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EXPERIENCE
SCANDINAVIA 2004
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Front cover, clockwise from top: Danish Tourist Board/Henrik Stenberg; Swedish Travel & Tourism Council/Åsa Dahlgren; Finnish Tourist Board (FTB)/NYC; FTB; Icelandic Tourist Board (ITB); Innovation Norway-Tourism (INT) This page: INT/Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/NTR
SUMMERY
2
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SCANDINAVIA DENMARK • FINLAND • ICELAND • NORWAY • SWEDEN
U
p there with other well-perpetuated Nordic falsehoods (like Vikings wearing hats with bones sticking out the sides), is that Scandinavia isn’t a summertime destination. On the contrary! The Scandinavian summer with its unequalled light, freshness and tender greenery, has long been an attraction for people from all over the world. The weather is pleasantly similar to New England’s climate and the region is blessed with an extravagant and surprisingly warm summer, boasting 24 hours of sunlight in some areas, thanks to the famed Midnight Sun, which redefines an after-dinner stroll or round of golf. It’s far balmier than most suppose during the light-filled season, and the entire population revels in an alfresco lifestyle. LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
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Each country, Denmark, Finland,
designers can be witnessed the world
that the designers’ work truly beams.
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden provides
over (hello IKEA), but it’s in the
All of the capital cities live, eat, and
a smorgasbord of outdoor activities—
everyday life in their native countries
sleep striking design, which seamless-
hiking, biking, sailing, swimming,
ly intermeshes with the legacies
and kayaking—as well as cruising,
of the past; quaint old buildings
festival-hopping, shopping, and a
sit side by side with today’s mod-
healthy dose of culture and
ern beauties. And the cities are clean,
SWEDEN
4
Heritage sites can be explored
organized, and well laid-out; a
here and the large cities have a
study in efficiency and effective-
disproportionately high number of
ness that proves to be highly rep-
quality museums within their
resentative of today and tomor-
walkable confines. Of course,
row. Each country at once pays
after the natural offerings, one of
homage to days gone by while
the most defining threads that
also setting the standard for the
runs through the region is the
future with some of the most pro-
unparalleled cutting-edge design.
gressive approaches to social
Scandinavia virtually invented
welfare, quality of life, and the
modernism, and the designs con-
environment. Scandinavia has a
tinue to evolve, pushing the enve-
predictably long-term plan for the conservation of their natural
lope and forever leading the pack. The handiwork of Scandinavian
HELSINKI, FINLAND
resources. For starters, they put
Swedish Travel & Tourism Council/Hakan Sandbring
Finnish Tourist Board/Matti Tirri
nightlife. Many a UNESCO World
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their geographical
urally produced
cosmetics—are stringently fierce.
Several Michelin-rated restaurants
wonders to good use
hot water that
However, one glance at the region’s
have popped up throughout the
to fulfill modern
supplies heat to
pristine natural state: vast forests,
region and every city has its fair
energy needs so that
Reykjavík.
fjords, lakes, geysers, glaciers, moun-
share of trendy eateries that serve
the region remains as
Leave it to
tains, and thriving wild animal popu-
fabulous food in chic environs.
pollution free as pos-
these progres-
lations, and residents and visitors
Summer is the season of plenty, in
sible. Even the hospi-
sive and
alike know that it’s well worth it.
culinary terms, as well as in the long
tality industry holds
resourceful
up such impervious
countries to
environment breeds the most nutri-
fect time to come to Scandinavia. Day
standards.
create societies
ent-rich foods. All of the livestock is
and night blur and the bright light of
It’s a no-brainer that an untainted
expanses of daylight, making it a per-
raised naturally, contributing to the
the midnight sun beckons visitors to
zenith of high-
best tasting meats and dairy products.
enjoy all of the outdoor pleasures
earth-friendly clean-
minded design
Make sure to try the organic gourmet
available, deep into the night.
with the bonus
cheeses throughout the region as well
of being earth
as the ultra-fresh produce. Snack on
friendly. It’s the
strawberries, available at roadside
ing products and rigorously preserve
FINLAND
water, while Sweden’s famed Icehotel simply melts
respect for nature and its inhabitants
stands throughout the countryside, or
back into the terrain from which it
that is especially impressive. The
enjoy a flaky baked good made with
was carved. In Iceland, the Pearl
region has strict laws regarding recy-
rich, creamy butter. Whether it’s five-
Restaurant is another plug for eco-
cling, and regulations for eco-prod-
star dining you’re after or a rustic
tourism as the structure sits atop nat-
ucts—ranging from travel tours to
country meal, Scandinavia delivers.
