northern europe tour

• Northern Europe Tours

Northern Europe Tours and Trips 2024/2025

A trip to northern Europe will allow you to discover and experience the unique culture of the Nordic countries. A tour of Norway’s fjords is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Copenhagen in Denmark is a foodie’s dream while Finland offers the chance to travel to the Arctic north in the hope of witnessing the haunting and ethereal Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights.

+300 Trips in Northern Europe with 712 Reviews

• Starts Basecamp Oulanka, Finland
• Ends Basecamp Oulanka, Finland

Finnish Wilderness Week

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Winter adventure & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Resort & Lodge
• Transport Bus & Snowmobile
• Age Range 16-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Dec 08 Only 4 seats left
• Dec 15 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Reykjavik, Iceland
• Ends Reykjavik, Iceland

Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Waterfalls Natural landmarks sightseeing , Waterfalls , Volcanoes & Spas 'data-more-tripid='16027'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,465
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 220
• Total Price from: US$ 1,245
• Sep 03 Only 8 seats left
• Sep 05 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Helsinki, Finland
• Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Experience

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , National parks , Museum and gallery visits & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='3058'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,405
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 341
• Total Price from: US$ 3,064
• Jun 22 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 29 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Oslo, Norway
• Ends Copenhagen, Denmark

Pearls of Northern Europe End Copenhagen

• Activities City sightseeing & Walking tours City sightseeing , Walking tours & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='42724'>+1 more
• Transport Bus & Ferry
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jun 23 10+ seats left

Iceland Discovery

• Activities Adventure & Waterfalls Adventure , Waterfalls , National parks & Glaciers 'data-more-tripid='3060'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Boat & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,120
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 824
• Total Price from: US$ 3,296
• Jun 17 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 19 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Copenhagen, Denmark
• Ends Stockholm, Sweden

Scandinavian Escape

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='37659'>+1 more
• Transport Coach & Ferry
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,020
• Special Deal (34%): - US$ 1,020
• Total Price from: US$ 2,000
• Aug 18 Only 5 seats left
• Sep 29 Only 3 seats left

Running Tour in Copenhagen

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private and Group Tour
• Activities Running
• Accommodation Guest House & Sleeper Bus
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 1-50 yrs

• Ends Oslo, Norway

A Taste of Scandinavia

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Active and outdoor 'data-more-tripid='5504'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Bus & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,880
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 720
• Total Price from: US$ 2,160
• Jun 23 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 27 Only 8 seats left

Highlights of Scandinavia

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cruise Sightseeing Tours , Cruise , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='21235'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,595
• Special Deal (17%): - US$ 449
• Total Price from: US$ 2,146
• Jun 21 10+ seats left
• Jun 28 Only 10 seats left

Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords

• Activities Adventure & Art and architecture Adventure , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='21156'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,650
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 665
• Total Price from: US$ 5,985
• Jun 16 Only 5 seats left

• Starts Toronto, Canada
• Ends Toronto, Canada

Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise
• Accommodation Ship Cabin & Hotel
• Transport Cruise Ship, Flight & Helicopter
• Age Range 8-99 yrs
• Operated in English, German
• Brochure Price: US$ 13,195
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 3,959
• Total Price from: US$ 9,236
• Jul 14 Only 4 seats left
• Jul 23 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Kvitavatn, Norway
• Ends Kvitavatn, Norway

Norway Cross-country Skiing

• Activities Skiing and Snowboarding & Winter adventure Skiing and Snowboarding , Winter adventure & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='7625'>+1 more
• Accommodation Lodge
• Age Range 14-99 yrs
• Jan 18 Only 8 seats left
• Feb 08 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Helsinki, Finland

Copenhagen to Helsinki

• Activities City sightseeing
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,525
• Special Deal (29%): - US$ 1,034
• Total Price from: US$ 2,491
• Aug 18 Only 3 seats left
• Sep 29 Only 1 seat left

Scandinavia Explorer

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3059'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,850
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 1,712
• Total Price from: US$ 5,138
• Jun 22 Only 5 seats left

Northern Europe Tour Reviews

Northern europe — tour highlights and travel tips.

There are many incredible places to go backpacking around the world, but none as great as Northern Europe. Gets lost in their endless royal palaces, castles, expansive forests, cross-country railways, snowy glaciers, and so much more. While Paris and Rome get much of the hype of Europe, a tour to Northern Europe will allow you to escape the heavily populated areas and harsh climates and discover more hidden gems of Europe – minus the crowds. Northern Europe is vast and you could easily spend a couple weeks traveling the countryside, but they are all well connected with railways and public transportation that makes it easy to get around. While you're in Northern Europe, don't forget to at least consider to take a tour to Scandinavia . 

