the Mols Peninsula to the east and the islands Samso and You do not In the distance. Received city rights on July 2, 1441 , but probably dates back to the middle of the year 700 . The city center is situated in a valley of the Århus Å (literally: "Aarhus stream"). Various neighborhoods located in the hills surround the valley and are found in both the highlands and lowlands.

Odense

It is the third largest city in Denmark , after Copenhagen and Aarhus . It is located 147 km west of Copenhagen, on the island of funen ; is the capital, the largest city on the island and one of the oldest in Denmark. There have been human settlements for 4,000 years, although the name was not mentioned in writing until 988. In 1988 it celebrated 1000 years of antiquity. The Temple of Saint Knud was during the Middle Ages an important pilgrimage point to honor the king Knud , killed in 1086 .

Billund Legoland Park

It is located at Nordmarksvej 9, Billund, in Jutland, west of Denmark . It can be reached by land or by air; its International Airport is one of the largest in Denmark and receives flights from all companies. It is very well connected by road with all the cities of Denmark, since it is located in the center of the peninsula, and also with other countries through road. It was built with 58 million pieces of the famous "Lego" game, created by the Danish Kristiansen family in 1932. It is one of the six Legoland parks in the world; the others are in England, Germany, Malaysia and the United States. One of its main attractions is Miniland, with miniature reproductions of the most famous monuments and places in Europe.

Click here for accommodation

Click here to purchase

Danish cuisine

French cuisine was of great importance, as the French language and culture has had a profound influence on the Danish royal house and the upper class. As well by other European countries such as Italy.

FRIKADELLER: ground pork meatballs with onion, milk, eggs, flour, salt and pepper. These ingredients are mixed in a bowl and balls are made, which are then fried in a pan. Meatballs are usually served with fresh bread or boiled potatoes.

FLÆSKESTEG: piece of pork from the neck or chest, without removing the skin so that it is later crispy, accompanied by boiled or caramelized potatoes, with red cabbage and apple slices.

GRAVAD LAKS: salmon marinated in different spices. It is served raw with wholemeal bread spread in butter and with two sauces; one of fresh dill (aromatic herb) blended with yogurt and another of mustard.

STJERNESKUD: mix of seafood such as salmon, caviar, north atlantic shrimp and lettuce. A real treat for fish-loving palates.

KREBINETTER: danish pork pies They are usually served with a green salad and rye bread.

KANELSNEGLE: Cinnamon rolls made from a heavily buttered rolled dough.

GLØGG: mulled wine with liquorice, cognac, sugar and beets. It is a typical drink of the christmas time .

CHEESES: there is a variety of cheeses that are cured in different areas of Denmark, among the most popular are: Berstein Grubé, Benedic Esrom, Dambo, Viking Blue and Fyrmester.

Click here for restaurants

Reservá los mejores Paseos y Tours por Dinamarca

Norway

Ancla 2

Officially Kingdom of Norway , is a sovereign state from Northern Europe , whose form of government is the parliamentary democratic monarchy . It has been inhabited for 12,000 years and its The official language is Norwegian —in its two written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk—, a Norgermanic language directly related to Danish and swedish Its territory is organized into eleven provinces or fylker and its capital is Oslo . the islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayen they are also part of the Norwegian national territory. The Bouvet Island , in the South Atlantic, and the Pedro I Island , in the South Pacific Ocean, are considered dependencies and therefore do not form part of the Kingdom. It has borders to the north with the Barents Sea , to the northeast with Russia and Finland , to the east with Sweden , to the south with the Strait of Skagerrak and west with Atlantic ocean . The Norwegian state has large ownership positions in key industrial sectors, with extensive reserves of oil ( Equinor ), natural gas, minerals, timber, seafood, and fresh water. The Oil industry it accounts for about a quarter of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Over a base per capita , Norway is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside of the Middle East . Norway is also famous for fishing, hiking and skiing, especially at the Lillehammer Olympic center.

How to get to Norway

Plane: Oslo is the country's main airport and is used by most international flights. It has connections with more than 100 destinations. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to change planes before reaching your final destination. All large cities and towns of a certain size have airports, both for domestic and international flights. From the airport Oslo you can reach the center of the capital in more than 30 minutes thanks to the Flytoget express train, buses and local trains.

Train: An extensive rail network connects Norway with other Scandinavian countries and with the rest of Europe. There are regular trains to Oslo from Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg. Most of the train routes from the mainland are overnight and all have sleeping compartments. There are discount vouchers for train travel both from Europe and within Norway.

Bus: Norway can be reached by bus from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia. There are buses leaving practically every hour from Gothenburg in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark. The bus service from Stockholm is also much more frequent than the trains. Several companies offer cheap tickets to travel between the major cities of Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Ferry: You can travel by ferry to Norway from Denmark, Germany and Sweden. The ports of Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand and Stavanger have services for sports or pleasure boats.

Car: You will most likely be traveling from Sweden, although Norway also has a land border with Russia and Finland.

How to get around in Norway

Airplane: There are more than 50 airports in Norway, which means that even the most northern locations in the country can be reached by plane. The most important airlines are SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe.

Rail: Rail lines stretch over 3,000 kilometers across Norway. Many of the routes wind through the beautiful Norwegian nature, offering panoramic views of suburbs, mountains, lakes and fjords. The most famous of these train journeys is Bergensbanen (the Bergen Railway), which has been voted one of the best train journeys in the world by Lonely Planet.

Express buses: They are a means of transport that offers a very extensive network of routes, including the most rural areas, since they connect the main cities, airports and ferry terminals. In addition, many of the lines link to each other and to other local services and it is generally much cheaper than traveling by plane or train.

Boats and ferries: they sail up and down the coast, in sheltered waters and across open seas, to towns and villages or to islands large and small. These provide you with the perfect logistics for an incredible vacation, either with a fixed itinerary or of your own choosing.

Car: is probably the best means of transport to discover Norway at your own pace since Norway's highways are relatively free of traffic and very well maintained .

What to see in Norway

Oslo

Also called the "Viking city", it is nestled in the mouth of a fjord and embraced by hills, lakes and mountains. The Norwegian capital is a vibrant metropolis that happily coexists with nature, rich in green spaces and protected areas. The most representative architecture is the Akershus Fortress that dominates the harbor front: a magnificent medieval setting that welcomes the rest of the Norwegian sovereigns. The beating heart of the modern city is Aker Brygge, a former shipyard now packed with locals: a welcome window onto the Oslofjord, where you can take a relaxing walk or sunbathe on the waterfront. Among the many museums in the capital, the most famous is the one dedicated to Munch, which also shows a version of "The Scream". Super technological is the Opera House, where you can walk on the marble roof enjoying the view of the city and the fjord from above

Stavanger

The old and the new co-exist in Stavanger, one of Norway's largest cities and a major oil hub. Stavanger's old town, the village of Gamle Stavanger, is considered unique for its authenticity: well-preserved, typical wooden houses overlook narrow alleys with a characteristic charm. The walk leads to the old church of medieval origin with views of the Torget, the main square and the port. Stavanger's treasures include 'black gold', to which the Petroleum Museum is dedicated, and wild nature: a classic excursion to Preikestolen, 'the pulpit', with its indescribable panorama encompassing the fjord and surrounding mountains.

