The Roaming Gnome Journeys to Scandinavia

As you know, I’ve been roaming the world for quite some time now. (Did the white hair give it away?) But even a perpetual journeyman has a bucket list. And Scandinavia has been on mine for a few decades now. Well, I’m not getting any younger, so I figured what better time than now to explore one of my most dreamt about destinations. I hope you’ll follow along with me on my Twitter and Instagram pages as I venture through Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen, and a number of interesting planned and unplanned stops along the way. Because what’s a journey without a little sense of adventure thrown in?

Norway

Here’s a peek at my itinerary so far:

August 23

So long, America! I’ll be departing from Dallas with a final destination of Stockholm in my sights. Packing my bags with plenty of snacks and in-flight entertainment. But hoping for a chatty seatmate. I have lots of great stories to tell, after all.

Stockholm

August 24

I’ll have arrived in Stockholm, Sweden! After checking in at the Haymarket by Scandic, it’s time to hop on a ferry to Fjaderholmarna, which I’ve heard is the beginning of Stockholm’s stunning archipelago and a hotbed for history, art, shopping and great food … hello, crayfish feast! Just don’t laugh at me when I get dressed in a bib and paper hat — it’s part of the culture, you know?

Stockholm Crayfish Feast 

After a filling and potentially messy meal, something a bit more refined might be in order, so I’ll likely head over to Fotografiska. The museum is said to be the international meeting place centered on photography, with 2,500 square meters of exhibition space including four major exhibits and 15-20 minor ones. That ought to keep me busy for a good while, huh? Next I’ll stop by the Stockholm subway to visit what is said to be the world’s longest art exhibit — at 110 kilometers long! With all this art exploration planned, I’ll surely work up an appetite, and my menu calls for drinks at the Brasseriet in the Royal Opera House followed by dinner at a local “hole in the wall” (my favorite kind of eatery!), the Italian restaurant called Café Milano. Mmm, I’m hungry just thinking about it!

August 25

On my second official day in Stockholm, I must check out Gamla Stan, also known as the Old Town. Some of the relics date back to the 13^th century — yes, even older than me! — and there are so many great places to explore, from the Royal Palace to the magnificent sculpture of St. George and the Dragon at Storkyrkan (the Great Church.) I’ll also plan to take a stroll down Marten Trotzigs’ Grand, the narrowest street in Gamla Stan, at only 3-feet wide! Good thing I’ve been dieting … oh wait, the crayfish. Oh well, worth squeezing through for. Plus, I’ve heard it’s filled with medieval cellars now transformed into restaurants and cafes I must try. Everyone deserves a Swedish Fika every now and again. (That’s what the locals call a coffee break.) How do you make it even better? Follow it up with a grand lunch. I’ve heard delicious things about the Terrassen by Grand Hotel, so I’ll likely stop in and see if I can snag myself a seat on the terrace before more sightseeing.

Stockholm’s Old Town

Next up, more culture as I check out the Vasa Museum, and its salvaged warship that capsized and sank in Stockholm way back in 1628. I’ve heard it’s the world’s only preserved 17^th century ship, so of course, I can’t miss this! If there’s time, I might also stop into the ABBA The Museum — yes, as in the legendary group known for hits like “Dancing Queen” — and maybe even Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum showcasing a Swedish society from the 1900s. This is no average “history museum,” with a zoo, traditional cuisine, and even rollercoasters. What more could an adventure seeker ask for, tell me? Dinner might find me somewhere traditional, like the Swedish restaurant Villa Godthem, where I can really sink my teeth into the culture … quite literally!

August 26

This will be my last day in Stockholm, so I better make the most of it! But after a whirlwind day before, I plan to take it a bit easier. Of course, I’ll start with an incredible breakfast, as is custom in Stockholm. Then perhaps I’ll go hunting for vintage shops and Swedish fashion to take home with me — these local finds are my favorite kinds of souvenirs. Another shopping spot I’ve been told to explore is Biblioteksgatan, filled not only with fashionable goods, but plenty of interesting interior design. Double win! Now that I’ll be loaded up on takeaways to remind me of my fun in Stockholm, it will be off to my next Scandinavian stop: Copenhagen.

