Scandinavian Olympic Quest – IEX 2017
Copenhagen, Denmark – We’ll begin our journey through Scandinavia in the capital and most populated city of Denmark; Copenhagen! Copenhagen was founded as a fishing village in the 10th century, became the capital in the 15th century, and today remains the cultural, economic, and governmental center of Denmark.
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens is a famous landmark in Copenhagen, and a must see for all first time visitors. An infamous amusement park, it is the second-most popular seasonal theme park in the world and the most visited theme park in Scandinavia. Opened in 1843, the park continues to evolve, inspire, and persevere!
National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark – Explore 14,000 years of Danish national heritage and preserved treasures while perusing exhibitions from the Stone Age, the Viking Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and modern times. Located in the heart of Copenhagen and housed in the Prince’s Palace (build 1743- 1744), the National Museum of Denmark creatively shares the story of the Danish people with elegance and grandeur.
Bergen, Norway – Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located on the southwestern coast surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. The Bryggen district consists of the old wharf and its surrounding commercial buildings (a former center of the league of Hanseatic merchants), and features vibrantly colored wooden houses. The Bergen Aquarium offers a shark tunnel and panoramic views of the port.
Alta, Norway - Alta is the largest town in Finnmark (northernmost country of Scandinavia). It offers glimpses of the northern lights, the midnight sun, beautiful mountains, Norway’s Ice Hotel, Sami culture (indigenous peoples of the region), reindeer, and UNESCO-protected rock carvings.
Images of the ice hotel, including the sculpture gallery and hallways to rooms! Oslo, Norway - Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, and is known for its citywide green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy peninsula, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Vikingskipshuset, with ships from the 10th century, the Norsk Folkemuseum, with artifacts from Sami and Viking cultures and traditional stave churches, and the famous ski jump tower of Holmenkollen.
Ancient Viking ships, beautiful wooden stave churches, and Sinnataggan (Vigeland Park) are all found in Oslo!
Gustavus students enjoying ice skating in a downtown Oslo rink in 2014!
Step in the simulator to experience the thrill of ski jumping at Holmenkollen! Hamar, Norway – Visit the “Viking Ship”, officially known as Hamar Olympic Hall, that played host to the speed skating events of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Meet with representatives to discuss the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerigan debacle that forever marred these idyllic Games.
The “Viking Ship”!
Try your hand at speed skating on an Olympic rink! Lillehammer, Norway – Lillehammer, in the heart of Norway, is the ideal holiday destination for anyone in search of amazing adventures in the great outdoors. The town has some of the country's most spectacular scenery right on its doorstep, not to mention 5 ski resorts, dog sledding, an artistic shopping center, and National Norwegian Olympic Museum! By the way…Lillehammer was the sight of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games!
Christmas shopping in Lillehammer!
Framed in fresh and deep snow, beautiful scenery abounds in Lillehammer!
Teams of dogs anxiously await our arrival to sled in 2014!
Gustavus students visit the National Norwegian Olympic Museum! Mora, Sweden – Sister city to Mora, Minnesota, Mora, Sweden is the site of the world famous Vasaloppet, an annual long distance cross-country ski race. This race celebrates the journey made by King Gustav Vasa (Gustavus Adolphus’ grandfather) that led to a rebellion against the Danish government.
A group of Gustavus students visiting the Vasaloppet museum!
Try your hand at skiing the course!
Watch the craftsmen and craftswomen create the famous Dala horses while touring the factory outside of Mora! Horses emerge from a block of wood that is carved, sanded, and painted before your eyes!
Stockholm, Sweden – Site of the 1912 Summer Olympic Games, this capital of Sweden encompasses 14 islands of the vast Stockholm archipelago on the Baltic Sea. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of medieval Gamla Stan, the old town, are home to a 13th-century cathedral, the royal palace of Kungliga Slottet and its underground armory, cafes and restaurants.
Stockholm from the air!
The Olympic Rings that the 3 Crowns?
A view of the 1912 Olympic Stadium from the Clock Tower!
Always a competitive group, members of Olympic Quest line up on the starting line for a sprint race!
An interactive and fun visit at the ABBA Museum!
A real life “Pirates of the Caribbean” moment awaits at the Vasa Museum which holds the intact remains of the Vasa Warship, commissioned by Gustavus Adolphus, which unfortunately sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628! Helsinki, Finland – Home of the sauna and Santa Claus, Helsinki also hosted the 1952 Summer Olympic Games! Founded by Swedish King, Gustav Vasa, in 1550, Helsinki is the third largest city in Scandinavia behind Stockholm and Oslo.
1952 Olympic Stadium!
Gustavus students visiting the Finnish ski jump training center in 2014!
Take an evening stroll along the waterfront in downtown Helsinki for a magical evening!
Considered the World Design Capital, Helsinki is home to one quarter of the Finnish population, or more than one million people!
Tallinn, Estonia – Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is the country’s cultural hub. It retains its walled, cobblestoned Old Town, home to cafes and shops, as well as Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Its Estonian History Museum is dedicated to the country's 20th-century history, and its Gothic, towering Town Hall is among the Baltic region's oldest. Get ready to spend a day within the medieval walls of this ancient city and 1980 Olympic Games location!