Haugesund

Some of Norway's most famous events take place in Haugesund, a culturally vibrant city that hosts numerous festivals each year. Also very popular are the International Film Festival and Norway's largest Christmas markets, which are visited by crowds of visitors: a fantastic setting for Christmas shopping. At any time of the year you can shop on Haraldsgata avenue, which is full of shops and clubs. You can also take a quiet walk around the port and do fantastic excursions to the island of Utsira, destination of hundreds of species of birds during the migration season, where you will find specially equipped sheds and you can admire them in flight. Karmøy's beaches are beautiful: the view is almost Caribbean, with fine sand and crystal clear water.

Bergen

The second largest city in Norway, Bergen was its former capital. An ideal starting point to visit the fjords. The "rain city" will welcome you with a picturesque view of its wooden houses with pointed roofs. The medieval district of Bryggen, with its narrow alleys, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a treasure trove of history that evokes the atmosphere of the old port, a place of exchange for the Hanseatic League trade. The red and ocher houses, previously used as warehouses, are now animated by cafes and restaurants. However, the most suggestive place to try the local specialties is the fish market, always very lively. The natural landscape is unforgettable: with the funicular it only takes a few minutes to conquer a splendid view of Bergen from above, with its seven mountains.

olden

Located in the west of the country near the glacier Jostedalsbreen, the largest in continental Europe. To get to know it, you can fly over it by helicopter or reach it with comfortable buses. Along the way you can admire the emerald water of Olden Lake, with its spectacular waterfalls and mountains and the typical houses of the area. This is the starting point for exciting fishing trips and a network of well-marked trails - hiking is another way to appreciate the beauty of the landscape and boat trips on Lake Lovatnet. In Fjærland, the Glacier Museum awaits you, with interactive exhibits that reveal its history and climate changes. The ski areas around Olden are an athlete's dream.

Alesund

It is one of the most visited in Norway, and there are many reasons for it, such as the Geirangerfjord, one of the most beautiful in Norway protected by UNESCO. It is a source of wonders along with the surrounding wild mountains, with peaks of 2000 meters. What is special about Ålesund is its architecture: the city is the capital of Scandinavian Art Nouveau. Its appearance is due to the reconstruction project carried out at the beginning of the 20th century after a disastrous fire: wood was banned to make room for elegance. The church with its fresco gallery and stone block structure is remarkable. The city is also home to numerous cultural and gastronomic events, such as the Norwegian Food Festival. The Island of Runde, a bird sanctuary, is an incredible natural spectacle.

Andalsnes

It is universally known for the road between Geiranger and Trollstingen, a spectacular route through valleys, waterfalls and idyllic mountain scenery. Located at the end of the route, Andalsnes is a town surrounded by a unique landscape and an ideal base for fishing excursions. A relaxing way to enjoy the view is a trip on the scenic train that runs through the mountains along the course of the Rauma River: a convenient vantage point for enjoying the Trollveggen cliff, one of the highest vertical walls in Europe and a myth for extreme mountaineering enthusiasts.

Geiranger

A corner of the planet with spectacular beauty, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: Geiranger is located in one of the most beautiful western fjords in Norway. A paradise crossed by fantastic trails that wind past waterfalls and steep cliffs, softened by the presence of old abandoned farms. The Seven Sisters Waterfall is a fairy tale vision and its legend is spectacular. A raft or kayak trip over the waterfalls is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Norway. Without forgetting the mountain walks, for those who like to walk and see impressive landscapes.

Flam

Located on the route through the western fjords of Norway, this charming town has a few hundred inhabitants and an unprecedented tourist flow. All thanks to its spectacular location: a backdrop of wide valleys and steep ice-sculpted slopes, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. A small masterpiece is also the Flåmsbana, a steep normal gauge railway that runs through a unique landscape: among the most memorable sights are the majestic Kjosfossen waterfalls. A trip to Østerbø, an authentic glimpse into Norwegian life with charm intact, is also a must.

Trondheim

It is a real postcard from Norway. The tranquility of its hills, the splashes of color from the old warehouses and its cozy atmosphere all contribute to this effect. Although it is one of the largest cities in the country, it has managed to preserve the air of a small town still linked to its traditions. Here is the most famous church in Norway, the Romanesque-Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, built on the tomb of Olaf II and the coronation place of the Norwegian royal family. Also very interesting is the Stiftsgården, one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe. Residence of the royal family, it also has a charming garden. For music lovers there is the Rockheim, the contemporary music museum housed in an old warehouse.

Bodø

Located just beyond the Arctic Circle, Bodø is immersed in wild nature full of contrasts. This is where the world's most powerful tidal current flows, the Saltstraumen, an impressive whirlpool with a speed of up to 22 knots. Approaching this immense body of water, perhaps to cast a line, is a strong emotion, but it is not the only adventure that can be done in Bodø. Here you can watch the midnight sun in a kayak and the flight of eagles over the roofs of the city. The beautiful beach of Mjelle and the typical workshops of local artisans are also worth exploring.

Lofoten Islands

North of Bodø lies a true wonder, the wild archipelago of the Lofoten Islands. The landscape is amazing, with the high mountains plunging into the sea. Here you can see the best preserved fishing villages in Norway and enjoy the fish in the "rorbu": the characteristic fishermen's huts that have been adapted to accommodate tourists.

The most picturesque towns are Svolvær, an old town famous for its stock fish as for its impressive landscapes and the town of Henningsvær. The spectacle of the Northern Lights, admired in the Lofoten Islands, is simply unique.

Tromso

Built on an island connected by a bridge, Tromsø is the "Gateway to the Arctic". Northern Norway's largest city is a classic destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Its polar charm emerges against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and fjords, to be appreciated on a kayak or dog-sled trip. But Tromsø is also famous for its music scene, its nightlife and its lively cultural life: in the 19th century, it is not surprising that it was dubbed the "Paris of the North". Its emblematic building is the Arctic Cathedral, with its particular silhouette reminiscent of the tip of an iceberg: full of light thanks to the large glass window and glass lamps. The most beautiful viewpoint is Mount Storsteinen, which can be reached on foot or by cable car: an exceptional vantage point to enjoy the midnight sun.

