Hidden Gem, Itineraries, Stavanger Tourist Infos
Vanessa Brune
What to keep in mind when planning a trip to ...

I’ve recently spent a few days on a cabin holiday in Haugaland (as you know if you’re following me on Instagram) - a region that isn’t exactly well known or on many peoples’ bucket list. The point of this little autumn break was to leave the city and work behind to truly relax a bit, and to discover one of Norway’s lesser-known and truly underestimated gems - of which there are so so many!

I guess I don’t necessarily need to explain why I prefer visiting somewhere lesser known where there aren’t any crowds around, over ticking off “must-see” lists of places I’ve seen 1000 times on social media already, but I guess I’m doing it anyway as there’s a lot more to it than you might think.

What to keep in mind when planning a trip to Norway
Guest Posts, Outdoor Adventures
Guest Author
Camping in the Rain - Tips and Tricks to Stay ...

Have you ever laid in bed with the windows open, listening to gentle rain sounds from outside? Now, imagine if you could be in nature and enjoy those sounds! If you are camping, rain doesn’t have to ruin your experience. You will need to adapt but think of it as a challenge to have a wholly different adventure. This guide will show you how to go camping in the rain - something that when planning a camping trip in Scandinavia, you’re likely going to do, whether you want to or not…

Camping in the Rain - Tips and Tricks to Stay Dry When Exploring Scandinavia With a Tent
Nordic City Trips
Vanessa Brune
A Spoonie Travel Guide to Helsinki, Finland - ...

If you’re reading this and have heard of the term “spoonie” before, you’re in luck: You’re about to read the first travel guide to Helsinki that’s specifically targeted to people like me and you. In this spoonie travel guide to Helsinki, I’m going to present the city in regards to how easy it is to visit with a chronic illness: What kind of activity is there to do on a day when you just don’t have much energy available? Where can you take a break and enjoy a packed lunch with foods you know you tolerate? Where you can you visit the restroom?

A Spoonie Travel Guide to Helsinki, Finland - Tips for Travelling with a Chronic Illness
Hidden Gem, Nordic Lifestyle, Outdoor Adventures
Vanessa Brune
9 unique and truly Norwegian hotels Instagram ...

Are you tired of staying at hotel chains? Have already ticked the snow hotel and glass igloo off your bucket list? Or are you simply not willing to spend your hard-earned money on an overpriced cabin just because it’s hyped up on Instagram? I hear you! Norway has so many accommodation options to choose from and a great majority come with spectacular views and easy access to nature. You don’t have to stay in a glass igloo to see the Northern Lights, and that cabin with a view you’ve seen on Instagram is certainly not the only one of its kind. Instead, why not stay somewhere more historic? Somewhere a little more authentic but equally charming? Somewhere traditionally Norwegian and not new and boutiquey? Somewhere like this:

9 unique and truly Norwegian hotels Instagram hasn’t hyped up yet
Itineraries, Nordic City Trips, Stavanger Tourist Infos
Vanessa Brune
One Day in Stavanger, Norway - What to See and ...

Ever since moving to Stavanger over 2 years ago, I’ve always recommended people to come and visit Stavanger for more than just a day or two. The city and its surroundings just have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire week in the area. However, most people visit Stavanger only for about 2 days - one to do the Preikestolen hike and the other to explore the city itself. If you’re planning to do the same, read on to find out what there is to do and see in Stavanger when you’re short on time!

One Day in Stavanger, Norway - What to See and Do

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The Preikestolen Hike in Norway: All you need to know to climb Pulpit Rock (without breaking your leg)

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The Preikestolen Hike in Norway: All you need to know to climb Pulpit Rock (without breaking your leg)

Even though local travel organizations were concerned about the fact that Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible stunt at Pulpit Rock was set in India in the movie, there have been more hikers to the rock formation so far this year than ever before. Sadly, that also means that the local rescue service is more than busy carrying hikers with broken legs or ankles down the mountain - or worse, having to call the helicopter for assistance. So, if you’re planning to do the hike to Preikestolen in Norway yourself, make sure to read the following tips first!

