We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
It is common sense that in order to run a thriving business, you must be able to successfully sell your product. Fortunately, for the Nordic Company, this has never been an issue. Our product, travel to Scandinavia, practically sells itself. There is nowhere else in the world where you can experience the magic of the fjords and countryside juxtaposed with glittering glacier-fed waterfalls, startlingly deep valleys, and the sweet song of the Scandinavian hello: “Hei! God dåg!” Our clients come to us for a variety of reasons, but they always return feeling the same: refreshed, inspired, and ready to go back!
Given the current hike in fuel surcharges and the increasingly hectic nature of travel abroad, you may think that Scandinavia is not an attractive vacation destination this year, but that is simply not the case. Our knowledge of Scandinavian travel is not exclusive to the upscale traveler. We have the business relationships and savvy to ensure that the moderate traveler is able to experience the wonder of Northern Europe without having to sacrifice their purse strings.
Admittedly, Scandinavia is an expensive place to travel. The wealth of their country and their autonomy from the European Union (with the exception of Finland) allows them to maintain a separate and strong, growing economy. With that in mind, you can’t arrive with the expectation to spend as little as you would in Mexico, but there are plenty of deals to make it work for the economic traveler – and we know all about them. To name just a few…Traveling in the off-season instead of the summer months is an excellent way to score some great price breaks. Hurtigruten cruises often offer senior rates and we’re aware of many nice, moderate hotels that stretch your dollar without compromising your comfort level.
Regardless of your style of travel, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the Baltics all have something to offer the curious of heart and eager to know. Our clients come to us seeking adventure – in the form of glacier hiking, white water kayaking, horse back riding through lava fields, fjord kayaking, and even snorkeling in Iceland! Others are older and taking that once in a lifetime family trip to Norway to relocate their heritage and visit their ancestral family farm. Some of them are backpackers, some of them are deluxe, high profile clientele, and a lot of them fall somewhere in the middle – looking for luxury, but also just a chance to experience each city at their own will. With the Midwest often considered the heart of Scandinavian heritage, a lot of our clients live right down the road, but still many more come to us from the East coast, West coast, down south, Australia, Canada, and beyond.
As you can see, the question of “Why Scandinavia?” is almost impossible to answer because our clientele is so diverse. We love listening to the stories that come behind the desire to visit a destination, but even more so, we enjoy being an essential part in the fruition of those desires. The allure of Scandinavia lies in its relatively untouched nature, its unique history and population, its fascinatingly elegant cities, and of course, so many other reasons that our clients continue to discover in their travels, year after year.
The Nordic Company specializes in independent and group travel to Norway and beyond. Whether you feel beckoned to rekindle your roots or simply want to experience the spirit of Scandinavia, a Norway tour by land or a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten) is unforgettable. We also invite you to consider Finland travel, Iceland touring and St. Petersburg travel.
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Iceland Shakes Things Up
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
At 3:45PM yesterday afternoon, an earthquake rumbled over southern Iceland causing mild structural damage in many villages. The earthquake registered a 6.1 on the Richter scale and is believed to have originated fifty kilometers outside of Reykjavik, between Hveragerdi and Selfoss. We were fortunate to hear from our inbound operators and Iceland partners early this morning that everyone is okay and that all services are still fully operational.
Our colleagues assured us, “We are pleased to inform you that there have been no fatalities, no serious injuries, and no major damage outside of the epicenter. Traffic through the area where the earthquake was has resumed, after the engineers had investigated it for potential cracks in roads or instability in bridge structures…All roads and structures in Iceland are built according to strong safety regulations fit for earthquakes well beyond what occurred yesterday.” Furthermore, the Icelandic National Security Administration announced that there is no forecast for future earthquakes and all areas are declared safe.
We bring you this news to assuage any worries our clients may have and to show you our proactive response to any situation that occurs while aboard. As soon as we received word of the earthquake, we made certain to contact our clients traveling in Iceland to confirm their well-being and share with them the information we had received from our partners. We informed any family members at home at their request, as well. We also informed clients set to travel to Iceland in the coming months of the recent events and welcomed any questions or concerns they may have. We are fortunate to have such close friends in Iceland who can give us a first-hand perspective, versus the hype and clamor the media often instigates.