Click here for accommodation

Click here to purchase

Norwegian gastronomy

Norwegian food has many similarities with Swedish and Danish food, as well as Icelandic food, but Norwegian cuisine also consists of some unique dishes and ways of preparing food.

NORWEGIAN CHEESE PLATE: Cheese is a highly valued product in Norway and is produced in many different ways. Smoked, goat, sheep and cow, with very varied spices and flavors.

REINDEER MEAT SOUP: Reindeer are abundant in the plains and mountains of Norway, which makes it a highly prized meat in the country. It is accompanied with a wide variety of vegetables; the texture of this soup is creamy and is ideal to combat cold temperatures. This dish is usually accompanied by cheeses and sausages produced in Norway.

RAKFISK: semi-fermented fish from the Norwegian region of Valdres, the town where it is most produced. A type of trout to which a fermentation process is applied that follows ancient traditions. It is usually accompanied with a wheat tortilla or with potatoes and butter.

NORWEGIAN SALMON: baked accompanied by a milk cream sauce with potatoes, pumpkin and spinach.

MARINATED MEAT: chicken, beef or pork, the three products par excellence.

NORWEGIAN SAUSAGE: Reindeer and deer meat are also used to produce sausages. Its flavor is intense and It is, without a doubt, quite an experience to try the chorizo, ham or reindeer and deer sausage.

DAIM AND ALMOND ICE CREAM CAKE: it is a crunchy almond and butter bar covered in milk chocolate. It also has almonds, vanilla, and the usual ingredients for cooking cakes.

NORWEGIAN SWEETS: the cinnamon bun (Kanelsnurr) or the wheat bun (Hveteboller) that we can find in pastry shops, as well as a wide variety of crunchy Spanish-type bread.

Click here for restaurants

Reservá los mejores Paseos y Tours por Noruega

Sweden

Ancla 3

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with extensive boreal forests and snow-capped mountains. It is bordered to the north by Norway and Finland , to the east with Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia , to the south with the Baltic Sea and west with Norway . It has land borders with Norway and Finland , and is connected to Denmark for him Øresund Bridge . Its most populous city is Stockholm , which is also its capital. With an area of 450,295 km², it is the fifth largest country in Europe . Its origins date back to the 10th century, although there is no true historical consensus on the date of its unification. Modern Sweden arose from its separation from the Kalmar Union in 1523, during the rule of King Gustav Vassa . During the Thirty Years' War , Sweden began a territorial expansion that resulted in the formation of the so-called swedish empire In XVII century. The eastern half of Sweden made up of the eastern half of Norrland and Osterland was lost in front of Russian empire on 1809 .

How to get to Sweden

Plane: it has two international airports, the Arlanda, in Stockholm and the Landvetter, in Göteborg. The latter located 24 km east of Gothenburg.

Train: can be reached directly from Denmark ( Copenhagen – Mälmo or Copenhagen – Stockholm), Norway ( Oslo – Stockholm, Oslo - Gothenburg) and Germany ( Berlin – Malmo). From other European countries you can get to Sweden by train with the Eurail Global Pass, which allows you to travel to 20 different countries, including Sweden.

Bus: Sweden can be reached with the Eurolines service, a network of more than 30 bus companies from all over Europe.

Ship: The main ports in Sweden are Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinborg and Mälmo. Ferries arriving from Finland dock at ports north of Sweden. Sweden can be reached by boat from Great Britain, Belgium, Denmark , Germany , Norway, Finland, the island of Åland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. To get there from other cities you have to make a combination with train or bus.

Car: You can get there directly through Denmark , by the Öresund Bridge of 17 km that connects copenhagen (Denmark) with Mälmo (Sweden). From the rest of the countries, you must combine with a ferry or arrive in Denmark to cross the bridge.

how to move in Sweden

Plane: it has 16 main airports throughout the country and more than 30 secondary airports. SAS, the flag carrier, also operates many local flights. Skyways, meanwhile, is the one that provides the largest number of local flights.

Train: It is an excellent means of transport in Sweden. The different lines cover the entire country, directly or through combinations. The ResPlus service, for example, is carried by trains from SJ (the national transport company), Tågkompaniet, Merresor and Veolia Transport. SJ's X200 service runs on Swedish-built high-speed trains.

Bus: The company Swebus Express reaches 300 destinations in Sweden. It offers four different services: Full Flex, Smart, Passa På and Prio. In all cases you can book in advance by phone or online. In the case of Full Flex, you must pick up the ticket at one of the offices. There are special discounts for youth, seniors and students.

Ship: There are several ferry lines that cover different routes, within Sweden and to other Scandinavian countries: Eckerö Linjen: has departures from Stockholm, Uppsala and Grisslehamn; the HH Ferries: Helsinborg (Sweden) and Helsingör (Denmark); the Tallink Silja Line: has routes linking Stockholm with Turku (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), Riga (Latvia) and the Åland Islands; the Viking Line: connects Stockholm with Helsinki, Turku, Åland Islands and Tallinn; the Waxholmsbolaget: covers different routes within Sweden and the Scandinavian archipelago. In all cases, the vehicles have a separate cost that depends on their size.

Car: Sweden's roads are very good, even in the north of the country where you will find gas stations on every road.

What to see in Sweden

Stockholm

The capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges in a vast archipelago of the Baltic Sea. The cobblestone streets and ocher-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to Stockholm's 13th-century St. Nicholas Cathedral, the royal palace Kungliga Slottet and the Nobel Prize-winning Museum of the same name. This city "divided" into islands and fjords, treasures a very interesting urban complex where canals, lakes and the Baltic Sea come together to give life to a city that attracts tourists and makes them fall in love. Its classic appearance and the excellent state of conservation of its monuments and buildings merges with more modern and avant-garde buildings that are not at all out of tune with the appearance of the capital. The excellent transport network (metro, boat, tram, train, bicycle) at the urban level facilitates access to any point in the city.

Vasa Museum

In Stockholm, specifically on the island of Djurgärden, you will find the Vasa museum. This houses a large one-of-a-kind artifact; It is the Vasa warship, a 17th century ship that has been the only one to survive until reaching the modern world. This ship was built between 1625 and 1628, by order of the reigning dynasty in Sweden at that time (which also bore the name “Vasa”) and this museum was built expressly to accommodate the ship. The museum is the most visited in Scandinavia, and in recent years an expansion has taken place, which makes it even more complete.

Stockholm Royal Palace

It is the largest palace of the Swedish monarchy. In this palace are the assistants of the monarch, members of the royal family and administrative assistants of the House of the King.

