Scandinavian Summer Roadtrip
This trip was so last minute, I can’t believe I actually allowed it to happen. Usually, I am a planner. I like to know what I may come across on my trips. This time, Klaas and I decided just three days before that we wanted to drive north for our Summer holiday. We were originally thinking about heading to the south of France, but my goodness, the temperatures were too hot. NOPE! So to Scandinavia we went! Klaas drove 30+ hours to get us to our final destination — the Lofoten Islands.
The route: Copenhagen -> Abisko Natioal Park -> Norway
Highlights
Copenhagen, Denmark |
We camped at DCU camping - a family friendly campground right outside of Copenhagen. It was only a 10 minute walk to the train station. The train ride into Copenhagen was only 2 minutes.
The city is completely walkable. From the central station to Nyhavn it’s only about a 30 minute walk. Along the way you’ll definitely be stopping for photos though - be warned! This city is too pretty.
We only had a day to explore, but it was more than enough for Klaas and I!
Top Things to Check Out
Nyhavn | Picture perfect canal and entertainment district
Torvehallerne | Food Hall with fresh eats!
Illum Original Coffee | Coffee bar with a view
Social | Quaint and cozy coffee bar
Good to Know
If you are driving into Denmark be prepared to pay 32 euro to cross the bridge and another 32 euro to leave Denmark.
As with the other Scandinavian countries, be aware that food and other items are EXPENSIVE.
They use Danish Kroner, so be sure to convert your money ASAP.
Abisko National Park, Sweden |
I never thought I’d love a national park so much. There was something about this place that I just “vibed” with. The air was unbelievably crisp, and the water so aqua and deep blue all at the same time. Don’t get me started on the landscape. It is incredibly beautiful! I loved every minute we spent there. I wish I wasn’t a 35 + hour drive away from it.
They have a ski lift, hotel rooms, cabins, a camping gear shop, and a campground. There’s a bus stop right out side of the Park that you can use if you are using public transportation.
Good to Know
If you are driving into Denmark be prepared to pay 32 euro to cross the bridge and another 32 euro to leave Denmark.
Scandinavia is EXPENSIVE, but you probably already know this.
If you are driving into Sweden there will also be a toll fee you’ll have to pay, I forget the price, but it isn’t cheap.
Scandinavia has a lot of lactose free products readily available with no need to go and hunt for them. At least that was my experience, mostly in Sweden.
You can wild camp in Sweden and in Norway. There are various blogs no the subject. Simply type in wild camping Sweden/Norway. You can really save on cash money!
You can park for free by blue road signs with a large white P for up to 24 hours. Klaas and I parked and slept in our car a few times on our way north. We didn’t have any trouble!
Happy Birthday, Love!
Happy Birthday, Love!
I had the best time joining you on a little adventure. Capturing your joy is one of the best gifts of life! I hope there are many more years where we can share sweet moments like these.
- Arlene
Location: The Orchideeën Hoeve, Luttelgeest, Netherlands
Ticket price: 12 euro/person
Cameras are allowed, there are several seating areas along the path.
Features:
Feeding Lories
Butterfly garden
Flamingo + Duck Pond
Alpaca + Donkey stable
Lemur Area
Monkey Area
Cameras are allowed
Several seating areas
Child Playground
Cafe
Wedding Venue
Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.
For any issues click here
Eat Your Way Through Ghent
Lovely, Ghent.
Wow, what an amazing three days getting to basque in the beauty of this gem. Although once overlooked, this city is gaining more and more tourists by the year. A city filled with character, fresh vibes, and a flourishing food scene.
Although caught in unfavorable weather conditions, some college friends and I made the most of our three day visit to Ghent, Belgium. To escape the rain we mostly ate our way through the city. What is travel without taking in all the local cuisine, though?
In this blog post, I'll show you local hotspots to check out when spending a weekend in Ghent trying to escape the rain.
Our view from our room in Hostel Uppelink.
Where to Stay
Firstly, I would highly recommend staying at Hostel Uppelink. The quality of the hostel is decent! The location, though, is fantastic! It is situated right by the Korenmarkt, a very popular area for tourists. The hostel offers free walking tours everyday, so that's a plus. It also rents out kayak's, perfect for those sunny summer days! My favorite thing was the view from our all-female dorm window!
