SCANDINAVIA: A NORDIC ADVENTURE
As I stepped through the Danish arrivals terminal, a rush of excitement pulsed through me. I wondered what Denmark had to offer. The Canadian in me smiled—one of the first things I noticed was the northern climate: a chill breeze on my skin and the scent of fresh air, carried from the nearby wilderness. While I would find little wilderness in the capital of Copenhagen, I could feel it beneath my feet, in the earth and rock below.
The quiet yet friendly people gave me a new appreciation for intentional and direct communication, while still living a relaxed and laid-back life. Doing my best not to generalize, I found this lifestyle common across Scandinavia. I felt a closeness with the northern people, being from the north myself. Again, I found similarities to home in the people I connected with. Although I missed the friendly smiles and small talk from my fellow Canadians, I surely enjoyed the large cups of coffee up north—a contrast to the small but strong brews found throughout much of Europe. Perhaps I was searching for signs of home, to help quench the desire to be reunited with the land that’s shaped and strengthened who I am.
Copenhagen grounded me in the Nordics. I made new connections, conducted interviews, and even enjoyed a lovely visit from a travel partner I’d met earlier in Europe—along with, of course, a lot of bikes.
Norway became a place of rest, offering much-needed restoration for my body. It turns out traveling the world takes some energy and endurance—who would’ve thought? Still, I enjoyed walks around the harbour and views from the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House, perched right on the water. Wandering through the streets, I caught another dose of the magic grand European cities are known for.
Saying farewell to Norway, I hopped on a train across Sweden to the capital, Stockholm. The ride itself was a treat: wilderness, countryside, and—luckily—three moose. I also spotted numerous small lakes and the vast northern forests. Much of the terrain was bedrock, nearly identical to my home on Georgian Bay, part of the Canadian Shield. Expansive slabs of rock covered in pine, cedar, and hardwood trees called to me—I wanted to walk straight into the depths of those beautiful forests. I could nearly smell the earthy aromas from the train. This familiarity turned out to be a precursor to the adventures awaiting me around Stockholm.
My main goal in Sweden was to explore the Stockholm Archipelago—a series of thousands of windswept, glacier-scraped islands stretching out into the sea. I took an hour-long ferry to one of the larger southern islands, drawn by the familiar tree-covered rocks. Apart from a small village, the island was mostly empty. I chose a 10-kilometre hiking loop so I could catch the last ferry back—or risk sleeping in the woods.
When I reached the eastern shoreline, I was blown away. It was almost identical to the Canadian Shield—veins of quartz, moss-covered rocks, familiar trees and foliage. Even the forest smelled the same. It was hard to believe I was thousands of kilometres from home. I spotted Canadian geese, loons, cormorants, and mallard ducks—the same animals. The only difference was below the surface: the water here was brackish, a mix of sea and river, giving rise to different seaweeds and algae. My soul was nourished by this portal into the wilderness I was raised in. It was a magical experience—one I’ll never forget. I caught the last ferry back and slept soundly that night.
A Finnish friend I met in Copenhagen invited me to her home city, Helsinki, and I couldn’t refuse. A seasoned traveller knows never to turn down a local’s offer to show you their homeland—an experience no tourist attraction can match. I caught a flight to Finland, my final Nordic destination.
We started the day walking through the modern shopping district, eventually reaching the old harbour markets. The bustling market was full of Finnish treasures—from reindeer antlers and hand-stitched furs to beautiful knives and classic clothing. But the food stole the show. There was succulent salmon and reindeer meat everywhere—almost too much for one serving. We opted for a hearty Finnish staple: salmon soup. Rich, creamy, and filled with fresh vegetables, potatoes, and herbs—it was divine. Still, loyalty runs deep: only my mom’s soup beats it.
After exploring the market, we headed into the forest. I was still riding the high of my Stockholm hike, eager for more northern nature. This terrain felt more like inland Canada—thicker soil, denser pine stands, and occasional bedrock outcrops. A chill bit at my nose and ears, but it was refreshing. We climbed a standalone rock and listened. The forest was quiet, as if sleeping—waiting for spring. Each breath grounded me deeper into the earth, a welcome break from the overstimulation of Europe’s cities. This deep resonance with nature was water to the flowers of my soul.
With a chill in our bones, we took the most logical course of action—baking a fresh Finnish-style blueberry pie. Tea, warm pie, breath work, and dancing concluded the evening.
I spent my remaining days between sauna sessions and wandering Helsinki’s harbours. I had long wanted to experience Finnish sauna culture, and luckily, the guesthouse had one available to all. I embraced this sacred tradition. It wasn’t just cleansing—it was communal. As the heat soaked into my skin, I felt the stress and tension of the day melt away. Sauna is not just a practice—it’s a way of life. I’m now convinced: my future home must include one.
On my final day, I gave in to the call of the salmon market. I indulged in a heaping plate of salmon, reindeer meat, and fried sardines with seasoned harvest vegetables and creamy garlic sauce. Full to bursting, I slowly walked the market one last time. Then I saw them—fur hats. Back home, winters hit -30°C, and shoulder seasons bite too. I needed good headgear. I left with two handmade Finnish fur hats—one snow-white rabbit and one soft brown beaver. Both harvested and crafted by the seller himself. My only souvenirs from Europe, and fitting ones.
Thus ended my journey across Scandinavia—one of my favourite parts of Europe. I’ll return someday, maybe to explore the Norwegian Arctic.
Now onto the next adventure: a complete shake-up in the Indonesian island of Bali. Look out for the Southeast Asian blog!
RISE TO UNITE!
