Your final information to Scandinavia and methods to e book it with Avios

A part of the attraction of journey is in discovering the unknown. In a world the place most locations have been photographed, reviewed, and hashtagged into predictability, true discovery feels uncommon. However Scandinavia is completely different. It isn’t flashy, it’s not making an attempt to promote you something, and perhaps that’s the purpose; it’s simply very, superb at being itself. When you’ve skilled it, you’ll realise it’s much less about checking off sights and extra about how the place makes you’re feeling.

So, the place do you start, and the way do you utilize Avios factors to get there? Let’s break it down by metropolis and surroundings.

What are Avios? And the way do I take advantage of them?

Avios factors are the reward forex utilized by British Airways (through British Airways Membership) and its accomplice airways, comparable to Iberia and Aer Lingus, in addition to Qatar Airways. They’re a part of a scheme that permits you to earn factors by way of flights with BA and its companions, in addition to daily spending on devoted bank cards and thru a variety of retail companions, which will be redeemed for flights, accommodations, automotive rent, and extra. Avios collectors can e book reward seats on British Airways flights. The one money it’s a must to pay for a reward seat is the airline tax, which may begin from as little as 50p per journey.

With that stated, let’s head to Scandinavia…

Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden and Scandinavia’s largest metropolis, Stockholm spreads throughout 14 scenic islands the place Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. There’s water in every single place, crisp design in each nook, and a rhythm that’s quick with out feeling frantic. It’s trendy, sure, however by no means at the price of its historical past.

Listed here are our prime picks for issues to do in Stockholm:

• Get gloriously misplaced in Gamla Stan, the town’s medieval previous city house to the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral, and the Nobel Prize Museum. It’s one of many best-preserved historic centres in Europe.
• Swim, kayak, or simply watch the sunshine shift throughout the water; it’s throughout you.
• Take a ship to Vaxholm, Fjäderholmarna, or Grinda and revel in every part from kayaking to native seafood lunches. Public ferries run year-round, however summer time is the perfect season to discover.
• Go to Södermalm, the town’s artistic hub filled with indie retailers and bars.
• Spend a day on the Vasa Museum (house to a Seventeenth-century warship), the ABBA Museum, Skansen (an open-air museum and zoo), and the waterfront amusement park Gröna Lund, all on one lush island.
• Have fika (Swedish espresso break) at Vete-Katten or an area bakery.
• Go to Östermalms Saluhall and top off on gourmand eats at this traditional meals corridor.
• Make a day journey to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO website and royal residence.

In the event you’re on the lookout for Avios reward flights to take you there, off-peak Financial system flights with British Airways begin from 18,500 Avios plus £1 return. You’ll additionally earn BA loyalty tiers when reserving by way of British Airways, which aid you get lounge entry and precedence test in.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg doesn’t all the time make the entrance pages, however that’s precisely the purpose. It’s much less polished than Stockholm, extra grounded, and filled with character. A working port metropolis with indie vitality and nice seafood.

Listed here are our suggestions for issues to do in Gothenburg:

• Island-hop the Gothenburg Archipelago, a cluster of over 20 largely car-free islands. It’s also possible to catch a ferry from Saltholmen or Lilla Varholmen and go to the close by islands of Asperö, Brännö, Styrsö, and Vargö.
• Lease a kayak at Kajakbryggan and paddle by way of the town’s 400 km of canals. Gothenburg is greatest seen from sea degree, particularly in case you’re in for a real eco-friendly expertise.
• Being a port metropolis, Gothenburg takes seafood severely. Go upscale at Sjömagasinet or hold it informal at Feskekôrka, the town’s fish market. For seasonal treats, head to Restaurant Atelier for oysters and Champagne.
• Gothenburg’s previous city, Haga, has reinvented itself with indie boutiques and cafes tucked inside charming wood buildings. Don’t miss a espresso and cinnamon bun the dimensions of your face.
• Spend the evening aboard Barken Viking, a superbly restored 1907 windjammer turned
  lodge. Cease in for dinner or drinks within the onboard restaurant in case you’re not staying over.