So that you do not miss all the edges of this architectural beauty, you must take into account where each facade is and what each of them consists of: the south facade that faces the slope of the palace; the eastern facade that has a pompous wharf located along the eastern shore of the old town of Stockholm; the northern façade known as the slope of the lions; the west wing where the courtyard of the guard is located. In advertisements for the capital city, you will probably see the palace advertised with its name in Swedish: Stockholms slott.

Do not forget that you can find the Stadsholmen, next to the Swedish parliament, which you can also give yourself a visual treat thanks to its architecture.

Skansen

It is located in the Djurgården s island and is one of the most beautiful open-air museums in Europe, as well as being the oldest in the world. No you can go to Sweden and ignore its history and its culture. In Skansen you will not only walk around seeing beautiful exhibition pieces, but, in the midst of houses and farms from all over Sweden, you will learn, like nowhere else, the history and culture of the Nordic country. Skansen is also a zoo.

Norrmalm

It is a busy shopping area, with Swedish design and fashion shops lining Drottninggatan and surrounding streets. It's also a cultural hub, with opera and ballet performances at the Royal Stockholm Opera, art and modern dance exhibitions at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, and orchestral concerts at the neoclassical Stockholm Concert Hall. The tree-lined Kungsträdgården park has paths and several cafes. Norrmalm is one of the 18 districts of the city of Stockholm on Sweden . This includes the neighborhoods of normalm , Skeppsholmen and Vasastaden , as well as a part of the island of Sodermalm .

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is another of the royal residences of the Swedish monarchy. It is located on the island of Lövon, municipality of Ekerö. On the tour you will see the palace, built in a beautiful French Rococo style; the Chinese Pavilion, in the middle of the natural park (which can only be visited between May and September); the royal gardens, where you cannot miss the Hercules Fountain, which has some impressive bronze sculptures, and the Royal Theater (if you go in season, you can attend the renowned opera festival held in this venue).

Kungsträdgården

Commonly known as Kungsan, it translates to "The King's Garden." This garden, which is in turn a lido, is perfect for learning about daily life in Stockholm and for relaxing outdoors, having a coffee or enjoying an event. Next to the Kungsträdgården there are several cafes, and some shops to buy souvenirs. This is one of the most popular places in Stockholm, perhaps because of the beauty of its trees, especially when the cherry trees are in bloom, or because of the events it offers in all seasons (concerts, shows, outdoor staging, among others).

Stockholm City Hall

Although the facades of the building are beautiful, you cannot miss its interior. Its rooms will impress you, not only because of its special lighting, with floors so bright that they reflect the interior lights of the building, but also because of the finishes on its walls. To understand the importance of this emblematic place you cannot miss the guided tours. These are in English and Swedish (in summer you can also find guides in Spanish). In this building, always under a guided tour, you can tour the blue and gold rooms where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held.

ABBA: The Museum

This is the museum dedicated to the famous Swedish band ABBA. At the opposite pole from static, slow and heavy museums, the ABBA museum is interactive and very contemporary and opened in Stockholm in May 2013. in this museum Benny's piano is found: it is actually a piano that is connected to the piano that Benny himself has in his house; when he plays, it sounds in the museum. You can also see El Estudio Polar: a recreation of the place where ABBA recorded one of the most important parts of their music. In recent months, the abba museum opened a beautiful movie theater in its facilities.

The works collected by the ABBA group are exhibited in a contemporary and interactive setting at Djurgården, Stockholm.

gamla stan

The lively and compact island of Gamla Stan is Stockholm's old town, featuring cobblestone streets and colorful buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is also home to the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the king. Contemporary Nordic cuisine is served in trendy bistros, while nightspots include hip pubs and cocktail bars. On Riddarholmen, the adjacent island, is the Riddarholmen Church, where concerts are held during the summer.

Gothenburg

A 5-hour drive from Uppsala is one of the most visited cities by tourists, with the largest port in Scandinavia located at the mouth of the Göta älv river on the west coast of the country. It is a major port known for its Dutch-style canals and lush groves.

It has a lot of things to offer to its visitors! You can start by getting to know its Fish Market since the best fish and seafood is obtained in this city; later visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Even if you have time you can see the Liseberg Amusement Park, which is a popular amusement park with themed machines, art stages and an embellished sculpture garden. In the afternoon, stroll through its shopping area on Boulevard Avenyn, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops, and within walking distance, its historic neighborhood filled with quaint stone and wood-based houses.

liseberg

If you love to travel and enjoy amusement parks, you are going to want to visit Liseberg. As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, Liseberg is an amusement park, but it's not just another park, first it's old enough to be devoted to metal adventure: it opened in 1923! and second because It is the largest amusement park in this entire region.

I recommend the wooden roller coaster and the steel roller coaster, called Helix, which also has seven inversions that will make you not want to get off it, nor leave Gothenburg.

Slottskogen

This park is located in the center of Gothenburg . The area, full of beautiful trees, was an old forest belonging to a fortress called Älvsborg. In the 1880s, the initiative was taken to create the park. It has the style of an English garden where there is also a kind of zoo that looks more like a farm. You can also visit the old sighting tower, the lake, some quite hidden natural corners and the different parks for children. The park also hosts events such as the famous Way Out West Festival, one of the best modern music events in Europe.

Marstrand

It is an island located in the municipality of Kungälv, province of Västra Götalan north of Gothenburg from where It takes 45 minutes by bus or two hours by ferry. A paradise for boating and swimming, with picturesque neighborhoods and car-free streets. At the top of the island is Carlstens Fortress which, for more than 300 years, protected the small wooden village below. Today, it is an exciting experience to visit and a lifelong memory where you can even enjoy a Viking dinner. For the Swedes, its maritime atmosphere, its good seafood and fish and the large number of marine activities that take place make it a very popular destination in summer.

Smögen

In an island located on the west coast of Sweden north of Gothenburg in the municipality of Sotenäs, province of Västra Götaland. It is one of the most visited "summer cities" on the Swedish west coast and packed with houses with many people in summer but with feeling and a marine atmosphere. Sitting down to people watch and eat some locally produced seafood and fish amid the typical views of the Bohuslän coast is priceless. One of the emblematic places of Smögen is its pier known as Smögenbryggan where there are some fishermen's houses painted in various colors.

Malmo

Located in the extreme south of Sweden, in the county of Scania, in the strait called Øresund, beyond which we find Denmark, it is the third largest city after Stockholm and Gothenburg and the sixth most populous in Scandinavia.

Its history has been linked to its proximity to Denmark.

