My Travel – Scandinavia

Four travellers share their experiences in the ice wonderlands of Scandinavia

Mandisa Ngqulana, 34

Cape Town-born Mandisa, a former gallery manager, moved to Switzerland three years ago to study towards a Project Management degree in Entrepreneurial Cultural Innovation. Mandisa visited Mariestad, a rural town in Sweden. Why Mariestad? A friend invited me over to spend the Christmas holidays with her. I did a lot of activities on my own because she was working, so I’d like to go back and experience the town with the locals.

Places and activities to try… There were beautiful Christmas lights, lovely river views and a fascinating textile museum, which I visited a lot. I loved their Fika tradition — socialising with friends over coffee and cake.

Chwayita Mandindi, 34

This King William’s Town-born marketing manager works in the broadcast sector, and describes herself as a solivagant (solitary wanderer) who enjoys telling stories. Since learning about Iceland and Antarctica in grade 4, she’s always dreamt of visiting.

Why Iceland? Iceland was both a dream and a challenge for me. My research revealed that there was more “life” in Iceland — the reality of it was a beautiful juxtaposition of ice and greenery. I stayed in Reykjavik, a small town on the old west side.

Places and activities to try… I’d recommend Jokulsarlon, where I experienced the spectacular glacier lagoon and Gulfoss Gorge, the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and The Blue Lagoon Spa in Grindavik, located in a lava field.

Ektha Govind, 24

Ektha is a final year medical student at Wits University and inherited her passion for travelling from her mom. She enjoyed a snowy northern Norway. Why Norway? We went as a family to see the Northern Lights, and it was a great experience. It’s a country where “More than meets the eye” applies. Places and activities to try… The Arctic Circle is pure bliss, what with the reindeers and psychedelic green lights. It’s cold, snowy and dark by 2 pm, but there are many amazing activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledging and king crab fishing. I loved their reindeer stew, and learning the history of their indigenous people who sing hauntingly beautiful ballads and dress colourfully.

Rorisang Setlogelo, 36

As the managing director of Roth Media, Rorisang is a force in advertising and is fascinated with language, culture, food, new sights — which, naturally, makes travel her passion. This is what she got up to in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Why Denmark? I went to visit my Danish boyfriend in Copenhagen, one of the greatest cities I’ve ever visited. Places and activities to try… Tivoli is a wonderland. It’s breathtaking, and, apparently, is the inspiration behind Disneyland. The Gorilla Restaurant in the meat district is brilliant for food and wine pairings. No matter how uncomfortable you are, do hop onto an electric bike and get into the culture of the city. There was loads of walking as well — cars are really not a necessity. The Danes can be hospitable and fun, and have a big hip-hop scene.