Reward flights to Gothenburg begin from simply 18,500 Avios plus £1 return in off-peak Financial system. This is among the greatest Avios reward flight redemptions for a laid-back, inexperienced metropolis break.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the sort of place that makes you wish to commerce in your automotive for a motorbike and takeaway espresso for a smørrebrød at a waterside café. It’s clear, assured, and constructed for folks, not site visitors. Public areas really feel intentional and naturally folded into each day life.

Right here’s what to do in Copenhagen:

• Your go to isn’t full and not using a journey to Tivoli Gardens. Open since 1843, it’s the second-oldest amusement park on the earth and an inspiration for Walt Disney himself.
• Take a selfie in entrance of Nyhavn’s rows of brightly colored homes and bobbing boats. This previous business port is now a favorite hangout, lined with eating places and bars, jazz spilling from open doorways. Hans Christian Andersen as soon as lived at No. 20, sure, the very one who wrote The Little Mermaid.
• Be a part of a guided canal cruise or hire a kayak and discover Copenhagen by yourself. Highlights embody floating previous the Opera Home, Black Diamond Library, and the statue of The Little Mermaid.
• Step into Danish royal historical past at Rosenborg Citadel, the place you’ll discover the Crown Jewels and superbly preserved royal residences. Afterwards, stroll by way of the adjoining King’s Backyard, a peaceable oasis within the metropolis centre.
• Watch the altering of the guard or just admire the symmetry of Amalienborg Palace, house to the Danish royal household. It’s one of many oldest monarchies on the earth with a lineage that goes again to Viking king, Harald Bluetooth.

In the event you’re planning a multi-city break in Scandinavia, flying through British Airways into Copenhagen is commonly essentially the most cost-effective entry level. With direct off-peak flights from 18,500 Avios plus £1 return, it’s a sensible solution to begin your Nordic escape.

Oslo, Norway

With its inhabitants of over 700,000, Oslo could also be a capital metropolis, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel like one within the conventional sense. As a substitute of city sprawl, you’ll discover a metropolis hemmed in by thick forests, fjords, and each day life that bends towards the outside. Oslo’s largest flex is you could go island-hopping within the morning, hike a mountain by lunch, and hit a world-class museum earlier than dinner.

Right here’s what must be in your Oslo itinerary:

• Take within the artwork scene that’s in every single place. Try large murals in Tøyen, over 200 bare sculptures in Vigeland Park, and don’t miss the Nationwide Museum (house to The Scream) or the modern new Munch Museum.
• Fjord-hopping is a factor, and you have to do it. Oslo sits on the sting of the Oslofjord, and hopping between its tiny islands by ferry is the proper summer time pastime. Go to Hovedøya for monastery ruins, Lindøya for vibrant cabins, and Gresshølmen for seashore walks and contemporary seafood.
• Trip the metro up the forest and be on a mountain climbing path in beneath half-hour.
• Eat your manner by way of Oslo with reindeer stew at Dovrehallen, small plates at Katla, cocktails at Pier 42, and a lap round Mathallen’s meals stalls. For a splurge, e book Maaemo and don’t look again.

Avios reward flights, booked with British Airways, begin from 23,500 Avios plus £1 return for off-peak Financial system reward seats.

Tromsø, Norway

Situated over 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” and it lives as much as the identify. Ringed by snowy peaks and fjords, this surprisingly cosmopolitan metropolis is the proper place to chase the Northern Lights, discover Sámi tradition, and get near arctic wildlife.

The perfect time to go to will depend on your bucket record. Winter brings the aurora borealis, canine sledging, and polar evening (November to mid-January) when the solar barely rises above the horizon. Summer time means midnight solar, golden mild, and lengthy days for mountain climbing, kayaking, and paragliding. Both manner, it’s a visit you gained’t neglect.

Listed here are the actions we suggest:

• Chase the Northern Lights. Tromsø sits proper beneath the auroral oval. Go along with a information, or take a quiet electrical boat out into the fjord and wait.
• Trip the Cable Automobile to Mount Storsteinen. Take the Fjellheisen cable automotive 421 metres above sea degree and look out over sea, islands, and metropolis. If it’s darkish, you would possibly see the aurora. If it’s daylight, lace up your boots and stroll.
• Spend time with Sámi herders and their reindeer. There’s storytelling, a sizzling meal, and a greater solution to perceive this place than something you’ll learn on-line.
• Discover the Arctic Cathedral, one in all Tromsø’s most iconic buildings, impressed by snow and ice.
• Go Arctic Fishing within the Fjords. Be a part of an area boat tour to solid your line into Tromsø’s icy waters, wealthy with cod, halibut, and herring.

