ISSUE 103, JUNE 2022

‘Scandinavia’ has become shorthand for many things this century — sleek interior design, TV crime dramas, patterned knitwear and cinnamon pastries to name but a few much-loved and imitated exports. But what lies at the heart of the oft-named ‘happiest place on earth’? Beyond man-made creations, it’s the awe-inspiring nature that truly defines the region — breathtaking mountains, pristine ords and wild islands that keep loyal travellers coming back and initiate legions of new fans each year.

Denmark, Norway and Sweden might be three very different countries, but there exists among its people a shared passion for outdoor adventures, come snow or dazzling sunshine. We’ve rounded up the best of them in this issue’s cover story (p.64). From oyster safaris on Denmark’s dramatic shoreline and wilderness camping in Norwegian national parks to learning about Sámi culture in Swedish Lapland, Scandinavia is where folklore fantasies come to life. While the winter season brings the impish greens of the aurora borealis, high summer months offer the magic of the midnight sun — never-ending days in which to explore a region shaped, at its heart, by the elements.

The concept of hygge — a feeling of cosiness — will be familiar, but readers might also like to channel friluftsliv, a cultural commitment to ‘open-air living’ that’s deeply ingrained throughout Scandinavia. An idea to embrace.