5 REASONS TO VISIT EASTERN NORWAY

Want to experience all of Norway´s natural beauty and vivid history while avoiding hoards of tourists clamoring for the perfect fjord picture to instagram? Then skip the West Coast and head on over to the Norwegian East Coast instead.

This underrated section of the country is full of spectacular things to see and do. The following are only 5 of the many reasons you should be considering Eastern Norway for your next trip:

1) To Climb Gaustatoppen

Gaustatoppen is the Telemark district´s tallest peak and an experience that should be illegal to miss, should you be in the East. On a clear day you can see one sixth of Norway from the top. Not only that but the mountain sits next to a beautiful velvety lake reflecting colours beyond the imagination.

Lake view from the top of Gaustatoppen

This hike is a meer two hours to the top and well worth the effort. However, be warned as boulder-covered paths and slippery snow may make for treacherous climbing conditions for the less experienced hiker.

2) Heddal Stave Church

When heading towards Gaustatoppen from the east, it is impossible to miss the Heddal Stave Church. Being Norway´s largest stave church, Heddal is sure to impress, regardless of religious belief or lack there of.

 

Built in the 13th century, this church stands tall in the Heddal valley. This view is as peaceful as it is intriguing. Make sure to take a closer look to see the perplexing thick black lacquering covering Heddal Stave Church´s wooden panels.

Heddal Stave Church up close

3) Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad´s Old Town is the epitome of a quintessential European fairytale village. A walk through the small cobble-stoned streets will take you back to early Nordic life. On a sunny day this city glistens with antique lustre, housing many boutique stores and some of the most magical cafés you could dream of.

A candle-lit lunch consisting of: karbonade, parsnip soup & chocolate caramel slice

4) See Munch´s House in Åsgårdstrand

You´ve heard of the painting The Scream, but did you know the artist who painted this masterpiece, Edvard Munch, was Norwegian?

Source: wikimedia

In the beautiful little white-washed town of Åsgårdstrand you can visit the famous Munch house in all it´s orangey glory.

The beautiful town of Åsgårdstrand – known for it´s white houses

Here you can also stop into the Munch Cafe for a bite to eat. Don´t forget to order on one of the famous ´krabbelurers´ if you´re a fan of doughnuty-goodness (who isn´t?)

5) Visit Ancient Viking Burial Grounds

Take a trip to the Vestfold district and you will discover the Borre Mounds. This impressive landmark is host to one of the largest viking burial grounds in all of Scandinavia. Not only are the mounds beautiful to look at, but you can actually climb on top of them. Because who doesn´t want to stand on top of viking souls?

A cheeky snap buy a viking burial mound

 

So why not skip the tourist traps this summer and check out Norway´s Eastern treasures?

 

12 IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A TRAVEL PARTNER

Not all of us are solo travellers. And that´s okay.

Of course, solo travel can be extremely rewarding, but travelling with a friend, family member, or partner can make all the difference between having a good time and having a great time.

The benefits of travelling with a partner are many:sharing pricey meals, feeding off each other´s energy, having a safety buddy and countless others.

BUT having great adventures together also depends on how well you and your travel comrade jell. I mean what´s the point of backpacking through Germany with your high school buddy if they´re slowing you down and killing that exciting travel vibe?

So, to help you find the perfect partner, I´ve created a list of the most important qualities to look for in a potential fellow globetrotter:

1. Patient – Because not every situation can be decided in a matter of minutes.

2. Flexible – Plans don´t always work the way you want them to. When this happens you need someon flexible on your side.

3. Street smart – Because what´s worse than travelling with someone who gets you two conned into paying over-priced tour fares?

4. Open-minded – Travelling authentically requires a non-judgmental and accepting mindset.

5. Curious – Someone who is curious is going to be enthusiastic and passionate about discovering a new culture.

6. Resourceful – As a back-packer this is almost the number one important quality. Travelling with a wasteful or careless partner is a recipe for disaster.

7. Dependable – Because nothing´s worse than finding out last-minute that they forgot to print those ever so vital bus tickets.

8. Cooperative – Working together gets the best results. Plus you´ll have someone to help plan activities and navigate.

9. Independent – You won´t always want to do the same thing. Travelling with someone who doesn´t mind splitting off for half the day to do your own thing is a win-win situation.

10. Calm – Travelling can be stressful. Very stressful. But having a calm companion by your side can help dissipate those `head is whirling´-type situations.

