Churchill: Why You Should Visit the Polar Bear Capital of the World

A few years ago, CBS Sunday Morning presented a fascinating feature on the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. It’s safe to say that Lynn’s wanderlust was ignited, setting her sights on this frosty wonderland. Fast forward to a recent trip to Iceland where we had a chance encounter with a fellow adventurer who couldn’t stop raving about their mind-blowing experience in Churchill. Well, that was all the persuasion we needed to hit that “book now” button.

In our quest for arctic thrills, we booked our trip with Natural Habitat for a whirlwind 6-day escapade that started off in Winnipeg and ended in Churchill – aka the Polar Bear Capital of the World. As luck would have it, October to November is when these magnificent bears make their migratory journey to the coast in search of their favorite snack, the savory seal.

Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

Now, before we got acquainted with the polar bears, we had a whole day to explore the charming city of Winnipeg. We took in the sights, soaked up the local vibes, and even treated ourselves to a local comedy show. It recently snowed so the city was beaming with winter vibes.

Churchill, Manitoba Canada

After a quick visit to Winnipeg, we embarked on a grand adventure to Churchill via a fancy-schmancy charter plane. Churchill is a tiny town of 900 residents hugging the western shore of Hudson Bay, nestled a whopping 620 miles north of Winnipeg.

Check out the sign over Lynn’s shoulder

It proudly flaunts its title as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” because droves of polar bears flock to the area every October and November. Polar bears are known to uninvitingly roam the town from time to time, so residents keep their doors unlocked in case others need to duck inside. Warnings are posted at the airport so you are forewarned!

Lingering polar bears in town get trapped and are sentenced to 30 to 60 days in Polar Bear jail — no joke!

You can’t just waltz into Churchill like it’s a bustling metropolis. You either fly in or make your way on a 2 day train.

Now, let’s talk accommodation. We had a couple of interesting options. We could’ve shackled ourselves in a hotel in Churchill, traversing to the tundra every day to rub shoulders with polar bears. But no, we chose the wild side. We went all out and stayed in a top-notch tundra lodge, where we snoozed in snug den-like sleeping quarters. It had this cool rail-style setup, complete with a recreational lodge area and a fancy place to munch.

The Tundra Experience

Each morning, we were greeted by the majestic rising of the sun. And guess who else decided to join the party? A bunch of bears, casually lounging around our lodge like they owned the place.

One mischievous bear decided to turn the Tundra lodge into its own personal vacation spot! This bear had no plans to do anything other than sleep and stretch all day long.

After breakfast, we embarked on our Star Wars-inspired tundra buggy, on an exciting expedition to track down polar bears, artic fox, red fox and ptarmigan.

Lynn recorded a video of this curious bear either wanting to join us in the Tundra buggy for heat or make us his dinner.

Most mornings had this cloud-filled blanket of fog, like a giant’s fluffy duvet covering the land. It was a morning ritual of nature, putting on a spectacular and mystical light show just for us.

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing a mama bear with her triplets. Our guides said that triplets are pretty rare for polar bears so it made this sighting even more special.

Heading back to the Tundra Lodge at the end of the day, we were treated with the breathtaking beauty of a spectacular sunset.

Little did we know that this was just the beginning of our incredible journey. Two out of the three nights also gifted us with a display of the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

While we were out exploring the freezing Arctic, we had some unexpected encounters! The Polar Bears were already mind-blowing, but then mother nature decided to crank up the excitement. We stumbled upon this super cool Arctic fox who was trailing just behind a polar bear, a sneaky red fox who was hunting for dinner, and ptarmigans making themselves almost invisible in the snow.

On the last day in Churchill, we eagerly hopped on a helicopter for an exhilarating flight over the Tundra. It was absolutely fascinating to observe it from above, especially after exploring its vastness in the Tundra buggy for several days. The unique perspective from the air truly added a new level of excitement to our adventure, especially since we spotted 23 additional polar bears from the sky.

We also managed to squeeze in some time for an exhilarating dog sledding adventure with a local indigenous hero, Dave Daley!

Dave embarked on his incredible journey with the Hudson Bay Quest back in 2004, motivated by a strong desire to safely travel long distances with his loyal canine companions. And what better way to fulfill this dream than by organizing a remarkable 200-mile race!

