Norway is famous for its Fjords, The Northern Lights and Vikings. This beautiful and picturesque country is a wonderful honeymoon option, particularly for couples who love the great outdoors. Oslo is the capital of Norway and much like all of Scandinavia, is an incredibly cosmopolitan city filled with many a cultural delight. However, when travelling in Norway, do as the Norwegians do and get out of the city and explore what their beautiful landscape has to offer.
Things to do
Image by Ole C. Salomonsen via National Geographic
- If you visit between October-March, you may be lucky enough to experience the breathtaking beauty that is The Northern Lights.
- Visit Bergen, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Set amongst fjords, mountains and Norway’s coastline – you can soak up its seafaring heritage.
- Watch a performance at the brand new, state of the art opera house – it almost rivals Sydney’s!
- Sitting 400 kms north of the arctic circle is Tromsø. It has more pubs and bars per capita than any other Norwegian town!
- View Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ at The National Gallery.
Where to eat
Image by Bildagentur Huber / Susy Mezzanotte via Inzumi
For traditional Norwegian fare (read reindeer) try dinner at Engebret Cafe, Norway’s oldest restaurant. You’ll be treated to a fine evening of traditional food and old world charm. Or for a truly opulent meal dine at one of Norway’s premier restaurants, Bagatelle. It’s best to set aside a whole evening and indulge in a 20-25 course tasting menu!
Where to stay
If you’re planning to stay in Oslo for your honeymoon, look no further than the Grand Hotel. Located right in the heart of the city centre and only 500 metres from the Royal Palace – you’ll feel like total royalty staying in one of their many luxurious suites. You’ll be in good company too as this is where recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize stay!
Sweden
2014 is definitely Sweden’s year. It has been named one of the top 10 countries to visit this year by Lonely Planet and Umeå, northern Sweden’s largest city has also been named this years cultural capital of Europe. Stockholm, the capital, is achingly cool – from it’s architecture to its inhabitants and everything in between.
Things to do
- During summer, join the locals at a waterside bar and snack on herring or Skagen (prawns in mayonnaise with lemon and dill, served on rye bread.)
- Explore the islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago. Do this by taking a ferry to Fjaderholmarna – a group of islands just 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm.
- Enjoy waterside drinks at Malarpaviljongen – an open air cafe lounge that has floating decks. It’s a popular hangout during summer months.
- Soak up some artistic culture by wandering around Moderna Museet, home to world-famous 20th century art. The National Museum also holds a fine collection of art from the middle ages and a large collection of Swedish art.
- Join in on a favourite Swedish past time and indulge in fika, which translates into ‘indulge in coffee and chat at leisure’ in one of Stockholm’s many cafes.
Where to eat
Image by Restaurant Volt via Places We Know
Restaurant Volt is a Swedish culinary superstar, serving up contemporary and elegant food, with plenty of Swedish influence. Also on the menu is Restaurant Himlen. Providing a truly special backdrop – the entire cityscape – indulge in an intimate setting on top of the 25th floor of the skyscraper Skrapan. Travel a level up and you can indulge in cocktails and a meal in a more laid-back setting.
Where to stay
Image by Louise Billgert via Haute Compass
A top place to stay whilst on honeymoon in Sweden is Nobis. Only a few years old, this stylish hotel is one of the hottest places to stay. Their decadent suites are designed with modern Scandinavian aesthetics that you’d hope to see, all right in the heart of the city. Or for a bit of novelty factor why not stay in Hotel Rival, owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson. But that’s where the novelty stops. Hotel Rival is actually a beautiful design hotel, featuring retro furnishings, a vintage 1940’s cinema and an elaborate art-deco cocktail bar.
So many reasons to consider a honeymoon in Norway or Sweden!
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