Ask Away: Scandinavia is charming in winter

Scandinavia is a charming place to visit in winter. Photo / Getty Images

Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.

Is it a waste of time going to Scandinavia in winter, when the days are short and freezing? January is the only time we can take extended leave and we were thinking of basing ourselves in Copenhagen — is there another "must do" region/city in Denmark?
Maree Irons

Personally, I've always wanted to visit northern Europe in winter. The Danish concept of "hygge" is experiencing a surge of popularity around the world — it's a word used to describe a cosy atmosphere created by long conversations, candlelit suppers and warm cinnamon buns. And as you can imagine, winter in Denmark offers plenty of opportunities to experience it.

My contact at Flight Centre has a few tips for your holiday — she says Scandinavia in winter is just as quaint and charming as it is during the summer.

"Copenhagen has a real magic to it at this time of the year and though the winters are cold, it rarely snows and is the perfect place to get cosy," she says. "It's easy to get a big helping of hygge by relaxing in Copenhagen's trendy Nordic restaurants. For classic Danish fare head to the restaurant in the Arbejdermuseet basement.

"If you're looking for somewhere to spend the afternoon out of the cold and fancy geeking out over mid-century Danish design, check out The Design Museum Danmark. Admission is free for anyone younger than 26."

As for another "must do" region, she suggests heading up to Denmark's northernmost town of Skagen — surrounded by windswept beachscapes, its classic seaside hotels offer the perfect winter getaway.

Or, if you're up for an adventure, consider journeying to Iceland from Denmark via a scenic sea voyage. There's a ferry that cruises from Hirtshals in northern Denmark, to Seyoisfjorour in east Iceland, via the spectacular Faroe Islands.

Sailing time is around 36 hours from Denmark to the Faroe Islands, and 19 hours from the Faroes to Iceland. The ferry operates year-round and the low season is from mid-September to April.

"Throughout the voyage be on the lookout for birdlife, and possibly whales. Snow-topped peaks and waterfalls will welcome you to Iceland in an entrancing fashion. It's a no-luxury cruise liner but it has excellent facilities. Cabins vary in size (all with bathrooms), or there are budget 'couchette' berths that are effectively a dorm bed in the bowels of the ship."

I've been arguing with my American co-worker about this recently — what are you allowed to use the inflight "call button" for? I use it whenever I feel like another drink, but she reckons this isn't appropriate and flight attendants aren't your butlers. I think I'm paying enough that they sort of are. What do you think?
Nick

Personally, I'm of the opinion that it's fine to use the call button to order a drink — within reason! In fact, I thought that was what it was mostly used for. But apparently not everyone agrees and it's not really kosher on American flights. Apparently a lot of flight attendants think it's for "emergencies only". Go ahead and order a drink — especially if you're trapped in the window or middle seat — but don't take the mickey. When I'm on the aisle, I'll often walk down to the galley to get a drink just to stretch my legs — although sometimes I do feel like I'm crashing the staff party. Have any readers been berated for over-using the inflight call button? Let us know!

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