Wildflower laced parks are alive from the early morning to the late evening with sunbathers lounging on blankets. The harbors are full of swimmers, enjoying water that’s so clean, it’s drinkable. June, July, and August are also chockablock with festivals: Copenhagen’s Jazz Festival, Finland’s NORWAY, GEIRANGERFJORD
CRUISE. Explore. Learn.
Savonlinna Opera Festival, and Oslo’s
www.silja.us
All of Denmark’s
Innovation Norway-Tourism/Johan Berge/ NTR
that are at the
“Green Hotels” use
Top: Finnish Tourist Board (FTB)/Paul William; Bottom: FTB/NYC
Spitsbergen
FINLAND
6
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Norway From our famed voyage along Norway’s spectacular coast to our exciting new NCV Expedition Cruises to Spitsbergen, Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. offers a world of unforgettable cruise experiences. For a free brochure, see your travel agent or call 1-800-205-3005.
Step onboard one of Silja Lines ferries and experience the best Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea has to offer. NEW! Return cruises to the Magnificent St Petersburg. Tel. 1.800.533.3755 ext 114
www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
7
SWEDEN
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on life serves literally and figuratively,
and invariably contribute to the peaceful
as a breath of fresh air. Europe has long
and well-adjusted societies that are a
been known for its advocacy of a high
joy to visit for travelers the world over.
quality lifestyle for all, and Scandinavia
And don’t forget that everyone speaks
could possibly be the most elegant
nearly flawless English, making it even
example of the “less is more” sustain-
more convenient for visitors. Go to
able lifestyle that is the wave of the
www.goscandinavia.com for more
future. Pure and natural are traits that
information. To book, go to www.travel
make up the region’s approach to living
ocity.com/scandinavia.
Jazz Festival are all sensational events, drawing large crowds every year. Outdoor Viking enactments are also staged during summer months, providing entertainment for the entire family. Midsummer’s eve is perhaps the greatest festival throughout the region and the longest day of the year is celebrated with much fanfare. While American culture has largely gotten lost in the mantra of more is better, the sleek, sparse, and minimalDENMARK
Danish Tourist Board/Nicolai Perjesi
ist approach of Scandinavia’s outlook
Far left: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council; left: Danish Tourist Board
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DENMARK
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DENMARK The “It” Girl
D
enmark, the belle of ball with its stylish
Strøget, the one-mile-
charm and warm hospitality, is smack in
long shopping street.
the middle of one of the busiest social
Or poke around the
seasons Scandinavia has ever seen and the spot-
outdoor flea markets
light shows no sign of dimming. To start,
that pop up all over the
Denmark’s monarchy, Europe’s oldest, is still rev-
cultural institutions strutting their stuff. Visit www.golden-
city on summer weekends. Afterward, enjoy a Carlsberg beer
eling in the fairy-tale wedding of Crown Prince
days.dk to view the line-up.
along the Nyhavn Canal, or visit Tivoli Gardens. Of course, din-
Although the city offers many rooms to lay a weary head
ing in Copenhagen is a veritable experience as the city boasts
May. As for other fairy-tale news, perhaps the most
once the party’s over, look for the “green hotel” icon to make
nine Michelin starred restaurants, as well as a host of casual
famous Dane of all, the Little Mermaid, recently
sure you are doing your bit to preserve the environment. Green
fare. Favorites include Peder Oxe or an evening with a Danish
turned 90, but the sun certainly hasn’t set on the
hotels include the fashionable Radisson SAS Royal, an icon of
family, which can be arranged through www.meetthedanes.dk.
