Australians Embrace Scandinavia: A Journey into the Nordic Charm
By Ute Junker
For years, the allure of Scandinavia was akin to a long-distance romance—captivating yet seemingly out of reach. Australians sang along to ABBA and relied on Ikea for home furnishings, but the far-flung countries that experienced midnight suns and frigid winters appeared daunting in their remoteness and cost.
Fast forward to today, and that perception has shifted dramatically. No longer an elusive dream, Scandinavia now beckons travelers with its transformative blend of innovative cuisine, gripping crime dramas, and pop music stars like Robyn and Icona Pop. From actors like Mads Mikkelsen to Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, the region’s cultural offerings have sparked a newfound interest in travel.
Australians are increasingly making their way to the Nordic region. Data reveals a 27% rise in visitors to Sweden since 2008, while Finland reports a 25% increase since 2010. Even more striking, the number of Australians in Denmark has doubled since 2005, and visits to Norway soared in 2013 compared to the previous year.
Flemming Bruhn, director of Visit Denmark, highlights several drivers of this trend. The affection for Princess Mary certainly plays a role, but Bruhn also credits the excitement generated by the Opera House’s 40th anniversary and popular programs like The Killing. He points out, “We share a natural affinity, with similar humor and outlooks on life.”
Bentours, a travel agency specializing in Scandinavian holidays for over three decades, echoes this sentiment. CEO Caroline Kennedy notes an uptick in clientele seeking distinctive experiences that balance breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural opportunities. Popular draws include Norway’s fjords in the summer and the mesmerizing northern lights during winter.
Travel options have also evolved, simplifying access to this enchanting region. Finnair has long offered one-stop flights, but the landscape has expanded since Emirates joined the fray in 2011, adding Oslo to existing hubs in Copenhagen and Stockholm by September 2023.
“Australians today are far bolder in exploring diverse European destinations,” says Bryan Banston, Emirates’ vice-president for Australasia. He has observed significant growth in newly accessible routes, where travelers often use one airport to arrive and another to depart. “We’ve seen double-digit growth in these destinations and expect it to continue.”
Scandinavia, with its seasonal contrasts, is emerging as a year-round getaway. While summer sees a boom in cruises, winter is equally appealing for those looking to partake in outdoor adventures.
For first-time visitors, piecing together an itinerary can be overwhelming. With enticing options from stunning fjords to charming medieval towns, acclaimed restaurants, and the unique Sami culture, narrowing down the choices becomes a delightful challenge.
To aid travelers, we’ve compiled thematically driven hit-lists featuring highlights from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and neighboring Finland—an excellent complement for any Scandinavian itinerary.
A word of advice when planning your journey: keep a map handy. The countries intertwine spatially, meaning that the quickest route to certain destinations may lie through a neighboring country. For example, Malmö is much closer to Copenhagen than to Stockholm.
Architectural Marvels
Scandinavia’s talent for design runs deep, manifesting in everything from buildings to fashion boutiques. Design aficionados can explore the legacies of titans like Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobson, and Jørn Utzon.
Oslo: A Modern Capital
As Europe’s fastest-growing capital, Oslo is undergoing a structural renaissance. Stunning recent additions include the iconic Opera House by Snøhetta and Korsgata 5, a contemporary residential complex harmoniously integrated into its 19th-century surroundings.
Visitors should not miss the DogA, the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture, housed in a repurposed power station, or the captivating Vigelandsparken sculpture park.
Alesund: Art Nouveau
The town of Alesund is a remarkable example of architectural resurrection. Following a catastrophic fire in 1904, it was rebuilt in the art nouveau style, transforming it into an outdoor gallery that architecture lovers will cherish.
Copenhagen: A Design Mecca
In this city, the Danish Design Centre and the striking Black Diamond housing the Royal Library beckon. History buffs can appreciate the designs found within the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, crafted by Arne Jacobson himself.
Aalborg: A Tribute to Utzon
For those enamored with Jørn Utzon, a jaunt to his hometown of Aalborg is a must. The Utzon Centre, a collection of remarkable pavilions, showcases his mastery.
The Great Outdoors
As summer unfurls in Scandinavia, it transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with locals hiking, biking, and climbing amidst stunning landscapes.
Aland Archipelago: A Cyclist’s Dream
Situated between Finland and Sweden, the Aland archipelago—a cluster of 6,700 islands—invites cyclists to traverse its scenic paths while spotting moose along the way.
Lysefjord: Nature at Its Best
Norway’s fjordlands are nothing short of breathtaking. Near Stavanger, the Lysefjord offers remarkable hiking adventures, challenging trekkers to scale the iconic Pulpit Rock or the Kjerag mountain.
Kungsleden: A Walking Wonder
Sweden’s King’s Trail spans 450 kilometers, revealing dramatic mountain landscapes and bubbling streams. A week-long trip between Abisko and Nikkaluokta culminates at a Sami camp, where visitors can embrace the indigenous culture.
Family Adventures
Scandinavia is teeming with family-friendly experiences, from kayaking tours in Stockholm’s archipelago to thrilling train rides plunging into fjords. And for kids, no visit is complete without encountering Santa Claus in his home in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Roskilde: A Viking Experience
In Denmark’s historic capital, the Viking Ship Museum enchants families with its ancient vessels. Kids will delight in climbing aboard a Viking ship for a sail along the fjord.
Billund: A Lego Wonderland
No Danish adventure is complete without Legoland, where children can delight in rides and elaborately crafted models.
Being a family-first destination, Scandinavia not only captivates with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures but also embraces the adventurous spirit in all generations.