We want to reassure everyone that yesterday’s earthquake was only a minor hiccup. You will find that it is not even being reported by most major news outlets, but regardless, we want to keep you informed. Iceland remains at the forefront of exotic and eco-friendly destination travel and we are committed to bringing you the best that this spectacular country has to offer. Nature has a way of reasserting herself every so often and this fact alone is often what maintains Iceland’s mesmerizing mystique.
The Nordic Company specializes in independent and group travel to Norway and beyond. Whether you feel beckoned to rekindle your roots or simply want to experience the spirit of Scandinavia, a Norway tour by land or a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten) is unforgettable. We also invite you to consider Finland travel, Iceland touring and St. Petersburg travel.
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At 3:45PM yesterday afternoon, an earthquake rumbled over southern Iceland causing mild structural damage in many villages. The earthquake registered a 6.1 on the Richter scale and is believed to have originated fifty kilometers outside of Reykjavik, between Hveragerdi and Selfoss. We were fortunate to hear from our inbound operators and Iceland partners early this morning that everyone is okay and that all services are still fully operational.
Our colleagues assured us, “We are pleased to inform you that there have been no fatalities, no serious injuries, and no major damage outside of the epicenter. Traffic through the area where the earthquake was has resumed, after the engineers had investigated it for potential cracks in roads or instability in bridge structures…All roads and structures in Iceland are built according to strong safety regulations fit for earthquakes well beyond what occurred yesterday.” Furthermore, the Icelandic National Security Administration announced that there is no forecast for future earthquakes and all areas are declared safe.
We bring you this news to assuage any worries our clients may have and to show you our proactive response to any situation that occurs while aboard. As soon as we received word of the earthquake, we made certain to contact our clients traveling in Iceland to confirm their well-being and share with them the information we had received from our partners. We informed any family members at home at their request, as well. We also informed clients set to travel to Iceland in the coming months of the recent events and welcomed any questions or concerns they may have. We are fortunate to have such close friends in Iceland who can give us a first-hand perspective, versus the hype and clamor the media often instigates.
We want to reassure everyone that yesterday’s earthquake was only a minor hiccup. You will find that it is not even being reported by most major news outlets, but regardless, we want to keep you informed. Iceland remains at the forefront of exotic and eco-friendly destination travel and we are committed to bringing you the best that this spectacular country has to offer. Nature has a way of reasserting herself every so often and this fact alone is often what maintains Iceland’s mesmerizing mystique.
The Nordic Company specializes in independent and group travel to Norway and beyond. Whether you feel beckoned to rekindle your roots or simply want to experience the spirit of Scandinavia, a Norway tour by land or a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten) is unforgettable. We also invite you to consider Finland travel, Iceland touring and St. Petersburg travel.
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Lean on Me - The Nordic Company's Unique Brand of Service
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
As you can see from Laurie’s reflections below, she wins the hotel review prize hands-down. Not only was she the only one to submit her accolades for her favorite hotel – none of our travel specialists can really top having their wedding reception in the historic Kvikne’s!
In reality, with the booking season upon us, our crew is busy planning trips and pleasing clientele. They haven’t had time to contribute their hotel reviews to the blog. No worries, however, as there is plenty about Scandinavia that warrants conversation and the blog must go on! We’ll return to hotel highlights once the summer rush has calmed and our staff has a chance to catch a breath of air. Thanks for your patience.
With the phones now keeping a steady chorus around the office, I thought it might be appropriate to address the two questions that our prospective clients typically propose to us:
“Why The Nordic Company?” and “Why Scandinavia?”
Firstly, it is our sincere hope that you can understand “why the Nordic Company” from the minute we pick up your call. As Midwesterners, we take to heart our reputation for friendliness and down-to-earth rapport. We look beyond business in order to form friendships that exemplify the level of trust needed to plan your dream vacation. We want you to feel comfortable expressing your every travel request and asking every question that comes to mind. We are here to assist everyone, from the beginning traveler to the wanderlusts who make a living out of seeing the world.