During the first seven years of the race, Dave courageously journeyed north to Nunavut, taking on the incredibly dangerous and challenging terrain. However, due to the unpredictable weather caused by climate change, the route had to be altered. In 2010, he led his team of dedicated dogs all the way from Churchill to the heart of Winnipeg, the cherished homeland of the Métis people! This incredible pilgrimage allowed Dave, together with his faithful four-legged friends, to witness the breathtaking beauty of this province from one end to the other, gliding across the snow on the back of his trusty dog sled.

I’ll leave you with a few mesmerizing pictures (some mine and others shared by fellow travelers) that perfectly capture the essence of this incredible journey. Lynn and I unanimously agree that this trip easily makes it to the top 5 of our most memorable adventures. If you are considering embarking on this remarkable expedition next year, we wholeheartedly recommend choosing Natural Habitat Adventures as your trusted companion. Believe us, it’s the way to go!

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Pristine Fjords and Rocky Highlands of Southern Greenland

This was the 50th country we’ve visited so we were looking for a out-of-the-ordinary destination. Greenland is a region of contrasts, with towering mountains, lush valleys, and pristine fjords. It is a land of extremes, with long, dark winters and short, bright summers. But it is also a land of beauty and wonder, and it allowed us to round out our Scandinavian travels after visiting Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden all within the past year.

Note: One our friends and fellow travelers noted that Greenland is actually part of Denmark and it is not officially its own country. It is considered an autonomous country but still part of Denmark.

The cruise was with National Geographic and the second trip we’ve taken with them. Our first trip was in 2019 to Antarctica and it was our favorite of all 50 countries we’ve visited.

On the first day of our Greenland trip, we met 2 couples who were also on that same 2019 Antarctica trip – small world for sure. We formed a friendship with one of the couples from our prior Antarctica trip, Craig and Irene. We share similar interests and spent a considerable amount of time together.

National Geographic expeditions offer a unique cruise experience with dedicated scientists on board. These experts conduct research activities via scuba diving to collect items for scientific study. Each day, they present their findings through video presentations, focusing on topics like climate change.

We started and ended our journey in Reykjavik, Iceland and were able to see parts of Iceland we missed in our trip last year. We flew from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland before embarking on the National Geographic Endurance ship.

The National Geographic Endurance is a luxurious ship with excellent amenities such as a library, hot tubs, saunas, fitness and wellness centers, and unique sleeping arrangements in igloos — available upon request for the more adventurous.

Visiting Greenland can be challenging due to its vast size and difficult conditions. Our focus was on exploring Southern Greenland, where we navigated fjords along the coast. However, the return journey to Reykjavik was particularly rough, with nearly 30-foot waves making for a rocky few days.

Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, known for its small size and vibrant population. Located at the mouth of Nuuk Fjord, the city is home to around 19,600 people, mainly Inuit. Greenlandic and Danish are the official languages, and the city is famous for its colorful houses.

Neria Fjord

After leaving Nuuk, we sailed to the Neria Fjord. Exploring the serene Neria fjord on kayaks, we witnessed the majestic beauty of icebergs while experiencing the unexpected thrill of one of them exploding into the ocean. Luckily we kept a safe distance.

As the day progressed and excitement filled the air, an unexpected opportunity presented itself – a chance to partake in a Polar Plunge. With hearts racing and adrenaline pumping, Craig and I braved the chilly waters for the second time, as we both had also taken the plunge in Antarctica as did lrene.

Qassiarsuk, Greenland

Our next stop was Qassiarsuk, the Viking colony established by Erik the Red in the 10th century. Erik and his descendants lived there until about the mid-15th century.

The estate, along with other archeological sites in southwestern Greenland, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. The site includes ruins and Thjodhild’s church, a small chapel that was built for a small congregation of about 10.

When we arrived, we were met by a small Inuit community who call this location home. There was a small school of 11 students playing during recess.

Craig and I took a hike to a vista inhabited by a statue of Erik the Red.

Later that day, we visited an Inuit farmer’s home that was adjacent to the ruins and explored his expansive 100-acre sheep farm. We were warmly welcomed by his wife who treated us to delicious bread, cakes, tea and pastries.

Igaliku Fjord

The next day, we sailed down the Igaliku Fjord, to the well-preserved remains of Garðar – the religious heart of the Norsemen in Greenland. Rolling valleys lush with flowers and tall grass guard the entrance to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Garðar was the seat of the bishop and was the first Catholic diocese established in the Americas.

