As tempting as it is to spend an entire day at Fyri Resort’s Pool Club, there’s one place you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.
Just a seven-minute drive from the resort, you’ll find Rjukandefossen – a waterfall that feels almost too beautiful to be real.
The water crashes into an impossibly clear emerald pool, surrounded by pine forests and mountains. Standing there, it’s hard not to stop for a moment and simply take it all in.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a swim.
The water is cold, but fresh, and not as icy as you’d might expect from a Norwegian mountain river – but on a warm summer day, it’s one of those experiences you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.
There is a small parking lot very close to the waterfall. You just have to follow the small forrest trail. Then already after the 2nd lille wood bridge you turn left into the forrest. Here you will find a very narrow trail leading you a bit down, just keep following and then you will get to the part of the river where you can jump in. Bred on a very spontaneous decision (to run back and get our swimsuits, but definitely one of the highlights of our time in Hemsedal. In fact of all our vacation in Norway…
If you keep following the trail and don’t turn left after the 2nd bridge, but keep striaght a head, then you will come to the actual waterfall (which you should not miss ;-)).
Hemsedal is best known as one of Norway’s most popular ski destinations, but after spending a summer weekend at Fyri Resort, I discovered a completely different side of the Norwegian mountains.
Some places surprise you. Hemsedal was one of them.
I have been travelling to Norway more times than I can count, and like many others, I’d always associated this corner of Norway with winter. Snow-covered mountains, skiing, après-ski and cosy cabins. Summer had honestly never crossed my mind.
However, the drive alone is enough to remind you why Norway keeps calling people back. Winding mountain roads, emerald valleys, waterfalls appearing around almost every bend and landscapes that somehow become even more dramatic with every kilometre.
And then you arrive at Hemsedal. Instead of a sleepy ski village waiting for winter, we found a destination full of life. Families hiking together, cyclists heading into the mountains, people enjoying long lunches in the sunshine and crystal-clear rivers inviting you to jump in after a warm day. It felt effortless. Calm without being quiet. Luxurious without trying too hard.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about travelling somewhere that hasn’t yet become everyone’s summer destination.
Staying at Fyri Resort
If Hemsedal was the surprise, Fyri Resort became the place that tied the whole experience together.
Designed with warm Scandinavian interiors, natural materials and panoramic mountain views, it feels more like a contemporary mountain retreat than a traditional ski hotel. Even during summer, the atmosphere is exactly what you’d hope for.
We spent hours by the Pool Club (and in the lounge playing pool), where time seemed to slow down between mountain views and mocktails. And we had the best pizza we have ever had in all of Norway, directly from their huge stone oven. To be honest food in Norway can be “tricky” outside of Oslo or Bergen, but this pizza is worth a stop-over, even if you don’t stay at the hotel.
Beyond the Hotel
One of my favourite things about Hemsedal is how quickly you can leave the village behind and find yourself surrounded by untouched nature with great viking trails. It’s the kind of destination that doesn’t require a detailed itinerary.
For anyone looking for a Scandinavian destination that combines dramatic nature, beautiful design, outdoor adventures and genuine calm, Hemsedal deserves a place on your list.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Fyri Resort makes it wonderfully easy to settle into mountain life—whether your perfect day includes hiking to a summit, relaxing by the pool or simply enjoying another slow evening as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Some weekends stay with you. This one certainly will.
A trip to London is just unbeatable when it comes to sightseeing, art, food and shopping. It was on the top of my daughter’s wish list for her confirmation, and as we really wanted to give her an experience to last, it was perfect. We stayed at The Clermont London, Victoria – not our usual boutique-style choice, but the location was great: walking distance to Buckingham Palace, The Wolseley, and the CitySightseeing bus stop, plus right next to Victoria Coach Station (perfect for the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour). Big, comfortable rooms and excellent service made it a perfect base.
NB! As of April 2025 all nok-UK-residents must have a visa to enter. Pls allow 3 days for this process, to make sure you are granted the visa before entering the UK. You can get an Express visa, if you forget to get one, however, it is relatively expensive.
Sakurado Mochi, Chinatown – freshly made mochis (the best we ever had); Chinatown in general is foodie heaven.
Fish & Chips – Golden Union, Soho for a classic, sustainably sourced version, or the Camden Market riverside stall for a casual, surprisingly good option.