celebration. Her creator, the infamous author Hans Christian Andersen, turns 200 in 2005 and Denmark is gearing up to throw him the party of the century. The roll call goes on with the “Georg Jensen Silversmithy Celebrates its Centenary” exhibit at the Danish National Gallery, as well as the opening of the much anticipated Danish Jewish Museum, designed by the noted architect, Daniel Libeskind. The museum is a welcome addition to the country’s
capital of culture mantra, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival hits a
extensive Judaic collection and will be housed in the oldest
high note—its 25th year this July. See www.jazzfestival.dk for
part of the Royal Library. While there, check out the Black
details. Another party worth heading to is the “Golden Days in
Diamond addition, a dazzling design wonder. In line with the
Copenhagen” celebration, a conglomeration of more than 50
10
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Clockwise from far left: Danish Tourist Board (DTB)/Cess van Roeden; DTB; DTB/Jorgen Schytte; DTB/Fritz Hansen; DTB
Frederik to Australian Mary Donaldson this past
modern design. Those looking for the red carpet treatment
Day trips along the coast north of Copenhagen include Out
should book a room at the Hotel D’angleterre, a royalty worthy
of Africa’s Karen Blixen’s museum, Rungstedlund; Humlebæk
cocoon of luxury. The Square Hotel and The Strand Hotel are
for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art; and Hillerød for the
solid choices for the budget minded.
Frederiksborg Castle. Travelers heading south should stop by
Before heading out of Copenhagen to experience the rest of
the Arken Museum of Modern Art near Ishøj. The Marguerite, or
Denmark’s delights, jump on one of the free bikes for loan all
Daisy Route (can you guess that the national flower is a daisy?),
over the city and visit the Danish Design Center and then look
a road trip that winds throughout Denmark, is one of the best
for the pieces at the Royal Copenhagen complex of shops on
ways to see the Jutland peninsula and the island of Fyn before heading back to Sealand. And all over the country, residents and visitors alike have been taking full advantage of the Øresund Bridge, which links Denmark to the Skäne region of Sweden, including the trendy city of Malmö. If time permits, travel by plane or ferry to the island of Bornholm, which is filled with glass and ceramic art and is well worth the trip. For more information on travel in Denmark, visit www.visitdenmark.com, www.visitcopenhagen.dk, and www.cruisecopenhagen.com.
HOT SHEET: Several special flights are available making is easier than ever to get to the party in Denmark. Scandinavian Airlines, SAS, has five daily departures from the U.S. to Copenhagen; see www.scandinavian.net for details. Go-Today (www.gotoday.com) and Icelandair Holidays (www.icelandair.com/denmark) are also good sources.
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FIRST IN LINE
FINLAND
crafts are quite popular in the summer.
in the UNESCO list of World Heritage
The seasonal produce makes spe-
treasures, is also a great tourist attrac-
cial appearances in the city’s three
tion. Out and about in Finland should
Michelin starred restaurants: Chez
include the lake region in Eastern
Dominique, G. W. Sundmans, and
Finland; the 180,000-island archipela-
George. Even if it’s not a five-star eatery,
go along the southern coast for sailing
Finland is dedicated to natural and
or renting a cottage by the sea; or a
organic food sources meaning meals in
trip to Lapland to see the Sami people,
small cafés are every bit as satisfying as
as well as the 200,000 reindeer that
the top-shelf choices. As for lodging,
inhabit the area.
Hotel Kämp, a 19th-century outpost of
HOT SHEET
style, is truly a five-star hotel, getting
F
inland could very well be the
manor houses, and frame cottages.
offer visitors of all ages. In recent
quintessential Scandinavian
Originally it served as an important
years it has found itself in the spot-
country; it invented the sauna,
connection between the powerful king-
light, emerging as a media darling.
stability (Finns indisputably protect
doms of Sweden and Russia, but today
Praise has been lavished upon the exot-
their natural assets), and its sleek and
has reinvented itself as a remarkable
ic capital with its blend of eastern and
functional designs have found their way
testament to history for the modern
western influences, and the Harvard
throughout the world. It is also home
traveler. Taverns and inns from days
Architectural Review called it “the
to one of the most fascinating histori-
gone by still exist, as well as old stone
best designed city in Europe.” Favorite
cal routes in the region, The King’s
churches and iron mills, all of which
shopping destinations include the
Road, which dates back to the 13th
bore witness to the many kings and
Esplanade, as well as Scandinavia’s
century and is a well-worn path
czars who traveled along this hallowed
largest department store, Stockmann’s.
between the old northern capitals of
path. Many different trips are available
The city is a Mecca for jewelry, textiles,
Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St.
to see all or part of the route.
and glass-blown objects d’art. Open-air
Petersburg. The road winds along the Finnish southern coastline past castles,
12
Helsinki, the capital, is the focal point of the Road and has much to
markets peddling everything from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handi-
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Clockwise from far left: Finnish Tourist Board (FTB) and Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau; FTB; FTB/Tarja Tuppurainen; FTB
more press than Paris. The Hilton Helsinki Strand also fits the five-star bill.
