Over a year ago, I took an unforgettable voyage to three Nordic countries: Iceland, Sweden and Denmark. But this voyage wasn’t a vacation — it was a school trip. Belmont University filled my college years with educational experiences that were anything but ordinary. Luckily for me, my studies in entertainment and media not only helped me land a career in journalism but ultimately led me overseas.
Our group embarked on a 2-week “Maymester” program to visit international music business offices, take marketing and crisis management classes, and, of course, experience hygge — the Danish secret for coziness and happiness that had piqued my fascination since middle school. But none of my pored-over books on Danish culture could’ve prepared me for the blissful ease of Copenhagen. Or, for that matter, the otherworldly landscapes of Reykjavík or the quaint charm of Stockholm.
The moment we boarded our first plane, my peers and I took on a bold task: soaking in the vibrant cultures of three countries in 13 days. But during that period, I lived many years’ worth of stories I’ll likely include in my future memoir — and certainly cherish forever.
Reykjavík, Iceland
The ever-mystifying region of Iceland isn’t just revered for its striking topography. It’s a place where Vikings dwelt and created the region’s layered history. My peers and I kick-started our historical education upon deplaning from our red-eye and traveling to our breakfast spot, the Viking World Museum. Viking World’s prime exhibit is the Icelander — an awe-inducing recreation of the 870 A.D. Gokstad ship, which, in 1882, was excavated from a burial mound in Norway. This spectacle is suspended in the air and available for guests to board and explore.
After feasting on freshly baked bread, rich cheeses and a meat selection with mysteriously hot pink hues, we took a scenic bus ride over freshly dried lava and into the heart of Reykjavík. Iceland’s stoic, peaceful capital isn’t just a natural feast for the eyes — it’s an architectural one. Hallgrimskirkja, a symmetrical, strong-standing church, is the beacon of downtown, boldly sloping upward on either side and reaching a tall, centered point. Upon ascending the structure’s internal staircase, it’s only natural for visitors to rest their gazes on the quaint, vibrant buildings that lie beneath the church’s peak.
With plenty of daylight on our hands, which didn’t wane until long after 11 p.m., my peers and I braved the crisp wind and explored city pathways, including Rainbow Street, which has celebrated the unity of Iceland’s population since its unveiling in 2015. I couldn’t help but notice how quietly the city bustled. Despite hosting the nation’s largest population of Icelanders, Reykjavík remains serene and void of the raucous engine hums that pervade other cityscapes.
The next morning, I woke to a natural craving for relaxation. Enter the Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa. Locals first discovered the lagoon’s healing properties in the 1980s, when they began bathing in the blue reservoir that formed near the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Since Blue Lagoon Iceland’s official founding in 1992, guests have basked in its geothermal waters and soaked up healing minerals.
I made my way to the lagoon’s indoor entrance point, which helps waders adjust to the warm water before venturing into the chilly outdoor landscape. Treading with awe, I took in what appeared to be an alien planet consisting of pale blue waters and stark black lava rock. The lagoon’s amenities are impeccably designed to ensure you never have to leave the water. On your left, you can trek to a silica mud mask bar. On your right, you can grab a drink. If you do, however, decide to emerge from the lagoon, you’re welcome to wander into the property’s sauna and steam room.
When planning your trip to the Blue Lagoon, be sure to tune into nearby volcanic activity. During our visit, spa staff members told us that the closest volcano was expected to erupt “any day now.” Instead of panicking, the Iceland natives — who are incredibly used to such intrusions — calmly told us to “keep an eye out.” (Upon returning to the States, I discovered that the volcano erupted approximately a week later.)
My glimpse into Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes didn’t end there. More natural wonders followed when we explored the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and hiked through Thingvellir National Park. After all this exploring, we’d worked up an appetite, which we efficiently satiated. If you’re curious what “tastes of Iceland” are, allow me to indulge you: Rye bread ice cream, rich and spicy tomato soup, tender lamb and prime seafood graced my palate. And let us not forget the food stand I visited nearly every day of my trip, which serves the most supreme hot dogs I’ve ever tasted.
In Iceland, meat and fish thrive, but this doesn’t mean vegetables don’t abound too. Friðheimar grows juicy, flavorful tomatoes year-round — even during Iceland’s notoriously dark winters. Through artificially lit greenhouses, the farm provides produce and other delights, including creamy soup, baked goods and even tomato beer. To top it all off, the property hosts horse shows and stable tours. It’s hard not to be entranced when a skilled rider speeds around a track and boasts that, at the end, her mug full of beer remained unspilled.
