Things to do in Scandinavia
Credits Andreas.wolden/Foap/Visitnorway.com
1. The Northern lights
“… the sky there appeared a translucent cloud of many colours – pinks and greens and blues and pale purples. It glimmered and seemed to swirl. Slowly it stretched across the sky. It had an oddly oily quality about it, like the rainbows you sometimes see in a pool of petrol. I stood transfixed.” – Bill Bryson in Neither here nor there
Do you want to see the Northern lights? Have a look at the classic round voyage cruise or join the unique experience of the Nightly aurora photo tour.
2. Wildlife
From Killer whales to brown bears, puffins to reindeer. These most northern countries have wildlife that you may not see in other parts of the world. The European brown bear is the undisputed king of the Forest and can be safely viewed from naturalists’ wooden hides. You’ll also find lemmings, lynx, wolves, Knobbly-kneed elks that can grow to 2 meters and if you are lucky the secretive wolverine that call the Nordic wilderness home.
A good way to spot the wildlife is through joining the grand Scandinavian tour.
Credits: Julia Kivelä/Visitfinland.com
Credits: CH/visitnorway.com
3. Mushing
One of the most exciting activities you can do. Huskies are very social and happy dogs but are happiest when they are working. Tours are privately guided or as part of larger group and also the duration of the tour is very adjustable. They are primarily a winter activity but can be experienced is summer. This activity is also very combinable with other activities such as ice fishing or a reindeer safari.
Why not do a dog sledding tour during one of the tours?
4. Visit an ice hotel
Sleeping in an ice hotel is a true experience for the outdoor-lover. You will find these icy constructions in several Scandinavian countries. They come with various amenities, such as ice bars, restaurants, chapels, saunas and even hot tubs. Although the beds are made of snow or ice, the warmth of furs, blankets and sleeping bags are designed to withstand the extremely cold temperatures. Want more information about the different ice hotels? Give us a call and we\’ll tell you all about it.
Credits: Håvard Myklebust - Visitnorway.com
5. Cruise through the Fjords
Once in a lifetime, you should visit the Fjords in Western Norway. Here you can see some of the longest, deepest, narrowest and most beautiful fjords in the world. Seeing the Fjords can be done via numerous ways: cruises, self drive, kayaking, hiking, cycling, skiing, summer skiing, rafting and glacier hiking. Some places are well known tourist areas, other more hidden. Make sure you pick the activity that matches your physical abilities. Our team have completed most of the activities ourselves, so we are happy to assist you in planning your Fjord-trip. For some inspiration we advise you to have a look at our cruises-page.
6. Kayaking
The Stavanger region has many scenic attractions, among them the Lysefjord, Sola beach and the world famous Preikestolen (“the Pulpit Rock”). Preikestolen is located 604 metres above sea level and is the most visited attraction in the county of Rogaland. Lonely Planet named it the number one most breathtaking viewing platform in the world.
Credits: www.iceland.is
7. Go on a bear weekend
On the first day you will fly from your airport via Helsinki to Kajaani and transfer to the resort. The next day you can sleep in leave for bear waching in the afternoon. You’ll be escorted to a wooden hide where you can safely wait for the appearance of the bears. There is one seat for everyone with a camera hole and the hide has a dry toilet. Packed picnic food is provided for the evening. After a magical evening accompanied by bears, you will be escorted back to our bus and transfer back to Vuokatti. The third day you get transferred back to the airport and flight back home.
We have heard this weekend truly is an unforgettable experience and the best opportunity to take the shot of a lifetime from the comfort and safety of the specially designed hides. Call us for more information.
8. Ride around on a bike
The scandinavian countries are a perfect place to ride your bike. It is fun, you will see a lot of great scenery and the best part of it all: it is very safe. A funny thing to check out is the famous bicycle lift in Trondheim, Norway. Have a look at the lift here.
Credits: Julia Kivelä/Visitfinland.com
Credits: Visit Rovaniemi
9. Come and see Santa Claus in his village
This short winter break is a child’s wish come true! Bring your family to meet Santa Claus in person at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. You will also get to meet Santa’s helpers, the cute reindeer, and maybe even get lucky enough to see some magical northern lights. This is an ideal package for a family with young children, as all included activities are designed and operated with kids in mind.
10. Enjoy a traditional sauna
There is nothing more Finnish than a sauna, and many Finns think you can not grasp Finland or its culture without bathing in a sauna. So make sure you visit one, when you are in Finland. It\’s a perfect way to warm up from the cold winter.
Credits: Harri Tarvainen/Visitfinland.com
Credits: Juho Kuva/Visitfinland.com
11. Go ice fishing
Even if you never have been fishing before, winter fishing is an easy, simple, effective and relatively affordable pastime. The feeling of sitting out on a lake, contemplating life is very soothing. All that’s required is to just concentrate on your little ice fishing rod and stare down the hole that’s drilled in the ice.
12. Hop through the Baltic States & Russia
When in Scandinavia, neighboring countries are easy to visit. Therefore it will be no suprise that our Baltic impressions tour is a populair choice among our clients.
