Just a few days left until New Year. Cards are done, food is planned, tickets are bought, hotels are reserved, invites are sent, dresses are bought. But not everybody had made up a plan already, I have friends that wrote me asking if they can come visit during the New Year, cause they woke up too late to book a vacation. So did we this year. And 2 and 3 years ago 🙂
For those of you who haven’t planned where to spend the night between the years, or you are searching for a little inspiration, let me give you 4 ideas in the magical Scandinavia. It’s not too late to book a flight!
Copenhagen
This stunning Danish city is perfect to visit during the holidays! The town is alive, lights are simply amazing, and there are plenty activities to do. Tips: Walk around the city center, all the way to Illum shopping center. Visit the Christmas Market there and take a coffee at Cafe Europa -it’s worth staying in line for. Eat at Restaurant Ford in the evening – book table on the terrace.
Oslo
Oslo is beautiful mostly in the summers, but a few years ago I was suprised to have such a nice time during the New Year spent there. We chose to spend the night in Radisson Blu’s 34th-level SkyBar, and it was amazing! We got to dance, mingle and count down to the new year while watching the fireworks from the so high-up windows. Tips: Walk around Tjuvholmen to admire this beautiful adition to the town with fabulous architecture. Eat in Olivia Tjuvholmen. Oslo has plenty of activities and sports, you’ll have plenty museums to visit, winter sports and the amazing Artesia Spa Majorstuen for a relaxing day after ski. The only thing that might be a little hard on you, is the wind. Oslo is very windy during the winter, and much more colder than usual.
Is also good for you to know that, at least when I was there, the town was VERY empty, many places and restaurants were closed during the New Year weekend, which made our stay a bit sour. But if you have your days organised and you don’t mind a quiet vacation, than go for it.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the third largest town in Sweden, and just because of that it doesn’t mean it’s not competing with Stockholm. I personally adore this town. 3 words: Class, Vintage, Art. During the holidays, the town is beautifully decorated and lightened, and plenty of activities are taking place. One to mention is the re-opening of Liseberg, Gothenburg’s amusement park, that runs until late autumn, but re-opens especially for the holidays with many seasonal spectacles, shows and activities. It’s the Disneyland of Sweden, and I can promise you’ll feel as in fairytales while there.
Check here: http://liseberg.com/en/home/Amusement-Park/Christmas-areas/
Liseberg – Photo credits: Göran Assnerimagebank.sweden.se
Stockholm
My absolutely favorite town, the capital and heart of Scandinavia, where dozens of activities are organised during the season. From markets, plays, restaurants, to fireworks and the warm spirit of winter holidays, Stockholm is a great choice for those who want a bit of everything. The city is alive and sparkling and there are many choices of places where to celebrate the New Year.
Stockholm – Photo credits: Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se
Or if you are in the mood for the real Scandinavian feeling, go for the north of Sweden or Norway. I haven’t been there yet, but it’s on my wishlist!
No matter what you choose, you’ll be having a great time in Scandinavia. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get some snow for the holidays!
I’m gonna spend mine home this year, and I couldn’t be more happy!
Count on me if you need any tips!
Happy Holidays and see you next year! 🙂