Stockholm, Sweden
Before our arrival in Stockholm, we took a pit stop in Uppsala, Sweden’s most charming college town. While Stockholm draws in travelers from around the world, our visit to Uppsala felt like a secluded, up-close display of local culture. We strolled through the historic town center, the stunning Uppsala Cathedral and Uppsala University’s scenic campus.
The 13 student nations at Uppsala University are a focal point of on-campus engagement, where students connect over shared interests, social gatherings and formals. We witnessed this formal tradition ourselves when passing by a nations house filled with students clad in black-tie attire, who sat at long, elegant dinner tables and sang in sweet harmony. The scene continued as my peers and I stopped for pizza and pasta at a local spot. We watched with amazement as young women, post-formal, entered the casual joint in their exquisite ball gowns.
A peaceful train ride led us into the nation’s capital. Oddly enough, Sweden’s rolling hills, lush vegetation and bountiful trees reminded me of Tennessee’s countryside. I appreciated finding a glimmer of home in a faraway place — that also happens to be breathtaking.
Stockholm masterfully incorporates sleek, modern elements while preserving and celebrating its historic charm. During my free moments, I wandered the streets and spent most of my time in Galma Stan, the “Old Town.” Warm-toned architecture, bicyclists and plenty of vegetation dotted my line of vision, and I found picturesque cafes with rich coffee and creamy tiramisu on practically every corner.
Scenery aside, we embarked on several delightful tours, including stops at the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize Museum and the ABBA Museum — a particular highlight. After learning the intricate history of each band member and how they came together, my peers and I took turns swaying onstage to “Dancing Queen” while surrounded by holographic projections of the iconic musical group.
Naturally, our visit to Stockholm wouldn’t be Belmont-approved without a visit to Spotify’s headquarters. We met with the human resources department to gain a better understanding of their hiring process, business model and distinctly Swedish methods for creating community in the workplace. At Spotify HQ, well-being is a core pillar that is implemented throughout the company’s global offices. Notably, one of the trip’s aesthetic highlights came from this business visit. Spotify’s sleek building emitted a modern, playful feel and included unbeatable rooftop views of the city skyline.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Our visit to Copenhagen was the perfect grand finale. Strolling through the famed harbor of Nyhavn, I gazed at the colorful architecture and admired the skilled bicyclists who could be spotted zipping by on any Danish street. I’m also happy to report that Copenhagen’s iconic cafe scene exceeded my wildest dreams. (Picture the fluffiest pastries you’ve ever encountered.)
On a tour-filled day, we witnessed the city’s thriving art landscape and rich history in person. Statens Museum for Kunst is the largest gallery in Denmark, featuring over 200,000 works of art. A pass through the museum’s French exhibit led me to works by my favorite artist, Henri Matisse, whose bright colors and abstract depictions of the human form leapt from every canvas.
To amp up the glamour, we toured two castles: Rosenborg Castle, built in 1606, and the Christiansborg Palace, which houses Denmark’s government to this day. While both properties brim with breathtaking art and intricate tapestries, their distinguished qualities set them apart: Christiansborg Palace includes a library straight out of a fairy tale, while Rosenborg Castle features the glimmering crown jewels of Denmark’s past and present. Notably, our time in Denmark overlapped with King Frederik X’s birthday. If you happen to be in the area on May 26, be sure to stop by Christiansborg Palace to witness the royal family’s appearance on the balcony and a grand Changing of the Guard ceremony.
We balanced out these interactive history lessons with an adrenaline-packed day. Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843, is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen frequented the picturesque property, along with Walt Disney, who drew inspiration from the park to create Disneyland. The enchanting destination has held onto its vintage charm, with many structures inspired by Japanese architecture. When riding the Rutschebanen — the oldest roller coaster in Europe, circa 1914 — my friends and I squealed in amazement. Despite its age, the coaster is still as fast and thrilling as ever.
During my last moments in Scandinavia, I saw a trio of Danes taking a leisurely boat ride across the water. They laughed with each other, sipping white wine. As I lifted my phone to capture a photo of the scene, I locked eyes with the women, who began to grin and excitedly wave at me.
The resulting photograph is the best kind of souvenir, capturing core tenets of hygge and Nordic culture: peace, kindness, outdoor revelry and community.