Imagine gliding through an archipelago on a canoe, locking eyes with a baby elk in a secluded Swedish forest, and cycling through the stylish streets of Copenhagen. This summer, our family embarked on an extraordinary journey through Scandinavia. We traveled through Denmark and Sweden, enjoying both the excitement of the cities and the magical peace of nature.
Let’s start at the very beginning: Why Scandinavia?
Setting an intention for travel is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for us. In an age of over-tourism, climate crisis, and disconnection, how and why we travel has become as significant as the destination itself. We already wandered the globe and have seen and experienced so many wonderful places on earth, continents, cultures, and destinations. With time flowing so fast, we feel the strong urge to identify and clear the wishes and needs of every one of us, before we step into a new adventure.
We had never been to Scandinavia before, so we tried to imagine the northern part of Europe and pictured: a place where you can truly breathe, where the air is crisp and the vistas endless—a place that beckons you not just to look, but to see. To reconnect—with family, with nature, and with ourselves. We yearned for a deep connection, and Scandinavia felt like the perfect stage to enact this. With its temperate summer climate and boundless natural sanctuaries, it was the ideal setting for a season of exploration, self-discovery, and recognizing the extraordinary in the little things in life.
Mindfully from Berlin to Copenhagen
We set off by car on a quiet summer evening in Berlin, our compass set northward. Navigating towards the Rostock Ferry Port, it quickly became evident that even the drive would be part of the adventure. Once our vehicle was securely stowed on the ferry for the overnight sail to Trelleborg, we reveled in the majesty of the ocean from the ship’s deck. Leaning into the spirit of sustainability and eco-conscious travel, we eagerly anticipated the Scandinavian adventure that awaited us.
The Danish Prelude: Copenhagen
Early the next morning, we arrived at Trelleborg port, from where a mere 40-minute drive delivered us to Copenhagen – a city that resonated with us immediately through its ingenious architecture, inviting public spaces, friendly people, and notably, its vibrant cycling culture.
Imagine pedaling through a city that has been building a real infrastructure for cyclists for years now. A whole city, that can be explored on two wheels without fear of too much traffic or the danger that comes with endless cars on the streets. It was just a pleasure. And just imagine for one second the silence that comes with it. It calms down everything and everyone. For three exquisite nights, Bryggen Guldsmeden Hotel, an Urban Eco Resort, served as our sanctuary.
© Courtesy of Bryggen Guldsmeden Hotel Copenhagen
Behind Copenhagen’s bike-friendliness lies a consistent transport policy and urban planning. ‘Cykelslangen’ is a bridge through the Copenhagen harbor and is only open to cyclists. At night, the orange-colored floor lights up; © Credit: Cycling Embassy of Denmark, DISSING+WEITLING
And of course, they had a load of bikes waiting for us to explore the city.
We commenced our tour with breakfast at the wonderful Nors Café (Link), where fresh-pressed juices and gourmet French toast prepared by the friendliest people set the stage for what can only be described as a perfect morning. Mounting our bicycles, we cruised like free spirits through verdant parks, and along the Copenhagen harbor, feeling the cool sea breeze gently ruffle our hair. The orange hues of twilight reflected in the water as we rode, magnifying the magical allure of the iconic Nyhavn. It was as if the city itself was welcoming us into its arms.
In the heart of Copenhagen lies the world’s second-oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens. © Copyright: M. Hoppe
What left an indelible impression, however, was the city’s affinity for design—an ethos evident in everything from curated parks and stylish shopping districts to well-conceived bike lanes. Copenhagen seemed to thrive on a philosophy that seamlessly married trendsetting design with mindful living and environmental responsibility.
And if this wasn’t already something, there was one more thing here. In Copenhagen, we discovered a food culture, that stands for its own. At restaurants like Sanchez (Link) and Goldfinch (Link), this wasn’t merely a concept but an art form—a reverent, mindful interweaving of global flavors and local, ethically sourced ingredients. What these places offered transcended mere dining; it was an enriching, soulful experience that attuned us to the intricate symphony of mindful consumption and culinary artistry.
After three wonderful days in Copenhagen, as if turning a page in a spellbinding novel, we crossed borders—both literal and emotional—as we embarked on our next chapter, setting our sights on the pristine wilderness of Sweden.
Swedish Forest Retreat: A Sanctuary in Alfta Hälsingland
Transitioning from the vibrant heartbeat of Copenhagen to the tranquil soul of central Sweden was a transformative experience of its own kind. As we navigated our way toward Alfta Hälsingland, we found ourselves enveloped in a landscape that seemed to leap straight from the pages of an Astrid Lindgren novel. This surrounding with picture-perfect Swedish farmhouses, set against a backdrop of vivid green landscapes accented by a multitude of lakes, was setting the stage for our upcoming sojourn into Sweden’s heartland—a new chapter in our extraordinary exploration, and one that promised to be every bit as enchanting as the last.
