Scandinavia 2017

A 30-day adventure by We are Living the Dream Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 22
Monday, January 8, 2018 at 3:00 PM
🌧 2 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Norway Tromsø Harbour 69.649055, 18.96335169°38’57” N 18°57’48” E
Tromso
January 8, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 2 °C
We then wandered through old town and then into the main city centre. We had our usual coffee and cake before heading back to the ship.
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 22
Monday, January 8, 2018 at 8:00 PM
⛅ 1 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Norway Tromsø Harbour 69.649055, 18.96335169°38’57” N 18°57’48” E
Tromso
January 8, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C
After dinner we went up to the top deck where the Captain was preparing some dried fish for us to try. The fish is caught then gutted and left to dry by the wind and snow on the racks on the top deck for a few months. We tried a little bit and both think we would need to be very hungry to eat it on a regular basis. We then came to the room to relax when there was a Northern Lights announcement so we then put back on all the layers of clothes and proceeded to the top deck for a viewing but alas it was very weak. So still no strong colour in the Northern Lights.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 8:00 AM
🌙 0 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Norway Honningsvåg Havn 70.982291, 25.97020870°58’56” N 25°58’13” E
Honningsvag
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 0 °C
Honningsvag is the northernmost town in mainland Norway. Legislation effective in 1997 states that a Norwegian city/town must have at least 5,000 inhabitants, but Honningsvag was declared a city in 1996, thus exempt from this legislation, so it is also one of the smallest cities in Norway. Honningsvag is situated at a bay on the southeastern side of the large island of Magerøya, while the famous North Cape and its visitor center is on the northern side of the island.

The ice-free ocean provides rich fisheries and tourism which is very important to the town.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM
🌙 0 °C
Altitude: 274 m
Norway st Kappa 71.165209, 25.79098871°9’55” N 25°47’28” E
North Cape
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 0 °C
The scenery in Honningsvag is simply stunning with the ocean, snow and fjords. Time for a short photo stop at Tufjorden Continental Europe's most northerly point North Cape in the background. It was quite warm at the time, only 1C, so there was no need for jackets.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 10:03 AM
🌙 0 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Norway Skutneset 71.11319, 25.82698871°6’47” N 25°49’37” E
Heidi's Christmas and Winter House
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 0 °C
In Skarsvag, we visited the Christmas and Winter House, known for its quaint Yuletide ambiance and Christmas decorations year round. Heidi the owner treated us to lovely homemade goodies and we watched a short film about fishing for cod and king crabs.Read more
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM
0 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Norway Skutneset 71.11319, 25.82698871°6’47” N 25°49’37” E
Fishing Village
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 0 °C
The next fishing village was Skarsvag where we walked amongst the fishermen's ropes, lines and buoys before going to a gallery. What makes this a different gallery is the owner collects paper from newspapers and magazines and makes her pictures from cut-outs from these. They were truly amazing and very clever.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 3:00 PM
🌙 -2 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Norway Honningsvåg Havn 70.982291, 25.97020870°58’56” N 25°58’13” E
Leaving Honningsvarg
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C
Honningsvag is just like a Christmas Card, lovely coloured homes in the snow with twinkling lights.

