Off to Northern Europe

                                   Off to Northern Europe

 

                                      By Lee Hyon-soo

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away many pleasures which we used to take for granted. For instance, we cannot dine out with family or hang out with friends as we please. What depresses me most is the fact that international travel is severely restricted. As I can no longer travel the world freely, I indulge in reminiscences of the tours that I took in the past. Let me reminisce about my tour of Northern Europe.   

 

Just before the current pandemic broke out, my wife and I toured the four Nordic countries. From Seoul we flew for about ten hours to get to Oslo where our coach tour was to start. With Oslo city sightseeing reserved for a later date, we set out on a cross-country journey to Bergen, Norway’s second largest city located on its western coast. 

 

We did not travel direct to Bergen. Instead, we made a long, wide detour to stop in small cities which have famous tourist attractions. When we got to the Geirangerfjord, we explored it leisurely by an excursion boat. We were overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty.

 

A fjord (pronounced “fiord”) is a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley. While fjords can be found in many countries, the fjords of Norway are particularly famous, numerous (about 1,190 in total) and easily accessible.  

 

We reached Bergen on the second day of our journey. The city lies clambering up the mountain sides, overlooking the sea. We had a great time roaming this old, beautiful city.  

 

Back in Oslo, we visited a museum where three original, well-preserved Viking ships were on display. Viking ships were long, light, and slender so they could move around quickly. Each ship had a square sail and a mast, but it could also be rowed if there was no wind. The Vikings used these ships to embark on their voyages of trading, raiding and exploration.  

 

From Oslo, we moved to Stockholm, Sweden. Among other things we did there, we visited a museum to see an old ship called Vasa. In 1628, Vasa set sail on her maiden voyage and immediately capsized and sank in Stockholm harbor, shocking all onlookers. The wreck was salvaged in 1961 after 333 years under the sea and meticulously reconstructed. Today this vessel offers a unique insight into Sweden in the early 17th century.   

 

In Stockholm harbor, we boarded a cruise ship, which sailed overnight to Turku harbor in Finland. We slept one night on board the ship. From Turku, we were bused to Helsinki where we visited the Sibelius Park to see a monument which was designed to embody the spirit of Jean Sibelius’ music. Through his music, Sibelius is credited with having helped Finland to develop a national identity during its struggle for independence from Russia.

 

From Helsinki, we flew to Copenhagen, Denmark. At Langelinje Pier, we saw the sculpture of The Little Mermaid. After having a glimpse of Amailenborg Palace which is home to the Danish royal family, we had free time at Nyhavn. It was originally a busy port where ships from all over the world would dock. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere by the canal.

 

Having travelled through Sweden, Finland and Denmark, we returned to Oslo where our tour ended. We saw many renowned tourist attractions, but what impressed us most was the scenic beauty of nature for which the four Nordic countries are famous.

 

As we had to traverse a large geographic area hurriedly, our tour turned out to be not only cursory but also physically demanding. Nevertheless, it was worthwhile and fun.

 

The Korea Times

October 2021