Luxury Travel Blog

Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style

Destination: Scandinavia

Our list of articles tagged with "Scandinavia."

February 17, 2024

Favorite Thermal Baths, Hot Springs & Spa Experiences Around the World

We love experiencing hot springs and thermal baths around the world—such as serene Japanese onsen and open-air baths at spas in cities such as Budapest and Reykjavik—in spectacular settings.

Artisans of Leisure can incorporate local thermal bath experiences and bathing traditions in all of our private international tours.

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November 21, 2022

Favorite Christmas Markets in Europe

Every year from mid-November through late December, thousands of Christmas markets transform town centers throughout Europe into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, Christmas music and alpine-style wooden chalets overflowing with local crafts and seasonal treats. They’re a highlight of winter holiday travel and a wonderful way to experience a destination’s seasonal cheer. Read more about our favorite Christmas markets in Europe.

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October 21, 2021

Unique Hotels in Sweden, Norway, Finland & Iceland

For adventurous travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Artisans of Leisure can incorporate stays at ice hotels, tree hotels, igloo hotels or other unique hotels in the Nordic countries as part of a private tour in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

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December 12, 2019

Must Visit: Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest theme parks and an enduring landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, a must-see during any visit to the city. Artisans of Leisure arranges tickets, transportation and restaurant reservations for travelers on our private, luxury tours of Denmark.

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September 24, 2019

Norway’s Atlantic Road

Artisans of Leisure arranges private excursions to Norway’s spectacular Atlantic Road, an incredible off-the-beaten-path experience.

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October 1, 2018

Alesund: An Art Nouveau Jewel in Norway

Built on a series of small islands in an archipelago in the fjord region, Alesund is a jewel in Norway known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and proximity to one of the country’s most famous fjords, Geirangerfjord. Artisans of Leisure arranges in-depth private cultural and scenic touring in and around Alesund. Devastated by a […]

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May 2, 2017

Favorite Shop: Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm

For travelers interested in Scandinavian design and textiles, the Svenskt Tenn store in Stockholm is a must. Founded in 1924, Svenskt Tenn began as a pewter shop run by local art teacher Estrid Ericson and has since grown into one of Sweden’s most highly regarded design and textile shops. The store received the “Purveyor to […]

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March 15, 2017

Padaste Manor: Luxury and Style on Muhu Island in Estonia

Just off the west coast of Estonia is rural Muhu Island, an idyllic destination for luxury, relaxation and fine regional cuisine. The highlight of Muhu Island is beautiful Padaste Manor, one of our favorite resorts in the Baltic States. Surrounded by a scenic landscape of forest, farmland, marsh and beach, Padaste Manor is a restored […]

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October 27, 2016

Must Experience: The Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Iceland, “The Land of Fire and Ice,” is packed with dramatic natural features: the largest glaciers in Europe, several of the most active volcanoes in the world, rugged lava fields, bubbling geothermal pools, thundering waterfalls, jagged peaks and spouting geysers. One of Iceland’s most famous sights is the Blue Lagoon, a pale-blue slash of geothermal-heated […]

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August 17, 2016

Insider Scandinavia: Interview with a Denmark Travel Expert

One of our Denmark luxury travel experts, Arden, lived in Copenhagen for six years and is a wealth of knowledge about the city and region. Read about some of her favorite experiences and recommendations in this in-depth interview. Q: Why did you move to Copenhagen? A: I studied abroad in Copenhagen for a semester during […]

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February 3, 2016

Insider Iceland: Interview with an Iceland Travel Expert

Iceland has been one of our most popular destinations since we launched our private Iceland tours. Luke Pyenson, one of our Iceland travel specialists, has visited the country several times and closely studied its tourism industry while in graduate school. We chatted with Luke about what makes the island so compelling, and why he can’t stop […]

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December 4, 2015

Iconic Image: Winter Light at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland

Stunningly beautiful Iceland is known for its unique, otherworldly landscapes including rugged hills, icy blue glaciers and black-sand beaches. But Iceland’s stylish capital city, Reykjavik, is also home to impressive cultural attractions, such as Harpa, the magnificent concert hall designed in part by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened in 2011. The mesmerizing glass-paneled facade […]

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October 27, 2015

Christmas Markets in Europe

We love visiting European cities during the holiday season, especially to visit the wonderful Christmas markets that take place throughout the region. The markets—which showcase local holiday traditions, seasonal cuisine, and regional crafts—are an amazing way to join in the local holiday cheer. Many cities in Europe—from Salzburg, Austria to Waterford, Ireland—have Christmas markets. Some […]

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July 31, 2015

Must Visit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark

Located along the peaceful coastline north of Copenhagen, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of our favorite museums in Scandinavia and a highlight of the region. Named for the three wives of the estate’s 19th-century owner (all named Louise), the museum comprises a beautiful sculpture park, galleries displaying modern and contemporary American and European […]

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April 26, 2015

Top Picks for Scandinavia & the Baltic States Tours

We’ve recently launched new private tours featuring the very best of Scandinavia and the Baltic States. This is one of our favorite parts of the world, and we’re excited to offer tours that incorporate our unique expertise and perspective on Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The comprehensive private tours include exclusive access […]

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March 12, 2015

A Visit to the Iittala Glass Factory in Finland

One of our favorite excursions from Helsinki is to the Iittala glass factory. We can arrange a private tour of the factory to watch artisans creating the glass vases, tableware and objets d’art that are synonymous with modern Finnish design. This tour is especially recommended for collectors of Oiva Toikka—designed Iittala annual birds, eggs and other works of art. All of the vases designed by master Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, including the iconic Savoy vase, are made in the main factory.

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February 11, 2015

Must Experience: A Private Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle

Artisans of Leisure arranges private Iceland tours including Reykjavik and the Golden Circle. Visit Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park UNESCO site. Diving, farm visits, hiking also. Iceland tours, luxury Iceland tours

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December 30, 2014

Must Visit: Rosendals Tradgard in Stockholm, Sweden

If you want to experience Stockholm as the locals do, we recommend visiting Rosendals Tradgard, one of our favorite places in the Swedish capital. Located on the leafy island of Djurgarden—which is also home to major cultural sites such as the Vasa Museet and the Skansen open-air museum—Rosendals is a large garden and one of […]

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June 14, 2013

Private Scandinavia Tours

Our private Scandinavia tours bring the Artisans of Leisure style of travel to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. Here are a few of our favorite destinations and activities in the region. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a wonderful introduction to Scandinavia. The beautiful city is built on several islands, and we usually recommend taking […]

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May 6, 2012

Top 5: Creative Ideas for European Summer Getaways

Europe is one of our favorite regions to visit in the summer, and there’s still time to plan an incredible summer vacation. Here are a few ideas from our travel specialists. 1.) For the Mediterranean at its best Recommended destinations: Italy & Sicily, French Riviera, Greece & more Inspiration for your tour: Enjoying beautiful views […]

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