Tip: For new-time hostel goers, make sure to bring a lock to secure your valuables in a locker provided in your room.
Book directly from the hostel's website to have breakfast included every morning throughout your stay. If you book through booking.com you will have to purchase breakfast separately for an extra 5 euros per day.
FOOD
1. O'YO
If you want a healthy wholesome breakfast head over to this lovely cafe! There menu is all plant-based, so you know you your meal will be infused with quality nutrients and minerals! Due to stomach issues, I only ordered the banana bread and an iced matcha latte. It was soo good! There were so many items on the menu I wanted to try, but just not enough stomach space.
During my morning visit I was fortunate enough to chat with the owner of the cafe. She was so sweet and so informative! I loved that she carried on a conversation with me about life in Ghent and all things health, and Belgium + Dutch culture. Nowadays, after 45 was elected, I rarely come across such friendliness when traveling through Europe, so it was so refreshing to connect with the locals.
I can't wait to go back to revisit this cozy cafe.
Bonus: The cafe owner has made it a point to have an infused water station for free. There was only one other cafe that had free tap water available. Many other servers refused to serve me tap water. Yes, the reason that don't serve tap water is to increase sales.
Website: Here
Location: Brabantdam 82, 9000 Gent, Belgium
2. Full Circle Coffee
So thankful, I didn't have to work hard to find cafes that served matcha lattes! I was pleasantly surprised when I learned Ghent is up with the latest cafe drink trends! Their pastries were plant-based which was such a win! I opted for a slice of the chocolate fudge cake they had on hand. Super yummy, of course, if you are into plant-based treats!
The interior was one of my favorites! It had earthy vibes, while maintaining an industrial design with a hint of mid-century interior. I guess you could say it is very "grammable".
This is a cafe you can take your laptop to for studying or work. Some people were connected to the internet, while others had their nose in a book. I could tell most of the people that come to this cafe are college students, so feel free to pack a laptop, or a good read and head over to this cafe during a rainy morning or afternoon!
Website: Here
Location: Zuidstationstraat 5, 9000 Gent, Belgium
3. Wasbar
I loved the concept of this cafe! It is a regular cafe AND laundromat. What? Yep, kill two birds with one stone. Kind of wish there was this type of "wash bar" available when I was in school. This is the place you want to visit when you are looking to have a productive day!
The food was pretty good! I couldn't help but slurp the last bits of my chai latte. The waffle wasn't too bad itself! They have a full menu, so it's not just treats and coffee.
They do sell laundry detergent, so no worries if you forgot yours back home, or if you are a backpacker looking to get laundry done.
Website: Here
Location: Korenmarkt 37, 9000 Gent, Belgium
4. Le Bal Infernal
5. Gust
This quaint and cute cafe is rated as one of the top 10 cafes to get brunch in Ghent on Tripadvisor. Rightly so, the food was pretty good! I will say seating was a bit more crammed then usual, but still very cosy. Make sure to reserve a table to ensure you get a comfortable table for you and your party!
I had been craving pancakes for the LONGEST time. It's a comfort food I crave on a rainy day. Thankfully, the pancakes on the menu were "American", meaning they were thick and fluffy pancakes, and not like the typical Dutch/Belgian Pancakes (flat, crêpe-like pancakes). It was a total score! They were served with maple syrup and some blueberries! Of course, like most foods deemed "american", these weren't exactly American, but nonetheless, they were great!
Usually, I love golden lattes ( a turmeric-infused drink), but the one served at Gust was a bust! I would recommend trying a different drink to accompany your brunch! My friends enjoyed their meal, yogurt with granola, and eggs and toast.
Tip: many of the restaurants and cafes in Ghent require you to reserve a table in advance, so keep that in mind!
Website: Here
Location: Annonciadenstraat 4, 9000 Gent, Belgium
After eating your heart out, walk it off.
I had heard many great things about Ghent, but truly, as others mentioned, it’s easy to fall in love with it just by taking a stroll around it’s neighborhoods.
