Die Nordiese lande vorm die noordelikste deel van die westelike Europa, strek tot in die Arktiese. Dit sluit in Denemarke, Finland, Ysland, Noorweë, en Swede, die Faroëreilande, Åland en in die meeste definisies Groenland, aangesien daar jarelange politieke en taalkundige bande bestaan.
Hierdie bure deel 'n gemeenskaplike erfenis wat ten minste uit die Viking-era, met verskeie vakbonde in die verlede en noue samewerking vandag. Die Nordiese lande is byna 1,2 miljoen km² (463,000 vierkante myl) en vorm een van die grootste streke in Europa, maar woon slegs 24 miljoen mense, wat net 4% van die bevolking uitmaak. Die Nordiese lande bevat van die grootste natuurwonders van Europa en spog met 'n uitstekende lewenstandaard.
Lande
| Denemarke Die kleinste Noordse land het honderde eilande, golwende landbougrond, eindelose strande en 'n meer kontinentale atmosfeer. |
| Finland Honderdduisend eilande en mere om in hierdie brug na die ooste te verken. Die ylste bevolkte EU-land, en die enigste Noordse land wat die euro gebruik, met 'n Noord-Germaanse taal die eerste taal slegs van 'n minderheid. |
| Ysland Skouspelagtige natuurskoon van vulkane, gletsers, geisers en watervalle op hierdie Noord-Atlantiese eiland. |
| Noorweë (insluitend Svalbard) Bekend vir diep fjords, steil berge, tallose watervalle, houtkerke, die Noorderlig en duisendjarige maritieme tradisies. Noorweë se topografie en aard het 'n kenmerkende streeksverskeidenheid. |
| Swede Die grootste Noordse land volgens gebied en bevolking is die tuiste van eindelose woude, helderblou mere en die pragtige eilandgroepe langs die kus. |
| Faroëreilande 'N Outonome gebied van Denemarke in die Atlantiese Oseaan met 'n baie duidelike kultuur en gevoel van nasionale identiteit. Veral bekend vir sy dramatiese natuurskoon en unieke voëllewe. |
| Åland 'N Argipel en outonome gebied van Finland in die Oossee, waar die Sweedssprekende bevolking sy eie kenmerkende kultuur en 'n kwasi-nasionale identiteit het. |
- Groenland is 'n outonome gebied van Denemarke; geografies deel van Noord-Amerika. Die inheemse bevolking, die Inuit, is ook kultureel en taalkundig naby die inheemse Amerika, maar daar is 'n sterk moderne Nordiese invloed.
- Terwyl die Baltiese state het baie algemene geskiedenis met die Nordiese lande, en veral Estlanders beweer dat hul land Nordies is, hulle is nie lede van die Nordiese Raad nie en hulle word gedek deur 'n aparte streek op Wikivoyage.
Stede
- 1 Aarhus - 'n briljante opelugmuseum met historiese geboue uit dorpe en stede in Denemarke, baie uit die 1800's
- 2 Bergen - ou Hansesentrum met wonderlike oulike houtgeboue, 'n manjifieke bergomgewing, uiteenlopende naglewe en baie atmosfeer
- 3 Kopenhagen - 'n groot aantal aanbiedinge vir kulturele ervarings, inkopies en inspirasie van Deense ontwerptradisies. Die afgelope tyd het dit die gastronomiese middelpunt van die streek geword, wat die beginsels van 'New Nordic Cuisine' met baie uitstekende restaurante en kroeë tot gevolg het. Het ook skilderagtige kanale wat deur bootbusse deurkruis word.
- 4 Göteborg - 'n hawe- en nywerheidsstad aan die Sweedse weskus, tweede in grootte in Swede
- 5 Helsinki - die "Dogter van die Oossee", die hoofstad van Finland en die grootste stad met sy ikoniese katedraal
- 6 Oslo - museums van nasionale belang, 'n pragtige omgewing, lewendige naglewe en kulturele toneel
- 7 Reykjavík - die noordelikste nasionale hoofstad ter wêreld
- 8 Stockholm - versprei oor 'n aantal eilande, een van die mooiste stede van Skandinawië
- 9 Turku - die poort na die Argipelsee; die enorme kasteel en katedraal is die twee pole van die historiese Turku, waarby omtrent elke belangrike terrein in die stad gevind kan word
Ander bestemmings
- 1 Gotland - die grootste eiland in die Baltiese See, met die UNESCO-erfenishoofstad Visby en lekker partytjie hou in die somer
- 2 Jostedalsbreen - die grootste gletser op die Europese vasteland
- 3 Laponia - een van Europa se grootste wildernisgebiede, in die noorde van Swede
- 4 Mývatn - 'n meerstreek naby Akureyri in die noorde van Ysland
- 5 Nordkapp - hierdie krans is die noordelikste punt van die vasteland van Europa
- 6 Nuuksio Nasionale Park - 'n pintgrootte wonder net 35 km van Helsinki af
- 7 Saariselkä - 'n wintersport sentrum in Finse Lapland, aangrensend aan die uitgestrekte Urho Kekkonen Nasionale Park
- 8 Stevns Cliff - sandsteenkranse in Denemarke
- 9 Sydfynske Øhav - 55 eilande en eilandjies, een van Denemarke se mooiste gebiede
- 10 Þingvellir Nasionale Park - dit is nie net die oorspronklike webwerf van die langlopende parlement ter wêreld nie, dit is ook waar die Noord-Amerikaanse en Europese kontinentale plat plate uitmekaar geskeur word
Verstaan
| Nordiese lande: Denemarke, Finland, Ysland, Noorweë, Swede Vikings en die Oudnoors • Geskiedenis • Samiese kultuur • Winter • Reg op toegang • Vaar • Stap • Keuken • Musiek • Nordic Noir |
Die Nordiese lande is gedurende die laaste ystydperk tot 10 000 vC deur ys bedek. Die ys het sy stempel op die natuurskoon afgedruk. Die aardkors is afgedruk en styg nog steeds in die moderne tyd, tot een sentimeter elke jaar in Noord-Swede en Finland. Die terugslag na die gletser beweeg voortdurend die kuslyn; die meeste moderne nedersettings en landbougrond in Swede en Finland was 'n paar duisend jaar of selfs minder as 'n duisend jaar gelede. Die beweging is genoeg vir ou mense om 'n ander kuslyn te onthou. Die ys het ander spore in die natuurskoon gelê, soos enorme rotse op andersins plat terrein en honderd meter hoë sanderige terrasse by valleimondings. Die fjords van Noorweë is ook deur gletserosie geskep, alhoewel dit op 'n langer tydskaal is. Die stygende land het dele van sommige fjorde bo die seevlak gelig en op hierdie manier skilderagtige mere geskep. |
Skandinawië is 'n geografiese term wat slegs insluit Denemarke, Noorweë en Swede. Die term Nordiese lande sluit ook in Finland en Ysland, alhoewel die terme gereeld deur besoekers gebruik word. Groenland is geografies 'n deel van Noord-Amerika, maar is polities gekoppel aan die res van die Nordiese lande deur sowel 'n integrale deel van die Deense Koninkryk as 'n lid van die Nordiese Raad, 'n samewerkende organisasie.
Noorweë en Swede vorm die Skandinawiese skiereiland, aangesien Denemarke van die twee geskei word deur die toegang tot die Oossee. "Fennoscandia" is 'n selde gebruikte tegniese term vir die Skandinawiese vasteland plus Finland, terwyl die Jutland-skiereiland (die vasteland van Denemarke, maar nie die belangrikste sentrum van die bevolking nie) ook 'n deel van Duits bevat. Sleeswyk Holstein. As 'n politieke en kulturele term, sluit 'Nordiese lande' eilande in die Atlantiese Oseaan in, soos Ysland, die Faroë, en in die meeste definisies Groenland, aangesien daar al lang politieke en taalkundige bande bestaan. Estland beskou homself ten minste gedeeltelik Nordies, maar word nie altyd so deur ander gesien nie.
Die Nordiese lande het baie kulturele eienskappe, waaronder soortgelyke vlae, en die meeste van hul tale hou verband. Hulle het 'n gedeelde geskiedenis en is ekonomies onderling verbind. Denemarke, Finland en Swede is EU-lede; Noorweë en Ysland het lidmaatskap van die EU verwerp, maar behoort tot die EFTA (wat vrye handel met die EU het) en die Schengen-gebied. (Die Nordiese paspoortunie is reeds in die vyftigerjare gestig en gee verdere regte.) Groenland het die Europese Unie in 1985 verlaat meestal oor geskille rakende visserye.
Na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog het die Nordiese lande lande met hoë inkomste geword. Veral Noorweë en Ysland het voordeel getrek uit 'n oorvloed natuurlike hulpbronne. Swede en Finland het ook hul aandeel, maar op die internasionale mark is hulle meestal bekend vir sterk handelsmerke soos Ikea, Volvo, Saab, Ericsson en Nokia. Alhoewel Denemarke gesofistikeerde ondernemings in 'n aantal bedrywe ontwikkel het, is dit veral die voorste landbouland in die Noorde, veral bekend vir varkvleisprodukte. Hoë minimum lone en belasting vertaal in hoë pryse vir besoekers.
