Vikings have been called bloodthirsty, murderers, and thieves by some. Others have glorified their strong capabilities. Now, the former land of Vikings, is home to some of the best cities in the world. Learn more about Scandinavia with Youth TIme!
It’s also worth noting that the Viking identity was not linked to those with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. Studies have shown that the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe long before the “Viking Age” began.
The climate in Scandinavia was so severe that the farmers and suchlike couldn’t make ends meet and chose to group up and raid the nearby places and this eventually extended to other countries, mainly England, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, some parts of the European mainland and parts of North America.
While the raids were on, it was the women who stayed back and worked the land to grow what they could.
By the 11th and the 12 century Christianity was firmly established in Scandinavia. The incursions and plunder had stopped and the people of the region went about building their own countries.
Today, these countries are beautiful and an example of civilization. Some of their cities are the best in the world.
Let’s have a look at them.
Svendborg, Denmark
This is a quaint and an exquisite town on the island of Funen. The place is easily accessible from Copenhagen by bus, train or car. Although less than a two hour drive from the capital, it transports you to a different world of tranquility, shopping and entertainment.
They even have “the world’s friendliest street party” each year.
During the winter months it’s the indoor markets, the warm cafes and restaurants that are popular. Summer months bring 17 hours of sunshine and this is when you find a great number of people both locals and tourists, by the harbour sipping their wines and delighting in the atmosphere.
Their latin quarter is one of the places you must visit while traveling.
The city has the title of “slow living” and the locals believe in cherishing and enjoying life at an easy pace.
Bergen, Norway
On the southwestern coast of the country, this city is called the gateway to the fjords. Norway has a median age of 39.8 years and this university city is crawling with young people. The museum at Bergen University is definitely worth a visit for its collections going back way into the past which include Natural History, Cultural History and Seafaring.
You will also get to see some of the most elegant buildings, all excellent examples of great architecture straight from the medieval and art nouveau periods to the present day style.
Surrounded by magnificent mountains, fjords and the coast this city looks like a picture from wherever you see it.
The city is also famous for the UNESCO site Bryggen for its world heritage buildings near the Vagen harbour.
Don’t forget your camera. This is one of the most gorgeous cities you will visit.
Stockholm, Sweden
Even though the country has many beautiful towns, by my reckoning Stockholm is the most fascinating and splendid. The Stockholm archipelago comprises around 30,000 islands and skerries and stretches about 80 kilometers from the city into the Baltic Sea.
The city is rich with palaces, museums and art galleries.
You will not lack for great architecture, history, shopping, entertainment, eating out and pleasant people while visiting this place.
Picture: ShutterStock / ID: 1900231666
Interested in this series? Here are some of the best cities from Eurasia.
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