Beyond our appeal as that extra touch of sincerity in an otherwise corporate world, we also do not charge upfront itinerary fees. Most major tour operators these days will not spend time even devising an initial draft of an itinerary unless they know they will be paid upfront for their services. Here again, we extend our unique level of trust. The Nordic Company believes that if we come to you first as friends and then as business partners, you are more inclined to use our services. We will work on several drafts as needed for a customized itinerary until we find what best suits your travel ideas and encompasses the magnificence of Scandinavia - all before we ask for a deposit.
Admittedly, the time invested can sometimes be painstaking, but the rewards are always fruitful. We love using our knowledge and travel savvy to expose people to new and exciting corners of the world. We recognize that we are promoting a global perspective and introducing people to the enriching Scandinavian culture. Most importantly, we know that we are instrumental in creating memories that last a lifetime and really, at the end of the day, that’s what life’s about: Memories.
Next blog, I will answer “Why Scandinavia?” Why do you suddenly find yourself cruising the mighty Sognefjord without a care in the world? Why do our clients stand atop the colossal Holmenkollen Ski Jump and bemoan the fact that they weren’t born in Oslo? Why do we send hundreds of clients to Scandinavia year after year? The truth will surprise and delight you, I promise.
We invite you to learn more at our pages dedicated to Finland travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage; St. Petersburg travel and Sweden travel.
Sitemap
As you can see from Laurie’s reflections below, she wins the hotel review prize hands-down. Not only was she the only one to submit her accolades for her favorite hotel – none of our travel specialists can really top having their wedding reception in the historic Kvikne’s!
In reality, with the booking season upon us, our crew is busy planning trips and pleasing clientele. They haven’t had time to contribute their hotel reviews to the blog. No worries, however, as there is plenty about Scandinavia that warrants conversation and the blog must go on! We’ll return to hotel highlights once the summer rush has calmed and our staff has a chance to catch a breath of air. Thanks for your patience.
With the phones now keeping a steady chorus around the office, I thought it might be appropriate to address the two questions that our prospective clients typically propose to us:
“Why The Nordic Company?” and “Why Scandinavia?”
Firstly, it is our sincere hope that you can understand “why the Nordic Company” from the minute we pick up your call. As Midwesterners, we take to heart our reputation for friendliness and down-to-earth rapport. We look beyond business in order to form friendships that exemplify the level of trust needed to plan your dream vacation. We want you to feel comfortable expressing your every travel request and asking every question that comes to mind. We are here to assist everyone, from the beginning traveler to the wanderlusts who make a living out of seeing the world.
Beyond our appeal as that extra touch of sincerity in an otherwise corporate world, we also do not charge upfront itinerary fees. Most major tour operators these days will not spend time even devising an initial draft of an itinerary unless they know they will be paid upfront for their services. Here again, we extend our unique level of trust. The Nordic Company believes that if we come to you first as friends and then as business partners, you are more inclined to use our services. We will work on several drafts as needed for a customized itinerary until we find what best suits your travel ideas and encompasses the magnificence of Scandinavia - all before we ask for a deposit.
Admittedly, the time invested can sometimes be painstaking, but the rewards are always fruitful. We love using our knowledge and travel savvy to expose people to new and exciting corners of the world. We recognize that we are promoting a global perspective and introducing people to the enriching Scandinavian culture. Most importantly, we know that we are instrumental in creating memories that last a lifetime and really, at the end of the day, that’s what life’s about: Memories.
Next blog, I will answer “Why Scandinavia?” Why do you suddenly find yourself cruising the mighty Sognefjord without a care in the world? Why do our clients stand atop the colossal Holmenkollen Ski Jump and bemoan the fact that they weren’t born in Oslo? Why do we send hundreds of clients to Scandinavia year after year? The truth will surprise and delight you, I promise.
We invite you to learn more at our pages dedicated to Finland travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage; St. Petersburg travel and Sweden travel.