I love getting lost in cities, and Ghent was a perfect one to do that in. Trust me, you won’t tire of the pretty sites.
The photo above was taken early in the morning when I decided to wake up and hit the town early for breakfast at O’Yo.
Ghent was unforgettable not only for it’s gorgeous buildings and unique character, but also because it reminded me of my passion for traveling.
Get Lost in Brugge
Brugge, Belgium
This city is a perfect destination to spend a weekend with your loved ones. It is filled with charm and is so romantic! Some people call it the proposal capital of Northern Europe or deem it the Venice of Belgium.
Brugge took a piece of my heart and I can't wait to visit once more!
There will probably never be an "Ultimate Guide" to Brugge. This fairytale looking town should be a unique experience for everyone. Nonetheless, I hope this guide helps inspire your travel lust!
Wander Through Brugge by Foot
There is so much to see in this rather small, quaint town. The amazing thing is you can see it all by foot! Every major landmark is within walking distance of each other. Another added bonus of walking through the aged, cobblestone streets of Brugge is that every nook and cranny of the town's layout is filled with beautifully unique buildings. Each has it's own characteristic yet complements the other flawlessly.
Hop on a Bike
I'm not going to lie; even though I have lived in the Netherlands for 9 months now, I still am not confident with my biking skills. BUT, if you are gonna bike in an unfamiliar city, Brugge is the perfect town to do it! Just use Google Maps on your phone and you'll find your way getting around town like a local.
Where to Rent:
There are a few bike rental shops, the one I rented from was Popelier/Eric. The service was efficient and the price reasonable! It was 10 euros per bike for 4 hours. I have to say the suspension on the bike was fantastic and made the ride much more enjoyable.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, The Chain bike rental rents their bikes for an entire business day for 10 euros. Unfortunately, they were closed for the month when I was there.
I can't recommend renting a bike enough! It was one of the most fun experiences I've had in a new city! Fun Fact: cyclist are allowed to cycle in the opposite direction if needed on a one way street!
Tip: Use a phone bike mount to make navigating your way through the city a breeze!
Visit a Godshuis
One of the more famous Almshouses is St. Jozef! There are around 46 "Godshuizen" in Brugge. They were built for social welfare purposes, mostly for the elderly, but skilled workers also lived/live there along with widows or single women.
The construction of these white-washed houses was funded by the wealthier families of Brugge. Each almshouse is named after it's respective financial founder.
You'll find that you'll want to just sit for a short moment to soak in the peacefulness that lingers within the house community!
Frolic by the Windmills
I woke up early one morning to catch a sunrise by the Windmills. Unfortunately, the sun was masked by the major overcast that day.
Still the area was so peaceful, you could faintly hear bike chains clanking in the distance as children biked to school. For a second I pictured myself frolicking through the park with Klaas. It sounds cheesy but that's what Brugge's charm does to you, it makes you feel like you're in a Disney Film.
Location: KruisPoort
Take a Morning Walk to Appreciate Brugge's Architectural Charm
It's the perfect way to start your day of exploration. Take your camera and a bottled water and just appreciate all the architectural beauty!
Stroll Through the Markt
The place were all those iconic Brugge instagram posts come from! Such a beautiful plaza filled with excited travelers and locals alike! This is where you can locate the Belfry Tower and the Brugge Historic Museum.
Climb 366 Steps to Enjoy a Panoramic View
If you want to see Brugge's city layout, definitely check out the Belfort Tower! The climb is not the easiest, but it's definitely not impossible! Make sure to take your time on your way up and down as the stairs are quite steep.
At the end of your hike, you are rewarded with the vast sight of the city. It is simply gorgeous!
Entrance Tickets are 10 euros for 17-25 year olds and 12 euros for 25 years and up!
Belfort Tower: Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Witness a Venerated Relic of The Holy Blood
This was one of my favorite experiences in Brugge! Who gets to say they've seen a relic of Jesus's blood?!
Make sure you visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood during the times when the relic is out for the public to see. There will be a line for a chance to pray with the relic in front of you. You may place your hands and say a small prayer. A priest will be overseeing this.
