A Little Time and a Keyboard: Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden

Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden for Families with Teens

Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden 

Denmark and Iceland entranced our family for the last 10 days with castles, canals, fjords, waterfalls, history, royal jewels, gardens, volcanoes, Vikings and much more! While in Denmark, we even were able to add a short trip to Sweden by crossing the Øresundsbroen Bridge. Pairing Iceland and Denmark really worked well for our family. During our stay in Copenhagen, our days were full of tours of castles and landmarks taking time to absorb the immense history in the city and Denmark. Our days in Iceland were full of nature exploration, unique hikes and spectacular views. This vacation was really one of the best we have ever enjoyed and had something for all of our individual passions even the teen! We just returned yesterday and while I am a bit jet lagged, I am so inspired by our experiences that I would like to share a little about our adventure!


The Adventure Begins:


Brief stop at Stekkjarkot turf fisherman's home in Iceland
Brief stop at Stekkjarkot

On our way to Copenhagen, we spent one day in Iceland. While we would return for several days during the second half of our trip, we have found a day in Iceland in the summer while traveling to mainland Europe helps us with our jet lag. The Land of the Midnight Sun really promotes our energy levels and helps us to adjust to a new time zone. There is plenty to do not too far from the airport in Keflavik, so we rented a car and enjoyed an easy day. One stop we made was to Stekkjarkot which is an example of a turf fisherman's house from the 1850's. 

History, Canals and Whimsy in Copenhagen:


Enjoying the canals of Copenhagen on a summer day soaking in lovely historic buildings.
Enjoying the canals of Copenhagen on a summer day.
The following day, we traveled on to Copenhagen. We arrived in Copenhagen early enough to settle into the hotel and enjoy some wandering including a canal tour. 


Admiring the Renaissance castle Rosenborg Slot in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Admiring the Renaissance castle Rosenborg Slot.
What can be more magical on a vacation than exploring castles? We visited four castles while reveling in Copenhagen's history and majesty including three in the city itself and one outside the city. Rosenborg Slot constructed in the early 17th is one of my favorites. Take a peek inside one of the rooms -- incredible:


Adventure to Hamlet's Castle:

Outside of the city, we savored a fully experiential visit to Kronberg Castle in quaint Helsingør, Denmark. Magnificent Kronberg Castle dates back to the 1500's and is an inspiration for the setting of Hamlet. During the summer, visitors are treated to live acting of Hamlet during visits.


Plus, we indulged our whimsical side at Tivoli Gardens.


Quick Trip to Sweden:

One afternoon, we crossed the impressive Øresundsbroen Bridge into Sweden to stroll through Lund and Malmö



After four days in Copenhagen, we returned to Iceland for several days in the natural splendor of West Iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula! Truly, you cannot visit Iceland without seeing a waterfall. During our drives, we discovered many including ones open to visitors and others on private property.  One of the more famous on the Snaefellsenes Peninsula is Kirkjufellsfoss.

Waterfalls, Goats, Seals, Fjords and More in Iceland!

Magical moment walking around Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland.Magical moment walking around Kirkjufellsfoss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland.

Kirkjufellsfoss is near one of the most photographed mountains on the island and one you may recognize from Game of Thrones, Kirkjufell!


Kirkjufell cuts an impressive figure.
Kirkjufell cuts an impressive figure.
While I am sure that waterfalls will definitely inspire you to visit West Iceland, there is SO much more including Háafell the only goat farm in Iceland!



We discovered many breathtaking views of fjords including this view of Hvalfjörður.

Breathtaking view of Hvalfjörður from one of our hikes.
Breathtaking view of Hvalfjörður from one of our hikes.
Lovely and quaint fishing villages,

Stykkishólmur in West Iceland
Stykkishólmur in West Iceland
both black sand and yellow sand beaches

Ytri Tunga Beach in Iceland where you can see seals in June and July!
Ytri Tunga Beach in Iceland where you can see seals in June and July!

and many more Icelandic experiences uplifted, inspired and even challenged us! Join me over the next couple of weeks to adventure in Denmark, Iceland and Sweden! We had such a grand adventure for any family including those with teens!

Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach.
Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach.
Follow along!





Summer Adventure to Denmark and Iceland with a Quick Stop in Sweden for Families with Teens






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