Though being half-Swedish may make me somewhat biased, the lure of Scandinavia is irresistible to most.
After travelling round Scandinavia because the age of 14, I’ve constructed a complete record of the unmissable locations that may be discovered within the Nordic nations.
The gathering of essentially the most lovely and socially progressive nations on the earth sound nearly too dreamy to be true, however the blue-skied utopia may be very a lot actual. And because the transatlantic Norwegian Air offers make Scandinavia extra accessible than ever, an increasing number of North People are drawn to the gathering of nations that take the fjords and feminism all of their stride.
For individuals who are desirous to see some ethereal pure wonders with out feeling too out of their consolation zone, Scandinavia is the last word vacation spot for solo travellers.
Picturesque Finland
(Observe: For the aim of this weblog we’ll be having a look at Iceland, too – however haven’t any worry, everyone knows that the nation flits out and in of the definition of a Nordic nation.)
The ability of security
If you happen to’re getting into your first solo journey mission distant from residence, Scandinavia is a secure – but considerably costly – guess. I really feel safer in Scandinavia as a girl than I ever have within the UK.
Whereas Iceland ranks as essentially the most equal nation within the International Gender Hole index, Norway, Finland and Sweden observe intently behind – and it’s been that means since 2006. And as we girls know, a extra equal society creates extra empowered, assured and secure ladies.
For individuals who can’t afford the luxurious price ticket of an all-female retreat to the Finnish SuperShe island, reap the benefits of the bike-friendly capitals in Scandinavia, significantly discovered on the cycle-friendly bustle of Copenhagen.
Sweden is among the few nations on the planet the place I’ve by no means been catcalled – and as most travellers know, that’s a uncommon accolade to rejoice.
READ MORE: STOCKHOLM VS COPENHAGEN: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU VISIT?
Meals doesn’t all the time must price an arm and a leg
Travellers on a price range can loosen up somewhat as soon as they enter the confines of Stockholm. What surprises most guests in one of the crucial costly capital cities on the earth is that meals can nonetheless be considerably inexpensive if you happen to’re aware of the youthful areas of the town, corresponding to Södermalm, shrouded in artwork, extremely inexpensive classic retailers and surprisingly acceptably priced eateries. Â
Herman’s vegetarian restaurant overlooking Sodermalm is an absolute must-visit – even essentially the most religious of carnivores is not going to really feel wanting from this all-star vegan buffet. For round $13 an individual not solely do you get one of the crucial healthful and scrumptious all you’ll be able to eat experiences of your life, however an unmissable view of the Söderström river.
In Copenhagen, head to the Meatpacking district for an inexpensive(er) chew to eat. Within the lesser-known Gray District, you’ll be capable to discover divine roast pork sandwiches for simply 45 DKK (round $6). When you’re there, head to Warpigs for some actually wonderful beer.
READ MORE: HOW TO BUDGET TRAVEL IN SCANDINAVIA
Strolling Copenhagen’s Nyhavn is free!
It’s not simply Copenhagen who is aware of what it’s providing ale-wise (Evil Twin and rival brewery Mikkeller are absolute musts). Craft beer lovers after a much less quintessentially Swedish foodie expertise can head to Omnipollo in the identical district. Omnipollo – which is among the most forward-thinking unbiased beer manufacturers in Scandinavia – additionally sells $15 giant pizzas with flavour mixtures as landmark as their ales. Who knew kimchi might work so nicely on a pizza?
For some actually quick and livid takeaway choices on a price range within the nation, look out for Max. This fast-food joint operates as Scandinavia’s different to McDonalds, and nonetheless counts as offering *some* cultural immersion while you’re on the go.
VISIT STUNNING SCANDINAVIA ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR WITH INTREPID TRAVEL
The queer scene
Whereas being bisexual has meant that I’ve needed to journey round some locations watching my again, this risk is virtually non-existent in Scandinavia. Whereas the group is residence to one of the crucial LGBT+-inclusive nations on the earth, the likes of Sweden and Iceland actively invite queer travellers to pattern their finest work.