I encourage you to make a small donation to aid the church in keeping it's doors open, so that other's may be able to witness this treasure!
Basilica of The Holy Blood: Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Visit Brugge's City Hall
Although visiting a city hall during your travels isn't really the first thing that pops into mind, I happened to stop by the Brugge City Hall due to it's location near the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
It happens to be one of the oldest city halls in the Benelux (Netherlands , Belgium and Luxembourg) and was a leading example for other City Halls in the low lands.
There is a small museum you can visit inside for a fee. I didn't have much time, so I skipped it.
Get Your Hygge On
Hygge, pronounced "hue-guh"/"hoo-gah", is the Danish word used to describe a "mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment". I just recently learned about this word that extends to a type of lifestyle the Danish practice, and I was totally hooked.
Back to the cafe. My goodness, one of the cutest coffee shops I've been to.
It contained all the Scandinavian vibes my interior design interest always seeks. The Nordic aesthetic of this cafe had me wanting to cozy up under a knit blanket on their couch in front of the fireplace.
Not only was there good vibes, the cafe owner was a total sweetheart, as was our waitress! They were very accommodating and made sure your food was just the way you wanted it.
I ordered a chai latte since I was not too hungry, but it was DELICIOUS! The chai spice was made fresh in store, just the way I like it!
The Gulliver Tree: Cordoeaniersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Get Your Morning Coffee Fix
I came across this one coffee shop due to it's proximity to the hostel I stayed at (St. Christopher's Inn at the Bauhaus). I saw the interior and was immediately sold! The menu was quite simple, but good enough for me to get a morning drink. I ended up getting a chai matcha latte! Two of my favorite drinks combined. I loved it! I will say though, that the chai drinks are made from packaged chai powder, so do expect more of an artificial flavor with much added sweetness!
Also, service could have been much better! The Barista seemed more entertained about what was on her phone rather than the customer, in this case me.
Nonetheless, I would still recommend this place!
Hermanus: Langestraat 51 - 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Savor Avocado Toast at That's Toast
I was sooo happy to stumble upon this super cute cafe. Not only was it cute, but the service was exceptional! Huge shoutout to the cafe's owner! Such a friendly, cultured soul. I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with him about his business and life back in the Netherlands.
The food quality was fantastic and so fresh. I ordered the Ruby Red, cold-pressed juice along with the Classic Avocado Toast dish! SO GOOD. I was in love and wished it was a cafe in the Netherlands, but so glad I was able to savor all the yummy, wholesomeness of this cafe's food.
If you visit during the summer, make sure to take advantage of the patio seating area available, it is simply gorgeous!
That's Toast: Dweersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Feel like Royalty
Okay, hint to Klaas, I would LOVE to take a ride on a carriage one day! The sounds of the horse's hoofs clinking against the street stones, and the harnesses jangling around reminded me of one of my favorite childhood movies, Tuck Everlasting.
I seriously felt I had slightly gone back in time.
Go Ahead, Treat Yourself to a Canal Cruise
If it's bright and sunny, treat yourself. Living in the Netherlands/Belgium area can become depressing due to many overcast days throughout the year. So if you are visiting either of the countries, make sure to make the most out of Sunny days!
Again, Brugge is simply gorgeous, why wouldn't you want to see it by boat?
Just Visit Brugge
I can confidently say Brugge is one of the most charming cities I have ever visited! There was not one flaw I could find within the city. Next time you are in Belgium, do visit this city!
Travel Tips!
1. You can arrive in Brugge by train from Gent, Brussels, and Antwerp! Gent to Brugge is a 26 minute train ride and only 13.40 euros for a roundtrip ticket!
2. When you arrive at the Brugge Central Station you can find a bus to get to your hostel or hotel. You CAN pay cash to the Bus driver. The ticket will be 3.00 euros and can be used for up to an hour. Small bills are appreciated more!
3. Make sure if you rent a bike you know how to use the built in locks and don't forget to take the key with you.
3. Google maps is your bestfriend.
4. Stay at hostel St. Christopher's Inn if you want to be a three minute walk away from the windmills! The hostel is only 15 min away from the city center by foot. They also have lockers to store your luggage once you've checked out and are still going to explore the city.