Uitgebreide welsynstate is 'n algemene kenmerk van die Nordiese lande. Die meeste dinge is baie georganiseerd, en besoekers kan verwag dat alles volgens planne, reëls en roosters sal verloop. Die Nordiese lande is die minste korrup ter wêreld, tesame met Kanada, Nieu-Seeland en Singapoer, en hulle het 'n relatiewe lae misdaadsyfer. Daarbenewens is die Nordiese lande die wêreld se hoogste beoordeelde in terme van geslagsgelykheid, met die wêreld se hoogste persentasie vroue in senior leiersposisies, sowel as vrygewige vaderskaps- en kraamverlof en 'n sterk kultuur van gelyke verantwoordelikheid in kinderopvoeding. Deels as gevolg van hierdie sterk tradisie van geslagsgelykheid, steek Noordse nasionale spanne hul gewig in sportkompetisies, veral sokker en handbal, bo hul gewig. Alhoewel die neoliberalistiese golf ook die politiek hier beïnvloed het, is die steun vir die welsyn onder mense sterk.
Geskiedenis
- Sien ook: Vikings en die Oudnoors, Nordiese geskiedenis
Skandinawië en Finland is omstreeks 10 000 vC deur 'n ysplaat bedek. Terwyl die ys die land afgedruk het, styg dit steeds van die see af, teen 'n tempo van ongeveer 1 cm per jaar. Namate die ys gesmelt het, het die Noord-Germaanse volke suidelike kusgebiede bevolk en Finne en Same het van die Oeralberge getrek. Die Nordiese lande was dus een van die laaste dele van Eurasië wat deur mense gevestig is.
Die 8ste tot die 11de eeu staan bekend as die Vikingtydperk. 'Viking' is nie die naam van 'n stam of nasie nie, maar die Oud-Noorse woord vir 'matroos'. Die meeste Noorse mense was boere wat in Skandinawië gebly het en per definisie was nie Vikings, maar sommige Noordelikes (en in sommige gevalle vroue) het die Atlantiese en Europese riviere gevaar, Kanada en Sentraal-Asië, soms op die bestemming te vestig en deel te neem aan die stigting van nasies soos Engeland, Frankryk, en Rusland. Die ekspedisies het gewissel van vreedsame handel tot seeroweraanvalle, wat laasgenoemde die Noorse land in Europa slegte reputasie gegee het.
Ysland is gedurende die Vikingtydperk gevestig, hoofsaaklik deur migrante uit Wes-Noorweë. Die eerste dekades van kolonisasie staan bekend as die "landgrypjare" (IJslands: Landnámsöld). Alhoewel 'n noemenswaardige aantal vroue of slawe uit Skotland en Ierland afkomstig was, was kulturele en politieke bande meestal met Skandinawië en die Oud-Noorse taal was so taalkundig stabiel in Ysland, dat sommige weergawes van die Oud-Noorse Sagas hulle met moderne Yslandse uitspraak, wat naby genoeg aan die regte ding. Ysland se antieke sages bevat belangrike dele van Noorweë se Middeleeuse geskiedenis en literatuur.
Aangesien die Noorse lande verenig en gekersten is omstreeks 1000 nC, het die Viking-strooptogte afgeneem. Finland is in die 13de eeu deur Swede gedoop en geannekseer. Die Nordiese lande was gedurende die 14de en 15de eeu saam in die Kalmar-unie, maar sedert Swede in die 16de eeu weggebreek het, het hulle gedurende die daaropvolgende 300 jaar elf oorloë teen Denemarke gevoer totdat die idee van Skandinawiese eenheid in die 19de jaar herleef is. eeu. Gedurende die jare onder Denemarke is Noorweë sterk beïnvloed deur die Deense politiek en taal, en geskrewe Deens het ook die taal van Noorweë geword. Na onafhanklikheid van Denemarke in 1814 het vooraanstaande mans in Noorweë vinnig 'n demokratiese grondwet opgestel wat steeds van krag is as een van die oudstes ter wêreld. Noorweë het 'n hoë mate van outonomie gehad tydens die unie met Swede (1814-1905) en het vreedsaam weggebreek.
Noorweë, Finland en Ysland het gedurende die vroeë 20ste eeu onafhanklikheid verkry of herwin. Sedert die einde van Tweede Wereldoorlog, het die vyf Nordiese lande vooruitgegaan tot demokratiese welsynstate. Alhoewel hulle verskillende weë in die internasionale gemeenskap gevolg het, terwyl Noorweë en Ysland die Europese Unie verwerp het, en Finland die enigste Nordiese land was wat die euro aangeneem het, word die broederskap tussen die Nordiese lande slegs besoedel deur vriendelike wedywering.
Aardrykskunde
Denemarke grens aan Duitsland, terwyl Finland en Noord-Noorweë grens aan Rusland, maar andersins word die Nordiese lande deur die Oossee, die Noordsee of die Atlantiese Oseaan van hul bure geskei. Denemarke word gewoonlik as deel van die kontinentale Europa beskou, terwyl die res van die Nordiese lande nie. Denemarke is deel van die Noord-Europese Vlakte - die grotendeels bergvrye laagland wat ook België, Nederland, Noord-Duitsland en groot dele van Pole insluit.
N oorvloed van land, water en wildernis is 'n algemene kenmerk van die Nordiese lande. Terwyl Denemarke meestal landbougrond of nedersettings met min woestyn is, word die land steeds oorheers deur die see en is die bevolkte gebiede op eilande; jy is altyd minder as 'n uur van die see af. Ook in Ysland en Noorweë woon die meeste mense naby die see. Die Nordiese lande word dikwels onder die kleiner lande van Europa gereken, maar dit is grootliks te danke aan hul klein bevolkings, en hulle beslaan 'n verrassend groot stuk grond. Buite Rusland is Swede die vierde grootste land in Europa en Noorweë die vyfde grootste. Noorweë se grootste munisipaliteit per gebied (Kautokeino) is byna vier keer die grootte van Luxemburg, maar het slegs 3000 inwoners, en die grootste provinsie per gebied (Troms og Finnmark) is groter as die Republiek Ierland. Swede is tien keer groter as Denemarke.
Die Nordiese lande het 'n groot mate noord-suid. Daar is byvoorbeeld 'n gelyke afstand van die suidelikste punt in Denemarke tot die Nordkapp op die noordelikste punt van die vasteland van Noorweë of Syracuse in die suide Sisilië. Selfs sonder Groenland is die Nordiese lande groter as die Verenigde Koninkryk, Frankryk en Duitsland gekombineer. Die meeste gebiede in die Nordiese lande is yl bevolk en die noordelike dele is die minste bevolk in die EU. 'N Rit deur die graafskap Troms og Finnmark is ongeveer 1 000 km, wat langer is as Londen na Inverness. Slegs rondom en suid van die lyn van Bergen-Oslo-Stockholm-Helsinki is daar 'n bevolking wat vergelykbaar is met die kontinentale Europa.
Noorweë en Swede het 'n grens van 1600 km (een van die langste in Europa) met ongeveer 70 kruispunte per pad. Noorweë en Finland het ongeveer 730 km gesamentlike grens met ongeveer 15 kruispunte per pad.
Daar word dikwels na die deel van Noorweë, Swede en Finland noord van die noordpoolsirkel verwys Nordkalotten (Cap of the North) wat grootliks ooreenstem met Sápmi die tradisionele tuiste van die Samiese mense. Cap of the North is meer as 300 000 km² en is ongeveer een derde van die Nordiese lande. Cap of the North is ongeveer so groot soos Duitsland, maar minder as 1 miljoen mense woon in hierdie noordelikste streek.
Die landskappe en die natuur wissel baie in die Nordiese lande. Denemarke is 'n plat laagland soos Nederland en Noord-Duitsland. Ysland is beide vulkanies en Arkties. Noorweë en Swede deel die Skandinawiese skiereiland, wat die hoogste aan die Atlantiese kus is en geleidelik laer word totdat Swede die Baltiese see ontmoet. Die Skandinawiese berge is steil en ruig aan die Atlantiese kant en diep fjords sny in die rots, sag aan die oostekant. Hulle loop deur die grootste deel van Noorweë en dele van Swede en vorm die langste bergreeks van Europa. Finland is relatief plat en word gekenmerk deur mere versprei oor die hele land. Diep denneboomwoude strek vanaf Oos-Noorweë oor 'n groot deel van Swede en Finland en vorm die westelike punt van die groot Russiese taiga. Galdhøpiggen in Noorweë Jotunheimen nasionale park, is op 2469 m (8.100 v) die hoogste Europese berg noord van die Alpe, terwyl Kebnekaise die hoogste berg in Swede is op 2104 m (6 902 v).
