Although Northern Europe, including Norway and Sweden, can be a little frosty during the winter months, the cold weather actually adds to the appeal of vacationing there. With a ton of cold-weather related activities that you can do there and not anywhere else, don’t let the cold deter you from an awesome Northern European vacation.
Go Dog Sledding
If you’re an avid dog lover, then the one thing you must do in Norway is to go dog sledding. Norway just happens to be one of the biggest hubs for huskies, mushers, and sledding. Dog sledding originated in North America and Siberia around 2000 B.C. and steadily moved around the world. Dog sledding came to Norway around World War I and since become one of the country’s biggest sports. During your visit, you can meet a lot of cute dogs who just happen to be world-class athletes as well, can catch a ride on the dog sled, and can view the breathtaking Norwegian landscape. You can even choose to drive the sled yourself if you’re looking for a little bit more adventure. Dog sledding and snow tours are memorable activities you will appreciate for the rest of your life!
Stay in an Ice Hotel
Another thing you must do during your awesomely cold vacation is to stay in an ice hotel. These incredible hotels are really built with ice, usually over the course of six weeks. Everything in the hotel is made of ice, including beds, walls, bars, and much more. While there, be sure to spend some time in a sauna or hot tub during your stay — the contrast between hot and cold is said to have rejuvenating effects! And no, due to cold-weather hot tubs’ unique construction, they do not put the hotel in danger of melting.
Glimpse the Northern Lights
Last, when you’re planning your Northern European vacation, you must try and see the Northern Lights. These magical lights are a phenomenon caused by solar activity, and they create dazzling, dancing colors, and lights in the night sky. As the Northern Lights can only be seen in the far north, Norway and Sweden are some of the few places where you can glimpse these lights. There are lots of tours and even hotels that specialize in helping you view the lights. Patience is key when trying to see the Northern Lights, as they don’t always show up on demand, but more likely than not your patience will be rewarded with a magical light show in the sky.
There’s no reason to let the cold deter you from a Northern European vacation. From dog sledding to ice hotels, there are tons of great activities to do and places to stay. And you can even get a glimpse of a once-in-a-lifetime sight in the form of the Northern Lights.
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