Many of our clients are now travelling north for their summer holidays, instead of south.
They’re visiting the land of the midnight sun, where unexplored nature and chic cities create a unique holiday experience.
Sweden and Finland can be visited year around, although they are best known as amazing winter destinations. We recommend Denmark and Norway during the summer months.
Here are some exclusive travel experiences for a unique holiday in Norway or Denmark.
Norway
The Norwegians like to spend their time outdoors, hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring their country’s vast untouched wildernesses.
Norway’s nature is incredibly well protected too. Norway has the world’s highest percentage of electric cars, 95% of energy production is renewable hydropower, and Six Senses chose Norway to open the world’s first carbon positive hotel.
A Private Island Experience in the Arctic Circle
People are starting to travel north rather than south for private island holidays too! Manshausen was a 17th-century trading post at the entrance to Vestfjord. It’s been reimagined as a private island holiday experience, with accommodation in seven converted sea cabins.
Think clear water, white sandy beaches and dramatic mountain scenery. All at a design-led property in the Arctic Circle. The sea kayaking and hiking are amazing here. Like all private island holidays, the experience is centred on immersive nature and complete tranquillity.
Private Exploration of the Norwegian Fjords
Norway has dozens of incredible fjords. Yet most of the tourism is concentrated in a couple of accessible places.
With a private yacht you can sail sustainably through different fjords and less-known locations. A chef catches and cooks the fish of the day, as you sail past waterfalls and dazzling mountain views.
The ultimate Norwegian fjord experience is to charter a seaplane. You can sleep on private islands and in remote castles, while exploring areas where few people ever venture.
Helicopter & Hike the Lofoten Islands
From Manshausen we recommend getting picked by helicopter, as it’s a stunningly scenic flight from here to Ballstad on the Lofoten Islands.
Norway doesn’t offer many typically luxurious hotels. It offers authenticity, clean design and something different. Stay in one of the new cabins at Hattvika Lodge, styled on the rorbu fishermen cottages of the local area. Don’t miss trying the lamb, kelp and Arctic cod at their restaurant Fanfst.
The ultimate way to explore the Lofoten Islands is by helicopter and hiking. We love the hike to Ryten summit and exploring islands like Kabelvåg, Lyngvær, Hov and Henningsvær.
An Inside Perspective on Oslo & Bergen
Oslo has a couple of really cool hotels. We recommend a Fortuna or Triton suite at Amerikalinjen, a central hotel celebrating traditional Scandinavian design. Or a Thief or Oslo Suite at The Thief, a canvas for contemporary Nordic design.
The Norwegian capital is a great city for traditional cuisine. So use gastronomy as a focal point for a walking tour of the city. Dinner at Smalhans is always recommended.
Taking the train from Oslo to Bergen is a touristic experience and it is spectacular, one of the best train journeys in the world when you add on the leg between Flam and Myrdal. Visit Bergen you’ll understand why so many people dream of visiting the Norwegian fjords.
Hiking, sailing, kayaking. Up mountains and across fjords. With a local guide, Bergen is an outdoor paradise, even for those who never usually explore the outdoors. We love 29.2 Aurland, our favourite property in Norway, with an incredible record of sustainability.
Denmark
As our friends in Scandinavia like to say, Copenhagen and Brooklyn are continually competing for the title of coolest place on earth. And there’s more to Denmark than this chic capital city.
Exploring the Copenhagen Food Scene
Copenhagen has Europe’s most interesting food scene right now, from Michelin-starred restaurants to small laid-back eateries dotted across the city. Like the seafood at Silberbauers Bistro.
We recommend a Copenhagen Food Tour, a culinary adventure going behind the scenes of New Nordic Cuisine.
The guide will introduce you to many people in the local food scene, including restaurateurs, chefs and people providing the fresh produce.
With or without this tour, restaurant reservations are so important to a Scandinavia holiday itinerary. We can arrange a private dinner with one of Copenhagen’s top chefs, or get you a seat at the eight-seater Sushi Anaba by Mads Battefeld Hansen.
We can get you a table at Geranium, named the World’s Best Restaurant 2022 by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. It has an entirely meatless menu.
Hidden Gems of Europe’s Coolest City
Copenhagen is not about famous or grand sights. It’s all about uncovering hidden secrets and scenes.
Former ballet dancer and art advisor Caroline Boge can be your guide to the city’s contemporary art scene. Her tours include private visits to galleries, hosted by the gallery owners themselves.
Copenhagen is widely considered the world’s most bike friendly city, so spend a morning exploring on two wheels. Then charter a boat and sail around Copenhagen’s charming canals.
Danish design and tradition is another quintessential experience. Visit Designmuseum Danmark with an expert guide before exploring Copenhagen’s leading independent design shops.
Castle Luxury Outside Copenhagen
Out in rural Denmark you can go biking, hunting and play golf. Or take a picnic and be alone among enchanting nature.
Dragsholm Castle is a 12th-century castle now reimagined as a Relais & Chateau property. Where you can eat and sleep in Viking history, next to a pristine forest and sandy beach.
Lejre is 45 minutes outside Copenhagen, an alluring national park where the ancient Viking Kings used to live. A day here is a great mix of nature and history.
Perhaps you prefer to spend a day driving along the coast, stopping in small fishing villages like Gudhjem, and then Louisiana, Denmark’s best modern art museum.
Your Summer Holiday in Scandinavia?
Imagine 24 hours of light every day of your holiday. With beautiful and uncrowded places to explore. Plus gastronomy, design, art, culture and interesting hotels.
Welcome to Scandinavia. Contact us when you want to look north rather than south for your summer holiday.