Klimaat
- Sien ook: Winter in die Nordiese lande
Die Nordiese lande dek 'n wye verskeidenheid klimaat en die heersende weer hang af van breedtegraad, hoogte, afstand tot oseane en landskap. In veral Noorweë kan die weer binne kort afstand aansienlik verskil weens berge en valleie. In die winter is afstand van die oseaan die belangrikste faktor. Weer wissel ook van week tot week aansienlik, aangesien die weerstelsels van die Westelike Ooste en dié van die Arktiese hoë en lae druk najaag. In die besonder in Finland kan oostewinde warm weer in die somer of koud in die winter hê, of westewinde kan ligte en vogtige weer hê.
Die Nordiese lande het 'n matige klimaat teenoor die Arktiese gebied, terwyl dit baie milder is as ander plekke op dieselfde breedtegraad. Terwyl 'n groot deel van die Nordiese lande noord van die poolkring lê (Noors: polarsirkelen), gebruik plaaslike inwoners basies die term "arkties" vir gebiede met 'n werklike arktiese klimaat soos Svalbard en die Noordpool. Die Skandinawiese berge en wye gebiede in die noorde van Fennoskandia is 'n alpiene toendra met 'n alpien-arktiese klimaat. Die meeste inwoners gebruik nie die term "toendra" nie en verwys eerder na hierdie koel, boomlose gebiede as "snaufjell", "vidde" of "fjäll" (Engels: geval het). Daar is gebiede met permafrost in die hoë berge van Suid-Noorweë en sommige gebiede op laer hoogtes in Noord-Swede / Noorweë. Vardø in die ooste van Finnmark is een van die min dorpe met 'n Arktiese klimaat.
Denemarke en kusgebiede in Suid-Noorweë, Ysland en Wes-Swede ervaar slegs soms ryp en sneeu gedurende die winter. Die somers in Denemarke, Swede, Noorweë en Finland is aangenaam warm, met dagtemperature tussen 15 en 30 ° C. In die berge en langs die westelike kus is die weer gewoonlik onstabieler. Finland het die stabielste sonnige weer in die somer. Hoe verder die binneland in is, hoe groter is die verskil tussen somer en winter. Terwyl Wes-Noorweë en die Atlantiese eilande slegs tussen die somer en die winter sien dat die temperatuur matig verskil, daal die temperatuur in Finland af en toe onder -20 ° C, selfs in die suide, met rekords onder -50 ° C (-55 ° F) in die noorde - Die noordelike binneland van Noorweë en Swede het ewe koue winters.
Die Noorse kus het die meeste neerslae in die hele Europa. Terwyl die herfs gewoonlik die nat seisoen is, kan die weer gedurende die jaar vinnig verander. In kusgebiede is lente en vroeë somer gewoonlik die droogste seisoene.
Hoe verder noord, hoe groter is die variasie van daglig tussen somer en winter. Noord van die Noordpoolsirkel, die Middernag son kan rondom die midsomer gesien word, en die Noordpoolnag in die winter ervaar word. In die verre noorde in die winter is die ure met selfs 'n bietjie daglig min en kosbaar; probeer om buite te wees voor die eerste dagbreek. Oslo, Stockholm en Helsinki (ongeveer 60 grade noord) geniet wit nagte in Junie, maar slegs ses uur daglig in Desember.
Praat
Noord-Germaanse tale word in al die Nordiese lande gepraat. Mense met gereelde Nordiese kontakte weet gewoonlik hoe hulle Deens, Noors of Sweeds in "Skandinawies" moet aanpas sodat dit makliker deur die ander verstaan kan word. Die onderlinge verstaanbaarheid is egter beperk tussen diegene wat oor die grense heen minder kontak gehad het (en dus minder opgeleide ore), en Fins, Groenland en Samies hou glad nie verband nie (hoewel die nabyheid en algemene geskiedenis gelei het tot baie leenwoorde, en soortgelyke betekenisse van woorde, selfs al verskil die woorde self).
Deens, Noors en Sweeds is nou verwant aan mekaar en is min of meer onderling verstaanbaar in hul standaardvorms, veral skriftelik. Van die Middeleeue tot die laat 19de eeu (toe die skryfstandaarde vir Noors geskep is), was Deens die geskrewe taal van Noorweë. Aangesien dit Germaanse tale is, is daar baie verwante tale van Duits en Nederlands, en selfs Engelssprekendes sal die vreemde woord kan herken sodra hulle hul kop rondom die fonetiese spelling kry: bv. Engels skool is Sweeds skola en Deens / Noors skole, terwyl eerste word först / først. Daaglikse woorde soos 'oop', 'kamer', 'bus' en 'taxi' is feitlik identies aan Engels. Baie kruideniersware-items, byvoorbeeld 'brood' is 'brood / bröd', 'melk' is 'melk / mjölk'.
Noors en Sweeds word dikwels erken deur die gebruik van toonhoogte-aksent, wat hierdie tale 'n "sangkwaliteit" gee soos Lets en sommige Suid-Slawiese tale, maar anders as die meeste ander Europese tale. Alhoewel Sweeds en Noors baie ooreenstem, is daar opvallende verskille in die woordeskat en verskeie vals vriende wat verwarring en plesier kan veroorsaak. Swede sê byvoorbeeld "glas" as hulle ys wil hê, Noorweërs sê "iskrem" of bloot "is" - wat net ys in Sweeds beteken. As Swede 'rolig' sê, beteken dit snaaks of amusant, terwyl die Noorse 'rolig' kalm of maklik beteken. Noorweërs in Swede (of Swede in Noorweë) tel gereeld plaaslike woorde op om hulself te begryp en 'n mengsel te skep wat bekend staan as 'Svorsk' ('Sworegian').
Alhoewel 'n paar argaïese dialekte slegs deur inwoners verstaan word, praat byna almal hul land se standaardtaal, hoewel daar in Noorweë slegs dialekte is en geen standaard Noors nie. Beide skryfstandaarde (Nynorsk en Bokmål) is 'n benadering van verskillende "gemiddelde dialekte" eerder as die moedertaal van enige Noorse. Bokmål en geskrewe Deens is amper identies. Bokmål soos dit in die westekant van Oslo gepraat word, is 'n soort gestandaardiseerde Oos-Noorse en is die nie-amptelike standaard Noors. Aanbieders op nasionale TV en radio sal iets gebruik wat naby standaard-Oos-Noorweegs of 'n eweneens gestandaardiseerde Wes-Noors is.
Terwyl Yslands en Faroërs is ook Noord-Germaanse tale, hulle is sedert die 13de eeu in 'n taalkundige vrieskas en is vir ander Germaanssprekendes grotendeels onbegryplik. Hulle het ontwikkel uit Oudnoors (ook bekend as Oudwes-Noors), aangesien die eilande grotendeels deur Noorweërs gekoloniseer is. Norn, die Noorse variant wat tot ongeveer 1500 in Shetland en Orkney gepraat word, is nou verwant aan Faroërs.
Baie kogniete sal steeds herkenbaar wees, veral vir besoekers uit Wes-Noorweë. Yslanders en Faroërs leer Deens op skool, en kan in teorie met hul Skandinawiese broers in 'n Nordiese taal praat, maar in die praktyk is die Deense vaardigheid meestal nie beperk onder Yslanders nie.
Die regte uitskieters is Fins en Sámi, wat tot die Finno-Ugric-familie behoort, en Groenlandies, wat Eskimo – Aleut is. Dit is glad nie Germaanse of selfs Indo-Europese tale nie, wat dit baie moeiliker maak om sprekers van die meeste ander Europese tale te leer. Aan die ander kant het Finland 'n ongeveer 5% Sweeds-sprekende minderheid, en Finse en Sweeds het gelyke regsposisie. Finssprekendes studeer Sweeds op skool en ongeveer 45% is in volwassenes vertroud met Sweeds. Die meeste Finne kan Engels egter beter beheers as Sweeds, terwyl stedelike Sweeds sprekendes gewoonlik beide magtig is. Fins is redelik verwant aan Esties, terwyl Hongaars ver genoeg is om nie verstaanbaarheid te help nie. Die Sámi tale behoort ook tot die Fins-Oegriese familie en Sámi is 'n amptelike taal in sommige munisipaliteite van Lapland en Finnmark en ook 'n erkende minderheidstaal in Swede. Die mense van Åland praat Sweeds (met baie verskillende vaardighede in Fins). In Groenland is baie tweetalig met Deens.
Die Nordiese alfabette bevat 'n paar spesiale letters: å, ä / æ en ö / ø (laasgenoemde weergawes in Deens en Noors). In teenstelling met diakritiese letters in baie ander tale, is dit letters op hul eie wat aan die einde van die alfabet bestel word; sien die frase-boeke vir meer inligting. Yslands bevat ook die letter "þ", Yslands en Faroërs die letter "ð" - wat vroeër in Engels bestaan en nou meestal voorgestel word deur "th" in woorde wat hulle vroeër bevat - en albei die tale gebruik vokale met aksente, wat die uitspraak van die letter verander. Die Samiese tale het ook hul eie letters.