The ruins are surrounded by a few houses and a church built in the 1950’s to support the 21 Inuit inhabitants of this small village.

Qaqortoq

Nestled on the southern coast of Greenland, Qaqortoq was our last stop in Greenland before making the treacherous 3-day sail back to Iceland. Qaqortoq is a charming and picturesque city that showcases the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. With a population of just under 3,000 people, it may be small in size, but it is big on character.

One of the highlights of Qaqortoq is its vibrant arts scene. The city is adorned with numerous sculptures, adding an artistic touch to its streets and squares. These sculptures are the result of an annual international sculpture symposium, where artists from around the world gather to create captivating works of art inspired by the local culture and surroundings.

The last day on the ship, we were fortunate to witness the Northern Lights as we sailed towards Reykjavík.

I’ll leave you with a final picture taken the first night we were in Greenland sailing away from Nuuk.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Norway: The Quirky Charm of Oslo’s Naked Statues

After visiting Denmark, Sweden, Finland and most of Norway, our last stop was in the capital of Norway, Oslo. Oslo is a major seaport, and its nautical history is on display throughout the city. You can visit the Norwegian Maritime Museum to learn about the history of Norwegian shipping.

Oslo was founded by the Vikings in the 10th century, and its history is still evident in many parts of the city. You can visit the Viking Ship Museum to see some of the most well-preserved Viking ships in the world, or take a walk through the Gamle Oslo (Old Town) to see the ruins of Viking churches and buildings.

Norwegian cuisine is a bit unique. Pickled herring and reindeer stew share a table with fermented fish — that’s an acquired taste, to say the least. Lutefisk, anyone? It’s basically fish that’s been tortured with lye.

A must-see when in Oslo is Vigeland Park, a place where over 200 sculptures stand tall, quite literally, in all their naked glory. Created by sculptor Gustav Vigeland, these statues represent life, love, and human connection in all their unclothed splendor. From the comical “Man Attacked by Babies” to the intimate “Sinataggen,” this park is a mix of emotion, wit, and a whole lot of skin.

Final Thoughts on our 3 Week Scandinavian Trip

After visiting Iceland, we were amped to visit other Scandinavian countries — and figured it would take 3 weeks to do it justice. We enjoyed all 4 of the Scandinavian countries. We started in Denmark, traveled to Sweden, then Finland and finally Norway, here was our itinerary:

Denmark

We really enjoyed the walkability and bike-friendliness of Copenhagen Denmark along with the beautiful waterways around the city.

Sweden

The Vasa museum in Stockholm Sweden was really interesting and if you make it there, I highly suggest a visit to this museum.

Finland

Crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time was a bucket list item that I’m glad we were able to do.

You’ll also see lots of free roaming reindeer as you travel around and maybe even a few moose.

Norway

Norway was the most beautiful of the 4 countries, in my opinion. The countless fjords and scenic mountains are just stunning. If you only had a week to visit Scandinavia, I would simply do Norway. If you have a little more than a week, I suggest Copenhagen, followed by Norway.

This wraps up our blogs on Scandinavia but in a couple of weeks we will be spending a couple weeks in Greenland on a National Geographic explorer trip — I will recap that trip once we return.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Norway: Trolls and Fjords from Trondheim to Geiranger

After leaving Trondheim, we drove to Geiranger on one of the most scenic drives in Norway. The route takes you through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, past towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

The first part of the drive takes you out of Trondheim and through the lush green fields of the Trøndelag region. You will pass by several small towns and villages, as well as the giant Troll’s Tongue rock formation.

Trolls are mythical creatures that are deeply embedded in Norwegian culture and folklore. They are often depicted as large, ugly, and stupid creatures that live in the mountains and forests. Trolls are also known to be mischievous and dangerous, and they often try to harm humans.

However, trolls can also be seen as a symbol of Norwegian identity. They represent the country’s rugged natural beauty, its wild and untamed wilderness, and its independent spirit. Trolls are also a reminder of Norway’s rich history and culture, and they continue to be a popular subject of art, literature, and tourism.

After about an hour, you will reach the town of Åndalsnes. This is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the views of the Romsdal Valley. From Åndalsnes, the road winds its way up into the mountains, past the Trollstigen hairpin bends.