Tour Highlights

• One of the most popular countries in the world, England , is a dream destination with all of its beauty and grandeur. Rich in history you can explore some of the best historical palaces and castles all across London , Liverpool, Manchester, and York. 
• Stare in awe at the Northern Lights in Iceland from November to March as you witness one of the best natural phenomena’s in the world.
• A trip to Scanadinavia  will show you some of Northern Europe’s iconic landscapes taking you from Stockholm’s Royal Palace, down to the Round Tower of Copenhagen, then to the fish markets of Sweden , and finishing it off with the impressive churches and art galleries of Oslo , Norway .
• For one of the most affordable Northern European experiences, a trip to the Baltics is recommended! With a combination of Medieval and Baroque style architecture, you’ll find an endless supply of castles, cathedrals, bazaars and art galleries to keep you wondering at the marvel of human creativity.

Travel Tips

• The climate around Northern Europe can be very unpredictable so be sure to pack multiple layers and additional clothes. Additionally, it’s highly suggested to bring an umbrella (especially in London) in case of showers.
• There are a few standards in most Northern European countries including: Avoid being overly noisy, ensure you are always punctual to events/meetings, and greet others with a handshake.
• While tipping at restaurants and bars is not mandatory in Europe, unlike in other Western countries, it is suggested to round off the bill upwards with a tip to avoid change.

Upcoming Departures

• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• Spring 2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025

Free cancellation on most trips

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

• Travel Update
• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Privately Guided i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Northern Lights i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Ice & Snow Hotels i
• Multi-Country Tours i
• All Travel Styles
• Show all tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Guided Small Group Tours in Northern Europe

Discover breathtaking natural beauty on a guided tour in Northern Europe. Sit back, relax, and let your professional local guide take you on an unforgettable sightseeing journey where comfortable travel and accommodation are included.

Awe-inspiring natural wonders await you, including volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls.

Why take a small group tour of Iceland?

• Visit black sand beaches and glacier lagoons
• Explore the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route
• Treat yourself to relaxing excursions like the Blue Lagoon
• Chase the northern lights with an expert guide

Natural Wonders of Iceland

The ring road & snæfellsnes.

Highlights of the Ring Road

Iceland's wonders in a week.

Scenic South Iceland

Geysers, volcanoes & glacier lagoon, scandinavian countries.

Experience the best of Scandinavia on these multi-country packages.

Why take an escorted tour of Scandinavia?

• Visit thrilling fjords and beautiful landscapes
• See Scandinavia’s colourful capital cities
• Discover royal palaces and historic castles
• Explore multiple countries on one trip

Highlights of Scandinavia

Sweden, denmark & norway.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Highlights of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Finland, sweden, denmark & norway.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

Finland, estonia, sweden, denmark & norway.

Get ready for soaring cliffs, charming cities and beautiful valleys.

Why explore Norway’s attractions on a guided group tour?

• Experience the world-famous Norwegian fjords
• Discover grand cities and quaint countryside villages
• Enjoy spectacular views from the Loen Skylift
• Cruises with included shore excursions

Wonders of the Norwegian Fjords

Norway in a nutshell® & expert tour guide, highlights of norway, hurtigruten cruise, norwegian fjords & expert tour guide, wonders of the norwegian fjords & oslo.

Delve into the ancient heritage and quaint countryside of England, Scotland and Wales.

Why embark on a small group tour of the UK?

• Soak up the historical riches of Roman, medieval and Georgian towns
• Marvel at lush hills and sparkling lakes in beautiful national parks
• Experience the buzz of lively cities like London and Edinburgh
• Step into famous books, movies and shows at literary sites and filming locations

Wonders of Britain

England, wales & scotland.

Discover dramatic scenery, rugged coastlines and grand historic castles.

Why choose an escorted tour of Scotland?

• Walk Highland paths and along loch shores
• Taste delicious whisky on distillery visits
• Explore lively cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Learn about Scotland’s history with a local guide

Highlights of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye, wonders of scotland, wonders of scotland & ireland, ultimate celtic adventure.

Soak up the Emerald Isle’s vibrant culture and gorgeous scenery.

Why go on a guided group tour of Ireland?

• Explore rolling hills, towering cliffs and sandy coves
• Tour ancient Celtic castles and lavish estates
• Experience traditional Irish music and culture
• Visit historic cities and picturesque seaside villages

Wonders of Ireland

Cliffs of moher & the ring of kerry, highlights of ireland, cliffs of moher & giant's causeway, need any help so far get in touch with us.