11. Willing to compromise – Because where´s the fun in travelling with someone who only wants to do things their own way?

12. Daring – To travel is to try new things. To try new things is to go out of one´s comfort zone. Someone who is daring will be able to make the most of new experiences and challenges.

 

So what do you think is important in a travel partner?

 

 

 

5 REASONS TO VISIT KRAKOW

If you´re looking for an underrated destination for your next excursion, I have one word for you: Krakow.

Just a week ago, my boyfriend and I visited this brilliant city. In fact, I´m still in the dreamy early days of being back home, reminiscing and not yet accepting the reality of daily life. Today, I´m reliving our experiences in this post.

So let´s get started.

1) Krakow is packed full of history

For today´s nomad, visiting Krakow is like a journey through time. Not only is this city full of colourful Polish architecture and the buzz of passersby, but every cobblestone has seen infamous events in history.

In order to soak all this up we took two of the famous Krakow Free Walking Tours; the Old Town and Jewish Walking Tour. Both were exceptional. If you´re looking for a comprehensive overview of Krakow´s history, then I can recommend nothing better. I was happily surprised with the quality of the information and that the focus was on the city as a whole, rather than simply WWII. Don´t forget to leave your fantastic tour guide a tip.

On a more solemn note, no historical journey to Krakow is complete without a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Though I can promise you this is not your typical fun vacation experience, it is one of great importance and will surely leave a lasting impact.

For those of you who want an even closer look, I highly recommend stopping by the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory. Inside is a museum dedicated to a snapshot of war torn Poland from 1939 – 1945. We spent a good hour and a half here.

2) You´ll never feel hungry again

If you´re hungry in Poland, you´re not doing it right. This place is characterised by it´s hearty savoury stews and rich cheesecakes. From street foods to michelin star restaurants, there is something for everyone here.

Pizza-like baguettes by the name of zapiekanki are as traditional as they are popular in Krakow. For the most authentic zapiekanki experience we made our way over to Plac Nowy and stopped in at Endzior, popular with the local students. For those interested in trying new local foods, zapiekanki is one to add to the list.

If you´re hunting for a quick and tasty snack, try obwarzanki. These circular pretzels can be found on every corner and made for a great breakfast-on-the-go during our journey to Auschwitz.

Of course, no trip to Poland is complete without at least one pierogi dinner. Try Zapiecek for a huge variety of pierogi. From potato & cheese to plum, this place has every flavour of pierogi you could imagine.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, there´s nothing quite like Polish cheesecake or ´sernik´. Feasting on the homemade sernik with raspberry coulis and fresh fruits from Cafe Camelot was one of my absolute highlights, not to mention the fantastic breakfast and coffee served here.

3) You can drink to your heart´s content

Vodka. Lots and lots of Vodka. Krakow is the perfect destination for a big night out.

For an inexpensive tasting put the Wodka Cafe Bar just outside of the market square to the test. Bison Grass Vodka is one of the popular choices here, but don´t forget to try the chocolate as well (my personal favourite).

4) The Old Town is full of energy and beauty

Krakow´s market square, termed Rynek Glowny, is the largest medieval square in all of Europe. No matter which direction you look in, this square is sure to deliver a pleasant view.

Feast your eyes upon St Mary´s Basilica, with it´s unique mix of gothic and baroque architecture. We made our way inside a few times to marvel at the incredibly colourful ceiling. If you´re here on the hour you can also listen to the famous Hejnal, or trumpet call with its cheery tone and abrupt ending.

In the centre of the square lies the Cloth Hall. Take a quick stroll through and enjoy the knick-knacky souveniers.

On the other side of the square is the Town Hall Tower. Underneath you can also find the unusually large sculpture of a face by the Polish sculpture Mitoraj.

If you´re lucky enough to be in Krakow for the spring season you may also come across the market. Make your way around and be sure to hunt down the stall selling fragrant christmas wreaths perfuming the air.

5) Your wallet will thank you

For the Western traveler, Krakow is one of the most affordable destinations for a vacation.

We dined comfortably for an average of $7 (Australian dollars) at most places.

As long as you don´t get tricked into one of the over-priced tours to Auschwitz or the salt mines, you surely won´t find yourself counting pennies here.

Whether it´s for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous escapade abroad, there is something for everyone in Krakow. Don´t miss out on your chance to visit!