Therese Vainikko
I’ve been planning my own adventures for over ten years, and I love creating trips that strike the perfect balance between exploring amazing cultural and natural sights and just slowing down to soak up the atmosphere. I’m especially passionate about hiking, visiting art museums, and enjoying great food and wine.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I love planning hiking and nature-focused trips, family-friendly travel, and visits to great restaurants and museums. While I personally have a soft spot for the Arctic, I’m passionate about helping travelers explore all of Norway — from fjords and scenic hikes to vibrant cities and local cuisine."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I’ve always loved travel! I studied aviation management in college and worked in the aviation world for years, which really sparked my passion for exploring new places. Planning my own trips showed me how much I enjoy creating great travel experiences—so now I get to share that with others."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Our honeymoon in Lapland in the fall was unforgettable — the forests were on fire with autumn colors, and it was lingonberry season! On our last day, we decided to make jam into an (almost) empty bottle of salmiakki liqueur as a unique souvenir. Of course, it started pouring rain, we were soaked, and picking tiny berries with freezing fingers was a hilarious struggle. But by the time we reached the hut and warmed up by the stove, the smell of fresh jam made it one of the best, most memorable moments of the trip."
Therese's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Despite its northerly location, Norway is a fantastic destination any time of year. Summer brings the endless daylight of the midnight sun and warmer temperatures, making June...
Phone off, out-of-office reply on. When it comes to long-distance hikes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better country than Norway. With cozy, for-public-use cabins dotting the...
Norway is one of the most scenic countries in the world, with over 60,000 miles of coastline, towering mountain peaks, incredible fjord landscapes, endless islets, and a mix of...
Family itineraries
Perfect for families with older kids, this epic Norway adventure whizzes you across mountains, glaciers, and fjords as you drive from the pint-sized cultural capital of Oslo to...
Norway is a great place to travel as a family, and its charming cities are no exception. From museums to playgrounds, aquariums to mountaintops, there are plenty of...
Travel above the Arctic Circle with this relaxed two-week family adventure that starts in Tromsø and whisks you to the island of Senja and the Lofoten archipelago. Travel...
Luxury itineraries
The town of Alta lies in Norway's northernmost district, above the Arctic Circle, making it a prime location for winter fun. On this seasonal jaunt, you'll partake in...
Spend 10 days chasing the northern lights across northern Norway on this luxurious, action-packed itinerary. Your adventure starts above the Arctic Circle in Kirkenes for...
Norway's most awe-inspiring spectacles are undoubtedly its fjords, which stretch across the country. This luxurious two-week itinerary will take you to some of the most scenic...
Road trip itineraries
Most travelers head to Norway in the summer, but this Nordic country is a year-round destination, and winter holds its own adventurous charm. If you'd like to experience the...
This adventurous weeklong road trip from late May to late August begins and ends in Tromsø, the country's gateway to the Arctic, where—during summer months—the sun never sets on...
Make your way through some of Scandinavia's most spectacular landscapes and connect with Norwegian culture in the two biggest cities on this 10-day trip. It starts with a train...
Honeymoon itineraries
This autumn-themed trip for two explores Norway's snowy Arctic with a variety of travel modes and cozy accommodations. Start with great culture and restaurants in Tromsø before...
Press the reset button by booking this two-week summer tour of Sweden and Norway. Starting in Stockholm and ending in Oslo, this self-guided itinerary focuses on the art of...
Experience the fairy-tale landscapes of Norway's western fjords in luxurious style with this relaxed 10-day itinerary. Bookended by chic city stays in Oslo and Bergen, you'll...
Favorite experiences
Dogsledding & Northern Lights Excursion in Alta
Enjoy a thrilling dogsledding experience followed by viewing the Northern Lights in the world-famous Alta region. You'll start by meeting an eager team of huskies waiting to take you into the wilderness. Get into your gear and learn how to manage your own dog team. Then, you'll travel into the...
Flåm Zip Line & Goat Farm Experience
Experience an adrenaline rush on the Flåm Zip Line, the longest zip line in Scandinavia. You'll begin at over 2,600 feet (820 m) and fly nearly an entire mile (1,381 m) across the Flåm Valley. Your starting point is Vatnahalsen Station, and your endpoint is Kårdalen near the Rallarrosa Cheese...
Visit the Museums of Bergen
Situated on Norway's west coast, this wharf city of about 300,000 residents (one of the oldest port cities in Europe) is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords. Rich in culture and seafaring history, Bergen boasts a vast selection of cultural activities.Check out the Bryggen area of downtown...
Winter Sunset Hike & Overnight in Trolltunga
Experience the thrill of hiking one of Norway's most famous routes during the quiet winter season and while sleeping in a secluded dome. The Sunset/Sunrise Dome offers comfortable facilities and a see-through ceiling, perfect for stargazing at night. You'll start with a snowshoe hike to your...
Cruise & Historical Tour of Skrova Island
Discover the history of Lofoten on this cruise and walking tour on and around Skrova Island. This particular area is rich in unique history, with human settlements dating back over 10,000 years! Lofoten is also home to Northeast Arctic cod's spawning grounds, so you'll enjoy the history of the...
Evening Snowmobiling in Tromsø
Experience the magical evening landscapes of the Arctic while driving a snowmobile through wintry paths. If you're lucky, the Northern Lights will dance above you all evening! Enjoy driving in pairs with one driver and one passenger per snowmobile and plenty of opportunities to switch places...