Paradise Beaches in the Northern Hemisphere

Few people think of Scandinavia as a place for beaches and swimming because of the most popular beach destinations, one thinks about the Mediterranean, Black Sea, or the islands in the Indian Ocean. Surprisingly, the long Scandinavian coastline hides some of the world’s most stunning beaches which could very well compete with the most exotic places down in the Southern hemisphere.

 

These are just a few of the best:

• Huk Beach – Huk is just a short distance from Oslo in Norway. It is a popular all year round as a recreational area and, for the naturist, there is a designated nude area. It is a rocky beach that offers some lovely sheltered area and good swimming for people of all ages.

• Klitmoller Beach – “Cold Hawaii” as it is popularly known is located in Denmark’s northwest Jutland area (sometimes called the Danish Riviera). Klitmoller Beach is renowned for wind and waves that make it one of the foremost surfing and kite-surfing destinations in Europe where many adventurous competitions are held every year. And if you get tired of the fine sandy beaches, there is plenty of nightlife and activity for people of all ages.

• Tylosand Beach – Seven kilometres of pristine sandy beachfront greet visitors to this main beach area of Halmstad on the west coast of Sweden. It is a hugely popular swimming spot, but there are also golf courses and a beautiful hinterland if you are looking to be able to practise some relaxing sports and stay active. There are also many beachside bars that are popular especially in the evenings. Perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing place to unwind but also keep active and have fun with friends.

• Degersand Beach – Another sandy Baltic beach, Degersand is located on Eckero, one of Finland’s Aland Islands. Reached by air form Helsinki, it is popular with windsurfers and kayakers who enjoy the wind and the waves. It is perfect for the whole family and there is plenty of accommodation. And not to be missed are the magnificent sunsets which attracts every evening numerous couples and groups of teenagers.

• Solastrand Beach – Just one of the glorious white sandy beaches that are within easy reach of Stavanger in Norway’s south, Solastrand is nearly 2.5 kms long and is one of Norway’s best beach destinations. Great for windsurfing, sea fishing, golf and swimming, a visit to Solastrand is an unforgettable experience.

• Hietaniemi Beach – Helsinki’s most popular beach, Hietaniemi is actually a former sand storage area that began to be used as a beach in 1929. Locals like to visit the beach in the summer months but it never becomes overcrowded. It is almost worth a move to Finland just to be able to enjoy beaches like this one! So beautiful and exotic you wouldn’t say you are up in the northern hemisphere.

The secret of Scandinavia’s beaches is slowly getting out as northern countries are emerging as more and more popular tourist destinations. Whether you are just planning a visit to Norway or maybe intending to make a new life in Finland, these wonderful beaches are just another factor adding to the attraction of this wonderful part of the world and to the high standard of living in such countries.

By Andrew Green – a passionate Scandinavian traveller and a keen copywriter.