As IgoUgo members keep telling us, Scandinavia is a natural fit for an eco-friendly trip, which may help explain a recent cluster of journals from the region. For a destination that shines green—even when cloaked in winter white—see northern Europe. To get you started, here are a few member-recommended green hotels and activities in Scandinavia’s biggest cities.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Stay green: While visiting from Arizona, akakd loved her stay at the Ibsens Hotel because of the hygge (“warmth, hospitality, and coziness”) emanating from staff as they “patiently answered questions and outlined maps for daily treks around the city.” Where the staff is warm, the hotel’s eco-policies are cool: it’s proudly carbon neutral. Another carbon-neutral hotel under the same ownership, the Hotel Danmark, made an impression on neworleanstraveler, who calls it “an affordable hotel that is well maintained,” with a perfect location and views of City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens.
See green: Follow the advice of recent Copenhagen visitor and brand-new IgoUgo member J’aimeParis and stay outside—even in November. She says the timing of her visit allowed her to experience “even more local color” along Nyhavn Canal. She also hails the city as “walkable,” “clean,” and full of “friendly people, fresh air, and good food,” especially along the pedestrian parade of the Stroget, a vibrant area not to be missed.
Helsinki, Finland
Stay green: IgoUgo’s most popular Helsinki hotel is the Scandic Continental, which also happens to adhere to an industry-leading sustainability program. An eco-bonus, according to Eino Ristola: “The hotel is right in the heart of the city, so you can walk wherever you'd like.”
See green: Ksu says that shopping at Kauppatori, Helsinki’s main marketplace, was the “most enjoyable shopping and people-watching experience” she’s ever had, making it the perfect place to stock up on Finland’s local flavor and local produce. She was there in July but says the fish is best in October, a delicious extra for fall visitors. From there, Koljan recommends sightseeing on a city bike, which you can access by dropping coins at a bike center—and getting your money back when you return your ride. And don’t forget to swing by the distinctive Sibelius Monument, which fizzytom just visited. She says that “it stands in an attractive park, just across the road from one of the city's lakes,” making for “a pleasant afternoon stroll.”
Oslo, Norway
Stay green: Check into the “elegant” Hotel Bristol, one of the Thon hotels certified with Norway’s eco-lighthouse seal for its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
See green: Since Owen Lipsett writes that he’d “go so far as to say that no visit to Oslo is complete without visiting Vigeland Park,” that’s where we’d begin a nature-filled tour of Oslo. There you’ll see an array of the famous sculptor’s work, including the granite monolith that serves as the park’s centerpiece.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stay green: Along with a number of Scandic options, the Adlon Hotel proves a good choice as a spot that is within “walking distance of everything” and is a recipient of a Green Key award that symbolizes the property’s dedication to becoming environmentally friendly. Additionally, two “sleek” design hotels, Nordic Light and Nordic Sea, won Swan eco-labels for minimizing their environmental impacts.
See green: What better place to explore ecology than the Fjarilshuset, a living museum? Montse enjoyed the butterfly house and fish ponds; she even enjoyed leaving, as the museum’s exit lands you in the vast “treasure” that is Hagaparken royal park.