The weeks fly by, don't they? It's Monday again and time for travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. Today, we have an exciting National Geographic list, and a gastronomic focus: Christmas food, gin and pizzas.
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Record number of tourists from Germany and the Netherlands on Swedish campsites
New preliminary figures from SCB/Tillväxtverket show that guest nights at Sweden's campsites in the first nine months of 2021 increased by 17 per cent compared to 2020. In September, the number of guest nights was 8 per cent higher than in the same month in 2019 before the pandemic, and international guest nights increased the most. The Netherlands, which is normally Sweden's third largest foreign market, increased by 121 per cent and the German market increased by 35 per cent.
National Geographic has listed 25 great travel destinations for 2022
National Geographic has listed 25 great travel destinations for 2022, divided into nature, adventure, sustainability, culture and history, and family destinations. On the list include the Polish city of Łódźwhich has a history as a textile city. The city is highlighted because of its ambition to create a greener future with ecological technologies for heating houses and reducing CO₂ emissions from traffic. Recommendations include the Manufaktura art and shopping centre and the trendy OFF Piotrkowska cultural and bar district.
First bookable New X 2000 has departed from Gothenburg
The first bookable New X 2000 train left Gothenburg this week. For the traveller, the biggest change is the new chair which, in combination with the new, sturdier tray table, improves the ability to work on board. Travellers will also notice modern lighting, more functional toilets and wheelchair spaces, and a brand new bistro with increased opportunities to offer a varied range of food.
Classic Christmas food popular on Viking Line's Christmas table
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are becoming increasingly popular at Christmas buffets on board Viking Line ships. But the traditional Christmas meal continues to be a popular favourite from year to year. Of the many Christmas side dishes, the classic turnip box is the most popular. For Swedes, it's Jansson's temptation, Christmas ham, ribs and meatballs. This Christmas, Viking Line is offering pre-composed portions, for example in small wooden boats, to reduce food waste.
Gin boom in Sweden - and at the Spritmuseum!
The Swedish gin boom is a fact. Today there are over 60 craft producers of gin throughout the country and Swedish gin is a success all over the world. The Spritmuseum's new exhibition GIN takes visitors on a journey through the history of Swedish gin and meets Sweden's gin producers. For those who want to try it, there is a tasting tray and the bar offers over 40 different types of Swedish craft gin.
Sweden's regional pizzas are crowned
Many have heard of our regional flowers, animals and dishes - now Sweden has its own regional pizzas. Through a national competition, Västerbottensost asked the Swedish people to create 25 new pizzas that represent all the unique and good things our country has to offer. A jury consisting of Västerbottensost Cheese Master Thomas Rudin and chefs Emmah Strömberg and Eric Hristov from the Swedish Junior Chef National Team have together chosen the winning regional pizzas.
Reflection of the week
It's great that National Geographic has chosen to highlight the Polish city of Łódź. This was a city that really surprised us positively when we were there with the motorhome in the autumn of 2020, and we already talked about this becoming a trendy destination. We also recognise this with the gin trend. When we were recently in Kosta, we visited a gin bar with the largest selection of gin in Småland.
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Adventurousness, more Ryanair routes and 2022 travel destinations
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Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Finnish turnip box, Jansson's temptation, Christmas ham and ribs are some of the favourites on the Christmas table. But Rotmos is good!
A lot is happening now before Christmas. I really hope we can stop the pandemic, but there are huge protests that are worrying.
22 November 2021 - 11:15
Helena says:
Well, one hopes that the pandemic will at least calm down!
23 November 2021 - 7:56
BP says:
Love the header image. It makes me extremely happy:-)
Good with portion boats on Viking Line's Christmas buffet, if you want to eat Christmas food as a buffet, that is. Nice that there are both Finnish and Swedish specialities on the menu.
I think it's a bit funny about gin, an old classic from the 1960s-1990s that seems to have had a new revival. Personally, I don't like the flavour so...
22 November 2021 - 18:59
Helena says:
Glad you like the header picture! It was actually taken in the Polish city of Lodz, although this umbrella phenomenon has been seen in quite a few cities (but I like it too, very colourful! :)).
23 November 2021 - 7:58