The far north is known for its days of endless light with the sun setting well past midnight and enigmatic dark skies encapsulating the Northern Lights. Glaciers, mountains and parks offer some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. Summer days are still a bit chilly but make for pleasant vacation weather.
WTM dares you to head in this direction for an unforgettable experience this summer.
Oslo
Rated as one of the best cities to live in, Norway’s capital, Oslo, effortlessly combines majestic wilderness and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Don’t let the high tax and expensive cost of living deter you from visiting this place, there are plenty of things to do on a budget. The cityscape is fringed with parks, hills, forests and lakes. Tour the various museums in the morning and explore mountainous trails or board a boat for the local fjord in the afternoon. Head to the Viking Ship Museum to learn more about the marauding Norse seafarers, who settled in Norway.
Rife with galleries, glittering skyscrapers and theatre shows, Oslo is also known for its rich artsy scene and modern architecture. Midnight fiestas are popular during summer.
Alaska
Dubbed ‘the last frontier of the USA’ because of its vast distance from the other states, Alaska is teeming with rugged scenery, abundant wildlife and adventure. No other place offers such easy and overwhelming immersion into the wild world. From gilded glaciers and lush rain forests to volcanic valleys and humongous national parks, this state will leave you in awe from the beginning to the end of your stay. Head to Ketchikan to witness Alaska’s famous totem-pole art-form, or camp at Wonder Lake for the best views of Mount McKinley. The state offers activities you only see in wildlife and nature documentaries, such as kayaking to icebergs, whale watching, and getting an up-close view of grizzly bears and moose.
Stockholm
The Swedish capital is spread over 14 islands at the helm of the Baltic Sea, offering tourists stunning architecture set against magnificent views of the sea. Saunter along the cobbled streets of the beautifully preserved old town of Gamla Stan, or get star struck by the grandiosity of the Royal Palace. A boat trip is imperative for the best views of canals, bridge underpasses or the archipelago of 30,000 islands across the country. For a glimpse into both past and contemporary Swedish design, head to the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, the Nordiska Museet, or the national museum. Sweden will intoxicate with its natural postcard perfect settings, extravagant culture and delightful cuisine.
