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Penguin Trampoline: The blog
With Penguin Trampoline, adventures soar to new heights!
Are you ready to bounce into a world of awe-inspiring destinations, where the thrill of exploration meets the grace of a penguin's waddle?
From the icy wonderlands of polar regions to the sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, our travel blog is your ultimate ticket to discovering hidden gems, unlocking travel tips, and embracing the sheer joy of discovering new horizons.
We're not just about sightseeing; we're about experiencing the heartbeat, culture and gastronomy of each destination, bouncing into moments that leave an indelible mark on our souls.
Join our community of dreamers and explorers as we leap from continent to continent, propelled by curiosity and an insatiable wa/onderlust.
So, buckle up, grab your passport, and prepare to spring into the exhilarating world of Penguin Trampoline!
The Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide 2026: How to Explore, Survive, and Avoid Becoming a Polar Bear’s Lunch
If you’ve been reading us for a while, you know we’re in love with Arctic regions. And a lot of people turn to us for advice, and even want us to go with them on an Arctic trip!.
We’ve been there. We’ve hiked across frozen tundras, stood under the shimmering Northern Lights in absolute silence, and yes, once questioned our life choices while knee-deep in snow, miles from civilization.
The Arctic isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling, a test of resilience, and a reward for those who seek the extraordinary. So, this guide is for you, adventurous penguins, and all of our friends and relatives who keep asking us stuff (we love you)!
Trip to the Faroe Islands – Hiking, Hidden Villages & Where to Stay
We were looking for a nature destination with whimsical, dramatic landscapes for our unofficial wedding. Iceland had gotten way too popular, and the Lofoten Islands seemed to be next…
We found the perfect Faroese photographer, so we decided to travel to the Faroe Islands to symbolically get married, and, of course, explore this one-of-a-kind destination!
Will you join us on an unforgettable trip to the Faroe Islands?
Spoiler alert: A very famous character died there!
What to Pack for Greenland: Our Trial‑and‑Tested Arctic Gear List
Packing for Greenland is like dressing for mood swings — sunshine, snow, wind, and rain all before lunch. We’ve lived it, felt it, and nearly froze our eyelashes off. Take this as your Arctic survival script (with a side of style… or not).
And yes, read our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide for even more cherry-picked wisdom!
Svalbard & Jan Mayen: Full Travel Guide
Svalbard had been on our bucket list for a long time. And we finally took the leap… with a little help from a Black Friday offer on flights!
Remote… Freezing… Empty… Dark… Everyone asked us why on earth we decided to go there.
Well, because it’s the northernmost place you can go without an expedition, which means flights are actually affordable.
Yep, the northernmost, so close to the North Pole… How could we NOT want to go there? And in the heart of the winter, of course!
Greenland by Ferry: Slow Travel from Ilulissat to Nuuk
here’s something quietly radical about sailing down the coast of Greenland. In a world obsessed with faster, flashier, and flatter, boarding the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry from Ilulissat to Nuuk felt like a deliberate act of slowing down. Like trading in your high-speed train for a wandering polar bear. Or, say, skipping the flight in favor of a three-day odyssey past glaciers, fishing villages, and the kind of endless horizon that recalibrates your sense of scale.
We hate cruises. This has nothing to do with one. Welcome aboard!
Why You Should Visit Ilulissat, Greenland: The Iceberg Capital of the World
Icebergs that groan and crack like thunder. Midnight suns that never set. Sled dogs howling across the frozen fjord. Welcome to Ilulissat: Greenland’s jaw-dropping, iceberg-studded west coast town where nature doesn’t just whisper—it roars.
Nuuk might be Greenland’s capital. But Ilulissat? Ilulissat is the showstopper. The drama queen. The main event. It’s the number 1 tourist destination in Greenland, and there’s a good reason for that.
At a young age, I (Eli) saw a documentary about Disko Bay and always remembered. So, seeing these icy giants 3 decades later was a dream come true. And there’s no word to describe a feeling like that, but we will try our best.
Our Greenland Travel Guide: How to Explore the World’s Last Real Wilderness
Greenland was a childhood dream for us, and the only Arctic destination we hadn’t explored (with the exception of Siberia, but not happening right now). So, when we heard about Nuuk’s new international airport and direct flights from the US, we HAD to go before everyone else does.
We just came back from Nuuk and Ilulissat — with a ferry ride in between — and we’re still thawing out emotionally. If you’re even slightly tempted to go, this is your sign. Here’s everything that might be useful if Greenland is on your bucket list (don’t worry, we’ll leave a few surprises). Adventure ahead!
Europe’s Best Beaches: Our 10 Favorite Spots for Sea, Sand & Something Extra
Spoiler alert: You won’t find Mykonos or Ibiza here. This is a deeply biased, highly personal list of European beaches we’ve actually been to — and loved enough to forget our towels (and sometimes swimsuit) for. And don’t expect just sea, sun and sand! From lava-black shores in Iceland to dreamy coves in Sardinia, here’s where to go if you’re looking for irresistible landscapes and sweet solitude (well, at least off season).
The Northernmost Everythings: Bars, Churches, Malls and Saunas at the Edge of the World
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our Arctic adventures, it’s that human stubbornness knows no latitude. Where most creatures call it quits, slap on some fur, and hibernate, humans build bars, churches, and—of course — saunas. Because what’s a little darkness, ice, and bone-snapping wind when there’s beer to drink, sins to confess, and steam to sweat out?
