Norway’s capital is braced for broomsticks, bludgers and butterbeer as the finest quidditch players in Europe ready themselves for competition this summer.
Between July 7 and 9, 2017, the greatest quidditch players on the continent assemble, brooms at the ready, for the International Quidditch Association (IQA) European Games. Team France will be looking to defend their title after beating Team United Kingdom in the 2015 final.
Each team will feature the very best players in their respective countries competing for the title, with Team UK being led by head coach Emily Oughtibridge and captain Bill Orridge.
There will be 15 teams set to compete in this year’s tournament, with Team UK ranked highest going into the competition.
Born out of the iconic Harry Potter series, what started out as an idea among friends has grown into an international competitive sport, with thousands of players playing across the globe.
The IQA was originally founded at Middlebury College, Vermont. The Association came out of regular games played on the university’s campus and has rapidly expanded to the point where it is now the governing body for the biggest events and tournaments in the world.
There are 18 governing bodies within the IQA, all representing individual nations. Beyond that there are two groups, of ‘developing’ and ’emerging’ nations that don’t have the same voting powers in the IQA, which have to develop their national games further before becoming full members.
So, seekers should mount their brooms, referees set the snitch free and let the games begin.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.