For more information on Finland,
The Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa
contact the Finnish Tourist
opened to rave reviews this past winter
Finland.” The Finnish National Opera,
Board at (212) 885-9700 or
and guests have been clamoring to get
the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the 74
(800) FIN-INFO. You can also
into the front doors ever since. Two
International Finland Festivals—includ-
visit www.visitfinland.com/na,
other properties offering good value are
ing the Helsinki Festival and the 39th
www.finlandkingsroad.com, and
the Scandic Continental Helsinki and the
Pori Jazz Festival—are sure to please
www.hel.fi/tourism. Many special
Radisson SAS Plaza.
Finns and foreigners alike this summer.
deals and packages are available
Finland is also known for its musical
Other best bets in Helsinki include
with flights on Finnair, Scandi-
talent and traditions. Many Americans
any of the 70-plus museums. However,
navian Airlines, and Icelandair
have already seen conductor Esa-Pekka
Kiasma, an impressive modern art
(who is starting summer service
Salonen perform in Los Angeles, how-
museum with an extensive menu of
from all of their U.S. gateways to
ever, the country is home to many
children’s activities, should be at the
Helsinki via Reykjavík), making it
other talents, which are highlighted in
top of any visitor’s short list. The
easy and affordable to travel to
the “2004 Celebration of Music in
Suomenlinna Fortress Island, included
Finland.
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destinations, a geothermal spa called The Blue Lagoon. Guests luxuriate in warm seawater, which contains natural ingredients heralded to have healing properties. Silica mud gently exfoliates the skin, while blue green algae softens it, and mineral salts are said to have a balancing and relaxing effect on anyone who enters these ethereal waters. In the west, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula sets its sight on the Snaefellsjokull glacier,
INTRIGUING
some 60 miles away. One of Iceland’s smaller glaciers, it still is shrouded in mys-
ICELAND
tery, as it was this very chunk of ice that the French author Jules Verne choose as his passageway into inner space in his book, Journey to the Center of the Earth. Lake Myvatn lies in the north of Iceland and its bubbling mud flats, volcanic craters, newborn lava fields, and grassy shoals teeming with waterfowl draw many a curious visitor, as well as avid anglers. The heavy volcanic activity the region has experienced over the last few thousand years accounts for the
I
world means a celestial show year-round; the mid-
extraordinary land formations
night sun in summer and aurora borealis in winter.
and geology found here. An
Iceland is decidedly the way life should be…pure,
unforgettable
natural, and unspoiled.
Myvatn is Eldhraun or “fire
sight
near
celand is to Europe what Hawaii is to the United States:
and entertainment options are juxtaposed against some of the
It all starts in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost
lava,” an hauntingly barren lava
a rare geological gem still ruminating with nature’s restless
most rugged and otherworldly scenery on the planet. City
capital, which serves as a modern metropolis as well
field where the Apollo 11 crew
forces—active volcanoes and steamy geysers can be just as
streets are filled with kids speaking ancient languages into
as the gateway to some of the earth’s most fascinat-
came in the late 1960’s to train
wild as Reykjavík’s nightlife. And despite being home to the
of-the-minute mobile phones, and distances are occasionally
ing sets. Despite being heated by a geothermal
for their impending moonwalks.
largest glacier in Europe, Iceland isn’t nearly as chilly as it
measured in horse days. And nearly every sort of outdoor
stream far beneath the earth’s surface, the city relishes its
sounds. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, winters in Iceland are often
activity is available—the golf and fishing are some of the best
moniker, The Capital of Cool. Fittingly, Reykjavík is a well-known
also worth a visit. For more information on visiting Iceland, go to
much warmer than those in New England, and summer temper-
in Scandinavia—and the island’s proximity to the top of the
spot for A-listers who appreciate its hip nightclubs. As with the
www.icelandtouristboard.com.
