Visit Scandinavia

Polar World: The world's largest polar bear park

Polar World, the world's largest polar bear park, opened in 2009 in Dalarna in middle Sweden. The 41,000 square meter facility incorporates a large deep water area, its own snow-making machinery and space for the bears to fish.

Polar World is the first polar bear park to engage in breeding of the endangered species and is a part of a broader project to preserve them. Visitors will be able to learn about the bears in the park's exhibition premises, amphitheatre and visitor information stations.

Christmas in Fantasy World – Zealand

Denmark’s latest indoor attraction, Fantasy World in Holme-Olstrup, will open a brand new cowboy city on the 24th of November 2007, housing the Christmas market: “Christmas in the Wild West”. Beyond the Christmas shopping opportunities, the market has a variety of fun fair rides and attractions, a cowboy fort, horse drawn carriages and restaurants.

Website: www.fantasy-world.dk

Eikedalen Alpine centre

Eikedalen alpine centre is located 55 km from Bergen at Kvamskogen. Eikedalen is the second biggest ski centre in the region of Hordaland after Voss. Eikedalen has 7 ski lifts, 12 different slopes from green to black difficulty levels.The ski centre is also open 4-5 evenings a week (1700-2100).

Website: www.eikedalen.no

Elk safari in Laukkuluspa

Go on a snowmobile tour in the wilderness of Kiruna, northern Sweden. Drive along the Kalix River towards the majestic mountains and experience unique national animals such as reindeer and elk. Lunch will be cooked over an open fire in a Sami tent. Trip available: Dec 2007 – April 2008 (daily departures)

Tel: +46(0)980-105 30. Mobile: +46(0)70-559 39 50

Email: info@kirunainorr.se

Website: www.kirunainorr.se

Ski in Trysil

Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway. The location ensures a stable climate ideal for winter sports. The season generally starts in late October and ends in late April.

Lifts: 32

Slopes: 65

Longest slope: 5.4 km

Access: 3 hours by bus from Oslo

Website: www.trysil.com

Ski in Åre

Åre village lies in central Sweden and is made up of three ski areas; Björnen, Åre By (Åre Village) and Duved. Åre hosted the Alpine World Championship in February 2007.

Lifts: 40

Slopes: 103

Longest slope: 6.5 km

Access: 1.5 hour by plane and 8 hours by train from Stockholm

Website: www.areturistbyra.com

Ski in Riksgränsen

Riksgränsen is the most northly ski resort in Europe offering a wide range of off piste skiing for beginners as well as professionals. Because of its location above the Arctic Circle you can enjoy summer skiing in the light of the midnight sun until the end of June.

Lifts: 6

Slopes: 17

Longest slope: 2 km

Access: 3 hours by plane and 18 hours by train from Stockholm

Tel: +46 980 400 80

Website: www.riksgransen.nu

Ski in Lillehammer

Hafjell is located 15 km north of Lillehammer which is a town and a skiing district in central Norway. Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994 and many of the Olympic events took place in Hafjell. The shuttle bus service from Lillehammer centre makes it very accessible.

Lifts: 14

Slopes: 28 and 300km of cross country tracks

Longest run: 7 km

Access: 2 hour 40 minutes by train from Oslo

Website: www.lillehammerturist.no

Ski in Hemsedal

Hemsedal is a village and ski resort in central Norway. The stable inland climate ensures good snow conditions from November to May. Hemsedal includes two skiing areas, Hemsedal ski centre and Solheisen ski centre in Grøndalen.

Lifts: 22

Slopes: 48 and 210 km of cross country tracks

Longest slope: 6 km

Access: 3 hours by train from Oslo

Website: www.hemsedal.com

Tivoli Christmas Market

The Tivoli Christmas market in Copenhagen is a must during the winter season. The atmosphere is much like that of a small carnival, filled with the pungent smells of ginger cookies and glögg, Christmas carols and Danish arts & crafts. Linger over a traditional meal or indulge in a quick pick-me-up at one of its restaurants -try Michelin starred The Paul, Café Ketchup, Fregatten or Ultimo

Website: www.tivoligardens.com

Ice climbing in the Scandinavian mountains

For the experienced climber as well as the adventurous thrill seeker, ice climbing is an unforgettable event. Using a special ice pick and climbing boots, scaling the mountainside to the top is a once in a lifetime experience.

Website: www.swedishlapland.com

Live with the Sami

If you are seeking a cultural experience out of the ordinary, discover the Sami, one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Visit the northern parts of Scandinavia and stay with the Sami people. Eat a traditional meal, learn about their culture, stay in their traditional huts and experience life as never before. Why not compete with your friends in a reindeer race or go on a guided hiking tour in the snow?

Website: www.swedishlapland.com

Christmas the old fashioned way

Get into the Christmas spirit at Bærums Verk in Oslo. Take a short ride with horse and sleigh during the weekends or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings and small shops in old houses from the 17th Century. Experience an old-fashioned Christmas market with lots of handicrafts & designer-goods. Make Christmas tree decorations from sheep's wool or make your very own soap. Meet Norwegian fairytale characters, the Hulder and the Trolls!

Website: www.visitoslo.com

Ski in Norefjell

Norway, the land of mountains, offers excellent ski resorts. ‘Norefjell’ is a good all-round ski resort, which is only located about 11/2h from Oslo. The terrain is suitable for all type of ski and snow lovers. Choose between country skiing, ‘telemark’, down hill skiing, snowboarding and sleigh rides. The winter season normally lasts from November until May.

Website: www.visitoslo.com

Kingcrab Safari in Kirkines

Go on a Kingcrabsafari by snow mobile or by boat, and try ice-fishing in the Barents Sea near Kirkenes, in the far north of Norway. The king crab can grow to 2 metres and gain a weight of 15 kg, so you are guaranteed to see and taste the biggest and freshest crabs in the world! At the end of the trip you can eat fresh crabs for lunch in the restaurant near the fjord. URL  http://www.visitnorthcape.com/

Website: www.visitnorthcape.com/