Reward seats to Tromsø, booked with Avios reward factors, begin from 23,500 Avios plus £1
return in Financial system (off-peak).

Past the cities

Scandinavia’s cities are nice, however they’re simply the beginning. When you head out, you’ll discover deep forests, rocky islands, and landscapes that really feel untouched. What comes subsequent is a shortlist of unmissable nature experiences that exhibit Scandinavia at its wildest and most unforgettable.

Norwegian fjords

There’s a quieter facet to Scandinavia that doesn’t present up in postcards, till you’re standing on the fringe of a fjord in western Norway, questioning how this sort of silence nonetheless exists.

Listed here are some epic fjord adventures we extremely suggest including to your itinerary:

• Geirangerfjord: UNESCO-listed and endlessly photogenic, Geirangerfjord earns its fame. Cruise previous sheer cliffs and waterfalls, cease on the Ørnesvingen lookout for sweeping views, or tackle the Geiranger Skywalk in case you’re not afraid of heights. The close by Fjord Centre offers a strong overview with out the vacationer rush.
• Sognefjord: In the event you’re solely seeing one fjord, make it this one. Known as the “King of the Fjords” for a purpose, Sognefjord is large and filled with highlights. Hop on the Flåm Railway, hike throughout Jostedalsbreen glacier, or detour to Urnes Stave Church, one in all Norway’s oldest wood buildings.
• Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord: Two arms of Sognefjord that punch effectively above their dimension. Base your self in Flåm, take the practice as much as Myrdal, then trip a ferry by way of Nærøyfjord’s slim, steep-sided channel to Gudvangen. It’s a traditional for a purpose, and someway nonetheless feels wild.
• Hardangerfjord: Trolltunga is the headline act (sure, that cliff you’ve seen on Instagram) however there’s extra right here. Keep in Odda or Rosendal for entry to glacier hikes and quiet walks throughout the Hardangervidda plateau. Bonus: this space blooms with apple and cherry orchards in spring.
• Lysefjord: Simply exterior Stavanger, Lysefjord delivers large views with minimal journey. Climb to Pulpit Rock, take the 4,444 steps up Flørli, or hop on a fjord cruise for a front-row seat. It’s standard, however nonetheless value it and one in all Norway’s few licensed Sustainable Locations.

Getting there with Avios

You may fly to Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim, or Tromsø utilizing Avios reward flights and plan your fjord tour. Not all locations have a yr spherical schedule nonetheless, so make sure to test. For instance:

• Bergen will be your launch pad for Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and
  Hardangerfjord.
• Oslo connects effectively to Geirangerfjord and the scenic railway to Flåm.
• Trondheim gives fast entry to Trondheimsfjord and northern fjords.

Greatest Avios reward flight tip

Fly into Bergen through Oslo utilizing your Avios, then decide up a rental automotive or join through practice or ferry to the fjords. A number of scenic combo buses, ferries, and practice excursions function from right here between Could and September.

Scandinavian mountains

The Scandinavian mountains (locals name them Scandes) stretch throughout Norway, Sweden, and a slice of Finland, forming the area’s backbone. Although not very excessive in altitude, these mountains are among the many steepest on the earth and are far bigger in space than the Alps and the Pyrenees mixed.

The vary has been round for about 400 million years, which explains the weathered cliffs, deep valleys, and the sense that nature’s been at work right here for a very long time. They run from the southern tip of Norway, by way of Sweden’s Dalarna, all the way in which to Treriksröset, the assembly level of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, earlier than lastly dropping into the Arctic Ocean. The Scandes change utterly all year long: in winter, they’re quiet, white, and virtually otherworldly. Come summer time, the identical slopes are inexperienced, alive, and dotted with hikers as an alternative of reindeer.