Loving life and feeling free in Scandinavia
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Though Yaki-Da doesn’t model itself as an LGBT+ venue particularly, it tends to host the town’s most shiny and thrilling faces on a Friday and Saturday night time. No-one cares about the place you’re from or who you’ve include (or with out) – simply merely whether or not or not you’re prepared to bounce from all the pieces from Drake to All Saints within the open atmosphere of a roof terrace, whatever the climate.
Oslo’s progressive tackle queer areas comes into pressure within the type of Homosexual Guerrilla. Though the elusive group now not have a Fb web page, it’s value monitoring down what bars the group of LGBT+ individuals will invade in a bid to create extra inclusive heterosexual areas. Time your journey to make sure you’re there for the primary Friday of the month to catch the group in motion.
If something, as a girl who loves ladies I typically discover that LGBT+ areas deal with entertaining homosexual males above and past the remainder of the remit. For queer ladies who wish to social gathering in type, head to Bitter Tablets in Gothenburg within the edgy district of Hornstull, which is lesbian-run and boasts some heavenly Korean meals in addition.
I do know that we’re all somewhat bit greater than our partying credentials, so if you end up in want of some pack-a-punch Scandi queer historical past, contemplate Copenhagen’s LGBT Historic Strolling Excursions. Queer writer and Danish legend Bjarne Henrik Lundis places on these English-spoken excursions upon request, so do get in contact with him if it piques your curiosity.
Get open air
The Northern Lights over Finland
No matter a part of Scandinavia you journey in, one aesthetic facet stays constant – there’s a lovely abundance of nature that’s superb for the solo traveller.
Veering away from the extra anticipated choices of Lapland – the place a number of of the nations intersect on the entrance of the Arctic Circle – the nations boast a number of the most tranquil summer time spots for respite obtainable on the planet.
On a price range? Hop on a motorbike and go to a number of the nationwide parks and lakes on provide. The lakes in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro are one of many most-packed spots with individuals hanging out in teams or simply studying a e book whereas stress-free by the waterfront. If you happen to choose a maritime hang-out, journey by means of the Stockholm Archipelago by ferry and make a journey across the Moderna Museet to see a number of the finest artwork in Europe.
READ MORE: 5 REASONS WHY FINNISH LAPLAND SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
Lapland is to not be missed
And if you happen to choose to get behind the wheel, Norway’s Atlantic Highway is an unmissable expertise. Though a gorgeous journey (and even higher when another person is driving), this isn’t a visit for the journey sick. Tempestuous waves crash over the highway’s formation when the climate will get fiery.
It’s value noting that Scandinavia’s saunas don’t look to kindly on sporting any garments whereas within the amenities. I’ve been chased out of saunas in Sweden, Iceland and Norway for getting into a sauna in swimwear. Many Scandis imagine that clothes pollutes the steamy air. Horrified by the prospect? Keep on with the Blue Lagoon scorching spring in Reykjavik, or Krossneslaug within the northern Westfjords as a substitute. Finland’s Löyly Sauna is alleged to supply the premier sauna expertise, and in addition includes a restaurant and resides in an set up that overlooks the Baltic sea.
READ MORE: WHY ICELAND IS THE DREAM DESTINATION FOR SOLO ADVENTURERS
Iceland’s otherworldly Blue Lagoon
For the first-time long-haul solo traveller, this might not be a safer place to take pleasure in some lands the place progressive social liberalism and nature collides. For these with none language expertise to their identify, breathe straightforward realizing you can navigate these nations along with your first language at hand.
Get saving your money and get your strolling boots – you’re about to expertise some life-changing solo journey in Scandinavia.
Able to discover this gorgeous a part of the world? Try Intrepid’s vary of excursions (which can be excellent for solo travellers!) in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
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(Picture credit from prime to backside: Intrepid Journey x4, Jasmine Andersson, Intrepid Journey x3.)