The largest inland city in Scandinavia, Tampere in Finland is wedged between two large bodies of water in a part of the country that is woven with rivers, ponds and lakes. The fast-moving Tammerkoski rapids here were harnessed as a power source and brought about an industrial boom in the late-1800s. So Tampere today is …
Modern-day Ethiopia is many seemingly dissonant things. It’s a cross between a pack backers ultimate holiday and a history buff’s Shangri-La. It’s also retained a medieval feel through ancient Christian rituals while showcasing the ancient obelisks and tombs of Aksum. Culturally speaking, there are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites here as well as the chance …
Ghana is proof that amazing things come in small packages. Considered to be one of Africa’s true success stories, this country is enjoying a stable democracy and incredible development. The combination creates a joyful energy across the country. With Ghana you get beautiful hinterland, sunny beaches, rich culture, lively cities, welcoming locals, tons of wildlife, …
The first thing that most people know about Lapland is that it’s the home of Santa Claus, and nothing could make a child’s Christmas more magical than a trip to where that very magic happens. For older people there’s magic of a different kind: The ghostly Northern Lights, the heart-melting beauty of Nordic woodland in …
Finland’s capital was founded in the 16th century but the city you see today really took shape in the 1800s. This was when the Russians laid out Helsinki along similar lines to St. Petersburg, with its broad streets and neoclassical mansions. A little earlier the Swedes had completed Soumenlinna, an ambitious sea fortress that was …
Denmark’s second city and the largest on the Jutland peninsula, Aarhus encapsulates many of the things people love about this country. It’s a clean, forward-thinking place filled with arresting pieces of modern architecture. If you’ve got a thing for design, check out the functionalist town hall or the new Dokk1 complex by the water. History …
At the furthest edge of North Jutland in Denmark is this university city that brings you Viking history, 21st-century architecture and a quaint medieval city centre. Aalborg’s location on the shore of Limfjord has brought trade to its doorstep for centuries. In Viking times this narrow channel was a veritable highway for longboats, while the …
The largest city on the Island of Funen, Odense is a Danish cultural hotbed. The composer Carl Nielsen and fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen were born here in the 19th century. As you’d guess there are several sights and attractions to seek out relating to these giants of Danish culture, but you can also get …
In central Jutland, Billund is a modest town with a big story to tell: It’s the birthplace of LEGO, and boasts the original LEGO factory and Legoland resort. The amusement park is the reason most people will descend on Billund, and it’s a world-class attraction that the little dudes are sure to love. If you …
Historic, youthful, raucous and refined, Copenhagen can mean many things to many people. If you’re young then it’s a literal playground, with the world’s oldest amusement parks and some of the trendiest shopping and nightspots anywhere. For culture there are historic palaces and museums in which Viking and Bronze Age treasures are on display. Copenhagen’s …