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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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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

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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