During the early evening we sailed around Continental Europe's most northerly land mass. Our cruise is nearing it's end. Fingers crossed we see the Northern Lights.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 9:00 PM
⛅ -1 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Norway Nordkapp 71.172123, 25.78231671°10’20” N 25°46’56” E
Northern Lights
January 9, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C
Then something special happened, we finally saw the Northern Lights. They did not look like much other than weird looking clouds with a touch of green but when you look at their images through the lens of expensive cameras they a very green. My phone does not do justice to the lights so we have asked a co passenger to email us some of her photo's.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 9:07 AM
🌙 -14 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Norway Storhaugen 69.726919, 30.04504369°43’37” N 30°2’42” E
Kirkeness
January 10, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 -14 °C
Today we disembarked from the Hurtigruten Spitsbergen Cruise. We had a wonderful time although I am over fish and mushy food. Kirkeness looked so pretty, just like a Christmas card. We took the airport bus from the cruise terminal to a very small airport. The airport security checks were very detailed. I had bags searched and John had to keep taking belts and shoes off and emptying pockets until their very sensitive metal detectors were not set off. Outside the airport there was snow everywhere and an incredible sunrise.Read more
TravelerOslo next time!
1/13/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ -11 °C
Altitude: 202 m
Norway Oslo Airport, Gardermoen 60.19755, 11.10041560°11’51” N 11°6’1” E
Oslo Airport
January 10, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -11 °C
Once on the plane we headed off to Oslo for a stopover before our second flight to Copenhagen. Oslo looked so pretty from the air, another Christmas card shot, maybe Oslo should have been on our agenda.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 4 m
Denmark Copenhagen Airport 55.618024, 12.65076355°37’5” N 12°39’3” E
Copenhagen Airport
January 10, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Our holiday has been incredible and we look forward to seeing what Copenhagen has to offer the Hopwoods as this is our last destination.
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 4:17 PM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Denmark Copenhagen Central Station 55.671833, 12.56110855°40’19” N 12°33’40” E
Anderson Hotel
January 10, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
The Anderson Hotel is our home for the next few days. On check in we received an upgrade which was lovely, however, when we went to the room we thought that this was an interesting upgrade 2 bathrooms, which is nice, but no drawers in the room and the tiniest of wardrobes you cannot even open it enough to put things in the safe so we are hanging our coats and storing our bags in the second bathroom. What is nice about the Hotel are the little extra's a goodies bag with chocolates and fruit, noodles in the fridge and even a free wine hour in the lounge. We are also in a central area so we can walk everywhere we need to go. The local restaurant area is close, it looks like an old meat packers area with some sections of the meat packing still being used, not as fancy as Meat Packers district in New York though.Read more
TravelerLuke asked if you had any bright ideas while you were feeling light headed?!?!😂
1/13/18Reply
TravelerNo, Dad said he was asking a bit shady
1/14/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 8:47 PM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Denmark Slotsholmskanalen 55.677832, 12.57883555°40’40” N 12°34’44” E
Cock's and Cows
January 10, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
After a few wines in the lounge we went out for dinner. We wanted something we have not had for ages so we found hamburgers and fries at "Cock's and Cows" interesting name but nice food. Stay tuned for our adventures in Copenhagen.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10:04 AM
🌧 3 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Denmark The Little Mermaid 55.69286, 12.59928355°41’34” N 12°35’57” E
Little Mermaid
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ 🌧 3 °C
Today our walking adventures started in Copenhagen at 10 am. We first walked to the little mermaid. The sculpture is on a rock by the waterside, she is 1.25 metres high and based on the fairy tale by author Hans Christian Andersen, the small statue is a Copenhagen icon and has been a major tourist attraction since its unveiling in 1913. In recent decades it has become a popular target for defacement by vandals and political activists and a perch for sea birds.Read more
TravelerNot many photos for a days walking! Luke says enough of the sh*t jokes John!
1/13/18Reply
TravelerOh I see.. Lots of different posts for your walk today!
1/13/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:47 AM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Denmark Amalienborg Palace 55.684059, 12.5930255°41’3” N 12°35’35” E
Amalienborg Palace
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
On our walk we visited Amalienborg Palace and watched the changing of the guard ceremony. The Royal Guards march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace and we have read that the Queen must have been home as the guards were accompanied by the Royal Guard's music band.

Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family, the world’s oldest monarchy. One of Copenhagen’s most beautiful monuments and a popular visitor attraction, the Amalienborg complex contains four stately palaces: Christian VII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace, Christian IX’s Palace, and Christian VIII’s Palace.

Amalienborg became the royal residence after Christiansborg Palace burned down in the night between 26 and 27 February 1794.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 1:18 PM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Denmark Arsenaløen 55.676043, 12.60811555°40’34” N 12°36’29” E
Christiania
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Christiania was certainly an interesting place on our walk today. Is a self-proclaimed district of about 850 to 1,000 residents. It was temporarily closed to the public by the residents in April 2011. Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. In the years following 2004, measures for normalizing the legal status of the community led to conflicts, police raids and negotiations, however, the cannabis is prevalent in the area now, clearly being sold and smoked. I was even asked by security guard not to take a picture of Pusher Street (where the drugs are sold in stalls), I walked a few metres down the street and took a photo anyway.Read more
TravelerWow. Interesting place. Europe's Nimbin!
1/13/18Reply
TravelerMore obvious than Nimbin
1/14/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Denmark Nyhavn 55.679776, 12.59130455°40’47” N 12°35’29” E
Nyhavn
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Many of the houses lining the quays of Nyhavn have been the homes of prominent artists. Hans Christian Andersen, used to live in no. 20 which is where he wrote the fairy-tales The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, and The Princess and the Pea.

