Destination Outbound

Scandinavia: Picture postcard perfect

While opining that one would need to write a book to do justice to describing each of the places worth visiting in the Scandinavian countries, Sanjay Yalavatti outlines why the destination is immensely primed to occupy mindshare of the Indian outbound traveller

Not many know that Scandinavia originally referred only to the region around the Scandinavian peninsula, mainly comprising Norway, Sweden and Denmark. However, given the geographical, historical and even cultural similarities at play, it has over time evolved into an all-encompassing term to represent the entire Nordic region (Northern Europe) including Finland, and even Iceland.

That bit of trivia aside, Scandinavia certainly lives up to its reputation of being a strikingly pristine destination just exploding with refreshing natural beauty. And if that reason alone wasn't convincing enough to include it on the travel horizon, then the fact that it also enjoys a rich historical and cultural heritage; has a plethora of things to see and do; is rated among the safest places in the world; and also breaks down the language barrier with English being widely spoken, firmly seals the deal in its favour.

Nature ahoy

The one facet that immediately strikes you, and bowls you over, is the abundance of nature spanning scenic mountains, forests, parks, fjords, lakes, rivers, etc. Even its major cities are prime examples of buildings and man-made structures co-existing in harmony with the natural landscape.

Surrounded by nature, the denizens of this region revel in this bounty. Hiking and trekking in forests and mountains is a popular weekend pastime with Scandinavians - rivalled only by their penchant for skimming the waters. Boats of all shapes and sizes are a common sight, bobbing along the coastline in every harbour and along the rivers and canals that make their way through cities and towns.

Complementing this is the relatively sparse population, with just about a million people (or even less) inhabiting even the major cities (for effect, compare that to Mumbai, which alone accounts for 18+ million people). This pleasantness can be felt immediately as one breezes through security and immigration at the airport - enough to recommend Helsinki to business and other travellers desirous of a hassle-free transit point to other European cities or the US.

Be there, do that

While each of the countries offers a range of places to visit and things to see and do, the classic Scandinavian circuit spanning the southern belt (Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki) is a great appetiser.

From the rugged mountain ranges and deep gorges with the sparkling fjords of Norway at one end, to the lively cities of flat Denmark at the other, with the thousands of lakes, lush forests and parks of Sweden and Finland in between, it's very difficult and probably unfair to pit these destinations against each other in any comparison game.

Yet, most visitors do rate Bergen and Flam in Norway as absolutely gorgeous must-visit places, an opinion one cannot help but whole-heartedly share. Expanding on that, the route comprising Bergen/Oslo-Myrdal-Flåm-Gudvangen-Voss-Bergen/Oslo that's conveniently packaged to offer 'Norway in a Nutshell' makes for a great trip combining the best experiences involving Norway's unique scenery.

Starting with a train journey from Oslo, or better still from Bergen - the gateway to the fjords - one reaches the mountain station of Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for a breathtaking 20-kilometre ride to Flåm, making its way through some amazing mountain scenery and even stopping by the surging Kjosfossen waterfall for a photo-opportunity.

Flåm (which literally means 'little place between steep mountains') itself is a picturesque little town. It's also the point to embark on an unforgettable fjord cruise down the scenic Aurlandsfjord and into the Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe. As you pass by steep mountain ranges with waterfalls streaking down the sides, and the occasional quaint little villages along the banks, you'll be quite surprised to find seagulls too gliding alongside the boat, as if goading you for a race.

Disembarking at the port of Gudvangen, a bus journey to Voss allows you a thrilling (and prayer-on-your-lips) experience of some really steep narrow roads and hairpin bends. From Voss, you can make your way back to Bergen or Oslo by rail.

If rushed for time the circuit can be completed in one day, but an overnight stay in charming Bergen and the captivating little town of Flåm (at the famous Fretheim Hotel with a history going back to 1870) is highly recommended.

Capital capers

There's no denying that cities have a buzz of their own with the concentration of sights and activities on offer, and this can certainly be experienced at one's own pace in the capital cities on the rest of the circuit (Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki). Interestingly, while these are all old cities that have well adapted to the modern way of life, they also proudly retain their historic elements, and as mentioned earlier, inspiringly coexist with nature, with thick forests skirting the cities and oodles of lakes and greenery within.
While it'd take a book to describe it all, here's a summary of recommended sights and attractions to get you going:

Oslo (Norway)

• Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Oslo's most famous icon, towering over the city.
• Vigeland Park, which sports an interesting collection of over 200 sculptures and 600 figures (featured unclothed) that purport to represent the entire human cycle of life.
• The City Hall, famous as the venue for the Nobel Peace prize ceremony.
• Akershus Fortress, one of the oldest structures in Oslo dating back to the 1300s.
• Change of guard ceremony at the Royal Palace
• The Kon-Tiki museum, Polar Ship Fram, and of course, the Viking Ship museum, to get a glimpse of the seafaring adventures of Norwegian explorers of yore.

