Autumn in Finland

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Summer ends with a bang, with an explosion of colour in the forests. This is the season known as ‘ruska’, when the autumnal reds, browns and yellows are especially beautiful on the moors of Lapland. Autumn is a to enjoy crisp and sunny days after a frosty night.

Continue reading → Autumn in Finland

Norway Winter Wonderland is culture, heritage and amazing nature

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In Norway skiing is a way of living. Come November and most Norwegians will head off to the mountains as soon as it’s Friday. There are several large ski resorts, many which are located close to the capital Oslo. But there’s more to do than than skiing. Choose from dog sledging, snowmobile safari, ice fishing, horse back riding and sleigh rides. That is if you have time after being busy in the SPA or enjoying long lunches, sampling specialities from the Nordic cuisine in the restaurant or just lounged in front of a crackling fireplace with a good book.
If you’re planning on visiting and considering Skiing in Norway -then ask us! We’d me more than happy to share our knowledge and experience. The image above is from Desitination Beitostølen, a small and cozy resort on the edge of the Jotunheimen National Park and Mountain Area. With ski slopes, endless of cross country ski tracks and only a short car journey away from great shopping facilities in Lillehammer. There’s something for everyone.

Winter Weekend in Fashionable Florence

One weekend, one couple, one Fiat 500, one hotel room, one city and lots to experience! We are heading to Florence this weekend and I’m very much looking forward to tasting some fantastic Tuscan foods, having some great espresso, enjoying the cobbled streets of Florence, exploring the surrounding areas -and just in general having a fabulous time. That’s what City Breaks are all about, no? Wishing you a wonderful weekend too -and see you on Monday! Arividerchi!





See the Northern Lights from the Igloo Village in Lapland

The Hotel Kakslauttanen is a village of igloos, log cabins, farmer log house, restaurants and saunas. Magically set in the midst of Lapland of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, this is the ultimate holiday destination for anyone seeking the Nordic nature.

Only open in winter, there’s traditional snow igloo or a unique futuristic glass igloo, where you can admire the northern lights under the glass ceiling in the comfort of indoor cozy room temperature. Igloo Village is also home to a snow chapel and an ice bar both built every winter. The Igloo Village is open from December/January and until the end of April. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from late August to late April. kakslauttanen.fi


Other activities include husky safaris, snowmobile treks, reindeer rides and ice-fishing trips, downhill skiing as well as guided cross country ski tours. The Hotel Kakslauttanen is located only a short bus transfer from the Ivalo Airport.

Winter holiday? Rent a cabin in the Norwegian mountains

When all you’re longing for is the simple life; Unspoiled nature, fresh mountain air and a cozy cabin to take shelter in.

© Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography

Norway has deep dark fjords surrounded by white mountain peaks stretching up to the light green northern lights flickering over the dark winter skye. I’s snow storms, it’s arctic wind and freezing temperatures followed by amazing sunshine. It’s nature and it’s the sort of nature that makes you feel alive.

Where to stay? Here’s a quick guide on websites, offering cabins for rent in Norway
visitnorway.com
fjordnorway.com
finn.no

Norwegian adoration of nature is a vital ingredient in the country’s national identity. Over half of the population have ready access to a cabin, the schools arrange annual obligatory ski days, and most postcards produced by the tourist industry depict nature scenes rather than cultural attractions. See the full article about Norwegians and Nature here.

Skiing in the Alps of Norway – Ski and Sail

In the last few years, Ski and Sail has become increasingly popular. Sail from place to place on the fjord and explore the mountains on each side of the fjord. And stay at places like the Sagafjord Hotel, situated by the fjord in one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Norway, the Sunnmore Alps. The extraordinary fjord and mountain area makes the perfect frame for a variety of activities and a once in a lifetime unique experience of the nature of the North.


© Visit Norway

About Skiing in Fjord Norway
Suitable for experienced skiers, you’ll climb the mountain with a guide, enjoy the view on the top before skiing off piste down hill, straight toward the boat and the deep blue fjord. Find out more on fjordnorway.no ski and sail


© Sagafjord Hotel in Hjørundfjorden. Fjord Norway Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography

About Sagafjord Hotel
Sagafjord Hotel welcomed guests the first week of July 2012, after a extensive restoration and refurbishment program. The hotel now consists of 34 rooms with up to 74 beds. In addition, the hotel offers a self catering Norwegian cabin sleeping 6. The old wooden walls that are found in parts of the building are more than 200 years old, adding a lot of history to the place.
Enjoy the amazing view from our restaurant, treat yourself to some refreshments from the bar after a long and active day, or chill out by the fireplace in our lounge area.
sagafjordhotel.no

How to get there
The hotel is situated 1 hour and 40 minutes car journey from Ålesund Airport, with direct flights from cities like Copenhagen and London. The city of Ålesund is known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style, its surrounding fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Visit Norway How to get there

Summer Skiing and Moods of Norway

Norway’s biggest summer ski centre at Stryn is situated near the famous Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Usually Spring means end of the skiing season, but there are high-altitude resorts in Norway where you can have fun on snow all summer long. Start skiing early in the day for a good few hours of skiing, before the sunshine softens the snow, and it’s time for a cold drink and some sunbathing in bikini! Cool skiwear from the Cocktail collection of Moods Of Norway is the perfect attire when heading up North for your potentially most exotic skitrip so far. Visit strynsommerski.com

© Moods of Norway