Die Nordiese lande het van die hoogste vlakke van Engelse vaardigheid onder lande waar Engels nie 'n amptelike of eerste taal is nie. Openbare inligting (soos in openbare vervoer of regeringskantore) word ook in Engels gedruk naas die amptelike taal van die distrik. Toeriste-inligting word ook in ander tale, tipies Duits of Frans, gedruk.
Feitlik almal wat sedert 1945 gebore is, praat ten minste basiese Engels, en jonger mense is geneig om vlot te wees. Die meeste studente studeer ook 'n derde belangrike Europese taal, soos Duits, Frans en toenemend Spaans. Vreemde taal televisieprogramme, sowel as dele van plaaslike programme met vreemde taal (bv. Onderhoude met buitelanders), word gewoonlik in hul oorspronklike taal vertoon met onderskrifte, met slegs kinderprogramme wat soms in die plaaslike taal oorgedra word, en selfs dan DVD's en bioskope bied ook die oorspronklike taal met onderskrifte aan.
Gaan in
Die meeste van die Nordiese lande maak deel uit van die Schengen-gebied (uitsonderings sluit in Groenland, die Faroëreilande en Svalbard), sodat inwoners van en besoekers aan die EU gewoonlik met min burokrasie hierheen kan kom. Toegang tot Svalbard per lug is gewoonlik slegs moontlik vanaf Noorse vasteland. Let daarop dat Ysland, Noorweë en die nie-Schengen-gebiede nie deel uitmaak van die EU nie, dus hier is ook nog 'n doeanegrens. Daar is ook spesiale vereistes daarvoor reis met troeteldiere (sommige siektes wat algemeen in Sentraal-Europa voorkom, is in die Nordiese lande afwesig). Grensoorgang gaan gewoonlik met geen of minimale vertraging voort.
Met die vliegtuig
As gevolg van die groot afstande en die omliggende waters, is lugreise dikwels die mees praktiese manier om in die Nordiese lande te kom. Al die grootste stede het internasionale lughawens, en selfs dorpe soos Haugesund en Ålesund het 'n paar internasionale vlugte. Byna alle Europese lugdienste bedien ten minste een Noordse lughawe.
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines (Denemarke, Noorweë, Swede) is die vlagdraer en dominante lugdiens van Denemarke, Noorweë en Swede. Kopenhagen lughawe (CPH IATA) is die hoofnaaf, met sekondêre hubs in Stockholm-Arlanda en Oslo-Gardermoen. Interkontinentale vlugte na San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, Bangkok, Beijing, Sjanghai en Tokio
- Finnair (Finland) is Finland se vlagdraer wat vanaf sy hoofbasis in Helsinki vlieg (HEL IATA), wat sy oostelike ligging gebruik vir vervoervlugte tussen Europa en Asië. Interkontinentale vlugte na New York, Delhi, Bangkok, Beijing, Sjanghai, Hongkong, Seoel, Tokio, Nagoya, Osaka en Singapoer.
- Icelandair (Ysland) - Die vlagskip van Ysland maak gebruik van sy strategiese ligging halfpad tussen Europa en Noord-Amerika om 'n sterk teenwoordigheid op Noord-Amerikaanse roetes te behou, met sy belangrikste middelpunt in Keflavik-lughawe (KEF IATA). Interkontinentale vlugte na Seattle, Minneapolis-St Paul, Orlando, Boston, New York, Toronto, Halifax, en die Internasionale Lughawe Philadelphia
- Atlantic Airways (Faroëreilande) - Vlieg na baie bestemmings in die Noord-Atlantiese Oseaan, waaronder Brittanje en Ysland, en hul vennoot-lugdiens Air Ysland (Flugfélag Íslands) brei die Noord-Atlantiese netwerk uit om verskeie bestemmings in Groenland.
- Noors (Skandinawië) is 'n begrotingsdiens wat ondanks die naam nie net van Noorweë af vlieg nie. Dit vlieg vanaf Oslo, Stockholm en Kopenhagen, hoewel hulle hul interkontinentale bedrywighede in 2021 beëindig het.
Daarbenewens bied baie internasionale lugrederye direkte roetes na die Nordiese lande aan. Emirate, Gulf Air, Air Canada en Singapore Airlines vlieg na Kopenhagen, Air China na Stockholm. Ook PIA (Pakistan), Thai, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Delta, en United Airlines almal ry verskeie interkontinentale roetes na Skandinawië.
Alternatiewe goedkoop lugdienste in die streek sluit in Noors in Noorweë, Swede en Denemarke. Baie van die goedkoop lugdienste bedien hoofsaaklik roetes tussen die kouer Skandinawië en die sonnige Middellandse See; daarom kan u ook gereeld koopvlugte vanaf Spanje, Italië, ens. vind as u 'n ware Noordse winter wil beleef.
Met die trein
Denemarke is goed verbind met die Duitse spoorwegnetwerk. Die direkte verbinding met Kopenhagen is egter met die Puttgarden-Rødby-veerboot ('n vaste verbinding per seestonnel sal na verwagting in die laat 2020's open). Swede is twee-daagliks verbind met Deense spoorweë via die Øresundbrug tussen Kopenhagen en Malmö, en met die Duitse hoofstad slaaptrein gedurende die somer, om Denemarke omseil via die Trelleborg–Rostock veerboot - dit is die laaste van 'n eens formidabele netwerk tussen Sentraal-Europa en Skandinawië, aangesien die Duitse spoorweë buite die saak gekom het. Die enigste spoorverbindings vanaf die ooste is na die suide Finland van St Petersburg en Moskou in Rusland.
Vir Interrail-pashouers bied die meeste veerboten wat die Baltiese en Noordsee oorsteek afslag (25–50%), maar slegs die Scandlines-veerboten is heeltemal by die pas ingesluit (sien Met die veerboot hieronder).
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Met die veerboot
- Sien ook: Oossee-veerbote
Noorweë word bedien met veerbote van Denemarke en Duitsland. Na Swede is daar veerbote vanaf Denemarke, Duitsland, Finland, Estland, Letland, Litaue en Pole. Ysland is met die veerboot verbind met Denemarke en die Faroëreilande. Na Finland is daar veerbote vanaf Estland en Duitsland.
¹Ongeveer 1 uur suid van Stockholm met 'n voorstedelike trein
Met die motor
Die enigste landelike verbinding vanaf Sentraal-Europa is oor Denemark se kort grens met Duitsland. Denemarke se belangrikste eilande Fyn (Funen) en Sjælland (Seeland insluitend Kopenhagen) is per brug met Jylland (Jutland) verbind. Seeland is op sy beurt verbind met die Skandinawiese skiereiland deur die Öresund-brug. Finland het 'n lang landgrens na Rusland, met verskeie grensoorgange, hoewel die meeste van hulle afgeleë is. Ook Noorweë het 'n landelike grensoorgang met Rusland, in die heel noordooste.
Die meeste veerbote na die Nordiese lande neem motors, ook op die roetes vanaf Duitsland en Estland.
Denemarke is verbind met die kontinentale padnetwerk. Van Denemarke is dit moontlik om oor te gaan na Swede oor die Öresund-brug (wat 'n tolpad is, sien amptelike webwerf vir pryse - vanaf € 50 vanaf 2017). Daar is baie veerbootverbindings van Denemarke na Swede, die meeste neem motors. Die enigste landelike alternatief vir die Öresund-brug is om via Rusland na Finland of Noorweë in te gaan. As u 'n paar kort stukke gewone pad bespaar, kan u van die Duitse af tot by Stockholm of Oslo ry, maar hou in gedagte dat die tol op die twee Deense snelwegbrue wat u moet slaag om Swede te bereik, swaar is, en u kan geld en kilometers bespaar op u motor wat 'n meer direkte roete met 'n veerboot neem. Feitlik alle Noordse paaie is tolvry, maar sommige van die groter stede (veral Stockholm, Göteborg en Oslo) het opeenhopingskoste ingestel wanneer hulle in die sentrum ry, en sommige van die langer brûe en tonnels hef tol om hul konstruksie te betaal.
Per seiljag
- Sien ook: Vaar op die Baltiese See
Ysland, die Faeröer en Groenland is buite die Atlantiese Oseaan, dus om daarheen te kom, verg ernstige ervaring op die strand, maar Denemarke, Noorweë, Swede en Finland is maklik bereikbaar vanaf die res van Noord-Europa, bv Nederlandse en Britse vaartuie word gereeld selfs in Finse jachthavens gesien. Noorweë is agter die Noordsee vir die meeste besoekers, maar ook via Denemarke of Swede aan die kus bereik, terwyl die Deense Straat, die Kielkanaal en die Göta kanaal is die belangrikste opsies vir besoekers uit die weste na Finland of Swede. Die Baltiese See is ook bereikbaar via binnelandse waterweë vanaf die meeste Europese lande.
The Nordic countries have a huge number of yachts compared to the population, so the infrastructure is good – and the archipelagos and fjords offer an endless coastline to explore.
Kry rond
Dankie aan die Schengen-gebied and the Nordic passport union, you seldom have to worry about border crossings. The main exception is travel to Greenland, the Faroe Islands or Svalbard, which are not part of Schengen.