Buckingham Palace – watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony (be sure to get there 30-60 minutes before, otherwise the crowds will not allow you a chance to see anything).
We didn’t get to see a show/musical, which we would love to do another time, and of course a ton of other things; London is just always a treat to come back to again and again.
Ps. Just using your creditcard in the Tube (metro) by the card reader at the ticket gates instead of buying a ticket, is both money and time saving.
Camden marketChinatownCity Sightseeing BusFish’n’ChipsCamden MarketLondonTate ModernHarry Potter StudiosBuckingham PalaceNara t-shirtsNara ExhibitionHayward GalleryLondon EyeStreets of LondonMillennium BridgeSakurado Picadelly CircusOka restaurant Buckingham PalaceHarry Potter StudiosThe ClermontLiberty / SohoHigh tea at the Wolseley
Florence is a city of golden light and Renaissance soul — where every narrow street opens onto timeless beauty. From Botticelli’s brushstrokes to the aroma of truffle pasta and espresso, the city stirs all the senses. Whether you’re here for fashion, food, or just to wander, Florence rewards slowness and curiosity. Here’s a small curated list of classic, stylish, and quietly exceptional places in the city.
🍝 Where to Eat (Classic + Cult Favorites)
Trattoria Cammillo – Family-run since 1945 in Oltrarno; cozy vibes and Tuscan staples .
The Space Outlet – Prada (Levanella) – Designer outlet for Prada, Miu Miu & Church’s; pair with The Mall (that offers Gucci, Marin, Versace, and many many more). You can take a shuttle bus from the city centre to go there, it costs 18 euros return and takes approximerer 50 minutes
📚 Culture
Biblioteca delle Oblate – Rooftop café, city views, calm workspace
Giardino dell’Orticoltura – Historic garden & greenhouse with seasonal events
Palazzo Gucci (Gucci Garden) – Fashion-museum & exhibition space with on-site café
Uffizi, Bargello, Marino Marini & Palazzo Gucci – Museum-rich Florence for slow cultural immersion
Budapest is a city split by the Danube and stitched together with history, design, and thermal waters. From grand architecture, cool cafés, playful parks and world-class culture, here’s a curated micro-guide of where to stay, eat, explore — and just enjoy the city.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Stories Boutique Hotel
Eclectic, colorful, with a cozy courtyard. Located in the lively Jewish Quarter and with all the good restaurants just around every corner: Stories Hotel
Vernon House
Modern, minimalist, and peaceful. Perfect design entusiasts and great location: Vernon House
Moments Hotel
Elegant hotel on Andrássy Avenue with spa and comfortable rooms and a also close to everything. Andrássey Avenue was inspired by Champs Elysee in Paris and is home to the main international fashion houses: Moments Hotel
A beautiful little spot serving elegant dishes and (good) local wines. It is a mix between tapas and Asian fusion, and we absolutely loved it. Very small. Get there early or make a reservation: Restobar
Costes Downtown
Michelin-star dining in a light, relaxed setting. Recommended for an amazing lunch: Costes
Mazel Tov
Lush ruin courtyard with greenery, lights, and delicious Middle Eastern food: Mazeltov
Franziska
Bright, modern brunch spot in Buda with healthy dishes and good coffee: Franziska
New York Café
Gilded and dramatic — come for the atmosphere, stay for the cake: New York
Gelarto Rosa
Because gelato as a rose is always a good idea: Gelarto Rosa
RestobarRestobarGelarto Rosa
🖼️ Museums & Culture
Museum of Fine Arts
From ancient Egypt to 20th-century masters, all housed in a stunning neoclassical building: Szepmuveszeti
Lumiere Hall
Immersive digital art experiences in a striking industrial space: Lumiere
Museum of Fine ArtsMuseum of Fine ArtsMuseum of Fine ArtsMuseum of Fine ArtsMuseum of Fine ArtsMuseum of Fine Arts
👀 Things to See & Do
• Parliament Building – Neo-Gothic beauty right by the river.
• Buda Castle Funicular – Ride the old cable car up Castle Hill for views and charm.
• Fisherman’s Bastion – White stone lookout towers with panoramic views.
• Chain Bridge – Budapest’s most iconic bridge, glowing beautifully at night.
• Heroes’ Square – Monumental statues and a gateway to City Park.
• City Park (Városliget) – Green space with lakes, playgrounds, and castles.