We continued walking in Nyhavn which was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock.

Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and classy restaurants dominate the old port.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 4:31 PM
☁️ 3 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Denmark Nyhavn 55.679776, 12.59130455°40’47” N 12°35’29” E
Out and About
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
Copenhagen is a very vibrant city there is so many interesting buildings, sculptures and things to see.
TravelerLooks just like a fairytale!
1/13/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 6:47 PM
☁️ 3 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Denmark Copenhagen Central Station 55.671833, 12.56110855°40’19” N 12°33’40” E
Back to the Hotel
January 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
We are heading back to the Hotel after a very long tiring day.

To do it all over again tomorrow.
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11:54 AM
⛅ 2 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Denmark Danish national museum 55.674648, 12.57474155°40’29” N 12°34’29” E
National Museum
January 12, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
Today is going to be another full day walking around Copenhagen.

First stop was the National Museum where we wandered around for 4 hours. This museum is quite large and has many exhibits we have not seen before. The Egyptian and Greenland section were incredible so much information and exhibits. We left brain dead and very tired so we went to a little café for lunch/afternoon tea.Read more
TravelerLooks like a good museum.
1/14/18Reply
TravelerIt was very good some exhibitions were so crowed though you actually could not really see what things were. We actually spoke to someone and they are aware but different exhibits are done by different curators.
1/14/18Reply
1 like
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Friday, January 12, 2018 at 3:47 PM
⛅ 2 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Denmark Christiansborg Palace 55.676322, 12.58032755°40’35” N 12°34’49” E
Christiansborg Palace
January 12, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
Continued walking to the nearby Christiansburg Palace to see if Princess Mary was in the house but alas no Princess Mary.

This castle has been rebuilt numerous times on the same site. The first Castle was Bishop Absalon’s Castle from 1167 it is the biggest and oldest ruins under Christiansborg Palace, the wall protected the Castle from pirates.

Another big ruin under the castle is the foundation of the infamous Blue Tower, the biggest tower in Copenhagen’s castle. Here, political prisoners and other criminals were held captive. The most famous prisoner was Christian IV’s favourite daughter, Leonora Christine. She was held captive for almost 22 years.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Friday, January 12, 2018 at 4:15 PM
⛅ 2 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Denmark Christiansborg Palace 55.676322, 12.58032755°40’35” N 12°34’49” E
Absalon’s Castle Ruins
January 12, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
After 1369, Copenhagen Castle was rebuilt on top of the remains of Absalon’s Castle. The space was tight in the new castle and the kings broke down the building and built new ones.

Christian IV wished to lay his mark on Copenhagen’s Castle. He added another floor to the Blue Tower with a flaunting copper spire.

In the end, the foundation could not bear the enormous and heavy castle and it was clear that it was in danger of collapsing at any time. Christian VI tore down the castle and built a whole new one, the first Christiansborg Castle, completed in 1745.

When casting the foundations of the present Christiansborg Palace, workers struck upon the ruins of older buildings and the remnants of the initial wall by accident. Experts were called in from the National Museum, and a close inspection revealed that the ruins dated back as far as 1167.

Walking around the underground site, you get an idea of how the castle was continually renewed and developed.Read more
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Friday, January 12, 2018 at 7:47 PM
☁️ 2 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Denmark Copenhagen Central Station 55.671833, 12.56110855°40’19” N 12°33’40” E
End of Another Day
January 12, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C
Exhausted after another full day we went back to the Hotel for the wine hour and dinner before we hit the pavement again tomorrow.
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 27
Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 0 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Denmark Elsinore Station 56.033508, 12.61444356°2’1” N 12°36’52” E
Helsingor Train Station
January 13, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C
To be or not to be a tourist in Copenhagen.

Our day started with a short walk to the train station and a 40 min train ride to Helsingor to visit Kronborg Castle.
0 likes
Scandinavia 2017 Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 27
Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:02 AM
☁️ 0 °C
Altitude: 32 m
Denmark Elsinore 56.030787, 12.59212756°1’51” N 12°35’32” E
Helsingor
January 13, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C
The town of Helsingor was like going back in time most of the buildings were built between 1500 and 1600.
0 likes