Norway – Mark's Travel Journal

Why You Should Visit Scandinavia in Summer

The view of colorful buildings next to the river where there are several boats.

Scandinavia consists of three countries: Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. As these countries are located in the north, it is natural that the colder months can be pretty harsh. But in the summer and early fall, the weather is enjoyable, allowing you to create fantastic memories. Here are some reasons to visit Scandinavia in summer, as well as our suggestions for the places you shouldn’t miss there.

Midsummer Eve celebrations

On June 23rd, people around Scandinavia celebrate Midsummer Eve. This is the longest day of the year, and the presence of daylight is very important in the northern regions. The reason is that a human being experiences various discomforts when there is a continuous lack of sunlight. Therefore, the summer solstice is highly appreciated and celebrated. In all parts of Scandinavia, people light bonfires and organize various parties on this day.

In Darlana, Sweden, you will experience a traditional Midsummer celebration like nowhere else

For the most traditional celebration of Midsummer, you should go to Darlana. In the past, women and girls put flowers in their hair and danced around a decorated pole. Because the custom lived on, you will get a chance to do the same during Darlana on June 23rd. On the big day, everything runs according to the schedule. The day before, women gather flowers they will use to decorate the maypole and their hair. In the morning, everyone meets for the decorating. And after that comes a traditional lunch that includes herrings, baked salmon, and moose, among other customary dishes. As for the drinks, there is beer and local spiced vodka. After lunch, the maypole is raised, and the dancing, fun, and games begin. This is immensely fun for everyone involved, as anyone present gets to be involved, making it one experience you will never forget.

Visit Scandinavia in summer to explore the fjords of Norway

The coast of Norway is one of the most remarkable works of art that nature has blessed us with. Approximately 1200 fjords along its west coast offer an excellent array of outdoor activities. This area is among those you should visit in Scandinavia in summer because the weather is optimal for everything this part of the world has to offer. The first reason to go there is to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the waterways, cliffs, villages, and towns. Something like that is extremely rare. If you are one of those travelers who prefer to be on the move, visiting the fjords is ideal for you. There, you can ride a bike, hike on one of the most amazing trails that ever existed, or simply spend some time kayaking in this surreal environment.

An aerial view of one of the fjords. — The fjords of Norway are enchanting, and if you visit Scandinavia in summer, you will enjoy their full potential.

Roskilde Festival in Denmark is a perfect place for music events enthusiasts

In 1971, two high school students and a friend came up with an idea to organize a music festival. The idea was great, but it required lots of labor, so the non-profit Roskilde Foundation took over and is running it to this day. Apart from being one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, it is also one of the biggest fundraising events. With most of the work done by volunteers, all the profits go to charity organizations. The foundation allows the festival participants to decide which organization should receive the funds raised by the festival. So, this festival has immense entertainment value and supports humanitarian organizations, making it extremely special among its kind. No Festivalgoer should miss it.

Visit the capitals of Scandinavian countries without wearing heavy winter clothes

There is no doubt that these (as any other) cities are just as enchanting when draped in snow. But the truth is, you will be able to stay outside longer in warmer weather and be more comfortable without having to wear multi-layered winter clothes. Here’s what to do in each of the three unique capital cities when you visit Scandinavia in summer:

Oslo. In Oslo, you will adore the boat trip around the Oslofjord. Or, if you prefer to break some sweat, you can kayak your way around the fjord. There’s a walking tour, AKA the hipster walking tour you will love. Alternatively, you can be part of the barefoot tradition taking place in the parks.

Copenhagen. Take pictures! This city has a great way of making everyone’s photographs look surreal. Of course, there is plenty to do in this city, ranging from bike riding, a tradition here, to enjoying swimming in the perfectly clean old industrial harbor.

Stockholm. This city offers an impressive archipelago for you to explore. Also, there’s a fantastic open-air museum of Sweden’s history. And when there, do not miss the chance to witness the Change of Royal Guards, an exciting traditional event.

There are so many things to do in these cities and never to get bored. If you are feeling adventurous, hop on the first plane there. If you prefer to leave your items safe and are wondering whether you will be able to pack for storage on short notice, fret not, it is doable, and it will be worth it.

After visiting Copenhagen, you will have some amazing photographs.

Let the beaches of Norway mesmerize you in the summer

Some of us love enjoying the paradise beaches but want to avoid the heat. Well, the beaches of Norway are the solution. Many beaches in this fantastic northern country will stun you with their beauty, yet sitting on them in summer is quite pleasant. The temperatures are spring-like; you might even need a sweater on some days in June or September. What is characteristic about these beaches is that one experiences them in a completely different way than is the case with regular, hot weather beaches.

