Looking for a spot to stay during a trip to Scandinavia? Sure, you could rent a summerhouse or stay at a boutique hotel, but there are plenty more weird and wonderful ways to experience the region. From abandoned cranes to disused planes, these unique hotels provide more than just a place to rest. They provide experiences and access to some of Scandinavia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. With a range in price, there’s something for every traveler. These are some of the weird and wonderful hotels to stay in when visiting Scandinavia: Sweden Tree Hotel Sweden How much did you long for a tre ..read more

Although a vase can hold a myriad of beautiful objects, from bouquets to buds, these Scandinavian design vases are more likely to hold the attention of the room. Go minimalist, be bold or simply evoke scandi-chic with our guide to the best Scandinavian design vases to buy: Classic Scandinavian design vases aalto vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala You’re standing at the edge of a forest, surrounded by towering evergreens and looking out across cool water. The sunlight hits the surface and the ripples of gold dazzle you. You take a deep breath, it smells like pine and salt. Or at last, that’s how ..read more

Norwegian Christmas, or jul, is a joy to celebrate. While some of the traditions for Christmas in Norway are reminiscent of the Danish Christmas celebration, there are so many that are unique to the country and culture. Not to mention the landscape; it’s pure magic to be surrounded by mountains and guaranteed snow, North Pole-style. So how do we celebrate Christmas in Norway? There’s music, cakes, and usually, a blanket of gleaming snow embracing the landscape. There are many cultural phenomena tied to Christmas in Norway. Ski jumping is a must-watch on television, as are “Jul I Blåfjell,” a ..read more

There are so many inspiring Scandinavian women! Since the time of the vikings, the voices of Scandinavian women have proven powerful. From history-making politicians to visionary activists, Scandinavian women continue to show the world what they are capable of. The list in this article shares a number of categories, including models, writers,  musicians, and many (many!) more. We’re also exploring some of the facets of what life is like for women in this northern region, including what dating and marriage is like. Here are some important facts about life Scandinavian women, followed by a ..read more

Every culture has its own relationship to death and superstition. Ghost stories are usually a part of that; what they focus on are a macabre, gateway to understanding the fears and obsessions of that time and people through mythological creatures. My personal favorite periods of ghost folklore are Victorian England, largely because those people were so repressed that they managed to mix sex and death in a way previously unheard of, and the American West, because then you get whole towns of ghosts! I’m nothing if not economical. Folklore in the Scandinavian region experienced a surge of intere ..read more

Not sure what kind of pillow is the best, or what kind of pillow will help you sleep? You may be asking: how do I choose the best pillow for myself? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, of course, but there are a tried-and-tested versions known to be the most comfortable pillows, as well as pillows that are best for your neck. Unlike the debate around duvets, everyone tends to sleep with their own pillow (or two!), so choosing the right pillow is an individual choice. What makes for a good pillow? There’s the material its made from, the pillow’s thickness and sturdiness, pillow size, and over ..read more

The best winter coat is the ones that keeps you warm and also looks great. The kind of coat that you actually look forward to putting over an outfit, rather than dread having to wear for four to five months straight. The kind of coat that makes you feel polished and pulled together, even when the weather is foul. Wool coats, cashmere coats, wrap coats; whatever the kind of coat you’re after, a sleek and minimalist winter coat is a piece that can be worn with anything and will last for a lifetime. There are so many options for the perfect winter coat. Finding the style that’s right for you ens ..read more

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the end of the year sneaking up on us again! Those gift lists are starting to get long, aren’t they? Not to worry; we’ve got a gift guide for you that will suit everyone in your life, from your design-loving friend to your always-on-the-go niece to your bookworm grandmother. Scandi gifts at every price point, for every category. Not interested in physical gifts? That’s fine! We’ve got some experience and donation-based ideas as well. Here’s our annual Scandi gift guide for your gifting pleasure: Design Fashion Beauty Books Experiences Donate Gifts ..read more

Is your dream to have an intimate Scandinavian wedding? Rolling, lush landscapes, bright blue skies, colorful wildflowers, and a fresh breeze through your hair; what’s not to love? Eloping in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, or Finland (yes, we’ve included Finland as an extra treat) could be one of the most special moments of your life. But how do you decide if an elopement in Scandinavia is right for you? Elopement photographer Jaakko Perala has some thoughts on this decision. He asks, “do you feel excited to plan a big wedding, or do you think you have to make too many compromises with all ..read more

The best swimsuits feel as good as they look; not too tight, retain their stretch for a long time, don’t pill, and stay (ahem) in place even after a good, hearty cannon ball into the water. Whether you prefer a one-piece, a bikini, modest swimwear, or trunks, there’s a swimsuit that’s right for you. We’ve rounded up our favorite brands, running the gamut from sleek and minimalist to playful and colorful. Bonus: most of them are made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles and ocean waste. Here are the best swimsuits to wear through the summer, to the sauna, or in place of underwear ..read more