When it comes to Sweden we all know places like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. But bigger portion of Sweden is actually unpopulated, especially up north and you can run into unspoiled nature.
Here are the five best hidden spots in the Sweden.
Jokkmokk is a small town in Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the centuries-old Jokkmokk Winter Market, an annual event that draws thousands for handicrafts made by the indigenous Sami people. You can also enjoy the local food and music or check out the Jokkmokk Alpine Garden.
Jokkmokk, is located the north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle.
Kalmar Castle present appearance dates from the 16th century, when the Vasa kings rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace, in the town of Kalmar in the ancient province of Småland. The history of this legendary castle stretches back over 800 years. The castle then saw its most glorious period as a stronghold of royal power, although it had already played an important role in Scandinavian politics, particularly as the meeting place for the signing of the Kalmar Union in 1397.
Built over the course of more than a decade in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in its current design in the 16th century and is considered one of the most significant examples of northern European fortifications in the Renaissance. Archeologists have found traces of ancient burials from the Stone Age, some of which are on display in the castle.
Living in a tree house is the dream of many a child but in Harads, Sweden you’ll find Tree Hotel, a grown-up version that will blow your childhood fantasies away. Inspired by the 2008 Swedish documentary The Tree Lover, the village of treehouses are suspended four to six meters in the air and each one is unique. From the reflective room (pictured below) to the UFO treehouse, most rooms sleep four to six people and are designed to not just reflect nature but to be fully integrated into it.
It’s not quite as expansive as the Stockholm archipelago — dozens of islands as opposed to thousands — but to those who love it, the Gothenburg archipelago is even more stunning. Technically, there are two Gothenburg archipelagos: the southern archipelago doesn’t allow any cars, making it perfect for a truly remote break, while the northern archipelago has a car ferry and a few of the islands are even connected by bridges. The seal safaris and hands-on oyster shucking are just two of the many activities to try before you wander on foot to soak in the beauty.
Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in Sweden. The Kebnekaise massif, which is part of the Scandinavian Mountains, has two main peaks, which is ice-free at 2 096.8 metres. The mountain is close to Kiruna and Kungsleden, the hiking trails that runs between Abisko and Nikkaloukta.
Although Kebnekaise kan be reached on several trails around the region, the normal approach is to drive from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta, and hike the 19Km to Kebnekaise fjellstation. A ferry might save you 6km if you choose to catch a ride.
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas.
The Azores islands are consistently ranked as one of the best, most sustainable, and most affordable island travel destinations in Europe. Located between Europe and North America, the Azores are the perfect island getaway for those looking for a unique and beautiful destination.
There is plenty to see and do (and eat) throughout the nine islands to keep the most ambitious traveler busy and beyond satisfied; here’s just a starter.
Lets explore the top 10 things to do in the Azores:
Photo Credit: Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal | ARoxo/Moment/Getty Images
Azores Geopark
The Azores Geopark is a network of 121 geographically-dispersed sites of geographic heritage and marine areas that covers the nine volcanic islands of the archipelago of the Azores, representating the archipelago’s vast and varied volcanic geodiversity. There’s no place quite as geologically interesting and breathtaking as the Azores Geopark.
The natural beauty in the park includes about 300 volcanic cavities, underwater geothermal sources, fumarolic fields, crater lakes, dry calderas and so much more.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the world of wild dolphins and whale, then look no further. Many species of whale and dolphin pass by the Azores on their annual migrations. The Azores attracts huge numbers of dolphins and whale, many of whom are very interactive both with boats and swimmers. Whale are, undeniably, one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and majestic creatures, so it’s only natural to want to see these marvelous animals up close and personal.
This is of the most unforgettable experiences for the whole family includes sailing through the Atlantic in search of these majestic marine mammals. Most of the islands have guided tours available. The largest of the nine islands, Sao Miguel — some of the biggest highlights lie in the vast ocean that surrounds it. And probably the easiest way there with companies in Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo.
April through June is the best time to see blue whales, but you can still see other kinds of whales and dolphins the rest of the year-round.