Iceland, Norway and the non-Schengen territories are not part of EU, and Åland not part of the EU customs union, so there are still customs borders. As jy het pets, arms or other special goods, you might have to contact customs whether or not there is a customs station where you cross or any actual checks.
An ID may also be needed to board ferries and aeroplanes on international routes. The one land border where checks are common is the one between Denmark and Sweden, where "temporary checks" have been the rule rather than the exception since 2015. Keep your passport or ID ready.
Met die veerboot
- Sien ook: Oossee-veerbote
"Our level of drunkenness was normal for a cruise of this kind." The managing director of shipping company Tallink gave an interesting quote after his and the entire board's drunken rampage on one of Tallink's cruise ships in 2006. (The accusations against the VIP's included sexual harassment against female staff, beating up a bartender and causing a fire by putting a fish in a toaster.) The director's explanation clearly shows the main PR problem about the cruise ships on the Baltic Sea: they have a reputation as trashy booze boats, far from the glamour of other international cruises. This is largely due to the fact that the tickets can be dirt cheap – sometimes less than 50 SEK – and that tax-free alcohol shopping is among the main attractions. Still, some of the ships are really pretty, and it is an easy and cheap way to get a glimpse of a country on the other side of the Baltic Sea. Also, not all cruises include obnoxious drunks trying to toast fish. Stockholm is the main port in Sweden for the cruises, and the main destinations are Helsinki, Åland en Turku in Finland, Tallinn in Estland en Riga in Letland. Ships are operated by Viking Line, Tallink-Silja, Birka Cruises en MSC cruises. To get the cheapest tickets, try to go on a weekday in low season, share a four-bed cabin with some friends and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for last minute offers. |
Major coastal cities of the Baltic Sea are often connected with ferry lines, e.g. Turku–Stockholm and Helsinki–Tallinn, and ferries are a natural part of many journeys for Scandinavians. The larger long-distance ferries are in effect cruise ships, with behemoths like the Silja Europa featuring 13 decks stacked full of shops, restaurants, spas, saunas etc. Longer routes are nearly always scheduled to sail during the night, so you arrive fresh to continue the often long journeys required here. If you travel by ferry to Norway or via Åland, there are Tax Free sales on board, since Norway is not part of the EU and Åland is subject to special regulations. For the same reason some of these lines, especially the Stockholm–Helsinki ferries, are known as party boats – alcohol is heavily taxed on shore.
In addition to major lines listed below, the Hurtigruten ferries, running all along Norways amazing jagged coast line, and through spectacular fjords, from Bergen in die suide tot Kirkenes in the Arctic north, docking in many small hamlets and villages on the way, offer a unique and very Scandinavian experience. More than a hundred car ferries are an integral parts of Norway’s roads, most crossings are short and frequent.
Minor ferries connect many inhabited islands to the mainland in also the other archipelagos, and tour boats cruise e.g. the archipelagos of Stockholm and Helsinki, and lakes such as Päijänne and Saimaa. Particularly in the Finnish Lakeland there are cable ferries across lakes, often part of the public road system. In die Archipelago Sea ferries are the only way for getting around (for those without their own boat), and the same goes for minor islands of Denmark.
| Van | Aan | Operator |
| Kopenhagen, (Denemarke) | Oslo (Noorweë) | DFDS Seaways, 16.5 hr |
| Grenå, (Denemarke) | Varberg, (Swede) | Stena Line 4.5 hr |
| Frederikshavn, (Denemarke) | Göteborg, (Swede) | Stena Line 2-4 hr |
| Hirtshals, (Denemarke) | Larvik, (Noorweë) | Colorline, 4 hr |
| Hirtshals, (Denemarke) | Kristiansand, (Noorweë) | Colorline, 4 hr |
| Hirtshals, (Denemarke) | Bergen, (Noorweë) | Fjordline, 19.5 hr (via Stavanger - 11.5 hr) |
| Hirtshals, (Denemarke) | Seyðisfjörður, (Ysland) | Smyril line, 69 hr (via the Faroëreilande - 44 hr somer) |
| Hirtshals, (Denemarke) | Tórshavn, (Faroëreilande) | Smyril line, 44 hr (winter) |
| Strömstad, (Swede) | Sandefjord, (Noorweë) | Colorline, 2.5 hr |
| Stockholm, (Swede) | Helsinki, (Finland) | Tallink Silja line & Viking line, 16.5 hr (via Åland islands) |
| Stockholm, (Swede) | Turku, (Finland) | Tallink Silja line & Viking line, 11 hr (via Åland islands) |
| Umeå, (Swede) | Vaasa, (Finland) | Wasaline, 3.5 hr |
Met die trein
- Sien ook: Treinreise in Europa
Trains are an adequate way of travelling around the Nordic countries, except the island nations and the far north. International connections between Denmark, southern Sweden and southern Norway are good, but up north services are sparse, and Iceland and the Faroe Islands have no trains at all. Norway’s rail network is limited and mostly centered on Oslo with lines to main cities in other parts of the country. Finnish railways use the Russian broad gauge, so while there are connecting rails, no regular passenger trains cross the border.
The previous night train connection between Copenhagen and Oslo has been retired, and this route now requires a change in Gothenburg, on the other hand day time connections have become much more frequent after the opening of the Øresund bridge (8.5 hr). Up to seven daily X2000 express trains run directly between Copenhagen and Stockholm (5.5 hr), and the daily night train only requires an easy change in Malmö (7.5 hr). Further north there are two daily connections between Oslo and Bodø (17 hr, via Trondheim) – the northernmost stop on the Norwegian railway network, and two daily night trains (regular and express) between Stockholm and Umeå/Luleå (16–20 hr) in the northernmost part of Sweden. The Norwegian port of Narvik is connected to the Swedish network via the impressive Iron Ore Railway through Kiruna, also served by passenger train. In Finland the daily night trains between Helsinki and Turku in the south and Rovaniemi (of Kolari) in the north also take cars.
The ScanRail pass was retired in 2007, but visitors not resident in Europe can opt for the very similar Eurail Scandinavia Pass, which offers 4 to 10 days of travel in a 2-month period for €232–361. For residents of Europe, the all-Europe or single-country Interrail passes are also an option.
Major railway companies in Scandinavian include DSB en Arriva in Denmark, NSB in Norway, SJ, Transdev in Swede en VR in Finland.
Met die bus
If you are not using a rail pass, long distance buses will often be a cheaper alternative, especially for longer journeys. Bus is also needed to get to many smaller towns or the countryside. Since highways are almost exclusively centred around the southern half of Scandinavia, journeys become increasingly time consuming as you get further north. On the other hand, rail services also get increasingly sparse in northern Scandinavia.
There is no dominant company like Greyhound is in North America or Flixbus is in Germany, but a host of local, regional and national bus companies. The major national intercity bus companies are Abildskou in Denmark, Nor-Way en Nettbuss in Norway. Big companies also include GoByBus, Eurolines en Swebus, which all service routes in the Scandinavian triangle between Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. In Finland there are many regional companies, but timetables and tickets to nearly all lines can be obtained through Matkahuolto. Onnibus, which provides cheaper services on many intercity routes, does not participate in that cooperation.
Met die motor
- Sien ook: Driving in Sweden, Driving in Norway, Driving in Iceland
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A self-drive is a good way to explore the Nordic countries outside to cities, particularly the rugged landscapes of Norway and Iceland. Driving is easy and traffic is mostly light, but distances are long and services limited in many less populated areas. For a self-drive in the northern section Norway, Sweden and Finland should be considered as one area. For instance, the shortest route from south Norway to Finnmark is through Sweden and Finland.
Driving in the Nordic countries is costly, even by European standards. Rentals are often expensive, fuel price is among the world's highest, and distances are long. In Norway, in particular, distances that seem short on a map can be baie long and tiring if you need to drive along twisty fjord roads. Collisions with wildlife, particularly moose, deer and, mostly north of the Arctic circle, reindeer, are quite common and can be fatal. On the other hand, roads are generally in good condition, traffic is disciplined, and per capita fatalities are among the lowest in the world, for instance the US has four times higher accident rates than Norway (per 2017) ̣—̣ Norway and Sweden are aiming for zero fatalities.
From November until end of March (and well into May in the northern regions), expect winter driving conditions and have proper equipment – particularly winter tyres, as roads are treacherously slippery. People will drive nearly as in summer, so with summer tyres you will either block the traffic or cause an accident. Nordic type winter tyres (studded or unstudded) are the best, although other types with enough tread depth are permitted. Black ice in the morning and occasional snowfall are possible also quite early in the autumn, and then mess up traffic worse than in winter, as not everybody is prepared. Leave your car alone such days (many locals who had not yet switched to winter tyres do), at least in the morning, until things have settled, especially if you were not prepared for winter driving. Studded tyres are allowed from November to sometimes in April, except in some parts of a few city centres.
Speed limits are reduced in winter on some major roads, but not enough for bad conditions; you and your travel mates can get seriously injured if you drive ill prepared or too fast. Study the regulations carefully; you can get fined for not having winter tyres in some countries in certain periods and conditions and driving with studded tyres might either cost you a fee or be limited to certain periods:
- In Denmark studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 15 April.
