About 20 minutes south of Anchorage, Beluga Point is one of those spots that makes you want to pull over. The views across Turnagain Arm—a long, narrow stretch of ocean surrounded by steep mountains—are wide open and dramatic. If the tide’s right, you might catch beluga whales chasing salmon along the shoreline. They’re most active in late summer, but even if they don’t show up, the view’s not a bad consolation.

About an hour south of Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a haven for animals that wouldn’t make it in the wild—moose, bison, bears, musk oxen, and more. Most of the animals are rescues, or were orphaned or injured, and the center provides them with the care they need to thrive. Walk or drive the loop to observe these majestic creatures in their expansive, natural habitat, with the Chugach Mountains as your backdrop.

Fundació Mona is a pioneering primate rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing and caring for chimpanzees and macaques recovered from abusive situations like circuses, the advertising industry and the illegal pet trade. Here, primates regain physical and emotional health while living in social family groups within large, naturalistic enclosures. Visits are educational and ethically focused: guided by expert staff, you’ll learn about primate behaviour, conservation challenges, and the stories of individual animals. Advance booking is essential, and tours emphasise respect for the residents’ well-being over entertainment. Through its work, Mona raises awareness about wildlife trafficking, species extinction, and the importance of protecting our closest evolutionary relatives.

On the outskirts of Malmö lies a rural oasis that emanates a sense of peace and harmony. Katrinetorp, an early 19th-century "landeri" (country estate), was originally designed as a summer residence and a venue for grand receptions. Today, the city of Malmö runs the place, and they are constantly working on recreating its former glory. Markets, music entertainment, events, and exhibitions are held here annually. It recently opened its new exhibition hall "The Stables,” which also has a high-end gift shop. Katrinetorp lies 10 minutes from the city centre of Malmö, which makes the big city no more than a stone’s throw away from this idyllic scenery.