Sweden,Norway and Denmark consistently top world happiness index lists.

Ten things we’ll never understand about Scandinavia

Denmark,Norway and Sweden get universal praise for their way of life,but some things about Scandinavia strike outsiders as peculiar.

  • byBrian Johnston
A sauna on the edge of the coast in Nesodden,Norway. On the other side of the fjord is Oslo,the capital of Norway. Outdoor,public saunas are increasingly popular in Norway. Oslo sauna story by Julie Lewis,Traveller Credit:Getty

Why you shouldn’t miss Oslo’s most masochistic pastime

Long before Wim Hof touted the benefits of ice baths,these people knew subjecting your body to temperature extremes felt good – once you got over the buttock-clenching shock.

  • byJulie Lewis
Still one of the world’s most glamorous hotel brands … Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

Traveller Awards:Hall of Fame – the legends of travel

We salute our icons of travel,those consistently excellent places or brands that deliver time and time again.

  • byTraveller team
Battersea Power Station xxBattersea Story on the reopening of the London icon,Battersea Power Station By Sue Williams credit:Battersea Power Station (handout photo supplied via journalist for use in Traveller,no syndication)

Born again:10 of the most amazing reinvented places in travel

Everything old is new again,from heritage icons transformed into luxury stays to a tsunami-lashed railway rebirthed as the ultimate scenic journey.

  • byTraveller team
Forestis is located on Plose mountain in the Dolomites,1800 metres above sea level.

Traveller Awards:10 outstanding places to relax and rejuvenate

Some experiences require an open mind;others a deep pocket. But all of these unique experiences put relaxation and self-care front and centre.

  • byTraveller team
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Hiking northern Europe’s tallest peak – the 2469-metre-high Galdhopiggen.

Ten of the world’s greatest adventure holidays to add to your bucket-list

Hands up if you’re a part-time explorer? From a polar plunge to an end-of-the-world expedition in pure comfort,we’ve got you covered.

  • byTraveller team
Malahat SkyWalk,Vancouver Island,British Columbia. Malahat SkyWalk Photo credit Malahat SkyWalk-Hamish Hamilton.jpg

Traveller Awards:10 of the greatest innovations in travel

From a cutting-edge airline cabin to a trailblazing way to experience the outback,these new experiences are the ones you’ll want.

  • byTraveller team
Oslo Gardermoen Airport.

This airport has good facilities – until you’re stuffed in like herrings

Chic Scandi wood details punctuate the high ceilings,but there is frustration in the air at this Norwegian airport.

  • byJenny Hewett
In Copenhagen,tourist passes are good value.

How to do the most expensive part of Europe on the cheap

Scandinavia is notoriously expensive,but savvy travellers can cut the cost of visiting Denmark,Sweden and Norway.

  • byBrian Johnston
Acrtic Circle Express Train crosses Lylling Bridge

Five of the world’s best new (or revamped) train journeys

A new version of the Orient Express,an extended Australian epic and high-speed trip through South-East Asia are some of the highlights.

  • byTim Richards