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Balestrand, Norway – Historic Kvikne’s Hotel: Rich in Tradition and Grandeur
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
Laurie, one of our Scandinavian specialists at The Nordic Company and the wife of President Jerry Norsman, shares with us one of her favorite hotels in Norway and the fond memories associated with it:
The warmth, grace, and charm of the lovely, historic Kvikne’s Hotel located deep in the mighty Sognefjord of Norway will always hold a special place in my heart. Several years ago, Jerry and I were treated to an extraordinary wedding reception at Kvikne’s after being joined in marriage in a nearby 12th century Stave Church in Norway.
Kari and Sigrid Kvikne, the fifth generation owners of the hotel, made certain we had wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. To compliment our festive occasion, they arranged for a concert pianist from Bergen to play the beloved music of Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. With great flair, they also presented us with a traditional Kransekaker – a Norwegian wedding & celebration cake!
The hospitality extended to us by the Kvikne family during our special occasion was hard to forget and we have remained good friends with them over the years. They continue to be equally gracious and accommodating hosts to all of our clients that we send to their picturesque hotel in Balestrand. From Kvikne’s, our clients are able to experience the beauty and wonder of the mighty Sognefjord, the unique landscape of the Fjaerland glacier, and the delicious cuisine presented in the historic dining room of the hotel every evening. Our clients return year after year expressing gratitude for their stay at the world renowned hotel. When they share with me that Kvikne’s has a special place in their hearts now as well, I am able to smile upon my own precious memories. That makes my job so very worthwhile!
We invite you to learn more about Norway travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Denmark Travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
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Laurie, one of our Scandinavian specialists at The Nordic Company and the wife of President Jerry Norsman, shares with us one of her favorite hotels in Norway and the fond memories associated with it:
The warmth, grace, and charm of the lovely, historic Kvikne’s Hotel located deep in the mighty Sognefjord of Norway will always hold a special place in my heart. Several years ago, Jerry and I were treated to an extraordinary wedding reception at Kvikne’s after being joined in marriage in a nearby 12th century Stave Church in Norway.
Kari and Sigrid Kvikne, the fifth generation owners of the hotel, made certain we had wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. To compliment our festive occasion, they arranged for a concert pianist from Bergen to play the beloved music of Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. With great flair, they also presented us with a traditional Kransekaker – a Norwegian wedding & celebration cake!
The hospitality extended to us by the Kvikne family during our special occasion was hard to forget and we have remained good friends with them over the years. They continue to be equally gracious and accommodating hosts to all of our clients that we send to their picturesque hotel in Balestrand. From Kvikne’s, our clients are able to experience the beauty and wonder of the mighty Sognefjord, the unique landscape of the Fjaerland glacier, and the delicious cuisine presented in the historic dining room of the hotel every evening. Our clients return year after year expressing gratitude for their stay at the world renowned hotel. When they share with me that Kvikne’s has a special place in their hearts now as well, I am able to smile upon my own precious memories. That makes my job so very worthwhile!
We invite you to learn more about Norway travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Denmark Travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Hotels in Scandinavia - The Nordic Company Knows Best
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
In order to ensure excellent quality and total satisfaction during our client’s stay in Scandinavia, The Nordic Company performs annual site inspections on all of its preferred hotels. We understand that after a long day of sightseeing or extended travel, it is important to our clients to have a place to rest their feet that is not only clean and comfortable, but exceptionally unique.
Throughout Scandinavia, we select hotels based on individual charm and character, delicious cuisine and friendly personnel. Every year, we travel abroad to re-visit our old favorites, investigate up-and-coming accommodations and re-affirm our long-standing personal and business relationships. We look for modern renovations as well as historical restorations. We endeavor to provide options for a night of luxury as well as the economic alternative and we always make sure the view is nothing short of extraordinary.
Each of our travel specialists have their own particular preferences and so with each of their excursions to Scandinavia, they have developed a few passionate favorites over the years. For the next segment of our blog, we are going to give each travel specialist space to share a little about these timeless hotels that have caught their fancy. Consider it a small preview to an essential part of your journey – a journey that we guarantee to be unforgettable every stay and every step of the way.