The Trollstigen road is a popular tourist destination, and it can be busy in the summer months. After you have passed the Trollstigen road, the drive becomes more peaceful. You will pass by several small lakes and waterfalls, and you will get stunning views of the Sunnmøre Alps.

The final part of the drive takes you down into the Geirangerfjord. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. The drive along the fjord is simply breathtaking.

We took a boat ride through the fjords with some Buddhist monks who were zenly taking in the sights.

We also drove along the amazing Trollstigen, or Troll’s Road. The road was a masterpiece of engineering when it was built over 70 years ago and the spectacular views will leave you speechless.

In our next (and last blog on Norway), we will visit Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Norway: Narvik to Trondheim (our Personal Favorite)

After a few days in Alta, we headed south to Narvik, a scenic drive of expansive fjords and snow-capped mountains.

Narvik is the northernmost city in Norway with a population of over 10,000 people. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, its important role in the iron ore trade, and its strategic location during World War II.

The Battle of Narvik was fought in April and May 1940, and it was one of the first major battles of the war. The Germans were eventually defeated, but the battle left a lasting legacy in Narvik. Today, there are several museums and memorials in the town that commemorate the battle.

After leaving Narvik, we headed towards Trondheim, our personal favorite city in Norway. It’s a scenic rural drive with waterfalls and expansive fields of green, hugging the fjords.

Trondheim is a charming city that is known for its walkability. The city center is compact and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets and pathways. This makes Trondheim a great place to explore on foot, and it’s a great way to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

There are many things to see and do in Trondheim, and many of the city’s most popular attractions are within walking distance of each other. This includes the Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Gamle Bybro, and the Botanical Garden. There are also many shops, restaurants, and cafes in the city center, so you’ll never be far from a place to refuel.

Walking along the river front in Trondheim is a great way to experience the city’s charm and beauty. The Nidelva River flows through the heart of the city, and it is lined with colorful houses, shops, and restaurants. There are also several bridges that cross the river, which provide great views of the cityscape.

One of the best places to walk along the river front is in Bakklandet, a historic neighborhood that is located on the east bank of the river. Bakklandet is home to a number of traditional Norwegian buildings, and it is a great place to wander around and explore.

Another great place to walk along the river front is in the city center. Here, you will find the Gamle Bybro, a 17th-century bridge that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Trondheim. The bridge offers great views of the river and the city skyline, and it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

No matter where you choose to walk along the river front, you are sure to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere. The river is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city, and it is a great way to experience Trondheim at its best.

Here is a map that shows our path from Lapland Finland to Trondheim Norway, after stopping in North Cape, Alta, and Narvik.

We continued our journey south, and will blog about those towns in the coming weeks.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Norway: River Boats, Rock Art, and Huskies in Alta

After experiencing the Midnight Sun in The North Cape of Norway, we made our way through Finnmark towards Alta. Our first stop was in the fishing village of Sarnes, where we visited a local king crab fishing center to taste this buttery delicacy.

The water in the bay was crystal clear and chilly, surrounded by small buildings in the the standard red hue seen throughout Norway.

After learning about king crab, we stepped into a teepee style building where we sat around a roaring fire as we sipped on wine and munched on king crab.

After making our way to Alta, we took a wilderness river boat ride at Sorrisniva. This unique experience takes you on a journey through the Alta River Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you will see towering cliffs, lush forests, and a variety of wildlife you may spot, including reindeer, moose, and eagles.

During the winter, Sorrisniva constructs an igloo hotel and it is impressive. Would you stay there?

After river boating, we stopped at the Rock Art of Alta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 5,000 ancient rock carvings, dating back over 6,000 years. The carvings depict a variety of animals, including reindeer, bears, and whales.

Here are a few facts about the rock art:

• The rock art of Alta is so old that it predates the invention of the wheel. This means that the people who made the carvings had to drag their tools and materials across the landscape on their own two feet.
• Some of the carvings in Alta depict animals that are no longer found in the area. This suggests that the climate in Norway has changed significantly over the past 6,000 years.
• One of the most famous carvings in Alta is a depiction of a man with a bird head. This carving has been interpreted in many different ways, but some people believe that it represents a shaman, or a person who could communicate with the spirit world.
• The rock art of Alta is not just a collection of pretty pictures. It is also a valuable source of information about the lives of the people who made it. The carvings provide insights into their diet, their hunting practices, and their religious beliefs.