For example, you can visit the beaches in Jæren and enjoy the soul-soothing walk that goes on and on since there are kilometers of it. Some secluded beaches in Northern Norway will make you wonder whether you have somehow ended up in the Maldives. Trøndelag is where you will find one of the finest beach bars if that is more of your cup of tea. Some of the beaches offer you cutting the waves on horseback. If you happen to be taking the soul-searching trip on your own, consider these unusual beaches because what you will find there might be exactly what you are looking for.

A view of the beach with white sand and turquoise water. — Visit Scandinavia in summer to see some truly unique white-sand beaches.

Final thoughts

As you can see, these northern countries are fantastic any time of the year. You should visit Scandinavia in summer to enjoy it to the fullest with the weather on your side. And early fall is also a good time to visit. Just don’t forget to bring enough storage space in your device for the photos because you will need it.

10 Late Season Skiing Destinations in Europe

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European mountains give us the pleasure of late season skiing destinations. True ski lovers rejoice – they are always looking to extend the season for a bit longer. The late-season in most European skiing locations lasts until late April. Therefore, if you didn’t have enough time to enjoy this fantastic sport this season – this is a perfect moment to start looking for the best spot. We present to you the guide to selecting the top 10 late-season skiing destinations in Europe – it’s time to take a look and pick a favorite for your next trip.

Why ski lovers enjoy the late season

Experienced skiers love practicing this sport all the time. However, some of them claim the late season is the best. The main reason is the arrival of spring, which means longer days and more sunshine. Clear skies and sun make the skiing experience even more enjoyable, ensuring you relish those fantastic landscapes. Furthermore, the late season is excellent for beginners, too. Warm temperatures make the snow softer and the whole experience a lot easier for first-time skiers. Finally, Europe skiing in the late season is like going on the beach in September – it can help you spend less money and still have all the fun.

Where to go skiing in spring? Here are the top 10 late-season skiing destinations in Europe

Now let’s see what the best locations to hit the snow with the arrival of spring are.

1. Ischgl, Austria

This small Austrian town has transformed from a remote border village to one of the top skiing resorts in the country. With the growth of tourism over the years, Ischgl has become more and more popular. Now, it’s one of the most popular locations in the Alps and undoubtedly one of the top late-season skiing destinations in Europe.

2. Val Thorens, France

This is such a great place to go skiing in spring because it’s located at 2,300m with lifts over 3,000m. With the days being longer in spring, you can truly enjoy the slopes as much as you can during the day. Apart from all the skiing features, the place is also known for its entertainment aspect. There are parties and other events you can enjoy here and have an unforgettable experience even as the season is closing.

3. Cervinia, Italy

Let’s pop in Italy for a moment and check out one of the best late skiing destinations in Europe. Even though Italy is known for wine-tasting in Florence, you can also have a memorable skiing experience here. Cervinia is located in Aosta Valley, and it is known for its high-altitude slopes that are suitable for skiers of all levels. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the town and soak up the sun until late in the evening, surrounded by glaciated mountains and beautiful views.

4. Tignes and Val d’Isere, France

The Espace Killy region is known for these two fantastic skiing locations, and it’s named after a famous French skier. Snowy slopes connect these two skiing resorts and make it skiing heaven for skiers of intermediate and advanced levels. You can visit both places by hopping on a bus, exploring their distinct features.

5. St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton belongs to this list as it is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, but it also guarantees a snowy season late in the spring. Its high altitudes ensure high lifts and low temperatures for longer, so you can be sure you’ll enjoy its 88 ski lifts even though spring has arrived. Even when not skiing, you can have fun, as St. Anton is great for families and friends.

6. Verbier, Switzerland

This lovely place in Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery and the fact that the height of 3,300m keeps the snow longer in spring. It’s open until mid-April and ensures the snow stays longer with the snowmaking technology. This is also a great location to visit other Vallees’ areas, so make sure to plan a more extended stay in Switzerland.

7. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

If you’re traveling with your family, choose Saas-Fee for your next skiing destination. Its slopes are great for beginners and intermediate skiers, but experienced skiers can also have fun on red slopes. This is a rather traditional place with unique Swiss architecture and only about 2000 residents. It also includes a leisure center where your family can have fun even when you’re not skiing.

8. Riksgransen, Sweden

Located in the country’s far northwest corner, Riksgranses has long been a popular skiing destination. The shiny mountains and sparkling snow will help you have an unforgettable skiing experience and enjoy the unique natural beauties of the area. In spring, days are longer, and you can be out from early in the morning until late in the evening when mountains are glowing with beautiful orange and yellow hues from the evening sun.

