Under the Aurora: Ajay's Thrillophilia Review of a Sweden Trip with Friends
One evening, while enjoying tea at our favourite café, my friend brought up our college plan that we never came to fruition.
"Remember the time when all of us planned to visit Sweden together?" he said.
“Imagine finally being able to explore the Northern Lights and the Icehotel! It’d be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” I responded.
Another friend, an avid traveller, joined in, “Let’s do it! We can start by checking out some travel blogs online.”
And that's how we, a trio of very close friends, finally started shaping their dream trip to Sweden. We spent hours talking about the attractions and activities we'd like to include in the itinerary, laughing at the thought of snowball fights and dog sledding. By the time night fell, we had managed to put together a dreamy itinerary with the help of seasoned destination experts from Thrillophilia.
Royal Memories in the Capital
If someone ever asked me what Stockholm looked like, I'd answer them in a single word - it was a fantasyland.
For me, the place looked as if a scene from a Disney movie had come alive, with historical palaces and streets lined with freshly groomed trees. As soon as we checked in to our hotel, I looked at my friends and realised how we had originally planned the trip 7 years ago in college. We were now finally exploring Sweden - all of us - together!
As we started exploring the city on a sightseeing tour, the modern landscape unfolded - skyscrapers blended with historic architecture, showcasing the region's innovative spirit and rich heritage.
The first place that we visited was Gamla Stan, also known as the old town among tourists. As we strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets, I felt enchanted by the vibrant buildings that seemed to whisper secrets from centuries ago. Each corner revealed a scenic view, and we clicked countless pictures, trying to capture the real beauty of Stockholm.
One of the memorable moments I remember was when all of us huddled together, grinning in front of the Royal Palace, trying to recreate the 'Royal Family' pose. Then, after exploring several local cafes and shops, we decided to settle into a cosy restaurant for lunch. The warmth inside the cafe was in sharp contrast with the freezing winds outside. I ordered meatballs, while my friends chose the famous herring and salmon dishes. The food was unbelievably delicious, and the ambience of the restaurant added a layer of comfort to our experience.
Nature’s Light Show
After Stockholm, it was time for us to explore Kiruna, a region away from the urban noise of the city. As we flew towards the northern region of Sweden, the landscape changed dramatically into a stunning winter wonderland.
From the moment we reached there, I was thrilled by the inches of snow that seemed to blanket everything around. It felt unreal to be in such close proximity to the Arctic Circle, and my excitement grew multifold as we entered our hotel- the highlight of our time in Kiruna - The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.
The Icehotel made me think about the scenes from the movie ‘Frozen’ by Disney. The dazzling ice sculptures showcasing charming designs took our breath away. Each room seemed to be a masterpiece built by artists from across the globe.
I remember how my friend's eyes lit up as she posed next to a stunning ice sculpture of a polar bear. We were freezing, but the excitement of being in such a magical place kept up our spirits.
Our excitement went through the roof the moment our guide told us that we'd be heading out at night to watch the Northern Lights. After having a hearty dinner, all of us set out for the much-awaited excursion. The cold air felt sharp against our skin as we moved towards an isolated spot where the night sky awaited our gaze.
I’ll never forget the moment the first time that we saw streaks of green shimmering above us. The Aurora Borealis danced in the dark skies, swirling in shades of purple and green. My heart raced as I turned to look at my friends, who were equally hypnotized by the sight. It was one of the most remarkable moments in my life. I felt blessed to be amongst those people who could witness this rare magic show of nature.
Gothenburg: Fun and Farewells
After watching the Northern Lights in Kiruna, we were off to Gothenburg on a train the next day. Over there, we spent an amazing day at Liseberg Amusement Park, where all of us enjoyed trying a variety of thrilling rides. Initially a bit reluctant, I eventually joined them for a roller coaster ride, with my heart racing and the wind lashing through my hair.
After the exhilarating rides at the amusement park, we visited Universeum, where we got a chance to marvel at fascinating natural and science exhibits. We found them to be very immersive as they showcased how Sweden is a world leader when it comes to science, innovation, and technology.
As our trip came to an end, I reflected on how each place and adventure had brought us closer. From the sharing of quiet moments to the sharing of meals, from laughing over silly poses to witnessing the Northern Lights - everything resonated deeply within me.
This journey wasn't just about exploring Sweden, it was about strengthening our friendship and gaining new experiences together.
During our last evening in Sweden, we took a walk along the waterfront in Norrmalm, taking a last look at the charming natural landscapes. After a couple of minutes into it, we shared a look that said…
"Where to next?"
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