- In Finland studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to one week after Easter, and otherwise with good reason (i.e. icy or snowy roads expected here or at the destination). Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December through the end of February if conditions require (i.e. on many small roads and everywhere every now and then).
- In Iceland studded tyres are allowed from November to April.
- In Norway studded tyres are allowed from 1 November; there is a fee for using studded in cities: 30 kr per day. Winter tyres are mandatory November–April.
- In Sweden winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions from 1 December to 31 March (for cars registered in Sweden; foreign cars with summer tyres are not allowed to drive in bad conditions). Driving with studded tyres is forbidden in certain streets.
Speed limits are uniform; 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities and 80 km/h (50 mph) (70 km/h in Sweden) on rural roads unless otherwise indicated. Motorways range from 100 km/h (62 mph) or 110 in Norway (only when signposted, otherwise 80), 110 in Sweden, 120 in Finland to 130 in Denmark, again unless other speed limits are signposted. Keep in mind that while many Scandinavians routinely exceed speed limits slightly, fines are heavy, so you will in essence probably be gambling with your holiday budget. Speeding in city zones is considered a severe offence, and there are many unmarked automatic speed traps installed in such zones.
Within Norway there are many car ferries across fjords and straits. These are not separate means of transport but an integral part of the road network. On main roads ferries are mostly frequent (2–3 per hour) and most crossings are short (10–25 minutes).
Some main routes are the E75 (Highway 4, "Nelostie") through Finland, die E4 deur Swede, die E6 deur Swede en Noorweë ("Eseksen"), the E8 deur Finland en Noorweë, die E10 through Sweden and Norway, E18 Stockholm-Oslo-Kristiansand, and the E45 through Denmark and Sweden.
Per boot
- Sien ook: Vaar op die Baltiese See
There is a boat for every seventh person in each of Finland, Norway and Sweden, so facilities for yachts as well as availability of boats, through a local friend or by rent or charter, are good. These countries also have large archipelagos and many lakes, with ample opportunities for boat trips. Norway's coastline is around 100,000 km when fjords and islands are included, and there are more than 100,000 islands, offering endless opportunity for sailing in sheltered waters. Figures are similar in the other two of these countries. The sea is important also for Denmark, Faroe Icelands, Greenland and Iceland.
Deur duim
Hitchhiking is not too common in the Nordic countries. In some regions it is quite easy to get a ride – once there comes a vehicle – in others only a small fraction of cars take hitchhikers. If trying to hitchhike in autumn or winter, remember it can get quite (or very) cold, and hours with daylight are limited. There are large sparsely inhabited areas; avoid having a ride end in the middle of nowhere in the evening, unless you are prepared to stay the night there. In addition to the normal places, it is possible to approach drivers on ferries and ask for a ride.
Per fiets
Bicycle infrastructure varies from country to country and from town to town, but is generally at least decent.
Helmet, lights (at least from August), reflectors and lock are mandatory or strongly advised.
The best developed bicycle infrastructure is in Denmark (see Cycling in Denmark), where bike lanes are ubiquitous in cities and common also in the countryside, with a good network of routes. In the other countries there are usually some kind of bike lane network in the cities, but the routes may not be obvious or complete, and they are not always maintained in winter. The main roads outside of towns do not always have bike lanes or usable shoulders, and not all drivers are careful when passing by.
It is usually easy to find places to rent a bike, and municipal short-time rental systems have been introduced in some cities.
It is usually possible to take the bike on coaches and trains for moderate fees, which is recommended for most to do on some stretches because of the long distances. In Sweden only folding bikes can be taken on trains. Short-haul ferries are often free or nearly free for cyclists, Baltic ferries take a small surcharge. In general the price for a cyclist will be the same as for a "pedestrian" or slightly higher, and much lower than for hauling around a ton of metal box.
In Finland and Sweden there are often minor roads that make good routes for long-distance cycling, provided you have a map allowing you to navigate them. Most cities have decent bike lane networks.
In Iceland there are few bike lanes outside Reykjavik, but cycling is quite safe because of low traffic (except on the roads out of Reykjavik). The weather and the distances between towns can be challenging.
In Norway cycling is popular and a fine way to see the varied landscape. The mountainous landscape, often quite narrow roads and sometimes less respectful drivers makes cycling a challenge. Some main roads and mountain passes have 7–10% slopes and there are countless tunnels, some of them very long. In many areas there is only one road and no alternative local road. Also here there are some old roads usable as (or transformed to) cycling routes. Following major roads, check whether bikes are allowed in the tunnels. Even if cycling is allowed in a tunnel, it is often uncomfortable. Norway has many subsea tunnels and these are often steep. Bike lanes are not too common, even in towns, but speeds are usually quite low. Bicycle visitors should plan carefully and consider using train, bus or express passenger boat on some difficult stretches.
Daar is 'n paar EuroVelo fietsryroetes through the countries (mostly developed but not yet signed):
- 1) The Atlantic Coast Route from Nordkapp southwards along the coast
- 3) The Pilgrim Route from Trondheim towards Santiago de Compostela
- 7) The Sun Route from midnight sun of Nordkapp through Sweden towards Malta
- 10) Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Hansa circuit) around the coasts of the Baltic Sea
- 11) East Europe Route from Nordkapp through Finland towards Athens
- 12) North Sea Cycle Route from the British islands with ferry and to Germany by the coasts
- 13) The Iron Curtain Trail from the Barents Sea and Kirkenes along the Russian border in Finland and via St. Petersburg towards the Black Sea
Sien
There is a constant and long-standing rivalry between Copenhagen and Stockholm over which city can claim the title as Scandinavia's unofficial capital. Depending on how you count, both cities are the largest, most visited, and the target of most investment. However, after the completion of the Øresund bridge, and subsequent integration of Copenhagen and Malmö – Sweden's third largest city – this region is fast emerging as the main urban centre in Scandinavia, while Stockholm arguably grabs the title as the most beautiful.
- Visit the unusual free city of Christiania in Kopenhagen
- Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens theme park in Kopenhagen
- See the amazing Vasa Museum in Stockholm, displaying an entire flagship that sunk in the harbour nearly 400 years ago
Sceneries
King of the woods
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Terwyl die fjords of Norway might be the most spectacular Nordic sceneries, the other countries have their fair share of beautiful nature as well, e.g. die Stockholm-eilandgroep en die Archipelago Sea in the Baltic Sea, the thousand lakes of Finland (and quite some in Sweden), quiet forests and wide open landscapes of Iceland and of the north.
The Nordic countries also give opportunities to see Eurasiese wildlewe.
Noordeligte
Die Noordeligte (Latin: Aurora Borealis; Scandinavian: Nordlys/-ljus; Swedish: Norrsken; Finnish: Revontulet) can be seen in Iceland and in the northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden, and at rare occasions as far south as in Denmark. With a bit of bad luck they are obscured by clouds, so take local weather into account if planning to watch for them – and they do not appear every night. In cities they are usually masked by light pollution, so unless you aim for the outdoors, villages or minor towns, you should make some effort to see them.
Viking heritage
- Sien ook: Vikings en die Oudnoors
Before AD 1000 Norse people only wrote short rune carvings, and most literature about the Viking Age was either authored by the Viking's enemies, or written down centuries later. Since most of their buildings have perished, the Viking Age is shrouded in mystery. Still, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden all have archaeological sites and Viking-themed museums.
While traces from the Viking Age are of modest size, they are numerous, especially runestones and burial mounds, everywhere in Scandinavia. Some good places to see Viking age artifacts are the Swedish History Museum ("Historiska museet") in Stockholm, Birka in Ekerö, die Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 of the Reykjavik City Museum ("Minjasafn Reykjavíkur") in Reykjavik, die Viking Ship Museum ("Vikingeskibsmuseet") in Roskilde, Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, en Old Uppsala in Uppsala.
Denemarke, Swede, en Noorweë are all monarchies, although the royal families only have a ceremonial role. They remain part of society and are, more or less, popular among the population. They remain public figures often portrayed in the media and taking part in all sorts of events. Wherever they will show up, something interesting is likely going on. But more importantly, royal palaces and mansions are dotted throughout the region and make for some quality sightseeing, and knowing they are actual homes of some of the longest continuously running royal families in the world just makes it better.
Nordic design
Scandinavia is famous for its design and architecture, which are often characterised by a minimal and functional approach. Kopenhagen en Helsinki are the best places to experience it with some excellent, interactive museums and some live samples throughout the streets. Actually, the design and architecture are some of the strongest, most important assets of these cities, but there are interesting opportunities elsewhere as well.
Samiese kultuur
The northern parts of Noorweë, Swede en Finland are home to the Sami, an indigenous people.
Fiction tourism
- Astrid Lindgren tourism: Astrid Lindgren is one of the world's most read children's authors. Most of her books, and their motion picture adaptations, are set in Sweden.
- Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer famous for his fairy tales such as The Ugly Duckling and the Little Mermaid.
