Trolls, fairies, wolves, forests, witches. Images which conjure up magic and mysticism among the young and old alike. Scandinavia is a region that loves to tell tales from Viking sagas to witches and fairies. We think it’s a great place to let the imagination wander and to hear stories which will stay with you for years to come. Here is our pick of three unique and wonderful places where enchantment is all part of the experience.

MoominWorld, Finland

Based on the world-famous Moomin books by Tove Jansson, MoominWorld is located on a tiny island next to the fishing village of Naantali in Eastern Finland. Crossing the bridge, you’ll leave one world behind as you enter into the marvellous and magical world of the Moomin Trolls. Pictures from the story books are brought to life as you wander the forest paths of the MoominWorld meeting the characters and enjoying the many activities on offer.

Get in touch with us for your family holiday to Moominworld. We suggest a visit to Finland’s Capital city of Helsinki, followed by an enjoyable train ride to Turku. Here you’ll stay for a couple of nights during which time you can enjoy the cultural city and the chance to hop on the bus to Naantali to visit MoominWorld. Naantali Spa Hotel offers great accommodation if you’d like to enjoy more.

The Enchanted Forest, Sweden (Trolska Skogen)

Hidden away in the forest in mid-Sweden, the Enchanted Forest is a living fairy tale that takes you on some magical adventures. Our three year old daughter was utterly entranced by the characters we met along the way – the elves, the witch, the slumbering dragon to name a few. The natural setting deep in the forest along with atmospheric music heightens the feeling that fairies are never far away. Their little rope walkways disappearing into the undergrowth are simply amazing.

A family holiday to this area of Sweden (around two-three hours north of Stockholm) brings you to wild, beautiful places where you feel like you are holidaying with the locals. Magnetic North Travel will arrange a stay for you starting in Stockholm where the kids will enjoy the islands, city life and the famous Gröna Lund fairground. You’ll then continue north by car where we will arrange luxury Nordic-style chalet accommodation at the seaside resort of Holick where you can be based for a number of days whilst you visit the Enchanted Forest and other local sights. We also recommend the axe museum and factory at Gransfors as well as an overnight stay in the fantastic Jarvso wildlife park en route back to Stockholm. Here you can sleep in a hotel within the wolf enclosure, which is a unique experience in itself and one which the children will always remember.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Tivoli in central Copenhagen is a nostalgic theme park that harks back to a bygone era of fairground amusement which was all about theatre, delight and dreams. Kids and adults enjoy the simple and old-fashioned fairground rides designed for pleasure rather than fear. The night time illuminations are an experience in themselves as are the different areas of the park inspired by various themes from around the world. Tivoli is a relaxed theme park in a relaxed city and well worth taking the children during a weekend break.

Santa’s Resort, Kakslauttanen, Finland

A less commercial version of Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi, Santa’s Resort at Kakslauttanen is every bit a magical with less of the crowds. The wooden resort in this winter wonderland in Northern Finland is a perfect place to bring the children to meet Santa and his busy elves. You’ll step inside Santa’s Cottage where you’ll enjoy gingerbread and a chance to meet his reindeer. The resort is really magical and combines well with a cabin or glass igloo stay at Kakslauttanen Resort.

We’ll arrange a winter holiday for your family staying in traditional log cabins and less traditional glass igloos. You can choose from a range of winter adventures to combine with your visit to Santa’s Resort. Please click here for more details.