Live chat with travel consultants

Send your queries using our contact form

Call us toll-free to ask your questions

About Your Guided Tour in Northern Europe

Explore the rugged natural beauty of Northern Europe on one of our extraordinary itineraries. On a Nordic Visitor tour, you'll be travelling with like-minded adventurers and a knowledgeable local guide. When you book a small group package, you can expect:

• An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your trip • An expert local guide to accompany you and offer unique insights • A maximum of 16 people in a comfortable vehicle • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone emergency support for peace of mind

It’s easy to plan for your Nordic Visitor small group tour. Start your journey by following these simple steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm (or customise) your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor creates unforgettable travel experiences in Northern Europe. Our team of travel experts use their in-depth knowledge, and experience of destinations and attractions, to build your dream itinerary.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when Tripadvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Value for money

Save time and money when you book with us. We carefully choose our partners and tour guides and secure excellent rates with them. This means you get to travel in the knowledge that all of the research is done for you, and you’ve got an amazing value tour package.

Stress-free experience

Trust our experienced team to plan and book your epic adventure. You will have a dedicated travel consultant to organise your trip and add on any extra days at either end of your tour. You’ll also receive an itinerary at the beginning of your trip and stay in comfortable accommodation.

Flexible tour options

Whether you want to add on city tour visits to your journey, or extend your stay with additional nights, we’re delighted to make your travel dreams a reality.

You are in good hands

For your peace of mind, we have an emergency 24/7 helpline, meaning we’re only a call away when you need us. If there are unexpected events, our team will get in touch with your guide, rework your itinerary and reorganise your activities and accommodation, all while keeping you safe and informed.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Guided Small Group Reviews

Our marvellous customers share why they love our guided small group tours.

Alice United States

Our guide/driver was friendly, knowledgable, and a delight, sharing sagas and stories, which added to our knowlege... read more

Our guide/driver was friendly, knowledgable, and a delight, sharing sagas and stories, which added to our knowlege and enjoyment tremendously...sites were all wonderful...Iceland is such a hidden treasure we'd never known about and are happy to share our experiences with others and encourage them to visit your wonderful country of breath-taking natural wonders!

Sharon United States

We just returned last night from our trip to Scotland and I wanted to let you know what a great trip we had with... read more

We just returned last night from our trip to Scotland and I wanted to let you know what a great trip we had with Nordic Visitor. You were wonderful setting up our requests and I cannot thank you enough for switching our tour dates when we were unable to go as originally planned in May. The hotels and food were brilliant. Brian was magnificent. We could not ask for more of a guide. Even the special trip to see Highland coos. This was our second Nordic Visitor trip and we are now looking into our 3rd for next year. Thank you again for great memories. I am glad we were able to meet you on our first night.

Northern Europe Highlights

Whether you dream of exploring the Scottish Highland hills, or can’t wait to see the dancing northern lights in Iceland, Northern Europe has incredible sights waiting to be discovered. Here are a few of the attractions and activities you might see and do…

• Take a soothing dip into Iceland’s geothermal spa, the famous Blue Lagoon
• Discover the Golden Circle’s natural attractions, Gullfoss , Þingvellir National Park and Geysir
• Visit the historic capital cities of Sweden , Denmark and Norway on an attraction-packed tour of Scandinavia
• Sightsee in Norway’s capital city Oslo , where you’ll explore royal palaces, Viking museums and more
• Hop aboard the Flåm Railway and see stunning fjords, waterfalls and steep valleys from your window
• Explore charming old towns and thrilling cities in the UK, such as London , Oxford and Edinburgh
• Head to English spots like Bath , York and Hadrian’s Wall for Viking, Roman and medieval heritage
• Journey to Scotland's Isle of Skye, where you’ll see magical Fairy Pools and the rugged Kilt Rock
• Experience the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher and soak up the history of Blarney Castle

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You may have a few questions about destinations and Nordic Visitor services before you choose a tour. For your convenience, we’ve collected and answered the most common queries. If you want more information on our payment policy and terms and conditions, have a look at our FAQs .

1. WHAT IS A GUIDED SMALL GROUP TOUR?

A small group package is when you explore a place with an experienced local guide and fellow like-minded adventurers.

Unlike many travel companies, we keep our tours personal and limit numbers to 15 - 16 people maximum, so that you can enjoy more time at attractions and attention from your guide.

2. IS NORTHERN EUROPE SAFE TO VISIT?

Northern Europe is a safe place to visit, with many of the countries in the region featured in the Global Peace Index .

3. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NORTHERN EUROPE?

The ideal time to explore Northern Europe depends on how you like to travel and what you want to see. If the northern lights are on your list, or you want to experience wintry conditions, then consider exploring Iceland between September-March and remember to bring thermals and good waterproof outerwear.

