"Venecia de los Paises Nordícos"

As you walk in the centre of Barcelona you understand the city as quite flat with slightly greenery. Once you visit Parc Güell you realize that the city is far more occupied than you believe and with nature areas surrounding it. From there you get a new perspective of the city. Furthermore, it was nice to visit Collserola Park last week to experience the nature so close to the city and with an even greater view over Barcelona. The city is quite compact and has clear limits: la montaña y el mar.

Stockholm, also known as ”the Nordic Venice”, is situated on several islands. The water is the limit and it gives the city its identity. The water divides the city into different parts, but mainly into two distinct sides. Compared with Barcelona Stockholm is much more spread out. Moreover, also green ”lungs”, such as Parks in the centre and wide life nature, are integrated in the city or with close access. These nature areas are well used and also maintained.

Generally speaking I believe the Scandinavians are enjoying the nature more actively in their spare time. When we walked in the Collserola Park I got the feeling that it is not very often visited.

The Norwegians are extreme when it comes to activities in the nature, more than the Swedes. Like Barcelona, Oslo is surrounded by a mountain range and the sea as limits. Here, the people get on the metro in the Centre with their skis and in 20 minutes they are in the nature skiing.
I think it is a great quality to cities having the nature close by.