rest of Scandinavia, Iceland serves up some of the most natural
60 degrees. For visitors com-
plates to be had, and foodies flock to the free-range scene. A
ing from the East Coast, the
bevy of fish drawn fresh from the Atlantic daily are showcased on
Both pages: Icelandic Tourist Board
atures hover at a refreshing
land of fire and ice is considerably closer than Hawaii— just about five jet lag–free hours away! The island is a study of contrasts; world-class art, shopping, culture, and dining
14
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menus all over town. As for shopping, everything from design items to sheepskin products to delicacies like fermented shark or pickled sheep’s
The nearby area of Husavik is known for whale-watching and is
HOT SHEET Spring Madness in Iceland from $399* per person double occupancy. Includes air and 2 nights hotel. May departures. Details: www.icelandair.com or (800) 779-2899.
head are available. Laugavegur street is filled with boutiques and
*Depart: New York (JFK), Boston, Baltimore/Washington (BWI); for $50
Skólavördustígur is good for jewelry studios, handicrafts, and
additional, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Orlando. Excludes approximately
those tempting gourmet treats mentioned above.
$90 in taxes, including Sep. 11 security fee.
Right outside of Reykjavík is one of Iceland’s most popular Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
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NORWAY
THE SUPERMODEL
ums and exhibits around town
sun is working its magic. The Lofoten
do justice to these seafaring folk.
Islands are full of craggy peaks, bright
Must-sees include the Viking and
white beaches, and small fishing vil-
Kon-Tiki Museums, the Akerhus
lages that cling precariously to the
Castle, and the 200-plus statues
steep cliffs that mark the island.
depicting the circle of life at
Accommodations range from spruced-
Vigeland Park.
up shacks to luxurious cabins, complete with fishing hatches right above
The city is full of epicurean outposts ranging from Michelin
the water. Reaching even farther north,
rated restaurants to cafés serv-
are Tromsø and the North Cape, taking
ing traditional Norwegian waf-
you almost to the top of the world and
fles. Shopping regions include
most certainly into 24 hours of daylight
Karl Johans Street, Bogstad
in the summer months.
Street, and Aker Brygge. The
HOT SHEET
harbor, which is a great place to enjoy a beer and a plate of peel
A wealth of Web sites are avail-
and eat shrimp is a sure bet.
able to bring Norway’s natural
From Oslo, the best way to get to Bergen, the “Gateway to the
wonder to life. Check out: www.visit ÅLESUND
G
Johannes Jensås / NTR
orgeous, genetically blessed Norway ranks among the upper echelons of the world’s
not-to-be-missed destinations. The beauty of the rugged-beyond-compare, glacier-carved fjords can even the most
MIDNIGHT SUN
jaded travelers who’ve been wearing
supermodel attributes and has a great attitude to boot—what else would you expect from the country that awards the Nobel Peace Prize? In a coup de grace to trump all, National Geographic magazine ranked the Norwegian Fjords as the world’s num-
the “been there done that” T-shirt for
sun. Or slow down and simply drink in
ber one unspoiled travel destination.
years. Simply being in the midst of
the verdant scenery from the deck of a
That should be more than enough
these awe-inspiring expressions of
luxury cruise ship. Whatever your pleas-
impetus to book a trip. Most visitors
nature can revitalize, invigorate, and
ure, visitors find themselves suspended
will fly into Oslo, a walking city of the
enrich even the weariest of travelers.
in harmony with the environment sur-
first order, where they can take in the
Do as much or as little as you like; hik-
rounding them as they float through a
cultural sights and sounds while learn-
ing and biking trips along ancient path-
peaceful and tranquil world that’s miles
ing about Norway’s colorful past. Filled
ways are great options for an active
away from reality.
with the exploits of Vikings, as well as
vacation, as is a summer ski trip down a frosty glacier under the late setting
16
Like many of their neighbors, Norway has wisely preserved its stunning,
other critically acclaimed explorers, like Thor Heyerdahl, the various muse-
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Top: Innovation Norway-Tourism/Per Eide/NTR; bottom: Johannes Jensås / NTR
GEIRANGERFJORD
Clockwise from top: Alfred Lupke/Alesund Tourist Board; Terje Rakke/Nordic life/NTR; Frithjof Fure/NTR
Fjords,” and a UNESCO World
norway.com, www.fjordnorway.com and www.visitoslo.com. For
Heritage Site, is to take the train. The
is as spectacular as it is massive.
