"I am autobiographical in the way a dream transforms experience and emotions all the time." ― Ingmar Bergman
The last time I was in Stockholm was 22 summers ago. I actually visited twice that year; once in winter and once in summer. The main difference was the quality of the light. February days were moody and mysterious, and the nights spent indoors with friends and candlelight were magical. In summer the streets burst alive with people energetically enjoying parks and outdoor events. I can't say which I prefer. Stockholm kept a piece of my heart, waiting for me to return.
What finally brings me back is my invitation to the 2024 Arctic Europe Tourism Sales Workshop held this year in Harstad, Norway - 186 miles inside the Arctic Circle. It'll be my first time that far north in Scandinavia, and I'm especially excited to be going because Harstad is close to the Lofoten Islands, which I wrote about in my blog, Remote Island Treasures of Norway. I've dreamt of the area ever since, so I was thrilled for this opportunity that includes a pre-conference tour of Arctic Sweden and Norway.
The Swedish part of my journey begins when I arrive in Stockholm this Friday to stay with an old friend and see the ABBA The Museum together. Then I fly north to Kiruna in the heart of Swedish Lapland for my first day north of the Arctic Circle. My small group pre-tour with other travel advisors begins here at Camp Ripan to learn of the local culture and environment. Kiruna's been in the news for undertaking the world's most radical relocation project as it moves away from the local iron ore mine (the largest in the world) that threatens to swallow the town from subsidence. After a tour of this resilient town, we head to the Laponia region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a nature walk in Abisko National Park, one of four national parks here. We end this day in Norway for a night in the historic town of Narvik.
Then we reach Norway's stunning archipelago of Lofoten, take a boat trip to admire its beauty, and immerse ourselves in Viking history at the Lofotr Viking Museum. We spend the night at a new hotel in central Svolvær, the biggest town in the Lofoten islands, set along the Vestfjorden. Our last day of touring takes us to Stokmarknes to discover Norway's maritime heritage at The Hurtigruten Museum. The pre-tour concludes at Harstad, where the conference will take place. I've pre-arranged 26 individual meetings with travel partners from hotels, tour operators, attractions, and tourism boards across the Arctic regions of Sweden, Norway and Finland, and all of us will enjoy meals and events together including a visit to the Trondenes Historical Center and a special dinner at Røkenes farm.
Nine Muses travelers often gravitate toward the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Scandinavia, and I'm delighted to share my Arctic adventures and hopefully inspire you to head further north too!
If you're not already following Nine Muses Travel on social media, scroll to the end for all our links.
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
Nine Muses Travel offers a premium experience with flights, guides, drivers, rental vehicles, and the best accommodations to maximize your time, with expert advice on how to get the most out of any destination. We INCLUDE amenities for you at the world's finest hotels, the BEST OF THE BEST!
Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And more!
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional suppliers who add unparalleled value:
Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights
Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer!
Custom-designed routings
Exclusive experiences
24/7 real-time support
Comprehensive travel protection plans
Commenti