We invite you to learn more about Scandinvian travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Denmark Travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
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In order to ensure excellent quality and total satisfaction during our client’s stay in Scandinavia, The Nordic Company performs annual site inspections on all of its preferred hotels. We understand that after a long day of sightseeing or extended travel, it is important to our clients to have a place to rest their feet that is not only clean and comfortable, but exceptionally unique.
Throughout Scandinavia, we select hotels based on individual charm and character, delicious cuisine and friendly personnel. Every year, we travel abroad to re-visit our old favorites, investigate up-and-coming accommodations and re-affirm our long-standing personal and business relationships. We look for modern renovations as well as historical restorations. We endeavor to provide options for a night of luxury as well as the economic alternative and we always make sure the view is nothing short of extraordinary.
Each of our travel specialists have their own particular preferences and so with each of their excursions to Scandinavia, they have developed a few passionate favorites over the years. For the next segment of our blog, we are going to give each travel specialist space to share a little about these timeless hotels that have caught their fancy. Consider it a small preview to an essential part of your journey – a journey that we guarantee to be unforgettable every stay and every step of the way.
We invite you to learn more about Scandinvian travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Denmark Travel; Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Denmark - Chocolate Danish with a Side of Bitters, Please
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
If you’re sitting in a quaint café along the charming Nyhavn and you happen to notice a Dane swishing back a glass of bitters with his breakfast, don’t be alarmed! This is a fairly common tradition. Gammel Dansk is a Danish-produced bitters that has been around for ages and is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee or beer over breakfast.
Gammel Dansk is a delicious 70 proof blend of 29 different herbs, including rowanberry, angelica, star aniseed, nutmeg, and ginger, among others. It is produced in Dalby, Denmark in southeast Zealand by Danish Distillers, Ltd and is also believed to be a useful digestive cure by many Scandinavians.
In addition to this morning anomaly, delightful Denmark is full of other surprises. Take a stroll through the glittering Tivoli Gardens at night. Make your way by train to the fairytale home of Hans Christian Anderson in Odense or catch the ferry out to the remote Aerø Island for a step back in time. Copenhagen is a culturally rich and lively city of its own accord, as well as a popular starting point for continued travel into Oslo (by direct flight or overnight ferry) and Stockholm (via rail, rental car, or direct flight). Denmark also continues to be ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world…One can’t help, but wonder if that has anything to do with what they drink with breakfast!
We invite you to learn more about Denmark Travel as well as Scandinvian travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
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Sources: http://www.wineglobe.com/12090.html
If you’re sitting in a quaint café along the charming Nyhavn and you happen to notice a Dane swishing back a glass of bitters with his breakfast, don’t be alarmed! This is a fairly common tradition. Gammel Dansk is a Danish-produced bitters that has been around for ages and is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee or beer over breakfast.
Gammel Dansk is a delicious 70 proof blend of 29 different herbs, including rowanberry, angelica, star aniseed, nutmeg, and ginger, among others. It is produced in Dalby, Denmark in southeast Zealand by Danish Distillers, Ltd and is also believed to be a useful digestive cure by many Scandinavians.
In addition to this morning anomaly, delightful Denmark is full of other surprises. Take a stroll through the glittering Tivoli Gardens at night. Make your way by train to the fairytale home of Hans Christian Anderson in Odense or catch the ferry out to the remote Aerø Island for a step back in time. Copenhagen is a culturally rich and lively city of its own accord, as well as a popular starting point for continued travel into Oslo (by direct flight or overnight ferry) and Stockholm (via rail, rental car, or direct flight). Denmark also continues to be ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world…One can’t help, but wonder if that has anything to do with what they drink with breakfast!
We invite you to learn more about Denmark Travel as well as Scandinvian travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel, Finland travel and Sweden travel.
Sitemap
Sources: http://www.wineglobe.com/12090.html
Monday, April 14, 2008
Finland - Finnish Vodka Sets the Bar
We have a new Blog about Scandinavia and our insider's view with our custom travel and tours. Please continue to follow our blog posting on our new blog Insider's Scandinavia - Great Places to Go and Things to do!