The rock art is situated in a scenic vista overlooking the bay.

One of our more interesting stops was to visit a working husky farm where we met the Lyrek family.

The Lyrek family is a Norwegian family of dog mushers who have been competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for over 30 years. The family patriarch, Lars Lyrek, is a legendary musher who has won the Iditarod four times. His son, Ole Lyrek, has also won the race twice, and his daughter, Kari Lyrek, has competed in the race several times.

The Lyreks are a close-knit family who are passionate about dog mushing. They train their dogs year-round in the harsh conditions of Northern Norway. Alta is known for its long winters and its abundance of snow, which makes it a perfect place for dog mushing.

The Lyreks are a major force in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. They have won the race a total of six times, and they have finished in the top 10 many times. The Lyreks are an inspiration to dog mushers all over the world, and they are a testament to the power of family and the human-animal bond.

We were fortunate to meet Kari Lyrek, the youngest of the dog mushers. She talked about how she was introduced to the sport as a young kid and had a passion for the sport. She detailed her Iditarod journey that she finished in 2009 and all of the preparation and training she went through leading up to the event.

Here are some additional facts about the Lyrek family:

• Lars Lyrek was born in Alta, Norway in 1945. He began mushing dogs at a young age, and he quickly became one of the best mushers in Norway.
• Ole Lyrek was born in Alta, Norway in 1970. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful musher. He won the Iditarod in 2007 and 2010.
• Kari Lyrek was born in Alta, Norway in 1975. She is the only woman in the Lyrek family to compete in the Iditarod. She finished the race in 2009.

Our final stop in Alta was to visit the Alta Church, known as the Northern Lights Church due to its spiral design that resembles the Northern Lights.

The church was consecrated in 2013, is made of concrete and titanium and has a capacity of 350 people. The spiral design is meant to symbolize the journey of life, from birth to death. The concrete walls represent strength and stability and the titanium cladding is meant to reflect the light of the Northern Lights.

In the coming weeks, I’ll spotlight more of the spectacular places we visited in Norway.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Norway: Experiencing the Midnight Sun in the North Cape

The North Cape is the northernmost point of mainland Europe, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in seeing the beauty of Norway. The cape is located on Magerøya island, about 1,300 miles north of Oslo.

We began our journey with an Arctic Adventure via boat around the Gjesværstappen archipelago, a group of islands located in the Norwegian Sea, about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The archipelago is a protected nesting area for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and white-tailed eagles.

The boat departs from Giesvaer, giving you a chance to see the North Cape from a different perspective.

We were lucky to avoid any rain and saw lots of Puffins and other birds along the islands.

White tailed eagles were sparring with other birds as they tried to steal eggs.

Lazy seals sat back and watched the birds while periodically diving for fish.

After the boat tour, we returned to our hotel in Honningsvag, a small town that is the northernmost town in mainland Europe, known as the gateway to the Arctic. Although quaint, it was scenic, quiet and relaxing.

A few hours before midnight we made our way to Nordkapp, the northernmost point of the North Cape where we were excited to see the midnight sun. In just a few hours, the weather turned windy and cloudy, making the midnight sun even more dramatic.

We never really saw nightfall, as during June it stays light pretty much all night. You get the orange glow of the midnight sun but within a few hours, it is fully light again. It is an interesting phenomenon that takes a toll on your body clock.

Winds were blowing about 60 miles per hour, it’s difficult to describe the wind force so we took a quick video where you can hear the winds howling.

I’ll leave you with one last view of the Midnight Sun.

In the coming weeks, I’ll spotlight more of the spectacular places we visited in Norway.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Crossing the Arctic Circle: A Journey from Helsinki to Lapland Finland

After visiting Antarctica in 2019, Lynn and I wanted to see the other side of the globe by crossing the Arctic Circle. It’s the invisible line that marks the northernmost point where the sun can be seen at midnight during the summer solstice. So when we had the chance to visit Lapland, Finland, crossing the Arctic Circle became a reality.

We started our journey to Finland in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Helsinki is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. But we were eager to get to Lapland, so we headed north to Kuopio.

The scenery was amazing. We saw forests, lakes, and mountains that seemed to go on forever. Finland has more lakes than any other country in the world, with over 187,888 lakes and is the most forested country in Europe, with forests covering 74% of the country’s land area.