It has very nice places to meet like the oldest and most picturesque area of the city, known as the Gamla Stadencon distinguished by its colorful buildings. Its most photographed street is Jakob Nilsgatan, the great Stortorget square, with its majestic and spectacular town hall and the beautiful Hedmanska Garden.

You can too discover the small church of San Pedro, from the 14th century with a marked Gothic style. Finally visit the Castle of Mlamo, which will transport you to the 16th century and walk along the promenade and its beach.

Jukkäsjarvi ice hotel

It is located in the Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The ice Hotel The most emblematic in the world opens its doors every year in December in Swedish Lapland and always does so with renewed designs after having ended up melted in the waters of the Torne river that gave birth to it. Despite its short season, which runs from the end of December to the beginning of April, the ICEHOTEL is king among icons to visit in northern Sweden in winter. It is not surprising that many Swedes consider it one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. It is an experience that will offer the adventure of spending a night in the most famous ice hotel in the world throughout the year. It consists of 2,100 m2 and has 20 suites, an ice bar and a gallery of art made of ice from snow and the designs of selected artists from all over the planet. Here you can create your own ice sculptures, plunge into the icy water of the Torne River and try the sauna as if you were one of Jukkasjärvi's inhabitants. You can also enter the world of survival in the arctic with a half-day course for beginners in which you will learn to build your own shelter and make fire with stones.

Click here for accommodation

Click here to purchase

Gastronomy in Sweden

It is very similar to the cuisine of Denmark or Norway. It is considered simple, it abounds in dishes with different types of fish, potatoes, cabbage and turnips as predominant ingredients. A traditional Swedish breakfast consists of cheese, ham, sausage, eggs, and bread. At noon they usually eat light meals. Dinner includes an appetizer, main course, main course, salads and dessert.

Smörgåsbord : it is a buffet of up to 40 different dishes that It consists of various types of bread and butter. The rest are hot and cold dishes including cheeses, herring, salmon, typical Swedish meatballs (kothbullar), sausages and pâté.

Kottbullar: meatballs made with a mixture of grated or minced onion, beef, pork, egg, and milk; the meatballs are fried in lard. In some parts of the country they are served with a thick gravy, in others with mashed potatoes and cranberries scrambled in sugar.

Kroppkakor: Potato balls stuffed with pork and onion, or mushrooms, or bacon passed through boiling water. They are accompanied with cranberries or mustard or with melted butter.

Raggmunk: is a kind of pancake made from potatoes, fried in butter. Served with grilled bacon and lingonberries.

Strömmingslådor: Baltic herring stews prepared with tomato sauce, butter, anchovies and parsley.

Kall inkokt lax: cold poached salmon. It is usually served on the Night of San Juan, accompanied with mayonnaise and boiled potatoes.

Smörgåstårta: a kind of salty cake, made in layers, with ham, shrimp, eggs and tuna. It is usually served in celebrations

Cheeses: there are three traditional varieties: The one from Västerbotten, a region in the North of Sweden, is a hard cheese, aged for more than a year; the svecia, also hard, the kryddost, seasoned with caraway and sometimes cloves.

Bread: there are two that are not missing in any smörgåsbord: the kavring, dense rye bread and Knäckebröd, crusty bread, usually also made of rye. This bread dries after baking.

Hjortronparfait: cloudberry (berry) frozen tart. It is also made from raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, currants, and grapes. It is bathed with hot berry sauce.

Kanelbullar: cinnamon buns. Ideal to accompany coffee.

Saffransbullar: saffron buns. Sweet buns seasoned with golden saffron and raisins.

Snaps: is the brandy and is usually served to accompany herring dishes.

Click here for restaurants

Reservá los mejores Paseos y Tours por Suecia

Finland

Ancla 4

Finland located in the north of Europe borders Sweden to the west , with Norway to the North and with Russia to the this . Is the sixth largest country in Europe and has a low population density of 16 inhabitants per km², which makes it the least densely populated in the European Union . It is a republic, with a democratic form of government that combines the parliamentary system with the presidential. The country is governed according to the Constitution adopted on July 17th from 1919 .and is divided into 6 provinces and 19 regions, each administered by a governor appointed by the president. Its capital, Helsinki, occupies a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea It is the most important city in the country being the second Tampere 180 kilometers north of Helsinki. The vast majority of the country's population is concentrated in the extreme south, on the coast of the gulf of finland and its surroundings including the Helsinki Metropolitan Area .

How to get to Finland

Plane: it is the fastest way. If we come from Spain or Latin America, it is best to get to Helsinki thanks to the numerous direct connections that exist from airports such as Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante or the Canary and Balearic Islands. Some are seasonal, so they only exist in high season, in the northern summer. Of course there are very good connections almost all year from the UK (London), Paris, Berlin, Oslo, Stockholm Milan or Riga. Some companies also offer good air connections from Asia, with the intention of attracting the public from China, Japan and Korea.

Boat: it is a very comfortable and pleasant way, as well as economical. Several lines connect Sweden, Estonia and Russia with Finnish ports, mainly Helsinki, Mariehamm (the capital of the Aland Islands ) and Turku. It can be a great option if we think about visiting several Scandinavian countries. The possibility of taking our vehicle (car, campervan or motorhome) and crossing from Russia, Latvia, Sweden and Finland is something that can be exceptional to get to know the whole area.

Train: it is an excellent means of transport with a complete network and with quite adequate prices. It can be reached by train from Sweden to the northwest and from Russia via Saint Petersburg to the southeast.

Car: It is possible to enter Finland by road from Sweden, Norway or Russia. From Sweden the entry is made by Tornio , on the northern bottom of the Baltic Sea, near Kemi, Oulu and very close to Rovaniemi. Through Norway the entrance is through Kilpisjarvi to the west, Utsjoki and Karigasniemi to the north of Inari. Finally, from Russia, the entrance is through the Karelian Isthmus, through various posts near Vyborg.

How to get around in Finland

Plane: it has 27 airports, five of which have regular international flight services. The main gateway is the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. The northernmost airport is at Ivalo in Lapland, about 250 kilometers above the Arctic Circle.

Train: they are spacious, comfortable and clean. The rail network stretches across the country from Helsinki to Kolari in Lapland. They are in very good condition and the scenery along the tracks is beautiful, especially in Eastern Finland with its many lakes. For longer distances, I recommend traveling overnight in a sleeping car.

Boat: There is a wide variety of charters and cruise excursions along the coast and waterways. For more detailed information, contact the tourist office of the city of destination. Several ferry lines operate cruises to the autonomous Åland islands that are part of Finland, and to countries in the Baltic Sea.

bus: this network is one of the most complete in Europe and covers more than 90 percent of public roads.