9. Narvik, Norway

This skiing location is open until the beginning of May, which is excellent for those who truly want to use the season until the very last moment. The resort is relatively small, but it has different ski slopes, and it’s suitable for skiers of different levels. Narvik is a great place to visit with a family, as it’s not too crowded.

10. Ruka, Finland

This lovely Finnish town is one of the top ski resorts in the country. It’s where many professional sports teams train, which tells more about its quality. There are many other things to do here apart from skiing. For instance, be sure to try out dog sledding, snowmobiling, or going to a party.

Person in blue coveralls snowboarding on snow

Late season skiing tips

After choosing your late season skiing destination, be sure to remember some of these tips for a smooth and safe winter experience:

Look for deals and discounts to save as late-season can mean lower accommodation and travel costs;
Improve your safety gear, as lower snow can mean more rocks and trees are sticking out;
Check the weather and wear layered clothes, as spring skiing means different temperatures throughout the day;
Prepare your sports gear for the next year when you’re finished—though, knowing the best methods to put away your equipment in a storage unit and keep it safe after your trip is essential. This will ensure everything is in good condition for the next skiing season.

Final words

Our list of top late season skiing destinations in Europe will quickly help you decide where to go and enjoy a new skiing experience. But it will also make the bucket list longer for passionate skiers – are you one of them?

Where to Travel For The Best Stargazing In The World

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In most urban areas, only around 500 stars are visible on a given night, but in the prized locations highlighted below, up to 15,000 are easily seen. That’s pretty incredible. It you’re planning a trip and want some nighttime eye candy, here are six of the best places in the world to go outside and look up. Here’s where to travel for the best stargazing in the world.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii

The Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has perhaps the most ideal stargazing conditions in the world. At an elevation above 13,000 feet, it is the highest point in Hawaii. Its high elevation and location in the middle of the Pacific create excellent conditions, but the surrounding cloud layer makes it even more perfect for studying the sky. A tropical inversion cloud layer 2,000 feet thick sits below the summit, preventing pollutants and moist air from the ocean from rising up. The view itself is so spectacular that one of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories is located at the top. The visitor’s center at 9,000 feet offers lectures, question and answer sessions, and telescope viewing.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania might seem like an odd place for first-class stargazing, but Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best viewing points in the world. The 82 acre park is set within the 262,000 acre Susquehannock State Forest, protecting it from light pollution. A tremendous number of stars are visible at this Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park. In fact, the sky is so dark that the Northern Lights were seen here four times back in 2014, a very unusual event this far below the Arctic Circle. The park offers Night Sky Tours on Friday and Saturday nights that use lasers to identify and explain constellations and planets. Visitors can also use telescopes on site.

Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert in Chile is already a stunning natural wonder with its red dunes, huge rock formations, and even a desert flowering in wet years. It’s also the driest non-polar desert in the world due to its high elevation, which makes it an exceptionally perfect place for stargazing. The newly constructed ALMA Observatory takes advantage of these conditions and the lack of light pollution in the desert. At times, the Milky Way can shine so brightly here that it casts a shadow on the desert floor.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

In 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah became the first ever International Dark Sky Park, a designation since reserved for the best stargazing locations in the world. The beauty of the stars visible in the desert is supplemented by the striking natural setting. Owachomo bridge, perhaps the oldest bridge in the park, was created when a river changed course and carved a hole into solid rock.

Photo by Tobias Bju00f8rkli on Pexels.com

Denali National Park, Alaska

The Northern Lights are caused by a coronal mass ejection, which is a gust of solar wind and magnetic fields that interact with the earth’s atmosphere. The result are stunning dancing waves of green, red, blue, and violet that are occasionally visible in northern climates. Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the best places for viewing the phenomenon. The park encompasses four million acres of federally protected land, and the cold and clear Alaskan nights made conditions ideal. The magnificent park also offers bears, wolves, caribou, and moose as well as some of the most stunning mountain views in the world. This is definitely where to travel for the best stargazing in the world.

Tromsø, Norway

Brave stargazers might seek to venture inside the Arctic Circle itself for viewing the northern lights. There’s no better place to experience the enchanted north than Tromsø. Not only does it offer fantastic views of the aurora borealis (the sun is invisible from November to January), it’s a lovely city in its own right. In the 19th century it was called the Paris of the North, and visitors can enjoy reindeer spotting, sledding with huskies, and visiting the famous Arctic Cathedral in this Norse and Sami medieval city. And if you are thinking of travelling to Norway, you don’t want to miss the Fjords!

Conclusion

There you have it. Some of the best destinations in the world to gaze at the wonder of stars. Some are easy to get to and some not so easy to get to but it’s well worth it to get out there. It’s time to travel!