Norwegian culinary delights,
Flåm Railway, which cost $20 million,
Traveling further west brings you to the
visit www.scancook.com. For
took 20 years to build, and is one of
art nouveau city of Ålesund and the
great deals and packages, visit
the steepest grades in the world, offers
dramatic Geiranger Fjord, which is
www.scandinavian.net and
panoramic scenes from the top. Drink
completely encased by snowcapped
www.icelandair.com. Also,
from any of the crystal clear streams or
peaks. You’ll also find the Hardanger
Continental Airlines will begin
waterfalls here, and you’ll supposedly
Fjord, equally as impressive, south of
offering daily service from
improve your complexion!
Bergen. Of course, no visit would be
Newark to Oslo starting June 17.
complete without a journey to the
See www.continental.com.
Just north of Bergen is the world’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord, which
north, especially when the midnight
LOFOTEN ISLAND
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NORWEGIAN GLASSWARE
17
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SWEDEN
S
weden is the largest fish in the Scandinavian sea and is
steamboat where visitors can crunch on crisp bread, sip coffee,
very much the land-of-the-minute touting tech trends and
and listen to jazz.
design feats, while also being one of the world’s most
It’s also one of the most stylish cities in the world, which is
diverse natural sanctuaries. Svelte and slender, Sweden encom-
apparent in the number of boutiques and shops that stock the lat-
passes more latitudes and climactic regions than any other
est in goods that scream chic. The city also brims with cultural
European country, except for Russia, bestowing upon it myriad
sites worth their salt like the Vasa Museum, housing a salvaged
ecological charms. Stockholm, long touted as one of the most
royal warship that sank in the Stockholm harbor in 1628; the 608-
beautiful cities in the world, is built on 14 islands—an intricate
room Royal Palace; and the Skansen Open Air Museum, which is
dance of land, sea, and verdant vegetation dotted with sailboats,
a town within a town. Stockholm’s top tables include Opera-
old-world architecture, and outposts of style. The islands are best
källaren and Grands Franska, both serving elegant meals in
experienced by walking on any of the numerous bridges that
designer dining rooms; Prinsen, an institution turning out hus-
stitch the city together, or by booking passage on a lunchtime
manskost, Swedish home cooking; the avant-garde Bon Lloc; and
18
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Opposite: Swedish Travel & Tourism Council (STTC)/R. Ryan; This page, clockwise from top: STTC/Nicho Södling; Stockholm Visitors Board/Ulf UH Hinds; STTC/Peter Grant
A CLASSIC BEAUTY
Grill, the city’s latest hot spot serving up
The Icehotel, far to the north in
grilled goodies flavored with spices from
Lappland, brings to mind another silver-
around the globe. www.stockholmtown.com
screen success—James Bond in Die
Visitors looking to explore outside of
Another Day. Although the Icehotel will
Stockholm shouldn’t miss the panoply of
be a mere puddle by summer, a trip to
castles and manor houses in the Lake
Lappland is still worthwhile as the envi-
Mälaren region. And to the west, Göteborg is
ronment is as pristine as it gets and the
Scandinavia’s largest port and is a lively,
King’s Trail offers fabulous hiking oppor-
cosmopolitan city that has an entirely differ-
tunities for the day-tripper or the serious
ent coastline than the eastern side of the
trekker looking for a multiday journey. An
country. The Göteborg archipelago is com-
abundance of fresh water, impossibly
prised of thousands of rocky islands and the
clear and clean, is available along the
region is peppered with cafés, castles, swim-
route. Without a doubt all visitors will
ming spots, and fishing villages, many with a seriously gourmet
want to return in winter to spend the night in the Icehotel, which
bent. Seafood reigns supreme and menus all over are filled with
truly is 100 percent ice; guests swaddled in down sleeping bags
briny delights such as prawns, crabs, and lobsters. The area is a
bed down on reindeer skins to stay warm through the night. Visit
shining example of eco-tourism and remains unspoiled with vast
www.icehotel.com for details on the translucent hotel and
open spaces punctuating the skyline. Visit www.goteborg.com and
www.visit-sweden.com for information on traveling to Sweden.
