What’s New in the Nordics

Here’s a quick look at sustainable travel in the Nordics, and what’s new and exciting in the region’s various destinations for 2023.

Denmark

This year is an exciting year for ‘the land of everyday wonder.’ Copenhagen was named the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, and the North Jutland region is more accessible than ever, with a new direct route from Newark to Aalborg via SAS.

• The recent opening of Regan Vest allows visitors to see this cold war bunker, meant to house the Royal Danish family and the Danish government in case of war. Guests will discover the original interior, with Arne Jacobsen chairs and Danish design lamps.

Gasadalur village and its iconic waterfall, Vagar, Faroe Islands, Denmark. Long exposure. (photo via miroslav_1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Faroe Islands

The world’s most remote foodie destination continues to grow its F&B offerings with a new craft distillery producing whisky and gin based on local botanicals and culinary traditions.

• Experience Ræst, (meaning fermented in Faroese) focuses on the tradition of fermenting meat and fish. Chef Sebastián Jiménez and Sommelier Karin Visth have combined modern gastronomic trends and ancient Faroe Islands food traditions with carefully selected beverages from sustainable producers around the world.

• The new Faer Isles Distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries in the world. Travelers can also discover the vibrant craft beer scene or enjoy an authentic and intimate dining experience in a private home, known locally as Heimablídni.

Northern Lights, Finland (Photo via Getty Images)

Finland

Named ‘Happiest Country in the World’ for the sixth consecutive year, Finland is hosting a Masterclass of Happiness this summer in the Lakeland region. Selected applicants will recharge and reconnect with nature.

• There are thousands of reasons to fall in love with Finland from the people to stunning nature and spectacular architecture. And the country’s four distinct seasons will beckon travelers back for more.

• Whether visitors want to wind down in lush forests, adventure in the Arctic wilderness, or relax on the open coast, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Plus, the flora and fauna are like nowhere else—especially experienced under the Midnight Sun.

view of a colorful village in Greenland (photo via Elizabeth M. Ruggiero/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Greenland 

The world’s largest island will be more accessible for Americans, as three new international airports (in Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq) are coming in 2024 and 2025.

• Greenlandic operators are expanding their accommodation offerings with glass huts (Ilulissat), glamping (Nuuk and Saqqaq), and other lodges (East Greenland).

• The government has approved the observation of polar bears in Greenland related to tourism activities. And a local company, Ultima Thule, is offering ultimate adventures in the most remote region, close to the North Pole. 

A family visiting Iceland. (photo via stockstudioX/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Iceland

Many new destinations have opened, including an exhilarating Lava Show and a new geothermal experience offering eight multi-temperature baths.

• Icelandair offers direct flights from 15 North American destinations; 10 are year-round. Low budget airline Play Air offers direct flights to Iceland from five North Americas destinations.

• In central Reykjavík, there are two new hotels: The Hotel Reykjavík Saga, a four-star property and Icelandic Parliament Hotel, part of the Hilton Curio Collection.

• The first year-round mountain resort in the interior Highland region opens in July. The Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort features rooms in all price ranges. The alpine area steams with hot springs and is a popular hiking and skiing destination.

Bjørvika Barcode in Oslo Norway (Baiaz / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Norway

There are many new openings here, including the National Museum in Oslo, the Munch Museum, and the Deichman Library—along with several major new hotels, a new coastal cruise line (Havila), and a new airline (Norse Atlantic).

• Next year, the country will welcome Six Senses Svart, a futuristic showcase of sustainability and one of the world's first carbon-neutral, off-grid hotels. It’s considered to be a blueprint for the hospitality industry and the development sector.

PHOTO: Gothenburg, Sweden (Photo via anderm / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Sweden

It’s easier than ever to explore Gothenburg, thanks to a new nonstop flight from New York via SAS. And Stockholm, named the European Capital of Gastronomy for 2023, has three nonstop carriers U.S. travelers can choose from.

• This year marks the 10th anniversary of ABBA The Museum, dedicated to the legendary Swedish pop group. It features memorabilia like stage outfits, instruments, gold records, and awards. It’s also an interactive experience allowing visitors to learn the history of the group and the members’ individual careers.

• 68 million of Sweden’s 111 million acres are covered in forest and scattered with nearly 100,000 lakes. The landscape of rolling hills, mountains, streams, rivers, and ever-changing coastline are some of the world’s most beautiful places to explore—including 400 registered hiking trails.

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