Car: has the sense of traffic on the right side, with a friendly and stress-free driving culture. There is a good network of service stations close to each other. Driving in Finland during the summer is very easy, but it can be difficult in the winter if you are inexperienced. The roads become slippery and snow tires are required, required by law from December to February.

What to see in Finland

Helsinki

It is a city that overlooks the Baltic Sea and has a winding coastline of bays, beaches and islands such as Suomenlinna and Pihlajasaari, which are quickly reached by ferry. Perhaps some travelers expect a city with an old town similar to those of southern Europe and centuries-old architecture, but the capital of Finland has a short history, it is perhaps the youngest of the capitals of the Nordic countries although it is clearly marked by a avant-garde and a tradition in remarkable design. Its Art Nouveau and functionalist architecture draws an atypical city. It is a city of human size that invites the visitor to discover it at a slow pace, stopping in its neighborhoods of design, architecture, shopping, culture, restaurants, saunas.

Kamppi

It is the center of the capital right where the Helsinki peninsula begins. Töölö, Kallio and Kaisaniemi are to the north; Katajanoka and Kruununhaka to the east and Hietalahti, Punavuori and Ullanlinna to the south. In this neighborhood you will find the Parliament of Finland, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the new Oddi Central Library, the Amox Rex Museum, Esplanadi Avenue, the Central Station, Mannerheim Avenue, the Kampi shopping center. Multiple art deco and contemporary buildings are mixed in a beautiful capital of human size, functional and beautiful.

Parliament

An impressive neoclassical building from the 1920s houses the Parliament of Finland. This work of art is located in the center of Helsinki on the Arcadia hill. The building was designed in the classic style of the 1920s with some touches of modernism. The exterior is made of red granite and the façade is bordered by fourteen columns with Corinthian capitals. Constructed as a monument to Finnish independence and democracy, the design of the building fulfilled two objectives: it is made from Finnish materials (the red granite is from Kalvola), and it represents a complete work in which architecture, industrial design and craftsmanship work forms a harmonious whole of art.

Helsinki Central Library, Oodi

The Helsinki Central Library opened in December 2018 and is already one of the most iconic buildings in the entire capital. Work of the Finnish studios ALA Architects and Ramboll Suomi. In addition to being functional and practical, the wood and metal building is one of the most beautiful in the capital. More than 180,000 square meters with reading areas, visionaries of audiovisual material, rest and everything with that Finnish touch that combines design, comfort and enjoyment. Next to it is the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Impressive House of Finnish Music, The Sibelius Academy; Eileil Saarinen Central Station and Lake Töölö.

Helsinki Cathedral. Senate Square

The symbol of Helsinki is its white cathedral, known in Finnish as Tuomiokirkko, located in the Senate square, an example of Neoclassical architecture. Three other buildings also designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1922 and 1952 stand out in this huge square: the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.

The Tori neighborhood is between the Senate Square and the Market Square. It was renovated following a neoclassical style. It is a tourist area where you can find many restaurants, cafes and shops.

Marketplace

Helsinki Market Square is located south of the bay, at the end of the Esplanade Park, and is one of the busiest places in the city, as it is a place of passage. It is located at the port from which the ferries depart for Suomelinna, and it is not far from the Senate Square where the Helsinki Cathedral is located. This square is filled with craft stalls, souvenirs and traditional food markets at an affordable price that attracts hundreds of visitors. There is also one of the most interesting saunas in Helsinki, with pools in the sea.

Helsinki Old Market

Helsinki's Old Market is a brick building from 1889. It is close to the Market Square, and there you will find stalls of all kinds: fishmongers, greengrocers, butchers, bakeries (Finnish bread is a real delicacy and there is a huge variety), typical foods of Finnish cuisine. There are also restaurants and bars where you can have a snack.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park

One of the favorite places of the inhabitants of Helsinki who, despite the cold, enjoy multiple attractions since 1950, such as the roller coaster and other more modern attractions. Located north of the Kallio neighborhood it also has shows, concerts, restaurants. Admission to the park is free so even if you don't go on the rides, you can go for a ride. To be possible Be sure to go to the top of the park tower from which you will enjoy spectacular views of the capital of Finland.

Helsinki Museums

Helsinki is a city of museums, with some 80 including some of the most popular in Finland. The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the Ateneum (one of the best known, it houses Finnish art), the National Museum of Finland, the Didrichsen Art Museum, the Helsinki Art Museum, the Suomenlinna Museum, the Museum of Photography and of course , the Design Museum, where we find the greats of Finnish design.

Suomenlinna

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Suomenlinna Fortress is just 15 minutes by ferry from the Main Market Square in Helsinki. In summer it is possible to stay on the island until very late, since the last ferry leaves at 2 in the morning. A good way to enjoy the long summer days in Finland. There you can enjoy the King's Gate (Kuninkaanportti) – the original entrance to the fortress -, the cannons, the Kustaanmiekka sandbanks with cannons from the Russian era, the church that is like the lighthouse of the island. There is also the Zander bastion, one of four in the fortress; the tunnels, the six museums, the Vesikko submarine, the Military Museum, the toy museum, restaurants, bars, a supermarket.

Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island is another of the islands in the Helsinki archipelago, another fascinating place, like Suomenlinna to meet nature. On the island there is an open-air museum in which a model of a farm from the Finland of the past is exhibited, in total about 80-odd buildings. Furthermore, there is an open-air theater where various events take place, especially in summer. To get to Seurasaari it is not necessary to take a boat, since there is a wooden bridge that connects it with the city. It takes 15 minutes by bus from downtown.

Cross-country skiing and skating rinks

Helsinki in winter transforms into a completely different city. Snow and silence surround it, but life beats intensely in the city. One of the main activities is cross-country skiing , as there are around 200 kilometers of slopes around the capital. 9 km from Helsinki is the Paloheinä Recreation Center (last stop of buses 66 and 66A), where you can rent skis and explore the Central Park forest. Another activity that takes place in Helsinki in winter is skating at the skating rinks in the heart of the city (in Punavuori, next to the church of San Juan and in Brahenkenttä, Kallio, where skates can be rented).

Saunas in Helsinki

One of the traditional activities that is done throughout Finland in winter is to relax in a sauna and take an ice bath, which is reportedly beneficial to health. It seems impossible to do, but the heat of the sauna covers the skin with a patina that allows you to dive into sub-zero waters, at least for an instant. In Helsinki there are many saunas, some of the best known are in the Kallio district: Sauna Arla and Harjuntori Sauna, and there are two other new public saunas: the Merihaka sauna, which allows bathing in the Baltic Sea. And the lovely Loyly sauna.

