Scandinavia is the birthplace of Vikings, German mythical gods such as Thor ”The God of thunder” and Ready to assemble furniture company Ikea, alike.
Scandinavian countries are a fusion of untouched nature, fast-paced economy, and central European culture. Scandinavian countries put a lot of emphasis on saving the planet and have come up with a ton of ways for curbing pollution, combating, climate change and minimizing their carbon footprint. More cycles, fewer cars, and phenomenal public transportation are how these countries are doing it.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo which is known as the Tesla capital of the world and is the epicenter of electric cars, in general, comprises 37% of the total cars on the road to be electric. 99% of Norway’s electricity comes from hydropower which is like dams, lakes and other water bodies. So they have really clean and cheap electricity which is used to power these electric cars.
The reason why there are so many Electric cars in Norway comes down to government policy, government incentivizes people in buying electric cars by offering them services like Free parking, access to HOV lanes which have close to no traffic, nil registration fees, deduction on your income tax and the possibly the biggest incentive is to the companies. For instance, Tesla doesn’t have to pay sales tax for selling in Norway. All these subsidies that we are talking about are funded by the Sovereign wealth fund, it amounts to trillions of dollars, it’s basically their rainy day fund and this is what the government uses to fund the namely subsidies.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen prefers bikes over cars and now has more number of cycles than people. Most parts of the Danish metropolis have been closed off to vehicles for decades now and the city plots to become carbon neutral by 2025.
Helinski, Finland
The capital state of Finland aims to exceedingly diminish the number of cars on its streets by devoting massively in better public transportation, enforcing higher parking fees, boosting walking and cycling and transforming the inner city ring roads into parks and residential areas.
Still not convinced why you should visit scandinavia ? Here are some unique reasons as to why you should
Reasons to visit Scandinavia
There are some of the unique reason as to why everyone should visit Scandinavia at least once in their lifetime.
1.Norway's Polar Nights
It’s a phenomenon where the sun is up for only 3 hours a day in some parts (and not at all in others).
2. Elves and trolls
80% of the Icelandic population won't ward off the presence of elves and trolls (hidden folk). Roads are even deviated to go around the areas hidden folk are believed to exist.
3. Souvenir
The most beloved souvenir in Sweden is the commonly viewed "moose-crossing" warning sign. Many get stolen from the roadside each year. Don’t forget to grab yours while you’re there.
4. Sauna
Finland is preoccupied with saunas. The Finns believe to have invented it (but so do the Swedes!) and there are about 2.2 million Sauna in Finland – a sauna for every 2.5 people.
5. Beaches
Got immense amount of love for beaches? Visit Denmark where no place is more than 30 miles (50 km) from the sea.
Since we’ve successfully sold you on the idea of the expedition around Scandinavia, here are some things to do while you’re down there
1. Black Sand Beach
The best time to see the northern lights is, December. The evenings are long and dark, so the chances of seeing the lights are very high. Spending the nights beneath the Northern Lights is the ideal retreat for a romantic getaway. In Kiruna, Sweden, you can fall asleep watching the Aurora or dance the night away under a completely translucent glass roof—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Midnight Sun
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Picture credits Youtube Erik Conover
19 mile north of the village Guap the knee guards Green glacier is Nigardsbreen Glacier. It’s an arm of the largest glacier in Europe. To make it to this glacier, modest boats will transport you to the base, you’ll cross the most turquoise blue glacier water you’ve ever seen in your whole existence. Once you’ve turned up at the base of the glacier you’re equipped with crampons, ice picks and a harness, as it’s impossible to climb the ice without them, once you’ve started climbing it’s about 8 hours in absolute from the top to the bottom. If you’re up for the challenge you’ve to act fast, as in a matter of a few short years this glacier won’t even be here.
6. Tivoli Gardens
It’s constructed every year from scratch in October or early November when it’s cold, by hand in The Snow Village of Finland. The temperature in the snow village remains at a minimum of -5 degrees Celsius. The Ice hotel has an Ice bar and restaurant, an Ice chapel for lovebirds to get married. The ice hotel has in total 30 rooms, 8 of which are suites and each suite has an individual piece of art, that was designed by the world-famous artist.
Experiential travel is a predicted trend due to the increased interest of unplugging, self-care, and the inner journey. People across all age groups are interested in once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connecting with others”, said Amy from the Glamping Hub, which is an online booking platform for unique outdoor luxury accommodations.
3. Gorgeous Glass Cabin, Iceland
Picture Credits XO Private.com
It’s a splendid 18th-century castle laying on North Sealand’s ‘Danish Riviera’ with compelling views out over the Sound (Øresund). Demonstrating modern-day comfort and construction without giving up its noble past, classic drawing and reception rooms, which are charmingly breath to life with lavish Moissonier furniture, Free-spirited crystal chandeliers, and designer Nina Campbell’s furnishing fabrics.
We wouldn’t want you to starve yourself in Scandinavia so here are suggestions for cuisines to keep you un-hangry(Anger caused by hunger) and warm that you should try.
1.Meatballs
Picture Credits: Arla
In Scandinavia, they are crammed at any time the day. Different regions of Scandinavia offers diverse pancake recipes. At many Sweden eateries, you will come across raggmunk, also called Swedish potato pancakes because the major additive is potatoes. In Finland, you will find pannukakku. Pannukakku, are oven-baked pancakes. Nearly all pancakes are topped off with whipped cream and berries, although you can choose from a variety of different toppings of your liking. In Denmark, there are pancake balls that are like a consolidation of a donut and a pancake.
We’ve shown you things to do, places to visit, food to eat so the only thing left now is get you something to drink, you must be thirsty after all this physically excruciating travel. So sit back, relax and unwind sipping your cocktail
Rånäs Relax