- Nordic Noir: Nordic crime fiction is acclaimed for its melancholic spirit, with titles such as Millennium, The Bridge, Pusher, en Wallander.
- Tove Jansson: there is a Moomin theme park in Naantali and a Tove Jansson museum in Tampere. Her summer cottage is in the outer archipelago of Porvoo (open for small groups one week yearly).
Reisroetes
- Archipelago Trail, a route around the Archipelago Sea, using the inter-island ferries
- Finland in ten days by car, suggested route showing some of the most important sights in Finland
- Helsinki itineraries, suggested itineraries for stays of different length
- Hurtigruten, steamer along the Norwegian coast
- King's Road (Finland), a historic road through cultural landscapes with long traditions along Finland's southern coast
- Kungsleden, popular hiking trail in Sweden
- Nils Holgersson's Journey Across Sweden, tracking the route around Sweden laid out by Selma Lagerlöf
- Nordkalottleden, hiking trail through Arctic Finland, Norway and Sweden
- Route 1-Ring Road, around Iceland
Doen
- Sien ook: Winter in die Nordiese lande – also for events in Advent etc.
| “ | It is better to go skiing and think of God, than to go to church and think of sport. | ” |
—attributed to Norwegian explorer and humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen | ||
The great outdoors
The sparse population and the reg op toegang makes the Nordic countries a great place for buitelewe.
- Gaan stap en foraging in endless taiga forests, in fells and (in Norway) in alpine mountains.
- Cruise a Norwegian fjord, Geirangerfjord is a world-famous beauty while Sognefjord is the largest.
- Cruise the endless Norwegian coast with myriads of islands and wild cliffs.
- Cruise around the thousands of scenic islands in the Swedish and Finnish argipel, bv. die Archipelago Sea.
- Wintersport, soos Afdraande ski of snowboarden in some of Europe's most civilized and family friendly ski-oorde.
- Gaan cross country ski
Saunas
- Go skinny dipping from a sauna in die Land of a Thousand Lakes (Finland), with winter swimming for the boldest
Family friendly amusement parks
Music acts
- Sien ook: Nordiese musiek
The Nordic countries have a tradition of musiek across several genres, with church choirs in seemingly every parish, classical composers such as Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius, pop music acts such as ABBA, Björk and Swedish House Mafia, as well as a dominance of the heavy-metal scene. The countries, in particular Denmark, are known for its many music festivals during the summer months. The largest in each country are:
- Roskilde-fees (Denmark, early July). One of the world's most famous rock festivals, with 70,000 tickets for sale and 30,000 volunteers.
- Skanderborg Festival (Denmark, mid August). Second biggest festival in Denmark. A beautiful setting in a forest area hosting many Danish as well as international names. Roughly 50,000 tickets for sale.
- Ruisrock (Finland, July). Finland's largest music festival, held on an island in Turku, with around 70,000 spectators.
- Swede Rock Festival (Sweden, June). Sweden's main heavy rock festival, takes place in southern Sweden and has an attendance of ~33,000.
- Øya (Norway, August). Norway's main rock festival although deliberately intimate; located centrally in an Oslo park and using the whole city as a stage in the night.
- Hove (Norway, June-July). Hove Festival mixes large international acts with Norwegian bands in the unique setting of an island outside Arendal city. 50,000 tickets sold.
- G! Fees (Faroe Islands, July). The Faroes' main (and arguably only) event, with around 10,000 participants and 6,000 tickets sold every year. Mainly local and Scandinavian bands.
- Iceland Airwaves (Iceland, October). A progressive, trendsetting, music festival that attracts around 2000 visitors every year, besides the many locals showing up.
Koop
As of the 2010s, the Nordic countries are known for being relatively expensive for foreigners, particularly when it comes to services, renting a car, eating out, taxis, alcohol and tobacco, sometimes on par with world cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York City and London. Prices also vary between countries, with Norway and Iceland in particular being more expensive than the other Nordic countries. That said, there's plenty of nature and wildlife that's free. Many public museums and galleries have moderately priced tickets or are free of charge. Public transport is often moderately priced at least if various discounts are taken into account. Students and seniors are often entitled to 50% discounts on public transport and in museums, while children up to 6–11 years are often for free. The Nordic countries have a fine selection of architecture (entrance to public buildings is often free of charge) and outdoor sculptures. Luxury items may even be cheaper in the Nordic countries than elsewhere. Tipping is not expected, as menus and bills include taxes and service.
Finland is the only Nordic country which uses the euro. Denmark's currency is pegged to the euro within a narrow band.
Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden each has a national currency, all known as krona of krone (meervoud krónur/kronor/kroner), often shortened kr. The centessimal subdivision is øre, although only Denmark has coins smaller than 1 kr; bills are rounded when paid in cash (so "kr 1,95" means 2 kr in practice). The national currencies are distinguished by the initials DKK, ISK, NOK en SEK.
Outside currencies are generally not accepted, except in border towns. euro may be taken in some shops in the cities. ATMs are common in cities. Most establishments accept credit cards (at least VISA and Mastercard) so carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary; in fact, a few establishments only accept payment cards and not cash.
Some suggested shopping items are traditional handicraft, and modern Nordic design. Neither is cheap, though.
As the Nordic countries were relatively unharmed by modern wars, antique furniture are easy to find. Craft furniture from the early 20th century are too ubiquitous to be recognized as antique, and can usually be bought cheaper than modern pieces.
Eet
- Sien ook: Nordiese kookkuns
The cuisines of all Scandinavian countries are quite similar, although each country does have its signature dishes. Seekos features prominently on restaurant menus, although beef, pork and chicken are more common in everyday dishes. Potatoes are the main staple, most often simply boiled, but also made into mashed potatoes, potato salad and more. Spices are used sparingly, but fresh herbs are used to accentuate the ingredients.
Famous pan-Scandinavian dishes include:
- Herring, especially pickled
- Meatballs, served with potatoes, berries and creamy sauce
- Salmon, especially smoked or salt-cured (gravlax)
- Smörgåsbord, a popular lunch option with bread, herring, smoked fish, cold cuts and more
Bread comes in dozens of varieties, with dark, heavy rye bread a speciality, and Scandinavian pastries are so well known that the word "danish" has even been imported into English.
Although derived from German sausages, the hot dog has been adapted for local tastes, with Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland each having their own unique national styles. Danish røde pølser in particular are seen as an important part of national culture and cuisine.
Since the early 21st century, there has been a focus on revitalizing the Nordic kitchen by focusing on local produce and generally raising the quality of gastronomy in the region, in an approach often called New Nordic of Modern Scandinavian kookkuns. This has influenced both everyday cooking and fine dining. As a result, excellent high end restaurants have developed in the region's cities, especially Kopenhagen en Stockholm. Kopenhagen se Noma, opened in 2003, was ranked as the best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 and stood in the magazine's 2nd place as of 2019.
As in most of Europe, internationalized fast food and ethnic cuisines are popular in major Nordic cities. Denmark and Sweden have a particularly large number of Midde-Oosters, Chinees and other Asian diners. Norway has a large number of Asian cafés and restaurants.
Awareness about dietary restrictions is high, at least in big cities. Most restaurants have vegetarian options, although often not very special. Good vegetarian restaurants are found in many cities. Halal meat is more difficult to find in mainstream establishments.
Drink
Vikings were famously heavy drinkers, and despite continuing government efforts to stamp out the demon drink through heavy taxation, today's Scandinavians continue the tradition. Bring in your full tax-free allowance if you plan to indulge, since in Norway you can expect to pay up to 60 NOK (7€) for a pint of beer in a pub, and Sweden and Finland are not far behind. Alcohol in Denmark is significantly cheaper, although still more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. To reduce the pain, it is common to start drinking at home before heading out to party. The drinking age is generally 18 (20 in Iceland), but many bars and clubs have their own higher age limits.
Denmark is the only Nordic country where stronger alcoholic beverages can be bought in supermarkets. The other countries restrict most retailing to government-operated stores. Vinmonopolet in Norway, Vinbuđin on Iceland, Systembolaget in Swede en Alko in Finland. Age limits and closing hours are strict.
The main tipples are beer and vodka-like distilled spirits called brännvin, including herb-flavored akvavit. Spirits are typically drunk as snaps or ice-cold from shot glasses.
Slaap
As expected, hotels are quite expensive. Some money can be saved by timing (business hotels are cheaper in the weekends etc.), but it may be worthwhile to check other options.
In the countryside, hotels are sparse except at resorts, but there are usually guesthouses or similar instead, often very nice. Another option (at resorts and in the countryside) is a cottage, some of them very reasonably priced for a group, at least off season – but check what to expect, the facilities vary wildly.
With so much incredible nature outside the doorstep, it should be no surprise that the Scandinavian countries have a well developed hostel network, named Vandrerhjem/Vandrarhem in the Scandinavian languages – literally translating into "wanderers' home" or "hikers' home". While the rules are often quite strict, it is much cheaper than hotels, and with almost 800 hostels available, you can often find one. The respective national organisations are called Danhostel in Denmark, STF of SVIF in Sweden, Norske Vandrerhjem in Norway, SRM in Finland and finally Farfuglar in Iceland.