Rovaniemi

It is the capital of Lapland in northern Finland. Although it was almost completely destroyed during World War II, today it is a modern city known as the "official" home of Santa Claus. It is also a place where you can see the Northern Lights. It is home to the Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Pilke Science Center has interactive exhibits on the northern forests. . Santa's village in Lapland , (Santa Claus Village) is located 8km north of Rovaniemi towards Ivalo along road number 4. You can also cross the Magical Arctic Circle with the local bus number 8 from Rovaniemi.

santa claus village

To the address: Tähtikuja 1, Rovaniemi 96930 Arctic Circle in Lapland receives more than half a million letters a year; Santa Claus (Papa Noel) is the record holder in the number of letters received. Although it welcomes guests even in the height of summer, sometimes you have to wait a while. The large clock in the entrance of his house shows if he is taking a nap, spending time with Mrs. Claus or if he can already receive you in his office. You make an international queue to see the famous bearded man. When it is finally your turn, you enter the room where a smiling old man sits on the platform in a large oak chair. A little chat, wishes you a "Merry Christmas". (in Spanish!) and a commemorative photo. It is extremely easy to succumb to the perfectly created atmosphere here, Santa Claus seems to be magically friendly, and most importantly, not a single sad child is known in the whole town.

Tampere

Located at southern Finland is nestled between the lakes of Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. located 170 kilometers north of Helsinki , in the interior of the country, in the region of Pirkanmaa . The center houses several museums, including the Natural History Museum and an exhibit on the 1918 civil war and its cathedral is noted for its macabre frescoes. The Kaleva Church, with its striking concrete architecture, is designed to look like a fish from above.

It is the third largest city in Finland in number of inhabitants, and the second largest urban area in the country (after Helsinki .

It was founded by King Gustav III of Sweden , on October 1, 1779, on the isthmus between two lakes, the Näsi (or Näsijärvi) and the Pyhä (or Pyhäjärvi) , and the city is divided into two parts by the rapid that flows from the first to the second.

Known for its industrial character, it is called the “Manchester of Finland”.

Turkish

Located on the southwest coast on the banks of the Aura River, two hours by train from Helsinki. Old capital of Finland founded in the 13th century and known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum at the mouth of the river. The cobblestone streets of the riverside are dotted with restaurants. On the eastern bank is the Gran Plaza Vieja, an old center of commerce surrounded by stately buildings. Nearby, the Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. Apart from the city, the most attractive is the Archipelago National Park, named by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Click here for accommodation

Click here to purchase

Finnish gastronomy

Finnish cuisine is known for combining the country's traditional products with the techniques and style of contemporary continental cuisine, with a growing presence of haute cuisine.

Kaalilaatikko: It is prepared with meat, rice and cauliflower plus onion, olive oil, ground black pepper and vegetable broth.

Karjalanpiirakka: flour dough with water forming small tortillas, to which a mixture of cooked rice, milk and egg is added, the ends are closed and it is baked.

Kalakukko: mass of flour and water to which is placed different layers of fish, bacon and salt, It is taken to a preheated oven at 200 degrees and left until its crust hardens. It is then wrapped in foil and baked again at 100 degrees and for six hours.

Graavilohi: or cured salmon. It is a salmon fillet with coarse salt, sugar, pepper and fresh dill. Then it is wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for 24 hours. Finally, it is cut into very fine pieces and served before lunch.

Poronkaristys: reindeer meat, lard, pepper, cranberries and potatoes, served as an autumn lunch, when reindeer meat is plentiful in supermarkets due to the hunting season.

Verilätty: pork or beef blood cake served for breakfast with butter, cheese, or jam.

Mustikkapiiraka: blueberry cake with margarine, sugar, and flour, plus eggs, Greek yogurt, and blueberries.

Korvapuusti: or cinnamon buns from flour, butter, sugar and cardamom, an ingredient that gives it a slightly spicy flavor.

Mesimarja: red-colored blackberry candy produced exclusively in the Kuopio forests, cooked with water, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon leaving her rest before packing.

Vodka: is one of the typical Finnish alcoholic beverages. It is well known worldwide for its slightly dry taste and is one of the best presentations you will find on the market.

Polar: beer is one of the alcoholic beverages in Finland. It is prepared in an artisan way by the company Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson and It is characterized by being sweet and refreshing for the palate with low alcohol content.

Lonkero: or "long drink" is one of its traditional drinks and has a graduation of 5.5% in its original version. It is made with gin and grapefruit soda, a combination that is extremely pleasant for the taste of those who consume it.

Click here for restaurants

Reservá los mejores Paseos y Tours por Finlandia

Iceland

Ancla 5

Iceland is an island country in Northern Europe between the Greenland Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic. It is south of the Arctic Circle, northwest of the United Kingdom and east of Greenland. It is characterized by its spectacular landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. It has huge protected glaciers in the national parks of Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavík, which is supplied by geothermal energy and their natural resources are the fishing , the hydraulic power , geothermal and the diatomite . Is a democracy representative and one republic parliamentary whose parliament, founded in 1845, functions as a consultative body before the Danish monarch . The President is he head of state having only ceremonial and diplomatic functions, although he can suppress a law passed by Parliament and submit it to a referendum national. The goverment's head is the First minister that, along with cabinet , is responsible for executive power .

How to get to Iceland

Plane: it has a main international airport, the Keflavik International Airport , located about 50 kilometers south of the capital Reykjavik . The most important airlines in the country are Air Iceland and Icelandair and other companies such as Norwegian, Iberia or Iberia Express.

Ship: a large part of the tourism that reaches the Icelandic territory by sea is aboard cruise ships that travel through northern Europe. Depending on the type of cruise, they can stop as little as Reykjavík , the capital of Iceland, or go around the island stopping at the ports of Akureyri or Isafjørdur . Normally, these large ships that arrive in Iceland depart from the most important ports in northern Europe, such as Oslo or Copenhagen . In the capital, in the Reykjavik harbor you can find boats with which you will enjoy the whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean.

how to move in Iceland

Plane: Air Iceland and Eagle Air They have a schedule of regular flights from Reykjavík to the main local airports in all parts of the country. What's more, in cooperation with various bus lines, Air Iceland offers air and ground connections to more than 40 cities throughout Iceland.

Boats: There are several ferry lines that offer services to visit different islands and fjords. Also, during the summer, regular ferry tours are also available.

Bus: There is an extensive bus service to most parts of the country and to the mountainous regions, as well as a large number of organized tours. Reservations are not necessary and tickets can be purchased either at the station or from the driver. Children under 4 years old travel for free, and those between 4-11 years old will pay half price.