Just prior to getting to Kuopio, we stopped by a ski jump practice area where young kids were smoothly jumping in a style that would scare the hell out of most us.

Kuopio is the 8th largest city in Finland, with a population of 122,615 but is small, clean and well kept. It’s the home of several universities and the Cathedral of Kuopio, a beautiful cathedral built in the 18th century.

Walking through town takes you to the Kallavesi Lake, a picturesque area with islands, tons of bird species and many water activities.

One of the delicacies in Finland is Reindeer. We saw several places that offered it as an entrée or in a meat pie. Would you eat it?

Continuing north, but not yet at the Arctic Circle, we began to make our way to Rovaniemi. We stopped at one of the oldest churches in Finland where the inside was built primarily from wood.

We also stopped by a village dedicated to the indigenous people of Finland, the Sámi. Our guide was Sámi and gave us an understanding of their past and life as it is today.

Once in Rovaniemi, we visited a reindeer farm. All reindeer are owned by Sámi tribe members and are tagged and allowed to roam free. Reindeer are an important part of the Sámi culture, and they have been herded by the Sámi for centuries. We were given a tour of the reindeer farm by a popular Sámi where we visited the herd and had a wonderfully prepared meal of fish. They also offered reindeer on the menu, but we stuck to the fish.

They also allowed us to practice lassoing reindeer (using a wooden practice unit). Several people tried lassoing from about 15 feet away, but Lynn and I were the only people to successfully do it.

A few days later, we noticed that our Sámi guide at the reindeer farm was famous when we saw his biography in a local museum.

Alas, we reached the Arctic Circle. It located in Santa’s Village, where Santa takes the rest of the year off. We also got a chance to meet the big guy and let him know what our grandkids want for Christmas.

We continued our journey north to Norway, our favorite of the Scandinavian countries, and I will cover that blogs in the coming weeks.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Helsinki Finland: Home of 3 Million Saunas and One Bad Boy

After visiting Copenhagen and Stockholm, we embarked an overnight cruise to Helsinki Finland. The cruise passes through the Gulf of Finland (a huge body of water separating Finland from Sweden) and is a great opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery of the Baltic Sea.

The cruise passes by several islands, including the Åland Islands. As you approach Helsinki, you encounter lots of islands where the Finish people have second homes.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by the iconic Ferris wheel. As you hop on one of the Ferris wheel’s gondolas and start ascending, you might notice a distinct, high-pitched sound accompanying your journey. No, it’s not the wind or some mechanical malfunction. It’s the notorious squeak that has become synonymous with the SkyWheel Helsinki. Rumor has it that the squeaky sound is intentionally engineered into the ride, as a way to entertain and surprise visitors.

As you walk around the city, you notice a lot of public saunas. In Helsinki, saunas are not just a luxury, but a way of life. The city boasts a staggering number of saunas—over 3 million! That’s roughly one sauna for every two residents. Forget about the usual coffee shops; here, you’ll find saunas in converted buses, boats, and even gondolas!

Perched in the middle of town is the Helsinki Cathedral, a Lutheran church built in 1852, accessible via a grand staircase of 40 inclining steps, perfect for a quick workout.

If you take a closer look at the Helsinki Cathedral’s exterior, you’ll notice several statues. Among them, the four statues atop the cathedral’s pediment represent the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These statues were actually created by Russian sculptor Johan Sergel, showcasing the historical ties between Finland and Russia.

As we toured the city, we stopped by the Sibelius Monument. It is an 89 foot abstract sculpture of organ pipes, located in Sibelius Park in the Töölö district of Helsinki.

It was designed by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen and was dedicated in 1967. The monument is a tribute to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who is known for his symphonic works. The monument is meant to represent the sound waves of Sibelius’ music, and it is often said to resemble a giant harp or a forest of birch trees.

We also visited the Flying Cinema of Helsinki, a combination of 360-degree video, motion seats, and special effects to create a truly immersive experience. As you watch the video, the seats move and tilt to simulate the feeling of flying. The special effects, such as wind and mist, add to the realism of the experience. While not as enthralling as the Flyover Cinema in Iceland, it is a great way to see Helsinki and Finland without having to leave the city.

