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Zoe Merchant

Zoe Merchant

Originally from California, Zoe is an avid traveller and a passionate language learner. As a self-taught Swedish speaker, she loves Scandinavian culture and enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the language and customs of the region. Zoe has traveled extensively through Sweden and Denmark. She has a deep understanding of the nuances of these cultures and is always eager to share her insights with others. Not to mention her love for walking through the streets of Gamla Stan!

Finland, Language and culture

Traditional Finnish clothing (and how to try it for yourself)

Dive with us into the heart of Finnish culture! No, we’re not talking about the sauna or the Moomins –…

Heimdall is Norse mythology's watchman
Language and culture

Heimdall: a guide to Norse mythology’s ‘watchman’

You may know of Heimdall from the Marvel movies or comics, but depictions can sometimes vary between the original Norse…

Language and culture, Scandinavia

Scandinavian last names: how do they work?

Today, Scandinavian last names are sprinkled across the globe, leaving traces of Nordic heritage in their wake.  Chances are, you’ve…

Language and culture, Scandinavia

Nordic folklore: 12 creatures from Norse mythology

Nordic folklore, with its roots in the captivating mythology of the Norse, reveals an extraordinary tapestry of mythical creatures that…

Language and culture

How tall were the Vikings? Here’s the truth

The Vikings: fierce seafarers, legendary raiders and figures of immense intrigue. Popular culture has often painted these Norse warriors as…

Language and culture, Scandinavia

Jötunn: the epic giants of Norse mythology

Ever heard of a Jötunn, or a Norse giant? A Jötunn is a huge, mythical creature that has captivated the…

Language and culture

Swedish cars: the best brands and models

Sweden might be known for its serene landscapes, tasty meatballs and flat-packed furniture, but let’s shift gears for a moment…

Finland, Language and culture

What is Finnish baseball? Pesäpallo explained

You’ve heard of American baseball, but have you ever encountered its Finnish cousin, Pesäpallo?  Originating in Finland during the 1920s,…

Language and culture, Sweden

30 uniquely Swedish words that don’t work in English

Välkommen to the wonderful world of Swedish words! Some are pretty boring, as far as words go, but others are…

Scandinavian salty licorice
Language and culture

Salty licorice: the Scandi treat you’ll love or hate

Yummy or yuk? Salt licorice is a uniquely Scandinavian ‘treat’ that you’ll either love or hate. With its strong salty…

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Our Scandinavia travel guide

Routes North helps you discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of your travel budget. The site covers the whole Nordic region, from cool cities like Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen, all the way north to the frozen reaches of Iceland and Swedish Lapland.

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  • Destinations
    • Denmark
      • Copenhagen
      • Aalborg
      • Aarhus
      • Odense
    • Finland
      • Helsinki
      • Porvoo
      • Turku
    • Greenland
    • Iceland
      • Reykjavík
    • Sweden
      • Stockholm
      • Gothenburg
      • Malmö
      • Lund
      • Swedish Lapland
      • Central Sweden
    • Norway
      • Oslo
      • Bergen
      • Northern Norway
      • Southern Norway
      • Trondheim
    • Lapland
    • More destinations
  • Sections
    • Eating and drinking
    • Shopping
    • Itineraries
    • Family
    • Outdoors
    • Language and culture
    • Living and working
  • First timer’s guide
    • Getting around
    • Best places to visit
    • Scandinavian country guide
    • Discount passes
    • Rail passes
    • Travel insurance
    • Car hire
  • Places to stay
    • Our top picks
    • Hotels
    • Hostels
    • Camping
    • Igloo hotels
  • Tours
    • Stockholm
    • Copenhagen
    • Helsinki
    • Oslo
    • Finnish Lapland
    • Swedish Lapland
    • All tours
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