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The Complete Guide to Kristiansand, Southern Norway

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The Complete Guide to Kristiansand, Southern Norway

Kristiansand is Norway’s 5th largest city, situated in sunny Southern Norway (or as locals call it: “Norway’s Riviera”). Not to be mistaken for Kristiansund - a much smaller town at the Atlantic Road between Trondheim and Ålesund - southern Kristiansand might be more popular among Norwegians looking for sunshine and warmth in their own country, than it is among international visitors. After having visited myself recently, I’d argue, though, that Kristiansand is a wonderfully charming city that offers the perfect combination of a city trip with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, and I can only highly recommend you to visit next time you’re in Norway!

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Lundhags Bjerg Low Hiking Boots - The Perfect Shoe for Visiting Norway?

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Lundhags Bjerg Low Hiking Boots - The Perfect Shoe for Visiting Norway?

If you’re planning a trip to Norway or the Nordics in general, you’ve probably already wondered about what you should pack and what kind of footwear you need to bring. You may already have a pair of hiking boots but they’re big and bulky - an absolute hassle to bring in your luggage. Or, you’ve never used hiking boots in your life before and don’t really want to spend a ton of money on a pair of boots that you might end up wearing just once. Either way, I think I have found a really good solution to your problem in the Lundhags Bjerg Low boots of their OMNI collection. Read on for the detailed review!*

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Why you should visit the High Arctic at least once in your life

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Why you should visit the High Arctic at least once in your life

You guys know that I’m madly in love with the Arctic, right? I mean, I might had to give up living there after 3 years but if the name of this blog is any indication, I still am a sucker for snow! Even though I’ve been living in Tromsø for several years, though, I never felt as much appreciation for the region as I did when I visited Svalbard. Suddenly, the Arctic felt the way I’d always imagined it to be: remote, majestic and different from anything else I’ve ever experienced!

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25 Nordic Christmas gifts you'll be tempted to keep yourself

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25 Nordic Christmas gifts you'll be tempted to keep yourself

As you might know, I absolutely love all things Nordic and there are so many things to buy someone like me - whether one of your loved ones is planning a trip up north or whether they’re just equally crazy about the Nordics as I am. The following list will give you some inspiration for Nordic Christmas gifts, ranging from jewellery, clothes and cosmetics to entertainment and interior.

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Pasvik Nature Reserve - A truly hidden gem in Europe's outskirts

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Pasvik Nature Reserve - A truly hidden gem in Europe's outskirts

One of the biggest (and least crowded) gems in itself is the region of Finnmark, stretching all the way to 71 degrees north. I was lucky to experience life in the outskirts of Europe when I did my Workaway stay in the small village of Gamvik, and still regret that I didn’t went further east to explore the Norwegian-Russian border area around Kirkenes. Therefore I was all the more excited when I was contacted by Prityazhenie, asking if I’d be interested in writing a post about the region and specifically about Pasvik Nature Reserve - a national park that actually stretches over areas of Norway, Russia and Finland, and apparently is a heaven for bird watchers! If you’d like to really explore the wilderness of Northern Norway, Pasvik Nature Reserve seems to be perfect place. Here’s why:*

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Where to stay in Tromsø for the best views of the Midnight Sun

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Where to stay in Tromsø for the best views of the Midnight Sun

Are you looking for a last-minute summer getaway somewhere off the beaten path? Or have you been dreaming of the 24-hour summer days of the Arctic for ages? Either way, I know the perfect place for you: Malangen Resort near Tromsø! I was fortunate enough to stay at the resort on a work trip 2 years ago and couldn't help but fall in love with its surroundings. I mean, red cabins with a fjord view? Yes, please!

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10 Tips to Visit Iceland Without Breaking the Bank

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10 Tips to Visit Iceland Without Breaking the Bank

Iceland is one of those places you simply have to visit once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s not really the cheapest country to visit. If Iceland is on your travel bucket list nonetheless, these tips will help you to get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank!

Nordic Wanders - wandering scandinavia and the nordics

Heia! My name is Vanessa and on this blog, I share my wanders across Scandinavia, the Arctic and beyond.

Would you like to find out more? Then read my about page and don’t forget to follow along on Bloglovin!