www.west-sweden.com for details. The Kingdom of Crystal, or the Glass District, is home to the skillful glass blowers behind the luminous creations of Kosta Boda and Orrefors, as well as other glassworks (think My Life as a Dog, the Academy Award-winning movie by Lasse Hallstrom), and is a well worth the detour for visitors traveling between Stockholm and Copenhagen. Try your hand at glass blowing—it’s harder than you think! And make sure to stock up on the beautiful crystal pieces available here. The region is also a well-known design center and the birthplace of the ubiquitous IKEA. www.glasriket.com
Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
HOT SHEET
Several packages and special deals are available from North America to Sweden. Visit www.visit-sweden.com for a
listing of tour operators. City packages are available through Icelandair Holidays and special offers are listed at www.visit-sweden.com/usa/offers . Scandinavian Airlines, SAS, offers non-stop flights from Chicago and Newark to Stockholm, as well as via Copenhagen from Seattle and Washington, D.C.
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LOGISTICS
T
SCANDINAVIA CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Just a quick hop over the “pond” that
raveling to Scandinavia has never been easier
we refer to as the Atlantic, but truly a
and the region supplies superb value for the
world a way, Scandinavia is the desti-
dollar, as well as an English-friendly terrain that
nation du jour known for welcoming
positively glows come summer. Visit www.goscandi-
Americans traveling to its unblem-
navia.com for in-depth information and links to
ished landscapes hewn from ice age
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
forces. Scandinavia thrives on time-
All of the carriers that service the region are cur-
less quality and craftsmanship, result-
rently offering new summer routes, as well as special
ing in legitimacy and solidness of
deals. Peruse Finnair at www.finnair.com/us,
character found throughout the Denmark Tourist Board/Nicolai Perjesi
Scandinavian Airlines at www.scandinavian.net, Continental at www.continental.com and Icelandair at www.icelandair.com for the best deals. Several other airlines also serve Scandinavia via their hubs in Europe. All of the tourist board sites also offer comprehensive listings of hotels, tour operators, and land and water transportation once you arrive. Keep in mind that hotel prices include tax, and in most countries, even breakfast. Also, tipping isn’t customary through-
region and in all of the products that they offer. Travelers looking for a convenient, yet exotic and beautiful vacation destination, need look no further for the trip of a lifetime that inevitably will supply them with unique experiences and a host of
pleasant memories to take home. t
DENMARK
out the region, but you can leave a few extra coins for good measure.
STOCKHOLM OSLO HEL SINKI COPENHAGEN
ICELAND
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Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
Icelandic Tourist Board
MANY DESTINATIONS. ONE EASY GATEWAY. ONLY WITH FINNAIR. Now there’s an easy way to get from New York to key cities in Scandinavia, The Baltics, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Just fly Finnair via Helsinki. On our flights, you’ll enjoy delicious meals prepared by on-board chefs, fine wine from our extensive cellar, and a civilized arrival in Helsinki before 9 a.m. And, whether you’re staying there, or continuing on, we promise to make all your travel time with us truly exceptional. Finnair. The most experienced in the northern skies. www.finnair.com/us
Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SCANDINAVIA, CONTACT: Scandinavian Tourist Boards, P.O. Box 4649, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163
212-885 9700 •
[email protected] • www.goscandinavia.com
Publisher Paul Cohen
[email protected] Editor Amy Wong
[email protected]
Danish Tourist Board
Associate Editor Denise J. Iest
[email protected]
www.visitdenmark.com
Production Manager Nicole M. Erlinger
[email protected]
www.visitfinland.com/na
www.travelocity.com/scandinavia
Production Director Rina V. Murray
[email protected] Project Coordinator Erika Butler
[email protected]
Icelandic Tourist Board
Partner Concepts LLC 128 Lubrano Drive, Suite 301 Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 224-7688 www.partnerconcepts.com
www.visitnorway.com
www.icelandtouristboard.com
This supplement was written and produced by Partner Concepts, and did not involve the reporting or editing staff of this publication.
PARTNER CONCEPTS DEVELOPS CUSTOM INTEGRATED MARKETING PROGRAMS FOR DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.
Icelandic Tourist Board
Printed by Quad/Graphics PRINTED IN USA
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Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
Book your trip now at www.travelocity.com/scandinavia.
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