Skt Stephen’sSkt Stephen’sIn front of the ParlamentParlamentPlaygroundBuda FunicularBuda FunicularBuda FunicularView from Buda FunicularView from Buda CastleBuda CastleChain BridgeChain brigde selphie
✨ Local Highlights (that we did not get to try, but is on the list for our next visit)
Széchenyi Baths
Baroque-style thermal baths — We heard you should go early morning or near sunset for the best experience.
Margaret Island 🏝️
A traffic-free island in the middle of the Danube with fountains, bike rentals, and shady walking paths.
Boat tour on Danube 🚤
We just stayed 3 days and though we could have spend more time, I would sat that 3 days is enough that you get a good feel of the city. Till next time, Budapest ❤️.
High above the landscape, with breathtaking views of the Øresund, lies the Mary Hill Estate – a boutique hotel that combines relaxed luxury with modern design and scenic surroundings. Located on the former historic estate of Örbrön, the place is made for those seeking a high level of aesthetics and an experience where time and pace are allowed to merge.
Nestled in the heart of Blekinge, Sweden, Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, sustainable practices, and innovative design. Spanning over 925 hectares, it stands as the largest safari park in the Nordics, where (Nordic) wildlife roams freely in their natural habitat.
The Ark – A Testament to Swedish Design
One of the standout features of Eriksberg is “Arken” a recently (2024) unveiled hotel building that exemplifies modern Scandinavian architecture. Designed by architect Oskar Årevall, this three-story wooden structure boasts 23 rooms, each with south-facing terraces that provide panoramic views of the savannah-like landscape. The building’s sustainable design includes a maintenance-free wooden facade and a green sedum roof, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings.
Inside The Ark, the design duo Bernadotte & Kylberg, founded by Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte and Oscar Kylberg, have crafted three unique suites: Urberg (Bedrock), Skog (Forest), and Himmel (Sky). Each suite reflects its namesake through carefully selected materials and bespoke furnishings, creating a beautiful design experience that blurs the line between indoor comfort and the great outdoors. All rooms feels extra spacious (they are all very generous on m2) due to the large sliding doors to wooden patios connecting all the rooms on each floor.
We stayed here at Arken for 3 days/2 nights and we absolutely loved it. We had two connecting rooms, which was really nice as the girls are getting so big now. We are already planning to come back in the summertime when it is all green and the water lillies are in bloom. Then we will try to get a stay at the Synvillan/ “The Illusion Villa.” It was designed by architect Thomas Sandell of Sandellsandberg, and is perched three meters above the ground. The villa features a thatched reed roof, reflecting regional building traditions, while its walls are clad in polished, patterned stainless steel. This mirrored facade creates an optical illusion, allowing the structure to dissolve into its natural surroundings.
The villa’s elevation provides guests with a unique vantage point to observe wildlife in the middle of their habitat. Spanning 50 square meters, SynVillan accommodates up to four guests and includes two rooms, a kitchenette, and a furnished 15-square-meter terrace overlooking a private bay of the Baltic Sea. The villa operates off-grid, powered by solar energy and gas, and utilizes an incineration toilet due to the absence of running water.
Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve honestly provides a truly unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature while appreciating the finest aspects of Swedish design and sustainability. Whether you’re exploring the vast landscapes, savoring locally sourced cuisine, or relaxing in thoughtfully designed accommodations, Eriksberg promises an unforgettable experience.
Arkenview from one of the suitesThe style and decor fromt he main houseThe main entranceView from the SynvillanThe SynvillanThe wine celler is kept in a historic buildingOutdoor gymEriksbergMorning viewThe beautiful (and comfortable) bed
Culinary Delights Rooted in Sustainability
Dining at Eriksberg is a celebration of local flavors and sustainable practices. The on-site restaurant places a strong emphasis on game meat sourced directly from the reserve, ensuring that meals are both fresh and environmentally conscious. The menu evolves with the seasons, offering dishes that highlight the best regional produce. If your children are not in the mod for a high level culinary experience, our kids can testify to a very well-tasting kids menu as well.
Wellness with a View
For those seeking relaxation, Eriksberg’s wellness area provides a a perfect view of the beautiful “savanna” and forest. Guests can unwind in the sauna or take a dip in the outdoor hot pool. It’s an ideal setting to rejuvenate after a day of exploration or/ hiking/ hunting. On the note of hiking; there is a route you can follow along the forest and all the way around the Eriksberg area following a small archipelago trail. It is 14-15 km long, and should be breathtaking (we have this on our Bucket list for next time as it is not open to walk during the winter season).
