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.