The waters that surround the Azores are a diver’s paradise, filled with all sorts of fish species and amazing rock formations, but diving isn’t a year-round pursuit. Each island brings something different to the table: For diving enthusiasts, the very best can be found in the waters of Terceira, near the old port of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira there’s an underwater anchor graveyard of ancient ship anchors and marine life like eagle rays and octopus, while the awesome topography of Pico Island continues beneath the waves with sheer volcanic cliffs.
Off São Miguel there are volcanic canyons at low depth, providing habitat for octopuses and triggerfish.
Throughout the islands, there are more than 100 diving spots with over 3,000 marine species, vertical walls, clean waters and incredible encounters with manta rays, mobulas and even whale sharks.
You can dive the Azores any time of the year, but the best offshore dive sites are only really accessible during the summer.
There’s a lagoon in the middle fed by the ocean on the landward side, and so completely shielded from the ocean currents. This strange, beautiful spot fills up quickly on sunny days. You can take a short boat ride from the Pier of Vila Franca do Campo to get to this amazing location
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. You can enjoy an afternoon on the slopes of the ancient caldera or go for a swim within the Islet’s crater. This tiny island is just a kilometer away from São Miguel’s coast. Spot beautiful and vibrant vegetation, a gorgeous lagoon shielded from the ocean’s currents, and marvel at the natural cone that the islet creates.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sete Cidades Caldera
This landscape has been shaped by successive volcanic events over the last 38,000 years. The last eruption might have been as recent as the 1400s, just before the island was colonized.
Nothing can prepare you for the astonishing views of the Sete Cidades Massif on the west side of São Miguel Island. Twin green and blue lakes are ensconced in evergreen vegetation and shielded by a massive volcanic crater that rises like ramparts is one of the scenic highlights of the Azores. Sitting inside the crater of an extinct volcano, a bridge divides the lake into two sections. They each have quite distinct colors. Visit on a clear day if possible, as that’s when you’ll get those perfect breathtaking views.
The natural beauty of this twin lake is breathtaking with lively hues of green blanketing the surrounding landscapes. The twin lakes, which are relatively small and are ecologically unique, are connected by a small square and can be crossed via a small bridge. They are known simply as the Green Lake and the Blue Lake
Boca do Inferno translates as the Mouth of Hell, is likely to be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited. With just a few minutes walk, you’ll see a breathtaking panorama that you can’t imagine.
You can see the small town of Sete Cidades visible in the distance, and it’s one of the best places on Sao Miguel to see how volcanic activity has shaped the island.
If you are driving, don’t park in the car park off the main road, but continue driving on the dirt road opposite for a few minutes until you reach the end. The dirt road runs along the top of the caldera, and you walk walk directly alongside where you park the car.
Photo Credit: Tiago Ferreira / Flickr
Terra Nostra Park
A visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens is like spending time in a secret paradise tucked away at the Azores, one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Over 200 years old, the Terra Nostra Gardens are internationally renowned for their incredible beauty which is showcased in a sprawling 31-acre complex. Visitors to the gardens can see beautiful plant life from all over the world such as Rhododendrons from Malaysia, a collection of Cycads and Camellias, the exceptional Victoria Cruziana, and even over 300 kinds of ferns. Full of tropical and subtropical plants from the Azores and around the world, it’s easy to spend an hour or more exploring these large, impressive gardens.
Terra Nostra Park The Botanical Park´s next highlight is the famous thermal water pool. The volcanic hot spring nourishes the pool with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Photo Credit: madeinazores.eu
Pico Island Wine Country
With all of the volcanos surrounding the Azorean islands, the Pico Island Wine Country has been producing world-class wine since the 15th century. The stone homes and stone-walled vineyards that were built to protect the 2,439 acres of vineyard from fierce Atlantic winds and surges of salty ocean water from centuries ago can still be seen today in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Criação Velha wine region, in the municipality of Madalena.
Tour the vineyards with a local guide during the day and spend the late afternoons and evenings sipping and tasting all of the gorgeous wines that Pico Island has to offer.