So, what must you do if you’re there? Listed here are a few of our prime picks:

Sweden

• Sarek Nationwide Park: A UNESCO-listed wilderness crammed with glaciers, excessive peaks, and roaming moose.
• Kungsleden (King’s Path): Sweden’s most iconic 440 km mountain climbing route by way of 4 nationwide parks.
• The Jämtland Triangle: A fantastic newbie hike with cosy huts and jaw-dropping views.
• Kebnekaise: Sweden’s tallest mountain with trails for all ranges.
• Padjelantaleden Path: A scenic stroll by way of Sweden’s largest nationwide park.

Finland

• Halti Fell & Käsivarsi Wilderness Space: Deal with Finland’s highest peak or comply with the Nordkalottleden Path.
• Lemmenjoki Nationwide Park: Finland’s largest, the place you’ll be able to pan for gold or catch the Northern Lights.

Norway

• Jotunheimen Nationwide Park & Besseggen Ridge: Norway’s prime mountain climbing area with unforgettable views.
• Gaustabanen: A Chilly Conflict-era funicular practice hidden inside a mountain.
• Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): A 604-metre-high flat rock overlooking the Lysefjord.
• Aurora Spirit Distillery: Sip whisky the place the mountains meet the fjord, the world’s northernmost distillery.

But it surely’s not all mountain climbing boots and heavy backpacks, there’s loads of different enjoyable available, regardless of
the season. Listed here are a few of our different favorite mountain actions that deliver the Scandes to
life:

• Snowmobile safari within the Lyngen Alps: Drive your snowmobile by way of one of the crucial picturesque areas of the Scandes. Finish the trip with a hearty campfire meal within the snow.
• Snowshoe as much as Trolltunga: Climb to one in all Scandinavia’s most iconic ledges to view Ringedalen Lake and the Folgefonna glacier with a information. It’s difficult however unforgettable.
• Kayak round Lysefjorden: Paddle previous sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and maybe even curious seals on a kayak journey beneath towering cliffs reaching 400 metres excessive.
• Husky sledding in Kiruna: Meet the canine, study to drive, after which sprint by way of the Swedish Arctic on an exciting dogsled journey.
• Hike Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): As seen in Mission Unimaginable: Fallout, this dramatic 4–6 hour guided hike delivers unbeatable views over Lysefjorden and critical bragging rights.

The Northern Lights

No person will consider you’ve been on a Scandinavian journey till you give them conclusive proof of getting seen the Northern Lights. Generally known as the Aurora Borealis, this pure mild present lights up the skies above northern Scandinavia in dazzling waves of inexperienced, crimson, and purple. The phenomenon is mostly seen from September to March, particularly close to the equinoxes.

And the most effective half? Among the most dependable Northern Lights locations are accessible through British Airways Avios reward flights.

That will help you plan the proper aurora escape, listed below are our prime advisable locations to expertise
them in Sweden:

• Abisko Nationwide Park: Because of a climate phenomenon over Lake Torneträsk referred to as the “Blue Gap,” the skies above Abisko stay clearer right here than virtually anyplace else in Sweden. You may take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station or trek and camp within the park.
• Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley: Sleep within the world-famous ICEHOTEL, carved contemporary each winter from blocks of the Torne River. Guided snowmobile and dogsled excursions take you deep into the wild, or you’ll be able to dine beneath the celebrities close to Esrange Area Centre. Different glorious spots embody Lake Poustijarvi, Nikkaluokta, and Vittangi.
• Porjus and Laponia: This tiny village of 400 folks sits on the sting of the Laponia World Heritage Space, close to nationwide parks like Muddus and Stora Sjöfallet. Clear skies, low mild air pollution, and constantly chilly temperatures make Porjus one of many nation’s most beloved aurora viewing spots.
• Lulea, Jokkmokk and Gallivare: Head into the Brändö forests for aurora chasing in Lulea. In Gallivare, trip a snowmobile to the highest of Dundret Mountain and revel in a personal mild present.
• Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø is among the most accessible and dependable locations to witness the lights. Take pleasure in whale watching, reindeer safaris, or the Polar Museum whereas ready for the sky to bop.

Kayleigh Hepworth

Kayleigh Hepworth is Head of Advertising at Reward Flight Finder. Reward Flight Finder is the proper software to seek for British Airways reward flights. If you need to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.