1. Admire the Midnight Sun phenomenon
Admire the Midnight Sun phenomenon in Norway (Photo source: Collected)
When it comes to summer travel experiences in Northern Europe, the Midnight Sun phenomenon is definitely one of the first things that comes to mind. This is not only a unique natural phenomenon but also a symbol of the Northern European summer. During the summer months, especially from late May to mid-July, many lands in the Arctic Circle will not have any night at all. Instead, the sunlight lasts 24 hours a day, dyeing the sky yellow all night, creating a surreal scene that can only be found here.
Tourists often choose Norway, Sweden, Finland or Iceland to witness this phenomenon. In Norway, the Lofoten and Nordkapp regions are two of the most popular places. You can sit on the Nordkapp headland overlooking the vast Barents Sea and see the Sun hanging over the horizon at midnight without ever setting. The feeling is not only magical but almost spiritual: it feels as if time has stopped and the universe has opened up for you to see.
More than just a beautiful photo opportunity, experiencing the Midnight Sun in Northern Europe is an opportunity to slow down and reflect. You can kayak at 1am under a bright sky, hike late into the night without a light, or simply sit by a campfire and enjoy the endless beauty. Every ordinary activity becomes extraordinary as time disappears.
Sweden and Finland also have great destinations for hunting the eternal light. In Finnish Lapland, the light is softer, casting a golden veil over pine forests and calm lakes. Visitors often spend the night hiking through the woods or fishing on the mirror lakes that reflect the sky. Iceland offers a wilder, more spectacular version, with volcanoes, glaciers and grasslands bathed in a hazy glow all night long.
2. Explore the majestic fjords
One of the fjords in Northern Europe (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most coveted summer experiences in Northern Europe for travelers around the world is a fjord cruise. This is a specialty of Scandinavia, especially Norway, where the coastline was carved by ancient glaciers into long, narrow fjords, with emerald green waters sandwiched between steep cliffs.
Summer is the best time to explore the fjord. When the snow melts, white waterfalls cascade down from the snow-capped peaks, lush green forests stretch to the water’s edge, and the clear blue sky reflects in the mirror-like sea. All create a near-perfect natural picture, majestic and lyrical.
Cruising through some of the largest and most beautiful fjords, such as Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), is a must-do. You’ll be stunned by the sight of sheer cliffs rising over 1,000m above the water, small fishing villages with red-painted houses nestled on the shore, and the sound of cascading waterfalls echoing through the quiet. Many itineraries also allow you to visit ancient villages, hike fjord trails, or kayak through smaller fjords.
A summer trip to the Nordic fjords is more than just a scenic trip. It’s also a way to understand Scandinavian history and culture. Since Viking times, fjords have been a trade and exploration route. Today, many fjord villages still maintain their traditional way of life, with fishing, small farms, and a sustainable lifestyle that’s in tune with nature. Fjord tours often include local cuisine, such as fresh salmon, king crab, rye bread, and locally brewed craft beers.
3. Slow down in traditional wooden cabins and saunas
Finland is known as the "home of sauna" (Photo source: Collected)
Summer travel in Northern Europe is not only about breathtaking trips, majestic fjords or the midnight sun, but also has a very peaceful and simple side: living slowly in wooden cabins by the lake, enjoying traditional saunas and immersing yourself in nature. This is one of the typical habits and cultures of the Northern Europeans, especially in Finland and Sweden, and is increasingly becoming a big attraction for international tourists.
Imagine waking up in a small log cabin on a quiet lake, opening the window to look out onto the water, sparkling with the Arctic sun, birdsong, and the fresh scent of the forest. You could spend the day hiking through the forest trails, fishing, canoeing, picking wild berries, or simply reading in a hammock. In the evening, you could light a campfire, grill fresh fish, and chat with friends or family under the sky that is still light even though the clock is nearing midnight.
The special thing about this type of summer travel experience in Northern Europe is the sauna. Finland is known as the “home of the sauna”, with more than 3 million saunas for a population of less than 6 million people. Traditional saunas are often built right next to lakes. After steaming in a warm wooden room, people will immediately jump into the cool lake. That thermal shock is not only refreshing but also believed to be very good for health, helping blood circulation, reducing stress and purifying the body.
Many international visitors to Finland, Sweden or Norway for the first time feel “addicted” to this type of vacation. It is slow, peaceful, connected to nature, helping you to really leave work, phone and worries behind to live fully in the present moment. Wooden cabins are often not too modern and convenient, but that is what makes them valuable. You will understand why the Nordic people are always at the top of the global happiness index when they know how to enjoy a simple life and connect with nature so much.
Nordic summer is a land of eternal light, deep fjords, wooden cabins by the lakes and a vibrant ancient culture. The three summer travel experiences in Nordic that we have just discovered are not only scenic trips but also journeys that change the way you see time, nature and yourself. Whether you are absorbed in taking photos under the midnight sun, marveling at the majesty of the fjords or simply sitting in a warm sauna and jumping into a cool lake, Nordic summer always welcomes you with truly different and profound experiences.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/trai-nghiem-du-lich-mua-he-o-bac-au-v17549.aspx
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