Photo Credit: wikipedia
Montanha do Pico
At Pico Island you can climb the mountain, 2351 meters (7713 feet) above sea level. The Montanha do Pico is one of the highest Atlantic mountains, it’s the tallest in Portugal and twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores. The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife. With a summit that often disappears into the cloud.
You can climb the mountain in the afternoon so you can see the sunset when you are in the top or enjoy a remarkable view of the Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge and Terceria Islands. The steep, nearly 3-mile trek takes about three hours. In addition to magnificent vistas, you’ll see lava tubes and fascinating rock formations too.
The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife.
Photo Credit: azoresontravel.com
Poca da Dona Beija
Take a break from your tour of Sao Miguel with a relaxing swim at Poca Da Dona Beija, a small spa featuring three natural pools of iron-rich water known for its therapeutic properties. Fed by a series of hot springs, the small pools remain at about 39 C (102 F), an ideal temperature for soothing tense muscles and easing pains associated with chronic rheumatism.
Today, Poca da Dona Beija has been lovingly renovated and update to exude a rustic charm with its brick pools that are fringed by vibrant tropical vegetation. After the hot bath, you can enjoy the tropical landscaping and the gift shop of the facility. Keep in mind that the yellowish water can leave stains on your clothes.
Photo Credit: Jorge Santos / olhares.sapo.pt
Lagoa das Furnas
There are three spectacular lakes on São Miguel Island and one of them is the Lagoa das Furnas. Lagoa das Furnas is unique in scenery and experiences. One of the most unique features of Lagoa das Furnas is the clear and amazing sign of volcanic activity that takes place on the lake’s northwestern shore. Furnas is the place to visit if you want to see the hot springs. It has an active caldera with steam vents, mud pots and geysers, locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas. This hot spring and most touristy city of the island is situated in the east inland of Sao Miguel in the middle of mountains and forest.
On a raised boardwalk guests can navigate to get a great view of the small calderas and pools at the lake spouting steam.
These small craters are even used by restaurant chefs in the town of Furnas who bring their pots of cozido (meat and vegetable stew) and let them simmer in the hot ground. And after that you may be enticed to head to town to taste traditional food cooked with volcanic activity.
Check this official video about Azores from VisitPortugal. Don’t forget to check their Youtube channel for more and unforgettable videos about Portugal.
Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The nearest countries are Canada, to the west and southwest across Baffin Bay, and Iceland, east of the country in the Atlantic Ocean.
It is a unique country that people do not know much about it.
The country has been controlled first by Norway and then by Denmark. Once it was part of the EU in 1973 when the country was part of Denmark, but it later left. The majority live in the lower part of West Greenland, while a small part lives in the northern Thule area.
We’ll share some fun facts about the world’s largest island to inspire you to make your dream trip a reality.
13. A full round trip takes 80 hours in each direction.
14. The island became part of the Norwegian Empire in the 13th century.
15. In 1946 The USA offered to purchase Greenland from Denmark for $100,000,000.
16. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979 and began full self-government in 2009.
17. The country has been largely self-governing since 1979, but Denmark oversees some aspects of government.
18. The religion on the island today is mainly protestant Christian.
19. The hydropower renewable energy on the island has great potential.
20. The Greenlandic cuisine is based mostly on fish, sea mammals and birds.
21. The country’s flag has a polar bear in a blue shield – the polar bear is meant to symbolize the fauna of the island and the blue represents the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
22. Danish krone is the currency of Greenland.
23. Recent research confirms that the inhabitants of Greenland originated from eastern Siberia via Canada.
24. “Kayak” and “igloo” are Greenlandic words that became popular and have been adopted by other languages.
25. Coffee in Greenland typically includes whiskey.
26. The world’s largest National Park – Kalaallit Nunaanni nuna eqqissisimatitaq covering an area with over 375,000 square miles can be found here.
27. June 21 is a national holiday and it is the longest day of the year.
28. The country is geographically part of North America, but politically is part of Europe.
29. The official languages of the country are Greenlandic and Danish, though English is widely understood.
30. It is the largest dependent territory by area in the world.
Its remote location, small population and seemingly insular political and economic system make it largely inaccessible to all curious tourists.
