When we think of Euro summer, we usually picture ourselves tanning next to the Aegean Sea, eating pasta in Italy, or clubbing until 7 am in Berlin. But one underrated corner of Europe that isn’t always prioritised on summer travel itineraries is Scandinavia.
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 happiest countries for the past decade. After spending time in Scandinavia, I found the reason is simpler than you might think.
Ditching the stereotypical Euro summer and discovering Scandinavia
Image source: Supplied
My 2023 Scandinavia trip started with Contiki in Copenhagen, Denmark. It doesn’t take long to figure out that the city is designed for cycling to be the main mode of transportation, which reduces the need for car ownership and reliance on public transport. This connects the community, reduces environmental impact, and supports the overall well-being of the population.
After trying the best of Danish food on a bike tour around Copenhagen, I was very pleased with the cleanliness and organisation of the city in comparison to other major European cities. To finish off our short but sweet time in Denmark, we explored the vibrant Tivoli gardens and challenged ourselves to ride the intimidating rollercoasters. The locals are proud to call this city their home and were very welcoming to my fellow Contiki travellers and I.
Next stop was Norway. After crossing into the country via ferry, we made our way towards the home of the Nobel Peace Prize: Oslo. This was a city alive with art and culture, with a healthy balance of natural surroundings. Throughout the country, there are subtle nods to a rich Norse history that defined Norwegians for centuries. This led us to our Viking biking tour, where we cycled onto the Bygdøy peninsula, only a few minutes from the city centre. Our leisurely ride was surrounded by walking trails, beaches, and rich biodiversity. After a few museum stops to learn about Norway’s Viking and maritime history, we finished off with a splash into the Oslofjord.
The solitude, connection and adventure of Norway
Back on the Contiki bus, we headed up to the adventure sport capital of Northern Europe, Voss. We didn’t waste any time when we arrived, as we quickly headed up to Voss resort via gondola. We admired more than just the view; the silence and stillness grounded us and brought us closer together. It felt as if there was no one else in the world, except us, tucked away in the valleys.
Our following stops in Norway were packed with action and adrenaline. Whitewater rafting down the Voss River (can finally say that I had a mouthful of organic Voss water straight from the source, unintentionally), tobogganing in Olympic town Lillehammer, trying Elk burgers and skølebrod, kayaking in Hellesylt, and jumping into Boyabreen Glacier fully clothed for free ice cream. There is something for everyone in this little slice of paradise.
Image source: Supplied
Understanding the Scandinavian way of life
Amidst all the chaos and excitement, it wasn’t until I reached the Geirangerfjord that I began to slow down and understand Scandinavian philosophy.
It was a cloudy morning when we made our way to Geiranger from Hellesylt, exhausted but excited for the next adventure ahead. With the mountains towering over and the Fjord opening in front of me, I had never felt so small standing at the bow of a ferry. Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast partying and sightseeing my way around Europe, but there was something special about being present with this UNESCO-listed wonder. I immediately pulled out my phone to talk to my family back home and update them on all my adventures.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but grounding myself in nature not only brought me closer to my fellow Contiki travellers, but also to the people back home that matter to me the most.
Sweden gave us a chance to wind down after our high-energy expedition across Norway. Our first stop was Torgåsgården, a quaint hostel nestled in the Darlana countryside. We had our first Fika, a Swedish tradition that allows people to take time out of their day to have a drink, eat a pastry, and reconnect with those around them.
Over Fika, we took the time to reflect on our time together, and realised that we’d gone from strangers to a little Contiki family in under two weeks. Nature brings us closer to each other, which helps us build meaningful connections and communities. Humans have survived on this philosophy for thousands of years, and now it is more important than ever that we find our way back to nature and simplicity to reconnect to the world.
Our Scandinavia adventure ended in Stockholm, where the warm Swedish summer lit up the city. There is a twist at every turn in Stockholm, with cobbled alleyways surrounded by colourful houses, and streets lined with workers on their Fika breaks. It is safe to say that many Ikea meatballs, Semla buns, and museum trips were all packed into the last few days.
Everything I learned from my trip to Scandinavia
As we ended our last night together on a rooftop bar, I came to realise why these countries are consistently praised for their quality of life. Although Scandinavia is quite disconnected from the rest of Europe, I had never felt more connected in my travels.
The countries we visited were rich in environment, community and health. They understand that for their people to thrive, they need to prioritise the things that make us human.
Learning these invaluable lessons has completely changed my outlook on life and the world around me. I now prioritise spending time in nature, becoming more active in my community, and creating meaningful connections.
Doing a Contiki tour around Scandinavia taught me something very important. Every country has their own hidden treasures – you just need to have an open mind and know where to find them.
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