Nordic Adventures

A 35-day adventure by Siong Read more

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Trip start
July 11, 2024
Nordic Adventures Traveler
Brisbane to Helsinki
July 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
After a 24 hour flight starting from Brisbane on the 11/7/24, we arrived in Helsinki after a short transit in Doha. I was able to capture a beautiful sunrise from the plane as we made our descent. For the number one airport in the world, it was poorly organised and was super busy with people everywhere. Our experience at Helsinki airport immigration was very average as well - 4 immigration officers processing passengers with passports outside of the EU. Absolutely dismal. We were waiting for about 45 minutes! Meanwhile the automated machines were there....just not working. The start of the trip wasn't improved by the fact that my lugguage was missing. There was nothing to be done however so I eventually gave up and left for our accomodation.Read more
TravelerEnjoy your travels and keep posting photos!
7/15/24Reply
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Finland: Helsinki
July 13, 2024 in Finland ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
None of us slept too well the night before and we were all awake quite early. Our walking tour didn't start till about 10.30 so we thought we would head out and start exploring Helsinki. It appeared that the city had not woken yet though, and there was hardly anyone on the streets. We were able to admire the Cathedral and statue of Alexander the second before heading to the waterfront to browse the market stalls. We headed back to the accomodation for a short nap before going to meet up with our guide in Senate square where it was now swimming with mostly tourists. The walking tour was very informative and took us from senate square, to the esplanade and finally to the new library that is more than just books. This library allows you to borrow sewing machines, tools, 3D printers, hire out rooms (even to play games), hire out consoles - everything under the sun! They even have robots to handle book deliveries!Read more
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Finland: Helsinki
July 13, 2024 in Finland ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
After the tour finished we headed back to the markets to have lunch where we had tried some salmon, some sort of white fish and a deep fried small fish that could be eaten whole - it was very tasty. We also tried some Reindeer that was not as good - mostly because it was overcooked.
To walk off our food we then headed to Uspenski Cathedral which was modelled on St Petersberg in Russia. Beautiful architecture inside and out.Read more
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Finland: Helsinki
July 14, 2024 in Finland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Today we decided to take the ferry over to Suomenlinna Fort. Before reaching the harbour, we stopped for a quick few snaps in Senate square since there weren't very many people around. After a quick 15 minute ride, we were able to explore the fortress by following the main pathway. We saw the central church, the big cannons and then had to take shelter part way through for about an hour as it started to rain quite heavily. After about an hour of gentle contemplation, we made our way to the end of the path - kings gate which wasn't as impressive as the name suggested. Kirk loved the big cannons here as well.

After concluding our visit to Suomenlinna Island, we decided to have lunch where we had the best salmon that we had ever tasted. Beautifully cooked and so flavourful.