The dinner restaurantAmazing foodThe barA local drink with a nice viewView from the hot poolEllen getting ready for the poolThe saunaThe sauna
Extra Note
Eriksberg also honors traditional practices by offering seasonal hunting opportunities. Guests interested in this experience can participate in guided hunts, with the assurance that all activities are conducted ethically and sustainably, in line with the reserve’s conservation efforts. Also, in connection to this small extra note, I need to point out that there are stuffed animals everywhere in the buildings as the original Owner and creator, Dc. Berg, had a true love for safari and hunting. Just if you don’t like that, this is probably not the place to stay over night.
Trakt Forest Hotel – Simplicity, Nature an Nordic Magic
Deep in the Swedish woods, we found a little hidden gem—Trakt Forest Hotel, a small, family-run retreat that feels like a true escape from the noise of everyday life. My husband and I, along with our three girls, spent a few days here, and we fell in love with the simplicity and closeness to nature. It’s a 4 hour drive from Copenhagen, but felt literally felt like we went “off-the-grid”.
The five cabins, that are beautifully designed with sustainability in mind, blending into the forest with large windows that bring the outside in. They are designed by reknown Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh, the hotel’s five forest suites creates the feeling of being in the treetops, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The suites provides everything you need, no more and no less. There’s no WiFi in the cabins (only in the main building, which also serves as the hotel’s restaurant), making it easy to slow down and just be present.
Our forest cabinTea with trees 😉inside our cabinThe tiny bedroomTrakt restaurantEllen Window viewThe main buildingOur “gold”The Trakt saunaForest hot bathThe foodThe dessertBreakfastBreakfast family style
For the main part, we just stayed in the area and went for walks and logget off. Which meant seeing a moose and a morse calf in the woods (incredible experience). However, Vimmerby is very close, so the Astrid Lindgreen World is just one hours drive away.
We enjoyed every part of the experience—the fresh forest air, the incredible local and organic food, and the outdoor hot baths, where we soaked under the trees as the evening light faded. Even though Trakt isn’t specifically a family hotel, kids are more than welcome (as we have experienced with most Swedish hotels). Our toddler, Ellen, were thrilled to find toys and a kid-friendly menu in the restaurant, making the stay feel effortless for all of us. There were baby chairs and a very friendly staff every evening for us.
If you love nature, simplicity, and beautifully designed spaces, Trakt is the perfect place to reset and reconnect.
Forest lake found of the hiking routesSnow had covered the forest on the day we arrivedSnowballs and forest tripsThe frozen lake by the saunaWooden sauna
Falkenberg and Hotel Strandbaden: Chic Coastal Bliss
Nestled along Sweden’s west coast, Falkenberg is a such a lovely town that combines seaside serenity with a touch of rustic charm. Its sandy beaches, cozy cafés, and quaint streets make it the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration. For a deeper dive into the area, the Visit Halland app is an invaluable tool. It’s packed with tips on local attractions, activities, and hidden gems to make your trip even more memorable.
At the heart of my visit was Hotel Strandbaden, a haven of style and comfort right on Skrea Beach. The hotel’s spa is a standout feature, offering a chic escape with breathtaking views of the sea. Whether soaking in the outdoor hot tubs, unwinding in the sauna, or indulging in a rejuvenating treatment, the atmosphere is all about effortless luxury and relaxation.
The hotel and its restaurant exude a chic country club vibe—elegant yet laid-back. Think soft lighting, beautifully soft, crafted interiors, and an inviting, social ambiance. The restaurant’s menu, inspired by local and seasonal ingredients, pairs perfectly with its refined yet cozy setting. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy good meal while soaking in the stunning ocean views or hanging out by the central open fireplace.
Exploring Falkenberg itself is also recommended. The town offers a mix of charming boutiques, artisanal shops, and beautiful spots like the Ätran River and historic Tullbron Bridge. The friendly, small-town feel makes it easy to lose track of time wandering its streets. If you come by car; Sonja’s Veranda or the cute, award-winning, Solhaga stone oven bakery also comes with a huge recommendation for lunch or “fika”.
hee bune diaries 