Scandinavian Shenanigans Part 2: Getting Caffeinated at the most Northernly point of Europe!

My Scandinavian adventure continued through Norway after my wonderful 2-day stop in Denmark.



The Arctic Circle Globe ~ Nordkapp Norway



Full of scenery and beauty, Norway certainly captivated my sightseeing desires and kept me in awe the every minute of my week spent there. I not only marvelled at the gorgeous beauty and depth of the fjords via cruise ship and felt the adrenaline the Olympians did in Lillehammer bobsledding on the official track and ascending the famous ski jump, but I also had the most exclusive opportunity to venture North to Nordkapp, the Arctic Circle and most northerly point of Europe. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I'd experience or discover this part of the world.

The land of the midnight sun as they nickname Nordkapp, it was surreal that at 1:00 am, it was still bright enough that I needed to sleep with a sleep mask in order to see darkness.

Norway, just like Denmark, wasn't short of coffee stops for me to sample various beverages when I fancied a caffeine boost. Several attempts to find Norway's best latte, left me selections for which I reward a 3-way tie.

Of course I could not leave Nordkapp without trying a latte made right then and there in the Arctic Circle. This latte was frothy and flavorful, but what made it unique, was indeed the novelty of its location. The taste and body of this latte was nothing to rate higher than an average Starbucks drink, but the surroundings and environment definitely rated higher on the unique scale. I mean, seriously, how many can really share this accolade of having a latte at the top of Europe? Myself and my coffee connoisseur pal Glade Biddle could, but really, I cannot think of anyone else, well at least in my circle anyway.



NordKapp Norway Coffee House



The second of the 3-way tie I enjoyed immensely just before departing for the Arctic circle at the Oslo airport. The latte was frothy, bold in flavour, had a great balance of steamed milk and espresso, and the barista included the very stylish foam art that makes every coffee lover smile. A definite must for any traveller waiting for his/her flight - this cafe just inside security is definitely worth a stop for a short coffee break and perhaps an attempt to read some Norwegian current events and do some leisurely people watching before boarding your flight.

 Last but not least, the Oslo harbour. Plentiful of beautiful little cafes serving a vast selection of delicacies including whale fillets, this picturesque part of Norway also had a gem in the latte department. Frothy and sweeter than my usual lattes, this beverage served as a lovely conclusion to the gourmet dinner I'd just enjoyed. With a beautiful view of the ships docked and the bustle of the Oslo public, enjoying a latte in this scenic area of Norway will not disappoint your caffeine craving or your sightseeing bug in such a beautiful foreign land.

Scandinavia Shenanigans Part 1: The Caffeinated wonders of Denmark

I have neglected you, my coffee critics and am sincerely apologetic. Unfortunately life got between my caffeine addiction and you. I was finding myself taking short cuts from delicious barista-made creations and settling with a freshly brewed cup of hot water with a pinch of coffee for flavor. Trust me, I suffered greatly for not posting for almost 4 months, promising myself to avoid such a transgression in the future.

My coffee journey in discovering more delightful beverages took me back to Europe in the Scandinavian countries. A most delightful area of the world, Scandinavia was not short of coffee houses to sample an array of beverages suiting all tastes. My trip to this European region began in beautiful Copenhagen Denmark, which definitely did not disappoint in the coffee selections or the cultural experience.

When in Denmark I had the privilege of going to various coffee houses for time outs between sightseeing stints. One particular coffee chain definitely commanded my attention and caffeine needs.

Copenhagen is the home of a very popular and trendy espresso house named Baresso Coffee. The atmosphere reminded me very much of a Starbucks or Second Cup of North American popularity.

Walking inside, the smell of the coffee beans definitely welcomed me to the bar to order a freshly mixed beverage. An array of bakery delicacies were on showcase and resembled a family kitchen more so than a commercial restaurant.

I ordered various drinks from this chain throughout my visit, all of which satisfied my cravings. In particular I sampled a latte, a cappuccino and most importantly, the hot chocolate which had claim on it in being the best in all of Denmark- definitely a front-runner for this prestigious title.

Cafes are prominent in Denmark. The locals enjoy an afternoon espresso by the harbour as they watch the canal cruises go by. The quaint and tranquil city is truly a coffee lover's dream for savouring a time-out drink made uniquely to suit all individual tastes. A high recommendation to visit this country is included in my blog post; as well as hopefully some yen to visit and experience one or all of the featured drinks. Try the hot chocolate and evaluate it for yourself. Best in Denmark you think?