Want to enjoy milder weather and longer days to explore? Then the milder spring and summer months between April-August would be an ideal time to visit. If you visit Iceland or Northern Norway during the warmer months, you get to experience the midnight sun.

Find out the best time to visit Northern Europe in our handy travel guides:

• The best time to visit Ireland
• The best time to visit Iceland
• The best time to visit Norway
• The best time to visit Scotland
• The best time to visit Scandinavia

4. WHERE CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NORTHERN EUROPE?

The northern lights are a stunning natural phenomena that are only visible with the right conditions. We suggest visiting:

• Northern Norway

Go during the winter months as the nights are longer so you have more time to chase down the aurora borealis. Discover more viewing tips in our comprehensive northern lights guide .

5. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A GUIDED SMALL GROUP TOUR?

When you choose to join a guided small group tour, one of the main benefits is that you can enjoy the company of like-minded travellers on your getaway.

This makes guided tours a great choice if you're travelling on your own. Get inspired by this round-up of the best group tours in Northern Europe for solo travellers . 

In comparison to self drive tours , you also have an experienced local guide on hand to teach you about the sights and take you on your journey. We keep our tours small so that you can enjoy more time with your guide, and don’t feel rushed when you’re at attractions.

6. ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO JOIN THE TOURS?

Yes, children over the age of 12 are welcome on our escorted tours. We also recommend having a look at our family-friendly self-drive and private tour options if you would like more flexibility, and the widest range of choices for customisations. We’re here to help, so contact us if you have any questions about travelling in Northern Europe with kids.

7. WHAT IS THE LUGGAGE SITUATION ON SMALL GROUP TOURS?

You can bring one medium piece of luggage on our guided packages. Please note, it will be your responsibility to take it to and from your room, and back onto the bus for the next day’s adventures.

We recommend you take a small rucksack or small day bag with items like extra layers and cameras. For more handy travel tips, have a look at our packing guides for Iceland , Norway , Scotland  and Ireland .

8. WHAT FOOD IS AVAILABLE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

On all of our small group tours, breakfast is included so each day you’re starting your adventure with plenty of energy. The food available will depend on your destination as each of the countries within Northern Europe have distinct culinary specialities that you’ll be able to try.

If you have any dietary requirements, make sure to inform your dedicated travel consultant in advance.

9. HOW MOBILE DO YOU NEED TO BE ON THE TOUR? IS HIKING INVOLVED?

The activities of your trip will depend on the tour you choose. Each package has an activity level and recommendation so you can explore at your ideal pace and not feel rushed. If there are excursions or activities that you have questions about, get in touch with your travel consultant.

10. WHO GOES ON YOUR GUIDED TOURS?

Our packages feature a range of excursions aimed at different activity levels, so our guests vary in age and interests. To find out more about the activity levels and accessibility on our packages, contact our team.

11. HOW MUCH LEG ROOM WILL I HAVE ON THE BUS?

Each of our buses is specially chosen to ensure our customers are comfortable and can relax. All of our vehicles seat 19 people comfortably but depending on the tour, we have a maximum of 15-16 guests onboard to ensure there’s plenty of legroom.

12. CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATE?

Yes, you can choose your preferred arrival date. Nordic Visitor has a wide range of arrival dates depending on the package and season. All of our dates are available to browse online, so once you’ve chosen a country and tour you want to join, you can choose the best time to visit for you.

If you have already booked a tour but travel plans have changed, contact your personal consultant to rearrange your bookings.

13. CAN I EXTEND MY TOUR BY A DAY OR TWO?

Yes, you can extend your trip by a day or more at either end of the journey. If you’ve not added extra days when booking, but want to, contact your personal travel consultant as soon as possible.

14. WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT TICKETS?

We’d advise that you look over flights for timings and dates, but hold off buying until you’ve booked your preferred tour. Once you’ve had a confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, and all your relevant package information, you should then choose and purchase your flights.

15. WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?

We recommend preparing for all sorts of weather when you’re visiting Northern Europe. Depending on the season you visit, you might need these things:

• A lightweight jacket or wool sweater
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Sensible footwear with good grip
• Gloves, scarves and thermal socks
• A swimsuit and quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen and insect repellent in the summer months
• An insulated coat, thermal layers and long johns in the winter months

For a detailed list of what to bring and how to prepare for your adventure, read our travel guides for Iceland , Norway , Scotland and Ireland .

Want more advice on our group tours Or perhaps you want to learn about more of our packages in Nordic countries. Contact our team for more information.