In keeping with our tongue-in-cheek twist on our claim “your connection to the spirit of Scandinavia”, Finlandia vodka has been making headlines as well. In the March issue of “Spirit Business” magazine, Finlandia was named the fastest-growing spirit brand with a 2007 increase of 19% in 2007. Finlandia has been the top-selling brand of vodka in Russia, but this past year it has experienced the most growth in Poland, where over 800,000 9 litre cases were sold. Finlandia is now the sixth largest premium vodka producer in the world, closing the gap on Skyy spirits and Stolichnaya.
Yet despite all the hype, Finlandia is certain to give credit where credit is due. On their website*, they explain that Finlandia vodka could not be successful without the rich natural resources and scenic beauty that the countryside of Finland has to offer. Finlandia is distilled in the town of Ilmajoki, just outside of Vaasa, and is made with Finland’s pure glacial spring water and six-row barley.
The unique design of Finlandia vodka bottle was created by the famous Finnish sculptor, Tapio Wirkalla, and is considered one of his best works. The bottle also recognizes the importance of the Midnight Sun to the Finnish culture by its incorporation within the logo. The Midnight Sun symbolizes the summer months in Finland where they experience continuous daylight. Its arrival is met with much celebration, including the popular consumption of the Finn’s native vodka.
Although the distillery itself is not often visited, we certainly recommend experiencing the countryside that helped create this special spirit. Finland boasts a labyrinth of glittering lakes and serene forestland. It is the perfect destination for a road trip, scattered with unique spa hotels and comfortable inns along the way, and even better for an outdoor adventure filled with hiking and boating. Aside from its individual identity, Finland also makes an excellent launching point for your excursion to the Baltic countries or to the enchanting St. Petersburg, just a train ride away. The Nordic Company is knowledgeable and eager to assist you in whatever you travel whims may be to this very special part of the world!
* You must be at least 21 years of age to enter the Finlandia website.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080331/20080331005882.html?.v=1
www.finlandia.com
In keeping with our tongue-in-cheek twist on our claim “your connection to the spirit of Scandinavia”, Finlandia vodka has been making headlines as well. In the March issue of “Spirit Business” magazine, Finlandia was named the fastest-growing spirit brand with a 2007 increase of 19% in 2007. Finlandia has been the top-selling brand of vodka in Russia, but this past year it has experienced the most growth in Poland, where over 800,000 9 litre cases were sold. Finlandia is now the sixth largest premium vodka producer in the world, closing the gap on Skyy spirits and Stolichnaya.
Yet despite all the hype, Finlandia is certain to give credit where credit is due. On their website*, they explain that Finlandia vodka could not be successful without the rich natural resources and scenic beauty that the countryside of Finland has to offer. Finlandia is distilled in the town of Ilmajoki, just outside of Vaasa, and is made with Finland’s pure glacial spring water and six-row barley.
The unique design of Finlandia vodka bottle was created by the famous Finnish sculptor, Tapio Wirkalla, and is considered one of his best works. The bottle also recognizes the importance of the Midnight Sun to the Finnish culture by its incorporation within the logo. The Midnight Sun symbolizes the summer months in Finland where they experience continuous daylight. Its arrival is met with much celebration, including the popular consumption of the Finn’s native vodka.
Although the distillery itself is not often visited, we certainly recommend experiencing the countryside that helped create this special spirit. Finland boasts a labyrinth of glittering lakes and serene forestland. It is the perfect destination for a road trip, scattered with unique spa hotels and comfortable inns along the way, and even better for an outdoor adventure filled with hiking and boating. Aside from its individual identity, Finland also makes an excellent launching point for your excursion to the Baltic countries or to the enchanting St. Petersburg, just a train ride away. The Nordic Company is knowledgeable and eager to assist you in whatever you travel whims may be to this very special part of the world!
We invite you to learn more about Finland travel as well as Scandinvian travel by visiting our pages dedicated to Iceland tours and Iceland travel; Norway tours, Norway travel and a Norwegian coastal voyage (also known as Hurtigruten); St. Petersburg travel and Sweden travel.
* You must be at least 21 years of age to enter the Finlandia website.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080331/20080331005882.html?.v=1
www.finlandia.com
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