We’ve been there, frozen that — from sipping local brews in Svalbard to sweating it out in a sauna shaped like a golden egg in Sweden. So here’s our firsthand guide to the northernmost everythings—places so absurdly remote that you’ll question why (and how) they even exist.
Our Hidden Gems: 10 Underrated European Destinations for 2026
We’ve scouted Europe’s most overlooked corners again — these are the places we’ll be talking about in 2026.
Let’s be honest — over-tourism is real, and sometimes, you just want to escape the crowds and find a place that still feels undiscovered. At least, we do, and this is why we always prefer going off the beaten path. The kind of spot where you don’t have to queue for an overpriced coffee or jostle with selfie sticks just to catch a glimpse of a landmark. It’s also a more sustainable approach to traveling!
And while we do visit famous destinations, we’re all about the hidden gems, the places that still have that raw, unfiltered magic. Here’s our hand-picked list of underrated destinations for 2026 — places we’ve actually been, places we love, and places you should definitely add to your travel plans.
Our Stockholm Travel Guide: A Love Letter to the Capital of Sweden
Picture cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings that look like they stepped straight out of a fairy tale, contrasted with the sharp lines of Scandi-modern design.
It’s a place where time slows down, locals are smiling, fika (Swedish coffee breaks) is a ritual, and the water sparkles so clear you could mistake the city for one massive infinity pool.
Having been there a dozen times — usually on our way to Lapland — this is without a doubt our favorite Nordic capital. Discover our Stockholm travel guide, highlighting the best restaurants, top museums & attractions, unique shops, and perfect accommodations. Without forgetting our insider tips.
Kom igen!
Things to Do in Swedish Lapland: Why We Love Kiruna
Kiruna is one of our happy places.
Eli has been there no less than 6 times and counting, and it was the first Arctic destination she took Jake to when he moved to Europe.
Yet, Swedish Lapland is not the most visited. Finnish Lapland is more popular due to Rovaniemi’s Santa Village, and Norway’s Troms and Finnmark regions attract visitors from all over the world.
Find out why Kiruna is so special to us, and our best tips to explore this beautiful corner of the Arctic!
Things to Do in Luleå, Sweden - Winter Escape
Sweden is always a good idea, no matter where you go.
This time, to satiate our winterlust, we decided to head a little more South than usual and spend a week in Luleå.
The largest city in Swedish Lapland seemed to have it all, with a well-connected airport, snowy landscapes, cozy cafés and restaurants, and, of course, the frozen Bothnian archipelago. It’s a university town with very few tourists — exactly our kind of places!
Ready to travel to Luleå with us?
Things to Do in Ålesund & Around
Nestled between fjords and mountains, Ålesund is a perfect Norwegian postcard.
While we usually prefer Arctic destinations, we’ve decided to go a bit more “south” this time.
The fjord regions of Norway are very popular in summer, with dozens of cruise ships visiting every day. Since we prefer to selfishly keep Norway beauty to ourselves, we’ve decided to visit in winter.
Keep reading to explore Âlesund & Sunnmøre region with us!
Arctic Foods: The Best of Nature
Nordic gastronomy is still under the radar. However, after dozens of trips to Fenoscandia, we can ensure you that we tried some of the best food we ever had up North.
And there’s a good reason for this: while most of the Western world is “suffering” from processed food and a disconnection from nature, Nordic cuisine is still heavily based on natural resources and deeply rooted in tradition.
So, follow us on a delicious culinary journey through Arctic Europe!
Polar Bears International Insights: Barbara Nielsen Interview
If you enjoyed our article on Churchill, the town of polar bears, and want to learn more about polar bears, this article is for you!
We had the honor to interview Barbara Nielsen, Senior Director of Communications at Polar Bears International.
Keep reading to find out more about their mission, their work, and polar bears!
Around Ålesund: The Sunnmøre Alps & fjords
Ålesund is the perfect base to explore the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Møre og Romsdal region is home to dozens of beautiful fjords, which have contributed to Norway’s popularity for international travelers over the centuries.
Equipped with a rental car, our snow gear and great tips from Destination Ålesund & Sunnmøre, we decided to venture into the magical realm of winter fjords. Wanna tag along?
Hiking Around Ålesund
Set in a spectacular decor of fjords and mountains while being easily accessible, Ålesund is a perfect hiking base.
And Norway in general is a hiker paradise!
If you enjoyed our article on Things to see in Ålesund, keep reading for an active vacation!
Note: These hikes are doable in winter.
5 Destinations for Nature Addicts
Cities can be nice, but as far as we’re concerned, they do not trigger strong emotions like nature does.
Sure, some monuments are real masterpieces, but we don’t think there is anything more powerful and impressive than nature.
If your favorite artist is also Mother Nature, keep reading to discover 5 top destinations all nature addicts should have on their bucket list.
Places That Make You Feel Like You're on a Different Planet
Are you looking for a complete change of scenery for your next trip? Sometimes, there is no need to travel to the other side of the world (or to space!) for an “out of this world” feeling.
So, check out these 6 places which will make you feel like you’re on a different planet.