Lapland & the Arctic
The land of deep winter and never-ending nights that truly captivated me on my first visit -- even though it ended in me breaking my leg! I keep going back, and every time I discover something entire unique and equally astounding.
Jet Skiing to the Island of Horses
Usually, if someone mentions horseback riding, it brings to mind rolling hills in the country and river crossings at the base of epic mountains; it makes me think of being out on my own in the country. One thing I can categorically say I did not think of, prior to my trip to Rovaniemi this...
Things To Know Before Taking a Summer Road Trip in Norway
If you’re looking for a place with spectacular scenery and plenty of open road for your next trip, then you shouldn’t look any further than Norway. It’s easily one of the three most awe-inspiring countries I’ve ever been to (the other two being Iceland and New Zealand); combine that with some windin
Great Ways To Spend Ruka’s Long Summer Days
Lapland is a region that is well known for its winter attractions. From dogsledding to northern lights watching, nearly all of the activities that immediately spring to mind when people think of Finland’s north are only available during the coldest months of the year. As a ski resort, Ruka (located
Lofoten in January: The Land of Two-Hour Sunrises
When I visited Reine and Svolvær in Norway’s Lofoten Islands back in 2013, I knew that the three days I had allotted weren’t anywhere near enough to do the place justice. I wasn’t sure when I’d ever get back — given the remoteness of Norway in relation to my home base of Australia — but […]
The Best Ways Not to Drive Into a Norwegian Fjord
My recent travels spanned from New Zealand to the UK and involved me renting three cars in three different countries. One country was in the middle of summer; the others were in the depths of winter. Two countries drive on the left side of the road; one thought it would be different and drive on the
Introducing the Guide to Lapland and Northern Norway in Winter
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I absolutely loved Lapland and Northern Norway when I visited last year. My 28-day circuit around the region was full of crazy experiences and memorable places to stay, and I’ve never had a holiday quite like it. One thing I noticed when planning this trip, thoug
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day With the Aurora (And Knee-Deep Snow)
Most St Patrick’s Day celebrations involve a lot of Guinness and even more people wearing every shade of green in existence. Last year, mine involved neither–although some of the people with me may have been wearing green under a multitude of other layers designed to keep them warm in the -20ºC temp
Photo Essay: The Smell of Money In the Morning
One of my strongest memories of the Lofoten Islands was not of the stunning fjords (which, with a fine coat of snow on them, were truly gorgeous) or even my decision to jump into the only-just-above-freezing water (after putting on two layers of thermals and a drysuit). Those sights and experiences
Rorbuer: The Place to Stay in Lofoten
“Stay away from Svolvær. It’s too big and you won’t experience the real Lofoten. Go to a little fishing village and stay in rorbuer. That’s the way to experience the Lofoten Islands properly.” That’s the refrain I read over and over again when I was researching my trip to the Lofoten Islands. And wh
Finland: Brought To You By The Angry Birds
There are a number of exports that are instantly associated with their country of origin. Finland may bring to mind Kimi Räikkönen and Nokia, but you can forget them because the Angry Birds are here, and the Finns want you to know that the birds that are eternally trying to rescue their eggs (and Ro