The treasures of the earth

LXRY List 2023: a list that, among other things, inspires and points to the future. This week a selection of some quiet places, oeh-and-aah locations and other striking places. From kayaking in Greenland to a roller coaster experience in Norway; our earth holds a host of treasures.

donderdag 4 mei 2023
16:50
By: Fleur De Jong
Text: Bart-Jan Brouwer
Beeldcredits: John van Helvert

Driving over water

The more than eight-kilometer-long Atlantic Road in Norway is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The road runs from island to island, through eight bridges and sharp bends, with continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean. With luck, you may spot whales or seals. It is easy to park the car and go exploring. Climb over rocks to places with the best views. The most famous and highest bridge, also the symbol of the Atlantic road, is the Storseisund Bridge. It is special not only because of its height, but also because of the impressive oblique turn it makes. Almost a roller coaster experience.

Tranquil fairytale forest

For a real winter, with snowflakes glistening like Swarovski crystals and temperatures deep in the red, you must go to Finnish Lapland. The beauty, the unspoiledness! Head out with a pack of huskies, snowmobile or on skis and explore the natural scene painted with exuberant white. Young foliage tilted forward by the weight of the snow, spruces turned into snow sculptures, the sky tinted pink by the low-hanging sun. Speechless in this tranquil fairytale forest. And then the night with a chance of northern lights has yet to arrive.

Kayaking among the icebergs

Now it is still possible. Because ice floes are still floating. Still are. Kayaking in Greenland, in Ilulissat, near the Ice Fjord. Because of the temperature (well below zero), the waves (wind!) and the risk (the sea is deep and deathly cold), it is quite a challenge to go out on the water while paddling. Keep your hands on the paddle, the eyes upon the waves. And it is not easy to focus only on "staying upright," there are plenty of distractions: in front of my frozen nose a piece of iceberg breaks off and thunders into the sea with a roar. And a moment later, twenty meters away, a humpback whale pops up behind me, panting. I feel his hot breath on my neck. And that is nice.

LXRY List

The new LXRY List 2023 is out now! The annual wow magazine with innovative items and surprising addresses, a list that inspires and points to the future. Technological possibilities mean new times are dawning...