Let's Go To The Beach!

Travelling to Scandinavia this summer?

June is the favorite month of many Scandinavia visitors as it warms Scandinavia up nicely and brings everyone outdoors. Summer attractions are open, Scandinavia's parks and gardens are in full color in June, and visitors to Norway are ready to help the people enjoy the annual Midsummer celebrations. These Scandinavian midsummer traditions dates back to pagan times, showing the defeat of darkness to the powers of the sun god. Later, when you’re ready for a swim, take the road down to Selje, located on the West Coast of Norway in the County of Sogne og Fjordane. Enjoy the scenery. Watch the road!

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And if you are really interested in a unique swimming experience, head for Iceland! In Iceland, the sea is normally far too cold to tempt swimmers, but at Nautholsvik Bay in Reykjavik, a thermal beach has been created, where natural hot water flows out into the sea, and you can frolic in the waves as if you were in the Mediterranean! This artificial beach in Nauthólsvík is a fun place to cool down during a rare hot summer day. Featuring specially- imported white sand, they pump geothermal water into the ocean, so you can take a dip without freezing to death.

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A beach of golden sand has been created and a "pool" has been enclosed nearby, separate from where the water temperature is about 20ºC. Refreshments and various services are available at the beach. Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. According to their history, the first settler of Iceland built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. The place was named Reykjavik – “Smoky Bay” - after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers.

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Have you heard about the Swedish Riviera? On your summer trip, don't forget to enjoy the sunny, sandy beaches in southern and central Sweden. Visit Stockholm and still enjoy sand and sun at two popular beaches right in the city: The county of Skåne is known for its beach region in Sweden. It's the southernmost county in Sweden and offers long, warm beaches. However, travellers must be aware that the scenery at some Scandinavian beaches differs from those in the USA. Signs are posted and probably read carefully. --- Signs are often used to inform beach visitors about nude-only or CO (clothes optional) beaches. Read carefully.

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Nudism in Scandinavia is nothing unusual - Scandinavia is the most open-minded region in the world. It's perfectly legal in Scandinavia for nudists to swim naked, or to sunbathe either topless or completely in the nude. In Denmark, nudism is allowed on many kilometers of coastline with several dedicated to “naturists only”. Norway has over 20 clothes-free beaches, and Sweden offers about 60 beaches for nudists! So, check the signs and swim-apparel accordingly.

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There is no surprise that water plays a very important part in Finnish lives. Hot water, because the Finnish sauna is a substantial part of Finnish culture. For Finnish people, the sauna is a place in which to relax with friends and family, and a place for physical and mental relaxation as well. Finns think of saunas not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Saunas are found on the shores of Finland's numerous lakes, and in every home. Especially in the wintertime! The benefits of saunas and steambaths are widely reported for relieving stress and soothing tired muscles as well as aiding most health improvements.

Where-ever your journey finds you, enjoy the summer, Scandinavian style!