5. Spoor = Platform
6. Be kind and say "goedemorgen" and "Dank je wel" which translates into Good morning and thank you!
Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Another Vibrant Dutch City
If you all know me personally or follow me on Instagram, you know that I've recently moved to the Netherlands! The whole process has been a whirlwind, but honestly I thought it would be so much harder to adapt to my new home.
Before completely settling in and finding a job, Klaas and I decided that we would explore different Dutch cities on the weekends. Rotterdam was one of them!
I had read that Rotterdam was not a city to be missed, a city you could take a day trip to from Amsterdam. Mostly I heard of their amazing Market Hall, a place with TONS of food shops. Who doesn't love food??
We spent only a day in Rotterdam, so we didn't get to see everything, but we were so satisfied with what we DID experience. Below are 5 highlights of our Day in this Modern Dutch city.
1. The Port Life and The Architecture
When we arrived in the city, I could not help but gaze at how massive the port was. It's actually the largest Port in Europe! So many ships of all shapes and sizes were all over.
Rotterdam's architecture has a mix of both modern and old, the former being more of an architectural influence on the city. You see, Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed during WWII and had to be rebuilt. It's more modern buildings are so unique to the Netherlands. More of that down below!
2. The Cube House - Architectural Art
Yup, you read it correctly, CUBE houses! I had seen these in pictures, but it's more stunning in real life. I was in awe of how many there actually were! Also, how cool is it that people actually live in these 45 degree tilted cubes?
Luckily, there is a museum that allows you to enter and see what it's like to sleep, cook, and chill in one of these architectural rarities.
3. Baker and Moore
I don't know about you, but for almost every trip I take I love to look for the cutest cafes with great food to eat at before arriving in the city. We found several, but this is the only one we got to check out.
The interior was just perfect: clean and modern with a bit of a rustic design. The menu was where it was happening. They had my usual drink of choice, a chai latte along with other smoothies, fresh juices and coffee drinks. I kind of had a hard time ordering because everything sounded so healthy and wholesome, but I went with the salmon & avocado toast, and it was pretty decent! The chai latte definitely beat the sandwich in yumminess. The taste was a mix of a chai latte and an horchata drink, in my opinion. And if you know me I love a good horchata.
4. Euromast
Euromast is the the observation tower of Rotterdam and the tallest building of the city!
When on a trip to a new city, I love getting a bird's-eye view of it, and the Euromast did just that. If you are visiting during the fall or winter season, be prepared to be hit with ice cold winds when up top the tower! Klaas and I both started tearing up because of how cold and intense the winds were up there. Nonetheless, we had such a great time soaking in the wonderful views.
You have to wait in a short line to get to the highest point. A worker will lead you into a cylindrical structure that rotates about 5 times so you can enjoy the 360 view of the city and learn a little bit about the construction of the tower itself.
Cost of ticket: 10 euros pp
This had to be my favorite view while up top!
4. The Park Scenery
I felt like I was in FALL WONDERLAND. I have never seen an Autumn site like this! I was surrounded by lush, vibrant fall foliage. I felt like I was in a movie. Where I'm from, you don't get gorgeous fall scenery like this!
5. The Market Hall
Such a stunning place to gather with endless choices of FOOD!! Everyone said you must visit. Now I'm telling you, you MUST visit when in Rotterdam. This had to be my favorite highlight of our day in the city!
It was the place to be at on a Saturday afternoon. There were all kinds of food stands: pastry, sushi, spice stands, and my favorite of them all, a tea bar filled with loads of Matcha drink options! I loved it so matcha ;)
But seriously, I love how food can bring so many people together and fill them with harmony. There was not one single person in the building not smiling. All the kids were going crazy for the chocolate and fruit stands. The men were all about the meats and the fries. There were tons of youth hanging out, while couples dined in. I seriously wanted to shimmy because the atmosphere and ambiance gave such positive vibes.
I walked out with chia seeds, macarons and a smile on my face.
There is so much more you can do in Rotterdam, but again, we only had one day. I hope you felt a little inspired to visit the Netherlands! It's such a great country with a Fantastic culture!