Phew, writing my last post as we wrap up a month of travel. So many thoughts and emotions are running through my brain as we prepare to head home. Spending a month together on the road (or the railway) has been a fun way to end this amazing year, but it has not been without challenges. We’ve had bumps in the road in the form of sickness, travel mistakes, bad weather, and a lack of alone time. Our worst moment was when Alana was hit with a tummy bug ten minutes before we left our friends’ house in Oslo to catch a train. In the chaos of trying to get out the door with a sick kid, I left my phone and my friend had to chase after us with it on the subway. She got there two minutes before the train left. (Thanks Terah!!) We’ve also had tons of unique experiences, beautiful places, card games, and laughter. This year has changed us as a family and this trip has been a test of our newly acquired travel skills.
I’ve always wanted to visit more of northern Europe and a Scandinavia trip was a chance to make that happen. Our itinerary included major cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Reykjavik and more rural areas like the Lofoten Islands in Norway and Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, both above the Arctic circle. We’ve travelled mostly by train which has helped to keep the pace slow and to see a lot.
Here are few pictures that capture some of the ups and downs of our adventure together.
Visiting the cities
The cities of Scandinavia are sparkling, colorful, and cool even in the summer. We visited museums, zoos, and amusement parks and checked out the beautiful gardens, architecture, and waterways. There was something for everyone in the family.
North of the arctic circle
After our time in the cities, we took an overnight train to get to the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, which might be the most beautiful place on earth. We enjoyed unplugging, exploring the fjords, experiencing the midnight sun, and time for card games, reading, and relaxing.
After Lofoten we went to the Ice Hotel in northern Sweden. This was one of the kids’ favorite stops.
Wrapping it up in Iceland
Our last stop was in Reykjavik, Iceland. This place stood apart from the rest of Scandinavia. Aside from the incredible hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes, wildlife and ice cream, it had an interesting viking-hipster vibe that was made you want to dress in all wool and dye your hair pink. It was cold and grey in Iceland, but this made the green grass, flowers, and the blue lagoon look even brighter.
This trip, like our year in Spain, has been full of special memories and family time. I am so grateful for this year and for my family! Thanks for sharing the journey with us. We hope that turning this blog into a book will help us remember it forever.
Wow - what a year!! You guys are amazing and inspirational!!