Route Notes is our interactive online magazine and features advice, opinion and customer stories designed to instil active travel inspiration for walkers, cyclists and adventurous minds. The following is an excerpt from an article that takes a closer look at Scandinavia as a holiday destination.   

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[caption id="attachment_22154" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Stockholm blends modernity with history.[/caption] Scandinavia is a destination that is often overlooked in favour of more well-trodden paths however the collection of countries in Northern Europe offer varied geography, unique cities, and diverse experiences for those in the know. 2017 is a great time to make some room in the travel diary for a Scandinavian adventure!

Why Scandinavia?

There are loads of reasons to put Scandinavia on your travel radar...

Natural Wonders

Marvel at the legacy of the ice age as you stand atop a rocky summit looking down over fjords carved by nature's awesome force. View a virtual open-air museum of geological sculptures at Norway's Trolltunga or take on Swedish Lapland to find peace in the wilderness of the Arctic Circle. [caption id="attachment_20989" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Trolltunga in Norway, tick it off the bucket list in 2017![/caption] The forces of nature are very evident in much of Scandinavia, making it a great destination for adjusting your perspective on the world. Northern Scandinavia is one of the best places in the world to view the famous Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, for example, around Abisco in Sweden the Aurora are viewed (on average) on 159 nights out of the 212 nights when the conditions are right. [caption id="attachment_22155" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Aurora at Tjaktja on the Kungsleden in Sweden. Thanks to John Cobb.[/caption]

The Cities

Foodies flock to Copenhagen, Bergen is the perfect blend of small town charm and big city culture conveniently located on Norway's west coast whilst Stockholm is a dream of history meets modernity surrounded by forests and an archipelago of over 24,000 beautiful islands. [caption id="attachment_22156" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Bergen is known as the gateway to the fjords of Norway[/caption]

Scandi Cool

From fashion to furniture, there's a certain something about Scandinavian design which has the world hooked. If you don't know your hygge from your friluftsliv then you need to get on board with these lifestyle philosophies of the moment. [caption id="attachment_20970" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Live like a Scandinavian by spending quality time with the family and appreciating the outdoors.[/caption]

Midnight Sun

One for the bucket list, seeing the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle during the summer is a spiritual moment you'll savour. All at once energising and calming, it's another grounding experience, making your place and time in the cosmos all the more tangible. [caption id="attachment_22157" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Midnight sun on the Kungsleden, Sweden. Thanks to Helen Moyes[/caption]

Happiness

Scandinavian countries are a staple on the UN's 'World Happiness Report'. They embrace progressive ideas, value family time, appreciate their wonderful natural landscapes and know how to have a good time. The Norwegians have a word, friluftsliv, to recognise the deep connection between time spent with nature and happiness. That's our kind of philosophy! In Denmark the term Hygge is used in a similar way; appreciating your surroundings, being content with a warm drink, enjoying a good book or settling in to a comfortable chair. [caption id="attachment_22158" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Happy walkers in the Hardangerfjord region, Norway.[/caption]

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For advice and opinion from the Macs Adventure staff on the fantastic opportunities for walking and cycling in Sweden, Norway and Denmark explore our Route Notes magazine.  If you would like to receive adventure inspiration to your inbox sign up for our newsletter or to begin planning an adventure now, contact a member of our team on info@macsadventure.com.