Copenhagen

August 26

A short flight from Stockholm will find me in Copenhagen, Denmark and all its eclectic glory. It’s not dubbed the “World’s Happiest Nation” for nothing. Cobbled streets and colorful buildings, the largest green area in town at Fælledparken — Denmark’s largest public park, a new beach park at Svanemøllen and Copenhagen’s Lakes and the most famous statue in the city “The Little Mermaid” are all found in the Osterbro District — so you’d better believe that’s where you’ll find me, with a huge smile on my face.

Copenhagen’s Famous Statue: The Little Mermaid 

August 27

A vacation isn’t a vacation without a bit of leisure. So today, I think I’ll give myself that luxury as I peruse Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Some of the buildings date back to the 15^th century, so I can only imagine the amazing architecture I’ll encounter on my walk. Don’t worry — I’ll take and share lots of photos! After walking, I might be up for resting my footsies for a bit, and I’ve heard Copenhagen is famous for its guided bicycle tours. I’ll take the opportunity to glide around the city while feeling like an authentic local. Hey, maybe they’ll even think I am one!

My future ride through Copenhagen 

Continuing my journey, I might kick up my feet on a Canal Tour after lunch. Why not get a waterside view of Copenhagen’s beautiful churches and castles while feeling like royalty myself? With so much to see in this city, I hope I’ll still have time to explore the Nørrebro District, where great coffee and liquid nitrogen ice cream are on the menu, as well as the Tivoli Gardens, home to the world’s second oldest amusement park. (Some say Walt Disney found his inspiration here, so it must be pretty grand!)

August 28

My final day in Copenhagen already? Since I haven’t been inside a castle yet at this point, I’ll do my best to wake up early and head to Rosenborg Castle, originally built by King Christian IV in the 17^th century. Boy, this city sure makes me feel young! After catching a glimpse of Danish crown jewels, I’ll want to keep up this dazzling state of mind with a trip to Tårnet (tower) at Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament. Hopefully someone will give me a boost, because I’ve heard you can even see Sweden from here if you get the right vantage point!

Oslo

August 29

At last, Norway! I have a bit less time here in Oslo, so I’ll hit the ground running as fast as my little gnome feet can take me. Sightseeing is definitely on my must-do list, and I’ve been told Holmenkollen is one of the greatest places to see the city, as well as take in extraordinary architecture and maybe even try the ski jump simulator (it’s the Norwegian National Ski Jump facility!) Oslo is also famous for its sculpture parks, and Vigeland Sculpture Park or Ekebergpark — or both — are the places to be to see incredible works from artists both locally and internationally. And of course, I can’t miss the Viking Ship Museum, where I can live out my dreams of being a ship’s captain … if only for a moment.

Vigelandsparken 

To complete my trip, I’ll take a boat ride on the Inner Oslofjord to witness its beautiful islands before I pack up for a final farewell in Bergen, located in Fjord Norway, for the evening, where my home base will be the chic Hotel Bristol.

August 30

From Bergen to Flam to Gudvangen and back again, today I’ll take the opportunity to experience all that Norway has to offer. This includes tasting the local beer, right? I sure hope so, because a cold brew or two will be just the trick to top off this unforgettable adventure, along with a waterfront seafood dinner. Heaven!

A beautiful view in Norway 

August 31

By now I’m sad to say my journey through Scandinavia will be coming to an end, but not without one more unforgettable memory! I’ll be taking the funicular railway to the top of Mount Floyen, getting one last taste of Norway’s breathtaking nature under my belt.

All this talking has gotten me excited … I hope you’ll follow me as I explore Scandinavia via Twitter and Facebook, August 23-31!

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