Our main phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel expert

Blog Articles

Best group tours in europe for solo travellers, 7 brilliant reasons to go on a european group tour, 12 best castles in scotland that you should visit, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Unique Northern Europe Tours

Northern Europe tours with AdventureSmith Explorations focus on nature, culture, history and wildlife. Utilizing sailboats, riverboats and expedition ships to voyage away from tourist crowds, explore up close and in style on your next Northern Europe trip. Our diverse selection of Northern Europe trips offers a way to see Northern Europe in an unusual, yet ideal way while touring in style and comfort.

Our Northern Europe travel includes a range of itineraries with a variety of focal points. Experience the sweeping green hills and historical sites of Scotland; the iconic gardens and coastlines of England and Ireland; the geothermal activity of Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs; the unspoiled landscape of the Faroe Islands; and the magnificent fjords of Norway and icescapes of Svalbard.

Set sail  for 8-9 days aboard a French luxury ship on this Norwegian fjords cruise. Discover dizzying cliff faces, Viking history and the Norwegian capital of Oslo, a city with unique energy.

On this 7-day barge cruise in England, explore London, castles, gardens, churches, rural villages and the charming English countryside aboard the intimate and stylish 8-guest Magna Carta, with biking and walking options along the way.

This cruise highlights seldom-seen Scottish landscapes and top historical sights throughout the interior and along the coast. On the purpose-built Lord of the Glens ship, navigate through the canals that lead through the heart of the Scottish countryside.

Northern European Tours

Northern Europe’s unique attraction for travelers comes from ancient historical places and unique cultural components, paired with spectacular fairytale landscapes and picturesque towns. Northern European tours based from small ships bid to satisfy this desire to reach these far-off places to experience the tartans of Scotland, the healing hot springs of Iceland and the heartwarming charm of Norway’s colorful towns. Tour by day and sail by night to explore Northern Europe in a whole new way.

Northern Europe is an unrivaled place filled with dramatic landscapes, timeless towns and intriguing historical places and cultural interactions. Visitors venturing out on a Northern Europe tour are rewarded with intimate nature-based experiences and intriguing cultural interactions that are not experienced on the well-trodden paths by the average traveler. We are Northern Europe travel experts and we will help you find the right tour at the best price.

Booking Your Northern Europe Tour with AdventureSmith

Northern Europe travel with AdventureSmith is a kaleidoscope of options. Explore canals and locks from Northern Europe tour destinations like London, Dublin and Scotland’s Inverness. Tuck into Norway’s stunning fjords and the colorful seaside cities of the North Sea. Discover Iceland’s dramatic waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and lava fields. You can even visit the Arctic during your Northern Europe tour. Why book your Northern Europe travel with AdventureSmith?

Personalized

Your committed specialist collaborates with you to select, book & prepare for your dream Northern Europe trip.

Our selection of Northern Europe travel options include the British Isles, Iceland, Scandinavia, Norway & the Arctic.

Your Specialist is your ally throughout the process, from booking to executing Northern Europe travel.

Our strong relationships with Northern Europe tour partners access you the best savings on your Northern Europe trip.

Barge Tours in Europe

Barge tours in Europe are a popular option for Northern Europe travel. Our elegant floating hotels bring groups of 8-12 guests through calm canals to visit sites of cultural and historical interest, and interact with local ambassadors. Enjoy special attention paid to food and drinks during your Northern Europe trip, with a master chef and ever-present tour guide.

Our Northern Europe tour experts have experienced this style of travel firsthand and can explain the ins and outs of barge tours in Europe. Contact us to learn more about this intimate style of Northern Europe travel.

Your Europe Private Tour Package

While all of our Northern Europe tours can be made private, the best Europe private tour package is the one that matches your interests, budget, timeline and group size. Are your visiting Northern Europe for family travel ? Do you prefer expedition travel or is a river trip more your speed? Is there a theme for your Northern Europe trip? Are your sights set on one country or a few? Read more about group travel and then contact our experts to help you research, confirm and prepare for your optimal Europe private tour package.

“Northern Europe travel is a kaleidoscope: canals and locks, fjords, seaside cities, waterfalls and hot springs.”

Northern Europe Tours

Temperature & Rainfall

Year-Round Northern Europe Tours

Northern Europe tours operate throughout the year, with most operating May through September. The long, warmer days are ideal for exploring castles, highlands, lava fields, glaciers, fjords and more. Some Northern Europe tours even reach the Arctic; their fall and winter departures may reveal the northern lights. Note that the climate data referenced above is for Inverness, Scotland.

