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SCANDINAVIA


The British might tend to look south for short break options but Finland, Norway and Sweden offer a true winter wonderland as well as sunshine hours to put Spain to shame, says Colin Ellson


N


ordic trio Finland, Norway and Sweden are able to offer a totally new experience to


palates jaded by a diet of mainstream destinations, their unique selling points being exclusivity and a combination of cultures, majestic scenery and beautiful cities unmatched elsewhere. An added bonus is a menu of year-


round activities, whether under the Midnight Sun that warms the region in summer or in the short daylight days of winter when ski resorts come into their own and the cities, towns and villages are alive with seasonal celebrations. Be aware that each of the Nordic


countries has its own special appeal. Norway is a land of mountains and glaciers, its West Coast riven by


spectacular fjords best seen via a cruise. Sweden’s gem is Stockholm, a city of architectural grandeur refl ected in the sparkling waters of its harbour, with the great outdoors of lakes and sandy beaches within easy reach.


And there’s Finland, its capital Helsinki


one of the youngest and most go-ahead cities in Europe, the countryside is punctuated by lakes, and the social scene dominated by countrywide music and dance festivals and quirky events such as the Wife Carrying World Championships. Despite the Scandinavian tendency not


to do negativity, the lingering recession has seen casualties. Last year, the Finnish Tourist Board closed its offi ce in London, and tour operators Scantours and Scan Meridian went bust.


Nevertheless, cautious optimism is being shown by the UK travel trade. This is based on improved sales last year, new air services to the region, and the potential for growth in both the short breaks and longer-stay markets identifi ed by tour operators. The mood should be infectious, and


the chance for agents to earn good commission by persuading clients to abandon old habits and look north to new and always exhilarating horizons.


Scandinavia What's new easyJet launched its fi rst direct fl ights


between the UK and Sweden, with services between London Gatwick and Gothenburg starting on September 6. SAS launched departures from London


City to Oslo last summer, while Ryanair began fl ying from Liverpool John Lennon to Oslo Rygge in November. Norwegian plans to add fl ights from Gatwick to Alesund, Norway, from spring 2011. Two boutique properties have opened in the heart of Oslo – the Rica Hotel G20 and the Clarion Collection Folketeateret. Turku, on Finland’s south west coast,


will be in the spotlight this year as the European Capital of Culture 2011. At the same time, Sweden will be


celebrating Amundsen Year, noting the 100th anniversary of the Antarctic explorer’s race to the South Pole.


Top from left: Horse riding is an activity option in Finland; The Nordic Light Hotel, Stockholm; Jotunheimen - the Home of the Giants - in Southern Norway


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thedeal seal


Easy access: Finland, Norway and Sweden are easily accessible from the UK, with a fl ying time of two to three hours


VISIT FINLAND


LOUISE BILGERT


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