Icelandic content creator and adventurer Ása Steinars breaks down the unlikely (but incredible) spots in Scandinavia to ring in the new year
After Christmas, New Year's Eve is the most celebrated holiday around the world. Naturally, we all have our own traditions, but if we want to get adventurous, New Year's is when to swing it. Other than a good celebration, there are no rules on how to ring in the new year.
Here, we've gathered our pick of four locations in Scandinavia where you'll spend an unforgettable holiday surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, has become internationally famous for wild New Year's Eve celebrations. The evening starts with big bonfires all over town and continues with fireworks and intense parties – nightlife like no other. The snow-covered streets fill with locals wearing their most sparkling outfits at midnight, shooting up fireworks for hours. The sky is on fire, the Icelandic more vivacious than anywhere else. Walk up to Hallgrimskirkja, from here you have a 360 degree view of Reykjavik and fireworks in all directions.
The evening runs on until the following morning, with house parties and events around town. That's why we suggest staying at The Edition. This newly opened hotel is a spirited and sophisticated urban hub at the Reykjavik waterfront, boasting an impressive line-up of bars, cafes, restaurants and even a nightclub.
Hallgrimskirkja. Photo: Ása Steinars
With a few extra days added to the trip, there is plenty of opportunities to experience Reykjavík and the stunning nature of Iceland is never far away. We suggest making plans for day-trips to visit black sand beaches, volcanoes or go glacier hiking in the lead up to New Year's Eve – every experience a sure-fire way to make ringing in a new year a more adventurous experience.
Where to stay: The Reykjavik Edition
Where to watch fireworks: Hallgrimskirkja
Located in the historical heart of downtown Reykjavik by Old Harbor port, The Edition ensures a fabulous view of the city's skyline with a rooftop bar perfect to catch the fireworks .
Tromsö
For an unforgettable New Year's Eve, you can spend it in Tromsö in the North of Norway under the Northern Lights. Join a dog sledging trip led by a team of fluffy huskies, and then book yourself in for a private Aurora Camp. This way, you can have a calm New Year with nature's own firework show, the northern lights. You need to get out of town and away from light pollution to properly see them.
Photo: Ása Steinars
Once out in nature, no fireworks show in the world will beat a good evening with northern lights. See them dance across the sky in green and sometimes even purple and orange. Sit by theLight up a bonfire to keep you warm and then go to bed in the Lavvu tent.
If you want more action, then spend New Year's Eve in the town of Tromsö, which is filled with options of restaurants and celebrations.
Where to stay: Aurora camp
Where to watch fireworks: See the northern lights
Exchange fireworks for spectacular northern lights on a Husky visit to the Aurora Camps. Photo: Aurora Camps
Orsa Grönklitt
Orsa is a true paradise in winter, usually filled with snow and beautiful white snow-covered forest all around. Orsa offers plenty of activities for all ages, with many miles of cross-country tracks through Dala forests and even alpine ski slopes. There might not be the biggest firework show. Still, you will celebrate the New Year close to nature, with adventurous options like going on a snowmobile safari or a dog sledging tour.
Rent a big cabin in the woods that fit both friends and family and get real cozy. Most of them come with a sauna which is perfect after a day out in winter wonderland.
Cross-country skiing tracks in Orsa Grönklitt. Photo: Ása Steinars
For new years eve, either cook a magnificent dinner in your cabin, or join in on the new years celebrations at Toppstugan. It’s a traditional ski lodge, located at the very top of the mountain with 360 degree views and great food and drinks to celebrate the new year.
Where to stay: Cabin with a sauna at Orsa Grönklitt
Where to watch fireworks: Toppstugan
Toppstugan in Orsa serves up stunning views of the sweeping Swedish landscape below. Photo: @orsagronklitt
Torshavn
Thorshavn in the Faroe Islands is not your regular New Years eve place. Not only is this a super cosy town, but there’s also plenty of incredible nature just around the corner. It’s worth spending at least a few days to explore all the fjords, waterfalls and cool hikes these islands have to offer.
Faroe Islands. Photo: Ása Steinars
Spend New Year’s Eve at luxury spa hotel Hotel Føroyar, with a splendid New Year's Eve menu and wine pairing. Enjoy champagne, petit four and fireworks on the roof at midnight. Designed by Danish architects Friis & Moltke, the sunken grass-clad hotel opened in 1983, with most of the rooms featuring an impressive panoramic view over Tórshavn.
Where to stay: Hotel Føroyar
Where to watch fireworks: Hotel Føroyar's rooftop
Hotel Føroyar serves up a New Years dinner with spectacular views. Photo: Hotel Føroyar