VI
EN
All three of these Nordic countries are blessed with long, sunny days and a hygge lifestyle – a concept of happiness in life that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Architecturaldigest has some suggestions for places to visit in these three happy countries. Especially in winter, don't forget to look up at the sky to see the stunning aurora borealis, visible from all three countries.
Finland
The sacred Lutheran church, with its spacious architecture and open layout, lies below sea level. It served as a center for the churches in Finland. However, by the early 19th century, as the population increased, the Lutheran church became a central place of worship for the general public.
Next up is a place that's both eerie and fascinating. Just sit there and close your eyes to experience the strange sound phenomenon. In the town of Parikalla, a journalist named Veijo Rönkkönen dedicated his life to sculpting hundreds of human-like figures and planting trees around his house, creating a unique tourist park that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. There are 500 sculptures on various themes, the most famous being the 250 statues depicting Veijo Rönkkönen in various yoga poses.
Denmark
The largest art museum in Aarhus is one of the largest in Northern Europe, spanning ten floors with a floor area of over 17,700 square meters. ARoS houses three permanent art collections: Denmark's "Golden Age" and Danish Modern and Contemporary Art. To see Aarhus from a completely different perspective, head up to the upper floors of the library.
The museum's roof is where artist Olafur Aliasson has created a spectacular installation: a 150-meter circular walkway called "Your Rainbow Panorama." Visitors entering a rainbow-colored circle at a height of 50 meters can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the cityscape. Daylight filters through the curved glass walls in a spectrum of colors, each band of color created distinctly for purpose, creating the impression of a rainbow inside.
Denmark boasts two of the world's oldest amusement parks, and one is located right in the heart of the capital. Since its opening in 1843, Tivoli Gardens has been a beloved attraction for locals and visitors to Copenhagen alike. More than just a theme park, Tivoli Gardens features live music daily across several locations and has some of the city's best restaurants.
Norway
In 2017, Norway ranked number 1 on the list of the happiest countries in the world. The country is blessed with many natural wonders. Norwegian social support programs are also very generous. For example, couples having their first child in Norway are allowed almost a year of paid leave to care for their baby.
Art enthusiasts might want to visit the National Library in Oslo to admire its architecture and design, and to see the exhibited artworks by painters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Rodins.
In addition, there is SALT, a complex designed by architect Sami Rintala. It features a pyramid-shaped wooden structure on the Oslo waterfront, housing a food court, music area, and even a sauna.
Ngoc Anh (According to Architecturaldigest)
