9Dot Department Spotlight: Pathways Travels

Discovering Scandinavia

Pathways Travels’ recent trip to Scandinavia took us on an unforgettable journey through Viking History and culture with a few modern day twists. Our mission? To explore the lands once roamed by the legendary Vikings, discover their fascinating history, and sample the unique flavors each country had to offer. Armed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, our students set off to uncover the secrets of the past and enjoy the best of what Scandinavia has to offer. Spoiler alert, it was awesome!

First stop: Sweden! From traditional Swedish fika (that’s coffee and cake, but way better) to exploring historic towns, our group soaked up the local flavor. Students learned about the Dala Horses (a treasured symbol of Scandinavian folklore and culture) and were able to paint their very own unique version.

Next, we experienced the majestic fjords. The beauty of seeing a fjord by ferry was like stepping into a painting, with towering cliffs and serene waters creating a breathtaking view. While there, students were able to see life in a traditional Viking village and learned how these hardy people lived, worked, and thrived in such a stunning yet challenging environment. Students also witnessed folklore come to life in Norway — trolls and all! There students traveled to Midgard to experience an authentic Viking feast, filled with traditional games, storytelling, and of course, delicious food!

Lastly we ventured to Denmark. Our students dove into the world of the Vikings, learning about their legendary longships and fearless explorations. At this Viking museum, our budding historians got hands-on with Viking ships up close. There they were able to put their knowledge to the test and sail their own Dragonships in the fjord!

No trip to Scandinavia would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Our food adventurers braved new dishes like kanelsnegle (a cinnamon roll-like pastry) in Denmark which the students were able to bake themselves, fresh seafood and gjetost (a sweet brown cheese) in Norway, and delicious meatballs in Sweden. Let’s just say, our taste buds were on a rollercoaster ride!

Through this adventure, our students not only learned about the rich Viking history but also embraced the vibrant cultures of these amazing countries. From ancient sagas to modern delights, Scandinavia offered a little bit of everything.

Here at Pathways, we’re proud to continue our initiatives of global learning and supporting the youth in their efforts to grow and develop. Stay tuned for more tales from our travels. Who knows where we’ll go next? Skål! That’s how the locals say “cheers!”