Join Sai & Yoganathan from New Zealand as they recount their culinary journey through Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and the Norwegian fjords on the self-guided Nordic Capitals & Fjords tour in August 2023. Takk for maten!
Sai and Yoganathan headed on an extensive exploration of the Nordics – with a focus on gastronomic delights, art and history.
A truly remarkable journey is not just about the destination but also the people and organisations that help make it a reality. In our case, we owe a significant debt of gratitude to Authentic Scandinavia, a trusted travel organiser. Jessica Luster and Trude Sivertsen from Authentic Scandinavia played a crucial role in making our trip the best we've ever had. Their patience and willingness to answer all my questions and guide us every step of the way made the planning process smooth and stress free. Their expertise elevated our journey, ensuring we could focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
A true foodie's journey is never complete without savouring the local cuisine.
It was a top priority to find the best cafés serving delicious pastries, Danishes, cardamom buns, croissants and coffee. Highlights included Buka Bakery and Juno the Bakery in Copenhagen and Cafe Laundromat in Oslo. Indulging in buttery, sweet pastries infused with aromatic cardamom, paired with the finest coffee, was nothing short of heavenly.
We also treated ourselves to three fancy dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants:
Our meal at the renowned Jordnær in Copenhagen was not only delicious but was complemented by the gracious hospitality of Chef Eric and his team (shown above).
Maaemo in Oslo has a theatrically lit open kitchen, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The surprise menu featured expertly crafted dishes with sublime tastes and textures.
At Restaurant Grön (Helsinki), we were amazed by their focus on vegetables. I mentioned to Chef Tony that I had never tasted cloudberries. To my surprise, he promptly presented me with a beautiful container of fresh cloudberries, an exceptional and uncommon delicacy.
My cookbook, A Kitchen Well-Travelled, shares recipes and stories from my previous travels. This trip through the Nordics is sure inspire a follow-up!
Copenhagen is a city that mixes old charm with new ideas. We loved Tivoli Gardens and even got to see fantastic fireworks there at night. The city was also full of life during the Pride festival. It's a place that makes you feel welcome and excited to explore.
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Bergen is full of history, especially around Bryggen Wharf. The wooden buildings are beautiful, and we even found some great art to bring home. The Fish and Flower Market and the views from Mount Fløyen were other highlights.
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Riding the Flåm Railway in Norway was a dream come true, and the reason why we booked this trip. The scenery, with mountains and fjords, was breathtaking. It felt a bit like being back in New Zealand's South Island but in Scandinavia. This railway journey is a must-do for anyone visiting Norway.
Oslo impressed us with its modern architecture and art. It's a city that shows off the creativity of Scandinavia. The Vigeland Sculpture Park was especially fascinating.
Stockholm is a beautiful city with old streets and great museums. Walking around Gamla Stan (Old Town) feels like stepping back in time. The Vasa Museum and City Hall are also worth a visit. Stockholm has a unique charm that's hard to forget.
Early mornings in Helsinki, with coffee in hand, were peaceful and lovely. The city has a calming atmosphere. Taking a boat to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and visiting the Rock Church were some of the best parts of our visit to Finland.
Our trip through the Nordics was an adventure in every sense. It was not just about seeing new places but also about tasting amazing food and experiencing the culture. These memories make us want to go back and explore even more. If you're thinking about where to go on your next trip, Scandinavia should definitely be on your list!
Our travel specialists can help you customise a tour to create your dream holiday.