When Should You Plan Your Northern Europe Travel?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Northern Europe Accommodations

Our Northern Europe tours are uniquely based from small expedition ships, riverboats and sailboats. Ship-based Northern Europe travel provides unparalleled access to remote wilderness areas and a welcomed relief from tourist crowds. Enjoy active exploration on naturalist-led shore hikes and sea kayaking, as well as day excursions into scenic landscapes and top historical sites. Each day actively explores away from the boat in the company of expert naturalist guides and historians. Return each evening for a glass of wine, a delicious meal, an informative lecture and a restful sleep. Try this unique style of Northern Europe travel and you will be hooked.

Cruise the Scottish interior and coastline in style aboard the purpose-built Lord of the Glens Scottish cruise ship. This 48-passenger, stately and comfortable small ship is the ideal vehicle for experiencing the Scottish castles, countryside and moorlands.

The 10-guest Shannon Princess barge offers a classic River Shannon cruise in Ireland, with gourmet meals, chef-selected wines, onboard bikes & fishing options. Or charter for cycling, golf, fishing, pony-trekking, antiques, crafts or spa treatments.

Relax at the modern Fosshotel Myvatn overlooking Iceland's famous Lake Myvatn. Designed by award-winning architects and built in 2017, this hilltop hotel in northeastern Iceland offers incredible views and excellent access to the surrounding volcanic area.

The 8-guest Magna Carta barge is a quaint floating hotel that cruises the Royal River Thames. Cruise in style aboard this classy hotel barge stocked with fine wine, gourmet meals and bikes. Custom charter themes include golf, theater, tennis and family cruises.

The 184-guest Le Champlain is a refined, luxury expedition ship cruising the Caribbean. Enjoy her ethnic-yet-chic ambiance, luxury service, engaging educational program and active excursions.

The Greg Mortimer is a new, icebreaker polar expedition ship. Carrying an average of 132 guests, this small ship features a unique bow designed for efficiency. It features active programming with adventure gear for backcountry skiing, polar diving, snowshoeing, climbing and kayaking.

Deals on Northern Europe Tours

Researching deals on Northern Europe tours? You have come to the right place. Our experts know the nuances of Northern Europe travel, including when it’s best to book and how to secure the best deal. The AdventureSmith team can help you take advantage of the best early-booking discounts, alert you to dates as soon as they are released and provide details on other savings like cabin-shares for solo travelers. Contact us today for the best price on your next Northern Europe trip.

Save up to 20% per cabin or 10% per charter when you book your select 2024 Classic Scotland Barge Cruise.

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement when you book your select July 2024 Classic Scotland Barge Cruise.

Save up to 15% and receive $2,500 in air credit per person when you book your 2024 Arctic expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Save 10-20% per cabin or 10% per charter on select 2024 departures of the below-linked Classic Scotland Barge Cruise:

• June 9; July 7 & 14 - 20% off per cabin aboard Scottish Highlander
• July 28; October 20 - 10% off per cabin aboard Spirit of Scotland
• October 27 - 10% off per charter aboard Scottish Highlander
• October 27 - 10% off per charter aboard Spirit of Scotland

Offer valid on new bookings only, for a limited time upon availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Deposit must be paid by July 8, 2024 . See all  cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

• Classic Scotland Barge Cruise

Solo travelers pay no singe supplement when you book your July 28, 2024 departure of the Classic Scotland Barge Cruise aboard Spirit of Scotland.

Offer valid on new bookings only, for a limited time upon availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. See all  cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

Save up to 15% or up to $2,500 per person in an air credit when you book your select 2024 departure of the below-linked Arctic expedition cruises aboard Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle. Select dates include both discounts so act fast as availability is capacity controlled.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and may be combined with select offers. See all  Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other Arctic cruises .

• Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise
• Complete Northwest Passage Expedition
• Arctic Complete: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Cruise
• Greenland Odyssey
• Northwest Passage Expedition
• Jewels of the Arctic
• Northern Lights Explorer Cruise
• Svalbard Odyssey
• Svalbard In Depth

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions.

