In case you needed an excuse, we’ve found four unmissable things you’ll want to do, eat or visit around in Scandinavia. What are you waiting for? We’ve given you reasons to travel to Scandinavia.
1. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi – Copenhagen, Denmark
Sometimes a restaurant name gives away so few clues you can’t be sure what you’re actually going to be eating until it’s brought to the table. Not at Stcks ‘n’ Sushi though, where the group of restaurants has been serving up – yes, that’s right – sushi and yakitori sticks, the Japanese version of grilled skewers, for a quarter of a century.
Although fish plays a starring role on the menu, diners not keen on seafood won’t go hungry, with sizzling sticks of beef, chicken and pork served hot off the coals, as well as plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Today, you can find Sticks ‘n’ Sushi in 12 locations throughout Copenhagen as well as a further eight in England and a sole outpost in Berlin. The flagship branch, however, sits at the top of Tivoli Gardens in the center of the Danish capital, with a huge roof terrace offering an unrivalled vantage point of the streets below – a suitable dramatic setting for an evening of sashimi and sake.
If you’re looking for high quality food at affordable prices in Copenhagen, click the image below to learn more.
2. A secret airbase in Gothenburg, Sweden
Not far from Gothenburg City’s Airport is a vast, hidden underground airbase, built in the start of the Cold War, extending over 22,000 square meters. The above-ground area covers 70,000 square meters.
Once top secret, the site has been transformed into an interactive aviation museum, complete with simulators, a coffee shop and planes kids can scramble on.
Since January 1st 2008, Aeroseum has been part of the SMHA (Sveriges Militärhistoriska Arv – Swedish Military Heritage) network, under the umbrella of Statens Försvarshistoriska Museum (SFHM – The National Swedish Museums of Military History).
Today, the Aeroseum offers experiences that have not previously been available to the general public, including flying in vintage aircraft and helicopters.
If you’re looking for culinary attractions in Gothenburg, click the image below to find out more.
3. SMK – Copenhagen, Denmark
Slap bang in the middle of Copenhagen, you’ll find one of Scandinavias finest art collections – and the largest in Denmark. SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst) is the country’s national gallery and houses great works from the last 700 years, both local and international; there’s everything from Bernini busts to Matisse nudes and 21st-century British photography. There are ever-changing temporary exhibitions, but the Danish and Nordic art 1750-1900 exhibit, with items from SMK’s own collection, is always at show. A magnetic destination for all culture vultures.
There’s an abundance of contemporary art galleries in Copenhagen. To learn more about them, click the image below.
4. Svalbard Bus & Taxi – Svalbard, Norway
Heading to the land of the polar bear? Get the most out of your trip by taking a sightseeing adventure with a local expert. Svalbard Bus & Taxi AS has daily tours by bus, which depart from hotels in Longyearbyen and cover all the major attractions, including the old coal mines, the Global Seed Vault, and Arctic flora and fauna.
In winter you might even spot the northern lights. For those looking for the ultimate tundra tour, the road less traveled is often the best option.
To learn more about the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, click the image below.
Reasons to Travel to Scandinavia, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): From Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Photo © Statistisk sentralbyrå