Best of Scandinavia Tour Magic Moments
Real Experiences From Our Tour Members
Our goal as tour organizers: to pack your trip with "magic moments." Here are just a few of the many magic moments our gangs experienced on a Rick Steves' Scandinavia tour recently. For the inside scoop on all of our tours, check out our uncensored tour member feedback page .
The scenery was spectacular, the "back door" approach wonderful for meeting the local people, and I was amazed at the entire group of fellow travelers who were such fun, and truly a delightful to be with.
— Janet in Seattle, WA
Aug 15, 2003
One was when our guide lead us through the Gamla Stan in Stockholm, burst into song while standing next to the statue of a composer who is beloved by Swedes, and then having a passerby join in to serenade us.
Jul 18, 2003
There were many, but the two most impressive and memorable experiences were the sight of the magnificent Fjords and the visit to the awe-inspiring sculptures in Vigeland Park. One was a phenomenon of nature and the other of man.
— Ruth in Sunnyvale, CA
Jun 30, 2003
My "WOW" moment came in Stockholm. I was waiting for the last "free with your Stockholm Card" tour boat of the day at Nybroplan, hiding behind a tree to stay somewhat dry in the torrential rain. (I was also eating a vanilla ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles — don't try to figure out the logic, I was on vacation.) The sun broke through at last, and I decided to make my way to the gate where we'd board. I checked the street, crossed it, then took off my knit gloves and put them back in my backpack. When I looked up.....wow! The most beautiful rainbow I've ever seen arching over the harbor, painted on a deep blue sky. And a persistent one, I might add. I was able to photograph it and watch it until the boat arrived. And I wasn't the only one. About 20 people stopped and savored the beauty, peace, and warmth of that moment.
— Catherine in Dalton Gardens, ID
Jun 13, 2003
Our stay on the island of Ærø in the town of Ærøskøbing was definitely a "wow" experience. The colorful, crooked houses and cobblestone streets looked like something out of a fairy tale story. I was impressed by the fact that the island gets 90 percent of its energy from solar and wind sources and expects to increase this to 100 percent within the next couple of years. The honor system (with goods, a price list, and a jar for money left on the door stoop) also impressed me. How great it would be if we all could live in such a society!
— Linda in Mt Prospect, IL
Jun 13, 2003
I remember sitting at Tivoli, simply marveling at the culture the Danes have built. There were middle school children wandering around the park, who were evidently on their own, who had come by train and were going back that way. Amazing, that parents feel safe letting their kids do that. And the park itself attracted all ages for all kinds of activities. I was ready to move to Copenhagen.
Aug 20, 2002
Check out everything that's new in the 2004 edition of Rick's guidebook to Scandinavia and more details on our 2004 Tours!