Snowmobile in Finland
You may not automatically think of Scandinavia when you the consider things to do around Valentine’s Day. A proposal on the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a romantic dinner in Rome, a luxurious hotel in the Lake District or maybe a gentle stroll along a beach in Spain? However, there are many lovely experiences to be had in the Nordic countries of Europe, especially in winter; here are 5 of my favourites
Scandinavia – Norway
Take ‘the world’s most beautiful voyage’ to the Arctic Circle
Hurtigruten ferry in Honningsvåg harbour
The famous Hurtigruten Ferry may not be the most luxurious of cruise ships but what she lacks in grandeur she more than makes up for in romantic adventurousness. Still running as a postal service, ferries sail daily from Bergen via deep Norwegian fjords up to Tromsø and Kirkenes in the Arctic Circle. You pass some of the world’s most stunning scenery and in winter the snow-clad landscapes are truly breathtaking. Stops include Havoysund and Honningsvag from where you can get off to visit the North Cape. It’s an unforgettable voyage.
Melt the ice in a Snow Hotel
Moomintroll and Snork Maiden in Kirkenes Snow Hotel
On the outskirts of Kirkenes, 250 miles into the Arctic Circle, you will find a very special place to stay. Snuggle up together in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel and you’ll feel on top of the world – literally. Every year tons of ice are used to create a unique hotel which positively encourages togetherness. When I was there, two couples were on their honeymoon and there’d been an engagement party the night before. Each ‘bedroom’ has a different theme with beautifully lit ice-sculptures throughout. The temperature is a regular -4 degrees Celsius and there are lots of activities including husky and reindeer rides. Scandinavia accommodation doesn’t get ‘cooler’ than this …
Sweden
Get away from it all with Greta Garbo
Ystad Saltsjöbad Hot Tubs
To be precise, stay in the hotel where Greta Garbo, the reclusive Swedish actress, went to get away from it all in her homeland. The Ystad Saltjöbsad Hotel in the Skåne region of south Sweden has everything you want from a luxury break in Scandinavia. Gorgeous beach setting, gourmet dining, classic Swedish design and the indulgent spa are all highly conducive to romance. Enjoy a bottle of champagne in a double bath or relax together in one of the outdoor hot tubs – perfect any time of year.
Have fika – anytime, anywhere
Fika in Malmo
Share a big piece of chocolate cake or light-as-a-feather lemon sponge in a cosy cafe with the one you adore. The Swedes love their coffee and cake; you can get great bakes all over Scandinavia but in Sweden they make a big deal of Fika. It’s basically ‘coffee and cake with friends’ (or lovers!) and in most workplaces throughout the country they stop for fika everyday. I had the most divine brownies in a greenhouse at Malmo Castle – simple pleasures in Sweden.
Finland
Cuddle up on a husky ride through the frozen north
Husky sleigh in Finland
Wrapped up in reindeer furs, dashing through the snow on the husky sleigh in the north of Finland – magic. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Finland as it’s covered in snow and there are lots of wonderful outdoor experiences for you to try. You could try reindeer racing or maybe a snowmobile safari across a frozen lake. In the evening sample local delicacies like Finnish meatballs, moose casserole, sauteed reindeer or Rönttönen, a pastry filled with lingonberries.
Iceland
Get hot and steamy with an old geysir
Hot Springs at Haukadalur
For a romantic break with a real difference, visit Iceland. This is definitely the quirkiest of the Nordic countries and can be very romantic. Stroll round the little streets of historic Reyjavik with its wooden houses, quaint museums and trendy bars. Take a tour of the Golden Circle to see the steamy geysirs and thundering Gulfoss Waterfall or go for a dip in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
And finally …
Kallbadhus Malmo – photo Oskar Falck c Malmö Turism
There are plenty more romantic things to do and places to see in Scandinavia. You might see the Northern Lights at any time in winter, or maybe discover Norse heritage in Greenland – more info here www.best-served.co.uk/destinations/greenland – or get even more off the beaten track in the Faroe Islands. Without doubt, Scandinavia has something for all lovers of romantic travel.
This article is in collaboration with Best Served Scandinavia, specialists in tailor-made holidays.
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Of course, if you want a traditional romantic break, there are loads of special places in Scandinavia to share with your loved one. The ones here are a more unusual and probably suit slightly more adventurous couples!
What a lot of different things to do. That geysir looks VERY hot – bit too steamy maybe 😉
It was a bit scary standing close to the geysir. It goes off every few minutes and sho.ots a spout of boiling water into the sky.
Would love to do a husky ride. Friends went to Norway last year and did one – looks great fun! They feel out tho – not very romantic!
Oh it could be very romantic if you go in a two-person sled – and don’f fall over! In Finland I was being driven by a tour-guide so it wasn’t romantic but it was wonderful going through the snowy forest with just the sounds of the dogs panting and swishing of blades over the snow. In Kirkenes, Norway I was in a two-person sleigh but it was another blogger so again not romantic – but fantastic anyway. As with many of life’s experiences, just depends who you’re with and where you are 🙂