Copenhagen (Denmark)

• The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's most famous landmark.
• Everything about Hans Christian Andersen - his residence, grave, statue, etc, for fans of his literary works.
• Tivoli Gardens, said to be the oldest surviving amusement park in the world.
• Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence, which also features the change of guard ceremony.
• Radhuspladsen, the central Town Hall square.
• Stroget, supposedly one of the longest pedestrian-only shopping streets in the world.
• Nyhavn Harbour, among the oldest zones in the Copenhagen harbour.

Stockholm (Sweden)

• Gamla Stan, the old town quarter, where the city was originally founded in the 14th century, and is still maintained that way. A maze of cobblestoned paths leads you to the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum and Stortorget, the oldest public square in Stockholm.
• City Hall, Sweden's most famous landmark building, and host to prestigious events including the annual Nobel banquet.
• Skansen, an open air museum zone housing various types of Swedish buildings reflecting different areas and eras.
• Vasa, a 17th century Swedish warship which sank on its maiden voyage (Titanic, anyone?) and was resurrected in the early 1960s.
• Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the royal family.
• Royal Stables, with a unique collection of 19th century horse carriages.

Helsinki (Finland)

• Helsinki Cathedral, the gleaming-white landmark structure.
• Upenski Cathedral, with its towering red façade is telling of the Russian architectural influence.
• Suomenlinna-Sveaborg Maritime Fortress, which was rated among the biggest sea fortresses in the world.
• Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church.
• The open air Market Square near the harbour.
• Esplanade Park, the city's most popular promenade and relaxation zone.

Skimming the waves

For that all-inclusive experience, it's also suggested that one uses multiple modes of transport to get from one city to another. In fact, if you'd like to combine recreation and transport, a neat option is an overnight cruise, as we experienced on the cruise ship operated by DFDS Seaways when we made our way from Oslo to Copenhagen. Some enthralling views from the deck aside, these floating hotels offer many options to remain entertained, including a nightclub and discotheque, and most importantly, duty-free shopping.

Shopping

With tourism and shopping inseparably joined at the hip, there are a number of shops around the tourist hot-spots and open street markets that tempt you with their wares. Scandinavian folklore abounds with stories of trolls and assorted creatures, endearing versions of which are bestsellers at souvenir shops.

While the Scandinavian countries (in keeping with much of Europe) aren't particularly known for inexpensive shopping (actually, inexpensive anything), especially in relation to the Indian currency, most general wares and souvenirs could be termed to be affordably priced. One can also keep one's eyes open for some good bargains to be had at store sales. Be warned though that cigarettes and alcohol are heavily taxed in these countries.

Travelling through the multiple countries that make up Scandinavia will also require dealing with a range of currencies (Swedish Kronor, Norwegian Kroner, Danish Kroner, Euro), all with differing exchange rates - so be prepared for a little heartburn over the exchange fees, and some mental calisthenics given our compulsion for converting to the home currency.

Eat, drink and be merry

Even though vegetarians may find their options somewhat limited (as compared to non-vegetarian fare), there's enough to ensure that they don't have to resort to carrying 'theplas' and pickle to survive. In any case, one can probably count on our intrepid tour operators to make arrangements to satisfy the Indian palate, irrespective of the country one is in.

Seafood (especially fish of various kinds) is the most common cuisine to be found in Scandinavia, with smoked salmon being quite popular. You'll also find a variety of preserved fish and meats, including smoked, dried and salted. Those looking to experiment can try out some local dishes like reindeer and elk meat, pickled red herring, or even smoked horsemeat in Sweden.

While on that adventurous streak, round it off with a local traditional drink called 'karsk' (in Norway) or 'kask' (in Sweden) involving a coin placed at the bottom of the cup (apparently for good luck) over which coffee is poured until the coin is hidden, and then alcohol is added until the coin is visible again. Perhaps the coin brings good luck to the tippler trying to walk straight after a couple of those.

Making a visit

The most popular time for visiting these countries is during the Scandinavian summer season from May to August, when the weather's most comfortable. It happens to be the perfect time to pack in more of the sights, thanks to extended daylight time owing to the region's geographical proximity to the North Pole - even if it can be somewhat insomnia-inducing and could threaten to send the body clock temporarily out of whack. In fact, come June-July and in the northernmost regions, near the Arctic circle, the sun never really completely sets - a
phenomenon that's earned these places the title 'Land of the Midnight Sun'.

But it would be misleading to say that the summer is the only time to visit Scandinavia. Winter sports, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) phenomenon, etc, are equally compelling reasons to visit during other times too.

Well, that's Scandinavia in a box - stimulating, alluring and exotic, all in one go!