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Treat yourself in the Paris of the North with a visit to Sweet Heart, located inside a lovely red wooden house in the heart of Tromsø’s main shopping district. For a true taste of Scandinavia, choose salty over sweet and try some black licorice, the house special loved and loathed in equal measure. Those without that acquired taste needn’t fear though, as the shelves are packed with all kinds of chocolates, jellies, and other candies, many beautifully packaged into gift boxes. The store also sells tea, coffee, and ice cream, making it extremely difficult to leave without satisfying any craving you had three times over.

While Aurland was once a hub for traditional shoemaking, the Aurland Shoe Factory is the only surviving company which still makes the Aurland shoe (aka “the original penny loafer”) by hand. Take a tour of the facility—part artisan workshop, part museum—and learn about the history and production of these iconic shoes, said to be inspired by the traditional moccasins of the Iroquois tribe. A pair of these famously durable slip-ons is a unique souvenir that will stand up to walking tours around ports—and far beyond.

This imposing monument, by Norwegian sculptor Fritz Røed, commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, which took place here. The three swords, firmly planted into a rocky hill, stand roughly 20 meters high; the largest represents the victorious King Harald Fairhair, the first king to rule over all of Norway.

Iceland’s largest and most famous geothermal spa lies around an hour outside Reykjavik, quite close to Keflavik Airport. With a dramatic setting amidst large black lava boulders, the steam-filled, creamy-blue pool area is a striking and surreal sight. The Blue Lagoon has been open since the 1980s and today draws some 700,000 visitors a year. The pools are actually created by heated seawater that flows from the adjacent geothermal power station. The waters allegedly cure all manner of skin-related ailments (eczema, psoriasis), but whether these claims are true or not, it’s certainly an atmospheric place to unwind, with very comfortable (99 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. The complex includes a small bar that dispenses healthy juices and beer, as well as a spa area for massages andbeauty treatments, and a very good restaurant; there’s also an upscale hotel if you wish to stay overnight.

Go off the beaten track in Finland, Sweden, and Norway to discover the best of northern Europe’s wild nature in this adventurous, wide-ranging itinerary.

Get to know the lesser-known heroes of two countries in one trip, taking in the dazzling scenery of southern Norway’s coastal communities alongside the cultural gems of northern Denmark.

Read articles and excerpts from the Summer 2023 print issue of Afar Magazine.

On this Unpacked Mini, we uncover the surprising (and delicious) trends shaping what we eat at sea.

On this episode of Unpacked, we set sail with two of the industry’s greenest cruise lines to see how sustainable cruising is shaping the future of travel.

Sail around the island from Reykjavik, stopping to see magnificent glaciers, spouting geysers, and warm geothermal pools on this 10-day land-and-sea cruise.

On this episode of “View From Afar,” Afar cofounder Joe Diaz shares highlights from the world’s largest cruise conference, Seatrade.

This southern Italy itinerary sails between Venice and Rome exploring the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and gems of Croatia and Montenegro.

Encounter Scotland’s wild landscapes, iconic cities, and grand landmarks in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and isles throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and beyond.

Explore houseboat stays, canoe trips, and lakeside towns.