Offer valid on new bookings only, for a limited time upon availability and may be combined with other select offers. Applicable on voyage fares only, not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from the standard policy. See all  small ship cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness
• Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia
• Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure
• Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of the Spirit Bear
• A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
• Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau & Ketchikan
• Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau
• Northwest Passage: Greenland to Alaska
• High Arctic Archipelago: Canada & Greenland
• Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands & Iceland
• Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard
• Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords Cruise
• National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears
• Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light & Epic Ice
• South Greenland Exploration Cruise: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages
• Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast Cruise
• A Circumnavigation of Iceland
• Wild Iceland Escape
• Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic Cruise
• Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise
• Baja California: Among The Great Whales
• Baja California: A Remarkable Journey
• A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California
• Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park
• Baja California Holiday Voyage: A Living Sea & Desert Isles
• The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland
• Fabled Lands of the North: Greenland to Newfoundland
• Panama & Colombia: Exploring The Caribbean Coast
• Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud
• National Geographic Endeavour II Galapagos Cruises
• National Geographic Wild Galapagos Escape Cruise
• Best of Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers & Torres del Paine
• Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Argentina’s Staten Island
• Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife Cruise
• Costa Rica & The Panama Canal
• Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split & Zadar Aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet
• Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy & Sicily Aboard Sea Cloud
• Sailing the Greek Isles Aboard Sea Cloud
• Under Sail: Greece & The Dalmatian Coast Aboard Sea Cloud
• Scotland’s Highlands & Islands
• Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu & Marquesas Islands Cruise
• Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands
• Rites & Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes & Beyond
• Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History
• Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey
• Exploring British Columbia & The San Juan Islands
• National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise
• Vietnam & Cambodia: Along the Mekong River, Including Angkor & Saigon
• Exploring Costa Rica’s National Parks & Preserves: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa & Rincon de la Vieja
• National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands
• National Geographic The White Continent
• National Geographic South Georgia & The Falklands
• Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords
• Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History & Abundant Wildlife
• Southern Odyssey: New Zealand & The Sub-Antarctic Islands
• Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand & Melanesia
• Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia
• Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea
• Jewels of The Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali & Singapore

Save $500 per kid under the age of 18 on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. See all  small ship cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Let Our Experts Be Your Guide to Northern Europe Tours

Need help narrowing down all the Northern Europe trip options? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Northern Europe tour for you. Still want to browse and do your own research? Filter through all our Northern Europe trips.

Contact Us - Northern Europe Tours

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
• Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
• Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
• By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
• Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

By Destination

By Mode of Travel

River cruise, land journey, rail journey, small ship cruise, ocean cruise, remote journey, luxury yacht cruise, private jet air tours, private air tours, why choose apt.

• Inspiration

Travel agent

Tour personaliser.

• On Tour Feedback
• Port Details

Find your next trip

Canada, alaska & usa, egypt & jordan, new zealand, south america & antarctica, special deals, voyage magazine, tour personaliser, travel agent.

Discover Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Northern Europe is brimming with exciting experiences. Dine in Lappish-style huts in Finland. Cruise along Iceland's dramatic coast. Admire stunning scenes at Geiranger Fjord in Norway.

Choose Your Next Northern Europe & Scandinavia Holiday

Emerald Ireland with Magnificent Europe

Dublin → Budapest

Emerald Ireland

Dublin Return

Explore Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Journey to a region abundant with superb wildlife and extreme temperatures. Visit remote communities, embedded in culture and tradition. Learn about local life in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland and taste local produce at a family-owned farm in Seydisfjordur, Iceland. Admire icy wonderlands in Scoresby Sund, as you traverse the pristine landscape in Zodiacs. Travel through the beautiful Arctic Circle and stay in glass igloos under the Northern lights in Lapland.

Faroe Islands

Orkney Islands and Outer Hebrides

Northern Lights

Norway’s Majestic Fjords

With lava fields, quaint villages and modern cities, Iceland captivates all the senses. Visit locations enriched by local Viking legends and literature shared by your expert guide. Be enchanted by the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Namaskardr’s lava fields and the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Godafoss.

For an adventure-filled holiday, look no further than Finland. Visit Helsinki's landmarks including Temppeliaukion Church, Sibelius Monument and Oodi Library. In Rovaniemi, stay in a glass igloo under the stars, visit a reindeer farm and join an exhilarating sleigh ride with huskies.

Vast fjords and superb geology make the Faroe Islands remarkable. Explore fishing towns, visit an old whaling station and Faroese churches. Geological masterpieces await at the southernmost island of the archipelago, Suðuroy. Glimpse spectacular basalt formations, common to the area.

The remote Orkney and Outer Hebrides Islands are unmissable Scottish jewels. The Orkneys feature nature reserves, towering sandstone cliffs and a range of wildlife. Step into the past in the ancient Norse town of Kirkwall, peppered with Neolithic remains to discover.

 With Giant’s Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, Ireland is a mecca for serene seascapes, wild flora and rugged cliffs. Immerse yourself in culture and tradition. Uncover Titanic’s history, visit a family-owned boutique whiskey distillery and attend a Celtic concert.  

As you go looking for the Northern Lights, be treated to unique experiences that showcase the very best of Lapland and the Arctic Circle region

Delight in charming villages and unique wildlife. Travel to Ittoqqortoormiit and meet with the local community to learn about life in a remote settlement and cultural traditions. Spend time discovering the lush Northeast Greenland National Park and witness the vast fjord system at Scoresby Sund.