Post lunch we decided to have a short kip before heading out to explore the nearby botanical gardens. The central gardens were very beautiful. We did not visit the conservatory as you had to pay but admired it from the outside instead. Interestingly, here they make lantana into topiary balls.Read more
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Helsinki to Tallin
July 15, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
A ferry 2 hour ferry ride from Helsinki saw us arrive in Tallin - capital city of Estonia. We were able to catch a bus and then wheel our way to our 'boutique' hotel a short way away from the main gate of the old town. After some lunch (not worth noting as it was very ordinary), we met with our Guru Walks guide who then proceeded to tell us stories around the old town. Kirk even had his 10 minutes of fame after trying to dob Yok in for a role in the guides role play.Read more
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Estonia: Tallin
July 16, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
We started our full day in Tallin old town early to beat the inevitable flood of tourists later on and this meant that we had most of the sights largely to ourselves. We were able to locate the three viewing platforms which had gorgeous views out over the town. All throughout you could appreciate the beauty and antiquity of the architecture. I also particularly loved all the flowers planted particularly amongst tables at restaurants.Read more
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Estonia: Tallin
July 16, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
With our ongoing exploration, we achieved enlightenment with faceless monks, walked along the base of mighty walls that once repelled invaders and explored little side alleys that held beautiful coffee and delicious baked treats.Read more
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Estonia: Tallin
July 16, 2024 in Estonia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Lastly, we visited "Fat Margaret" - a fortified tower at the entrance to the old town and St Olaf's church which seemed almost austere compared to other medieval churches. It was also one of the few churches that didn't require an entry fee. Our exploration concluded with lunch at a lovely restaurant that had beautiful old world ambience and a very quirky toilet. Oh the food was delicious as well!
A thoroughly enjoyable day exploring Tallin's cobblestone streets!Read more
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Tallin to Stockholm
July 17, 2024 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Today we bid farewell to Estonia to make our way to Stockholm Sweden. Before our flight, we ventured once again into the old town in the morning and took some shots with the 'locals.' After a very cramped ride in the backseat of a camry with additional luggage (now that mine had arrived), we made it into Stockholm in the afternoon. It was a bit of an uneventful day.Read more
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Sweden: Stockholm
July 18, 2024 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
For our first full day in Stockholm, we decided to visit the Vasa museum. Our plan was to initially take a bus/train but it all seemed a bit too hard so we decided to walk instead. It was a cloudy drizzly day but thankfully it held off during our walk. Lots of beautiful grand old buildings along the way with another (Nordic?) museum dominating the skyline. The Vasa museum was fascinating - even more so since it only sailed for about 30 minutes before keeling over and sinking. A total utter failure of engineering as it was too top heavy. Apparently it's sister ship the "Apple" sailed for 30 years but was more stable due to an additional 50 centimetres of width on either side, which also allowed for more ballast. When we finished the queue for the museum was huge - glad we went early!Read more
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Sweden: Stockholm
July 18, 2024 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
After exploring Vasa, we made our way to the old town (Gamla Stan) for our Viking tour.
There was time for a bit of play fighting with some fake swords before we were on our way. Apprarently the Vikings are misunderstood and a lot of peoples attitudes towards them today are as a result of opinions from the only people who were literate - mostly monks. An interesting tour and a lovely old town.Read more
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Sweden: Vaxholm
July 19, 2024 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Today we made our way to the Vaxholm where we were going to explore part of the Swedish archipeligo by Kayak. Unfortunately there aren't very many photos due to the risk of capsizing and our guide was responsible for taking the photos - not very many or of good quality. It was a very fun day although physically tiring. We had a Fika break on an island (along with other Swedish families) and admired all the small and extravagent summer houses on the islands we kayaked past.Read more
TravelerI recognise that walk in Vauxholm! Looks like fun on the water!
7/21/24Reply
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Stockholm to Copenhagen
July 20, 2024 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Today we would make our way to Copenhagen by train. We started by having our included breakfast with the best view. We had left it a little late to get to the train station (unusual for me) and got on board with only minutes to spare. Next was trying to figure out where to store our luggage as the train was very full. The train journey was about 5 hours and passed the beautiful fields and lakes of Sweden. We didn't achieve much when we reached Copenhagen and even took a cab to our Airbnb. You can see the lovely little 'nook' that the host has set up in her kitchen and the view from the window. Absolutely lovely.Read more
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Denmark: Copenhagen
July 21, 2024 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
We started our day with a Segway tour of Copenhagen. We had retained our skills learnt from a tour in Uluru and it wasn't long before we got our legs again.
It was a brilliant way to see the city as we covered a lot of ground very quickly. We saw parliament house, the residence of the Royal family (no one was home) and the little mermaid (which was slightly underwhelming but had heaps of people around).Read more
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Denmark: Copenhagen
July 21, 2024 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
When we concluded our tour we decided to explore a little more and went into the palace church and the Royal Library Garden where we sat in the shade (it was a hot day) and cooled down a little. Kirk decided to ground himself on the grass and shortly after we dipped our toes in one of the canals to cool our tired feet.Read more
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Denmark: Copenhagen
July 21, 2024 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
We concluded our first day with a 5 course degustation at Host restaurant on the recommendation of a colleague. It was delicious. Plant addicts note the lush greenery inside (all real). Highlight was the smoked scallop and the hake although all dishes were very yummy. They also included an additional 3 dishes not on the menu which is also a winner.Read more
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Denmark: Copenhagen
July 22, 2024 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
It was a bit of a lazy day today as it was raining and we were all a little bit tired.
We decided at one point to brave the rain and head to Torvehallerne which was in around the same area as Host.
It seemed like everyone else had the same idea and the place was packed. we picked up some Smorrebrod which was delicious and decided to head back getting throughly soaked in the process. Good to try and see the food hall though!Read more
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Copenhagen to Oslo
July 23, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Onwards to Oslo today! We bid farewell to our very comfortable AirBNB and boarded our flight at Copenhagen Airport. Notably, this airport was absolutely filthy. Got some beautiful views flying out of Copenhagen and flying over the beautiful green and blue landscapes of Norway.Read more
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Norway: Oslo to Bergen
July 24, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
It was an early start to catch the 6.30 am train to make our way to Bergen.
This was supposed to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world so of course we had to do it in first class. It was a beautiful journey and the seats were very comfortable. A lot of of the views were on the left side and we were seated on the right - live and learn.Read more
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Norway
July 24, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
We reached our location after a 6.5 hour journey. We killed a bit of time with some exploration and then checked into our accmodation. Kirk celebrated with a little dance during dinner.
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Norway: Bergen
July 25, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Today, we made the decision to investigate Bryggen, which was the former wharf of Bergen and was established by the Hanseatic League.
The structures were aesthetically pleasing, but that was the extent of their appeal; they were filled with tourist shops selling overpriced goods. Following this, we proceeded in the direction of the Bergen fortress and conducted an exploration of the commandant's garden.Read more
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Norway: Bergen
July 25, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
The beauitiful weather of the morning gradually shifted to clouds and then light showers by the afternoon. We took the Funicular up to the lookout and then took a leisurely walk down the mountain, through the town of Bergen and past people's lovely homes.Read more
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Norway: Bergen to Aurland
July 26, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Today we made our way out of Bergen towards the first of the Fjords we would be exploring.
It wasn't too bad a drive and we passed some stunning scenery along the way. It was difficult to take clear photos but we eventually stopped at a waterfall before proceeding towards Aurland just 10 minutes outside of the main town - Flam. Our apartment for the next two nights was amazing - views to the mountains that framed the fjord and was conveniently placed right above the local supermarket. After checking in and buying some groceries we made our way to Stegastein lookout which had beautiful views out across the town and Aurlandsfjord. Beautiful.Read more
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Norway: Bergen to Aurland
July 26, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
We rounded the rest of the day with a walk towards the local 'beach' which had no one but the usual beautiful views. Also checked out the church across the street that was still open at ~ 8 pm. Small and unassuming but lovely to go inside.Read more
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Norway: Flam
July 27, 2024 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Our activity today was to catch the Flamsbana to Myrdal but instead of taking it back we elected to use the zipline and bike the way back for a different perspective. Kirk had a few reservations about the zipline especially as it drew nearer to the time we had to make the 'jump' but we all made it alive and started the bike leg back to Flam.Read more
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