Upon arriving, we found our sanctuary in a residence known as ForRest (Link), a charming dwelling secluded in the heart of Alfta Hälsingland’s untouched forest in central Sweden. This energy-efficient haven, powered by solar panels, served as our secluded retreat for an entire week. The setting was so serene that it felt as though the forest was whispering an invitation to us, urging us to disconnect from our worldly cares and sync with the gentle ebb and flow of nature.
The walks to this beauty of nature and the overwhelming cold of the lake water challenged us every day. But once you’re in the water, it feels like a victory. © Copyright: M. Hoppe
Our days were filled with extensive walks and insightful guided forest tours, featuring a thought-provoking trail designed to inspire deep personal reflections. Yoga sessions on the terrace framed by forest views and the gentle trickle of a nearby river became routine, as did our mushroom and berry-picking excursions. I feel there is no deeper connection to nature than creating meals from fruits that have been freshly hand-picked in your immediate surroundings.
After this soul-replenishing chapter, we were ready for our next adventure, equally bound to Mother Earth but with a different verse to contribute to our life’s epic.
Värmdö: Where the Archipelago Calls
After replenishing our spirits in the tranquil sanctuary of Hälsingland, we set our sights on Värmdö – a place lying within an archipelago wonderland graced with more than 30,000 islands. Our residence was an architectural jewel, surrounded by a beautiful garden and enhanced by a secluded, private beach. As if that weren’t enough, the property boasted a fire-heated sauna with panoramic views of the ocean, where ducklings could be seen darting between the islands. In this idyllic corner of Sweden, it seemed that every home came not just with its own sauna but also the option to experience the landscape from out on the water. We were generously offered the use of a small motorboat, and the ability to explore the archipelago directly from our own private slice of coastline was nothing short of exhilarating, affording us an unparalleled sense of freedom and discovery.
The boat took us out exploring the archipelago from the ocean perspective. Our days were an eclectic mix of boat trips, canoeing escapades, and immersive visits to the beautiful Bjorno Naturreservat. During one such canoeing adventure, we were graced with a rare and magical sighting: a young elk peeking through the foliage, capturing the awe-striking essence of Swedish wilderness in a single moment.
Nature in Sweden invites for various Outdoor Activities. © Copyright: M. Hoppe
This is where the magic happened, on our 3,5 hour canoying tour, we saw a little elk peeking out of the forest. © Copyright: M. Hoppe
The magnetic pull of Värmdö found its perfect counterpoint in a radiant day trip to Stockholm, a city that epitomizes Scandinavian grace and panache. On a gloriously sunny day, we were met by a lifelong Stockholm resident—a dear friend whose biography reads like a rock ‘n roll fairy tale—at Glashuset. This super sweet bistro restaurant decorated with thousands of flowers, nestled beside a yacht harbor, is just a leisurely stroll from the iconic Vasa Museum.
Our host for the day was no ordinary Swede. A pillar of kindness and warmth, he’s been part of the touring crew of a world-famous band for an astonishing 37 years. Over a sumptuous lunch at the beautiful Glashuset (Link) that showcased the best of Swedish culinary influences, he told us riveting tales from his childhood, his globetrotting life, and his profound affection for Stockholm. “I love being on tour,” he told us, his eyes shining with genuine sentiment, “but home is where my heart is, and that’s right here—in Stockholm.”
In this sunlit chapter of our journey, we experienced the quintessence of Scandinavian magic: the marriage of warm hospitality, the best of food, cutting-edge design and pristine nature, thrilling encounters with beautiful souls as well as local wildlife, and the sheer joy of savoring life’s simple yet extraordinary moments.
Final Thoughts: A Holistic Experience
Looking back, what stands out most is the enriching confluence of experiences: from the spirit of Danish culture and culinary delights in Copenhagen to the tranquil solitude in Hälsingland and the idyllic splendor of Värmdö. This Scandinavian escapade was not just a vacation but a journey in mindful living, a true testament to how travel can be transformative—both for us and the world we inhabit.
It was also a lesson in how to live better. How to take time to enjoy the simple things, how to be more in tune with nature, and how to be more responsible towards our planet. So, if you ever want a trip that’s not just fun but also good for your soul and the earth, Denmark and Sweden should be at the top of your list. These places offer the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, of man-made wonders and natural beauty, and they show us how easy and rewarding it is to travel in a way that’s kind to our planet.
And who knows, maybe, just maybe, you’ll have your own magical moment with a young elk in a Swedish forest. It’s these simple yet extraordinary experiences that make a trip like this not just a vacation but a journey of a lifetime.