I didn’t learn about this until after we left, but not far from the Flying Cinema is a famous statue called the “Bad Bad Boy”, you can see why from a picture I found online:

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.

Stockholm Sweden – Venice of the North

After starting our Scandinavian adventure in Copenhagen, the happiest city on earth, Stockholm Sweden, the home of IKEA and world famous meatballs, was next on our itinerary.

Stockholm is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its unique location spread across 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges. The city’s distinctive geography offers stunning waterfront views and plenty of opportunities for boat tours and water-based activities.

The prestigious Nobel Prize, awarded annually in several categories such as Physics, Chemistry, and Peace, was established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, engineer, and industrialist. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901 in Stockholm, and the Nobel Prize Banquet is still held in the city’s Stockholm City Hall.

Stockholm City Hall is known for its opulent architecture and lavish interiors. However, one peculiar incident occurred in 2004 when a drunken guest attending a wedding at the City Hall managed to steal the gold-plated toilet from one of the bathrooms. The theft went unnoticed until the next morning when it was reported. The golden toilet was later found in a nearby construction site, slightly damaged but ultimately recovered. This bizarre incident added an unexpected twist to the City Hall’s history.

Stockholm is one of the world’s greenest cities. With around 30% of the city area consisting of waterways and another 30% comprised of parks and green spaces, Stockholm is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. The city prioritizes public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and renewable energy sources, making it one of the most eco-friendly capitals globally. You see lots of locals out walking, and jogging but not as many bicycles as in Copenhagen.

Stockholm is also a hub for innovative technology startups, including Spotify, Klarna, and King (creator of Candy Crush). The city’s supportive ecosystem, investment opportunities, and highly skilled workforce have contributed to its emergence as a thriving tech hub.

Just a short walk from City Hall lies the Vasa Museum, home to the infamous Vasa Galleon. Brace yourself for a shipwrecked surprise like no other. Picture this: a grand vessel, built to impress, but barely making it out of the harbor before sinking like a lead balloon. It’s the nautical equivalent of attempting a graceful dive, only to belly-flop in front of a cheering audience. As you marvel at the colossal ship’s remains, you can’t help but admire the irony of such a grand failure. It’s a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go hilariously awry, leaving us all with a valuable lesson in humility.

The Vasa was intended to be the crown jewel of the Swedish navy, a powerful warship that would showcase the nation’s naval supremacy. It was designed to be heavily armed, with two gun decks and a total of 64 cannons. The ship was also adorned with elaborate carvings, gilded sculptures, and vibrant colors, displaying the wealth and grandeur of the Swedish empire. Sweden spent 3 times their national GDP to build it.

However, due to its top-heavy design and inadequate stability calculations, the Vasa was inherently flawed. On August 10, 1628, the ship set sail on its maiden voyage in Stockholm Harbor. After sailing less than a mile, the Vasa heeled over and began to sink. The ship sank in front of a shocked audience, with only a few crew members able to escape.

The sinking of the Vasa was a result of several factors, including its excessive weight, poorly distributed ballast, and design flaws that made it highly unstable. Investigations revealed that the ship’s builders had not conducted adequate stability tests before its launch.

For centuries, the Vasa ship remained submerged in the cold waters of Stockholm Harbor. It was forgotten until its rediscovery in the mid-20th century by Swedish marine archaeologist Anders Franzén. In 1961, after extensive preparations and engineering efforts, the ship was successfully salvaged from the seabed. Buried deep in the seabed, it was wonderfully preserved for more than 300 years.

The Vasa was carefully erected and restored, and in 1990, the Vasa Museum was opened in Stockholm to house the ship.

As in Copenhagen, we also visited the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The Changing of the Guard is a symbol of Sweden’s rich history and its strong connection to its monarchy. The Royal Palace serves as the official residence of the Swedish royal family, and witnessing this ceremony allows you to experience a taste of the pomp and grandeur associated with royalty.

The ceremony takes place every day, year-round, but the schedule may vary depending on the season. During the summer months, from May to August, the ceremony is more elaborate and includes a parade. This is when you can witness the Royal Guards, dressed in their striking blue and yellow uniforms, marching through the streets of Stockholm with precision and pride.

In our next post, we will continue our journey through Scandinavia to the capital of Finland, Helsinki.

Want to Connect?

Follow me: Twitter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn 

You can subscribe to this blog by placing your email in the top right area of the page.