Officially declared a Dark Sky Park in 2016, Lauwersmeer National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Groningen and is mostly renowned for its rich birdlife and the popular night walks, offering a celestial escape in a country with an otherwise heavy light pollution. As one of just above 40 Dark Sky Parks worldwide — and the second in the country after Boschplaat — it promises sightings of the nocturnal wildlife, constellations and, on rare occasions, even the northern lights.

Lovikka is a small town renowned for its traditional Scandinavian handcraft — the Lovikka mittens. Crafted from felted wool yarn, these mittens epitomise warmth and comfort, uniquely designed to withstand the cold climate of Northern Sweden. Lovikka takes pride in its mittens, even hosting a small museum dedicated to its history and craftsmanship. In Lovikka, visitors can also marvel at the world's largest 'Lovikkavanten', a colossal Swedish glove standing at 3.5 meters, proudly documented in the Guinness Book of Records 2002. Authentic Lovikka gloves, still produced today, are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this rich craft tradition.

Boston’s largest Italian enclave is also its oldest and most charming neighborhood. Narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets are still the order of the day, and the smell of freshly-baked bread and Italian fare is everywhere.