Throughout Scandinavia, with exception of densely populated Denmark, Allemansrätten, or "Every Man's Right" in English, is an important underpinning of society, and guarantees everyone the right to stay or camp on any uncultivated land for one or two nights, as long as you respect certain norms, stay out of sight of any residents, and leave no traces of your visit when you leave. If you enjoy the great outdoors, this can help make the otherwise expensive Scandinavian countries become quite affordable. In national parks and similar, and in the Norwegian mountains, there are also wilderness huts, with price of lodging varying from free (open wilderness huts in Finland) to cheap or reasonable (Iceland, Norway and Sweden, reservation huts in Finland)
Motor kampeer (of net kampeer) can be an economic option; there are camping sites also near many cities.
In cottages and hostels you are often supposed to bring your own linen, with linen provided for a fee otherwise, or in some cases, like some wilderness huts, not provided at all. If using primitive facilities, a sleeping bag may be handy or even needed. Sleeping bags for summer use are often enough also when camping in season (and not much too warm indoors), but night temperatures close to freezing are possible most of the year; early and late in the season, and in the north and the mountains, a three-season sleeping bag can be a good choice.
Werk
The Nordic countries are in EEA and thus fully participate in the free movement of labour, so EU citizens can take jobs on basically the same conditions as locals. While English is good enough for some types of jobs, most careers require fluency in the national language. Language is less of a barrier for intra-Nordic migrants, as Swedish, Norwegian and Danish are mutually intelligible, and many Icelanders and Finns speak one of those languages.
Die Nordjobb is a scheme for summer jobs (with housing and activities) for the youth. Proficiency in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish and Nordic or EEA citizenship is required.
Salaries tend to be high; but so are consumption taxes and costs of living (income taxes are on par with other countries in western Europe). Natuurlik betaal die belasting baie sosiale en gesondheidsorgprogramme, en meestal gratis onderwys; werk tydens die grootmaak van klein kinders word vergemaklik deur ruim gesinsbeleid en instellings vir kindersorg. Die Noordse lande bied naastenby kraamverlof vrygewige vaderskapsverlof aan, en daar word oor die algemeen van vaders verwag om 'n gelyke verantwoordelikheid met moeders te deel om kinders groot te maak.
Bly veilig
- Sien ook: Winter in die Nordiese lande
Misdaad koers is oor die algemeen laag, maar gebruik gesonde verstand om dronkgevegte, vandalisme en sakkery, veral in groot stede. Die Nordiese lande word gewoonlik gereken as die wêreld se minste korrupte lande.
Koue weer is 'n belangrike risikofaktor gedurende die winter; en die hele jaar deur in hoogland- en Arktiese gebiede. Hipotermie kan ver bo vriespunt voorkom as daar wind of reën is, en dit is 'n risikofaktor, veral as u nie binnenshuis kan kom nie, soos wanneer u stap. Daar kan 'n soortgelyke probleem wees in die nag in veral koue weer in stede as u verdwaal of nie 'n taxi kan kry nie, maar u selde 'n paar uur hoef te verduur.
Vir dagaktiwiteite in stede en dorpe is die koue skaars gevaarlik, want u kan binnenshuis binnedring, maar met voldoende klere kan u die winterweer geniet - en in erge koue sal u maklik tot binnenshuise aktiwiteite beperk word as u klere is gebrekkig.
Bly gesond
In Denemarke, Finland, Ysland (ten spyte van die vulkaniese reuk), Noorweë en Swede die kraanwater is meestal van baie goeie gehalte, dikwels beter as gebottelde water. Waar die kraanwater nie veilig is nie (soos op treine), kan u verwag dat daar 'n waarskuwing sal wees. Ook in baie gebiede is mooi water uit strome goed. In belangrike grondwatergebiede kan daar beperkings wees op swem, et al.
Respek
| “ | Att komma i tid är att komma för sent. 'Opdaag, verskyn te laat.' | ” |
—Toegeskryf aan 'n Sweedse booroffisier. | ||
Noordse mense is oor die algemeen kosmopolities en sekulêr. Hulle het 'n paar deugde gemeen:
- Gelykheid: behandel mense gelyk, ongeag hul geslag of titel.
- Beskeidenheid: spog, of pronk met rykdom, is nie gewild nie.
- Stiptelikheid: verskyn op die minuut vir afsprake en sakevergaderings. Dit is goeie maniere om vyf tot tien minute voor die vasgestelde tyd op te daag.
- Privaatheid: Noordse mense het 'n geregverdigde reputasie dat hulle baie persoonlike ruimte benodig en dat hulle nie praatjies met vreemdelinge in openbare ruimtes moet vermy nie. Winkelassistente en ander dienswerkers kan as onoplettend beskou word.
Tabakrook is verbode op binnenshuise lokale in alle lande. Daar is min nordiese mense wat rook; in plaas daarvan rooklose tabak soos snus word wyd gebruik. Terwyl jy nugter is by die werk en agter die stuurwiel, drink hy drank alkohol gedurende naweke is dit nie ongewoon nie, met die risiko van dronkgevegte.
Ondanks die liberale beeld van die Nordiese lande, verdowingsmiddels insluitend dagga is taboe onder die meeste, jonk en oud, en word deur die polisie met geen verdraagsaamheid behandel nie. Die besit van selfs bedrae vir persoonlike gebruik word in al vyf lande gekriminaliseer. Denemarke, wat langer liberaal is as die res, neem 'n moeiliker posisie in om die dwelmhandel te beveg Christiania, en Deense wetgewing word in die distrik toegepas. Die gebied staan steeds bekend as die deel van Kopenhagen waar dwelms maklik toeganklik is.
Die politiese die reputasie van 'n samelewing waar almal versorg word, lyk soms moeilik om te versoen met die manier waarop Noordse mense is is geneig om ver te wees en gereserveer teenoor vreemdelinge. Hou afstand en ander sal u ook nie steur nie. Daar word gefreg op harde stemme. Alhoewel mense in die Nordiese gebied om hulp gevra word, is hulle opreg en behulpsaam, selfs meer op die platteland en in die wildernis. Die idee dat die regering vir behoeftiges moet sorg, maak mense huiweriger om self hulp aan te bied waar hulp nie ter plaatse nodig is nie.
Noordse mense kan huiwerig wees om te gee gunste en geskenke aan vreemdelinge of nuwe kennisse. Die ontvangs van 'n geskenk van meer as toekenningswaarde kan 'n las voel vir Noordse mense wat onafhanklikheid waardeer. In 'n restaurant is die norm dat almal hul eie kos en drinkgoed betaal (hoewel hierdie reël nie duidelik is as iemand na 'n restaurant genooi word nie, en dat 'n man wat 'n vrou vir 'n romantiese ete nooi, haar in elk geval kan ontstel, afhangende van haar en op die omstandighede).
Die Nordiese reputasie om ontspanne siening van te hê naaktheid en seksualiteit is net gedeeltelik waar. Noordse mense aanvaar homoseksuele en geslagsuitdrukkings. Wat openbare borsvoeding betref; as volwassenes êrens mag eet, is babas ook. Skraal dompel (kleuters opsy) word egter slegs in privaat gemeenskappe, op aangewese nudistestrande of in die afgeleë wildernis aanvaar. Openbare naaktheid is nie verbode nie, maar 'onwelvoeglike' gedrag is, dit wil sê as u waarskynlik aanstoot sal gee (en die oordeel is moeilik vir 'n buitelander). In Swede, Noorweë en Ysland word die huur van 'n prostituut gekriminaliseer (en ook in Finland as hulle die slagoffer is van handel), en hoewel pornografie wettig is (insluitend ontkleeklubs), is dit taboe.
Jag en natuurlewebestuur is sensitiewe onderwerpe, waar inwoners van die platteland geneig is om sterk menings te hê, veral vir of teen die beer- en wolfpopulasie. Noorweë en Ysland is van die min lande wat die omstrede praktyk van walvisjag toelaat.
Noordse mense verkies om groet nuwe kennisse met 'n handdruk; hulle omhels dalk goeie vriende. Alhoewel wangsoen nie ongehoord is nie, vind die meeste Nordiërs dit verwarrend.
Terwyl politieke betrekkinge tussen die Nordiese lande is goed, baie Noordse mense is patrioties - nie die Noorwe en Finne nie, wat in die moderne tyd hard geveg het vir hul onafhanklikheid. Besoekers moet die unieke karakter van die land waarin hulle is, herken. As gevolg van die vriendskaplike wedywering tussen die lande, waardeer baie dat enige kommentaar oor hul eie land beter is as hul bure.
In elke land, Lutheranisme is óf die staatsgodsdiens, óf het 'n bevoorregte status. Nietemin is hulle in die praktyk nogal sekulêr in die daaglikse lewe, en mense wat gereeld kerk toe gaan, is eerder die uitsondering as die reël. In die algemeen is Noordse mense verdraagsaam teenoor mense van alle gelowe, alhoewel pogings om te proklameer nie welkom is nie.
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