Car: There are numerous car rental agencies in Iceland. Cars can be rented through a travel agency, from airlines at airports, or directly upon arrival in Iceland. They have all kinds of vehicles, from small cars to powerful off-road vehicles.

What to see in Iceland

Reykjavik

The northernmost capital in the world is a city of striking contrasts, where corrugated iron sheet houses stand next to futuristic glass buildings, state-of-the-art facilities stand alongside volcanic terrain, and where international influences mingle with traditions. Icelandic nationals, creating a unique culture in a symbiosis of old and new. A great way to experience the raw energy of Reykjavík is to visit one of the city's many spas or pools. The magnificent nature that surrounds it makes this city unique for the more adventurous, who can choose between salmon fishing, a game of golf at midnight, sailing, climbing, glacier walks, horseback riding or whale watching. It has excellent quality restaurants, renowned for their creative cuisine and fresh local ingredients.

Aurora borealis

They are a luminous phenomenon that occurs in the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere. The cause of the auroras that attract thousands of tourists every year to iceland It is the solar wind, a flow of particles that cross space and are harmful to living beings. Life on Earth exists thanks to a magnetic shield that protects organisms from this radiation. The latitude and longitude of this country favor the observation points of the northern lights, and the best places to see them are near the coasts. In Iceland, like the rest of the northern hemisphere, the best time to see them is autumn and winter, from September to April. The causes are simple, simply the hours of light are less and this makes the auroras visible more easily and for longer. The Northern Lights exist all year round, but during the summer months where night hardly exists they are almost impossible to glimpse. From Reykjavik Excursions leave to see the auroras an hour or two from the city. The best months to witness this phenomenon are from the end of August to April.

Jökulsárlón Lagoon

It houses a large collection of blue icebergs. You can take boat tours of the icebergs or walk along the lake shore in search of seals in the wild. It is a glacial lake that borders the Vatnajökull National Park, in the southeast of Iceland. Its calm blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the adjoining Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, which is part of the larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The lake traverses a short waterway before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach in its wake.

Vatnajökull National Park

It is the largest national park in Europe and occupies about 14% of all of Iceland with about 12,000 km². It encompasses the entire Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice field outside the poles, the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and the Skaftafell National Park. It offers a great diversity of landscapes, trails and outdoor activities. You can walk above the glacier and see the great blocks of ice. . It was established on June 7, 2008.

Tröllaskagi Peninsula

located in the north between the Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður fjords it is mountainous, with several peaks reaching more than 1,000 meters above sea level; the tallest is Kerling. Some attractions in the area are the Hofsós swimming pool, and the Siglufjörður herring museum. Here you will find beautiful scenery for hiking, skiing areas, craft breweries, whale watching tours and ferries to Grímsey and Hrísey Islands. The largest city on the peninsula, Siglufjörður, is the northernmost city in Iceland. It sits at the foot of rugged mountains overlooking a dark fjord and was once one of the herring capitals of the world.

east fjords

The fjords are a narrow entrance of the sea in an environment excavated forming a valley and are usually U or V shaped with high mountains. The best thing about Iceland's fjords is that, lacking vegetation you can perfectly see the entire structure of the Borgarfjörður fjord (with a length of 20 kilometers and a width of 2 to 5 where there are several viewpoints from which to admire the black coast of this ocean) and the Seyðisfjörður where before arriving you come across the Gufufoss waterfall. Both fjords are home to several hiking trails.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

It is known as Iceland in miniature because it is home to a national park, pristine beaches, horse farms and lava fields. It is one of the best escapes as an excursion from the capital. There you can see the famous Snæfellsjökull Glacier that supposedly inspired Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth", which extends over 170 square kilometers where we can find lava caves, volcanoes, spectacular cliffs, beaches of black sand, Icelandic native animals. The most extraordinary is the volcano Snaefellsjokull (Snæfellsjökull) (1446 m high). It's under the glacier and it can be seen from Reykjavik (120 km away) on clear days.

Whale and puffin watching

The two attractions of the Icelandic fauna are the whale, whose species include the imposing blue whale and the puffin, a restless bird that flutters very fast. To watch whales you have to go to Húsavík and other towns in the north. Cruises also depart from Reykjavík. Puffin colonies exist on numerous cliffs and offshore islands, including Heimaey, Grímsey, Drangey, Látrabjarg, and Borgarfjörður Eystri. It is one of the most requested activities in Iceland.

Natural hot pool baths

The best way to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture is to go to the public swimming pools in any town. There are artificial pools in practically every town in the country. They are open all year. There are also other natural ones that are usually hidden in distant places. Finding a geothermal well becomes an adventure since you have to get lost, walk, look at the map. The best known for their turquoise blue waters are Blue Lagoon or Laguna Azul (near Keflavík airport), Lake Myvatn and Secret Lagoon.

Click here for accommodation

Click here to purchase

Icelandic cuisine

It is a kitchen that has on the one hand adoration for fish and on the other for meats especially mutton Much of the cooking methods are traditional, but a Norwegian influence can be seen in some of the dishes.

Hakarl: cured meat from basking shark or Greenland shark: the glerhákarl, firm reddish meat from the belly and the skyrhákarl, white and soft meat, coming from the body. It is usually served cut into one or two centimeter brown cubes.

Skate: Fermented ray meat.

Graflax: It is an appetizer of smoked fish, generally thin slices of Salmon cured in salt , sugar and dill .

H rútspungur : A dish based on sliced macerated mutton testicles.

Þorramatur: selection of different typical meat and fish dishes cut into slices or chunks accompanied by rúgbrauð ( rye bread , dense and dark), butter and brennivin .

Fiskibollur : it is more of a croquette of firm white fish, onion, salt, eggs and flour fried in butter with a crispy shell and a light, airy but creamy interior.

laufabrauð (in Icelandic 'leaf bread'): bread Icelandic consisting of very thin round flat cakes with a diameter of about 15 to 20 cm, decorated with leaf-like geometric patterns, which are briefly fried in hot fat.

Roughbraud: cake- ice cream from a dark bread.

Skyr: dairy product made from yogurt. Its flavor is more similar to that of a fresh cheese.

Brennivín: or “burning wine”. It is a distillate based on fermented potatoes, flavored with cumin, caraway seeds or angelica. It is characterized by its strong flavor due to its 40% alcoholic strength.

Click here for restaurants

Reservá los mejores Paseos y Tours por Islandia

Nordic countries

Guide of places to travel

Kalakukko: mass of flour and water to which is placed different layers of fish, bacon and salt, It is taken to a preheated oven at 200 degrees and left until its crust hardens. It is then wrapped in foil and baked again at 100 degrees and for six hours.

​