Magical Northern European Winter

The enchanting beauty of a Nordic winter isn't just about bare branches, drizzling rain, or white snowflakes… it's also about nostalgia, love, and a deep longing in the soul. The winter chill brings visitors a sense of peace as they stroll through narrow streets, snow-covered parks, or enjoy a cup of coffee in a small café… Yes, a Nordic winter is indeed poetic, with its own unique charm, isn't it?

Socio-geography

Spanning an area of ​​approximately 1,494,513 km², modern-day Northern Europe includes Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Finland, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden. These countries share not only geographical and historical similarities but also common political and social systems. The indigenous population is primarily Scandinavian, with Christianity considered the official religion. Northern Europe boasts stunning landscapes with vast forests, tranquil glaciers, and majestic icebergs. Furthermore, Northern Europe is home to some of the world's leading countries in education , quality of life, and living environment.

Attractive destination

Northern Europe boasts a unique geographical location and diverse culture, making it difficult to fully explore its beauty. Choose from a selection of representative destinations for a truly fulfilling vacation:

Stockholm (Sweden)

Often referred to as the "Venice of the North" and the "city of museums," the Swedish capital, Stockholm, boasts the Gamla Stan old town, the royal palace, and ancient churches along the Baltic Sea coast. While winters in Stockholm are bitterly cold, sometimes dropping to -25°C, the city retains its charm as one of the most livable cities in the world.

+ Oslo (Norway)

Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, was founded in the 11th century and has long been known as the oldest city in Scandinavia. Oslo is famous not only for its majestic mountains and forests, peaceful countryside, and five-star ski resorts, but also boasts many ancient castles and sculpture parks.

+ Helsinki (Finland)

Although Helsinki's port is the busiest in Europe, that doesn't disrupt the inherent tranquility of the capital. About 50km from Helsinki lies the medieval town of Porvoo, the epitome of European countryside with its brightly painted wooden houses and endless fields.

+ Reykjavík (Iceland): The enchanting winter of Northern Europe is highlighted by Reykjavík, perfectly capturing the essence of Iceland with its moonlit winter nights or the dazzling white summer nights bathed in brilliant sunshine. The city, the capital of Iceland, is a blend of many unique cultures rarely found anywhere else in the world.

Interesting experiences

The enchanting winter in Northern Europe offers a wealth of exciting experiences, sure to be unforgettable memories for anyone who explores this land. Iceland, with its serene glaciers, will leave visitors in awe. Lapland (Finland), home to Santa Claus, is a famous tourist destination straight out of a fairy tale. The vast pine forests covered in white snow, reindeer pulling sleighs through the woods, and Santa Claus singing and dancing with children are memorable highlights of Christmas in the cold Northern Europe. The Lofoten Islands (Norway) are a fantastic place to admire the Northern Lights. Stockholm (Sweden), a land of museums, will provide a comprehensive view of the great achievements in human history.

Shopping

While Finland uses the Euro as its official currency, the Norwegian Krone is the currency of Norway, and the Swedish Krona is the currency of Sweden. + 1 Euro = 27,000 VND + 1 Krona (SEK) = 2,600 VND + 1 Krona (NOK) = 2,800 VND. Goods in Northern Europe are quite expensive due to currency exchange rates and high VAT taxes of 20-25% (depending on the item and country). Besides international brands like Gucci, LV, and Chanel, and affordable brands like H&M and Zara, you can choose local products as gifts.

Canned reindeer meat, dried reindeer meat, and cheese are widely available in supermarkets and the Old Market Hall (in the center of Helsinki). Popular souvenirs such as cups, t-shirts, crystalware, and jewelry made of stone and silver can easily be found in Oslo and the Gamla Stan old town (Stockholm).

Baltic amber is not only beautiful but also has archaeological value. Amber comes in many colors, is crafted in various styles, and has a wide range of prices. It is frequently displayed in upscale shops in the city centers of Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, and other cities. Shopping in Northern Europe is generally secure, with no price discrepancies due to strong brand protection and consumer protection. Shopkeepers, whether in shopping malls or flea markets, only accept local currency or credit cards. Therefore, prepare local currency or a card to make shopping easier.

Other notes

Winter in Northern Europe is very cold, with snow, strong winds, and drizzle. Appropriate clothing is essential: warm clothes, warm socks, gloves, wool hats, scarves, and non-slip boots. Avoid jeans as they don't retain heat well. Choose clothing made of fleece or similar materials for better warmth. An umbrella, travel raincoat, moisturizer, lip balm, and a thermos are also necessary. Bring common medications, including cold and fever medicine, cough medicine, headache medicine, and any specific medications you may need. Drink plenty of warm water and eat hot or spicy foods to stay warm. Security in Northern Europe is generally good, so tourists can feel completely safe.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/vong-quanh-the-gioi/huyen-ao-mua-dong-bac-au-v12587.aspx