For awe-inspiring views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Geirangerfjord, ascend Dalsnibba Mountain, 11,500 metres above sea level. Then, witness the surrounding mountainous landscape and the fjord up close with a cruise on the fjord.

Northern Europe & Scandinavia Your Way 

Small Ship Expedition Cruising

Board the Seabourn Venture, an ultra-luxurious vessel, purpose-built to navigate through the dynamic wilderness of Northern Europe. Experience world-renowned dining and see more of the spectacular landscape aboard a Zodiac, accessing remote locations. A dedicated Expedition Team are always on hand to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Land Journeys

By rail or road, these journeys visit the must-see-sights and some lesser-known gems in several countries. Limited to 40 guests, luxury accommodation awaits in central locations, as does dining in some of Europe's best setting.

Small Group Journeys

Our Small Group Journeys allow for a more intimate travel experience. Limited to groups of just 20 guests, you’ll explore places larger groups can’t access as well as gain a deeper connection with the culture or environment you're in, all with a personal touch. 

Best-in-Class Fleet

APT Solara & APT Ostara

In 2025, brand-new river ships will redefine luxury in European river cruising. Combining timeless designs with modern amenities, these vessels offer more space, more choice and more ways to experience Europe’s grandest waterways.

Seabourn Venture

Traverse some of Europe's remote wilderness on the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Venture. Travel to distant locations in style and relax in beautiful onboard spaces.

Hebridean Sky

The MS Hebridean Sky offers superior comfort and spectacular views and allows you to be right in the heart of the action. Unlike larger vessels, there’s no need to wait around for your turn on the Zodiacs.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Capitals of Scandinavia

145 reviews

Seasonal Sale

Save up to $566

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

10 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland

10 days, 4 countries and 5 cities

Accommodation

9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Travel to northern Europe’s historic, stylish and cosmopolitan cities on this fairy-tale tour of Scandinavia. See the iconic mermaid in Copenhagen and visit the grand city hall in Stockholm. During this tour, you’ll learn about the region's Viking history and why Helsinki is the capital of cool.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

10 days itinerary trip from Copenhagen to Helsinki visiting 4 countries and 5 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki

Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo and the City Hall in Stockholm

View the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki

See Børsen, Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Akershus, the Royal Palace and the Opera House in Oslo, Storkyrkan, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium and the Opera House in Helsinki

Scenic Cruise across the Baltic Sea

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg

Overnight Cruise from Sweden to Finland

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

Capitals of Scandinavia trip reviews

#ttscandicapitals.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Northern Europe

There are amazing experiences around every corner of northern Europe. With castles, volcanos, beer cafes and fjords, there’s something for everyone.

Northern Europe may be one of the most visited regions in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s all tourist crowds and queues for iconic sights. Our team on the ground know the area like no one else. They seek out alternatives to mainstream travel so your clients can experience genuine local delights, as well as the famous destinations.

The little volcanic island of Iceland punches above its weight in terms of sights per size. You clients will be able to cruise between icebergs, visit charming fishing villages or soak in a geothermal lagoon.  

In Ireland and the United Kingdom your travellers can spend their time exploring medieval castles, gazing out at dramatic landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher or attending the Highland Games in Scotland.

The Baltic countries of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are off the traditional tourist trails and offer up plenty of amazing, lesser-known sights. Travellers will be immersed in Baroque architecture, fairytale forests, and national histories that come to terrifying life as told by our local guides.

In Scandinavia your travellers will be treated to chic cities, vast arctic landscapes, dramatic fjords and stories that range from gnomes to Russians to Vikings. They will search for the dazzling Aurora Borealis in Norway, explore Sweden’s maritime history in Stockholm, or explore Helsinki’s bustling waterfront market.

With options to travel by boat, train, kayak, bicycle or private transport, our local team can create a style of itinerary to suit every budget and every level of comfort. Whether it’s a luxury adventure to the Arctic Circle, or a family friendly trip to explore Scandinavia’s many islands, we’ll operate an experience-rich itinerary that meets your brand requirements.

Meet The Team

Zina Bencheikh

Florencia Allo Moreno

Region highlights.

Husky Safari, Finland

There is no better way to explore Finnish Lapland than on a husky tour. These responsible mushing tours will take your travellers out through marshes, forest glades and frozen rivers. There’s time to warm up with Finnish squeaky cheese or even spot the northern lights.

Snorkelling, Iceland

Iceland is possibly the most unique place in the world to snorkel. In water that is a mere 2 degrees Celsius your clients will snorkel the clearest water in the world, with visibility up to 150m, at the fissure that marks the border between Europe and America.

Kayaking, Norway

Your clients can get close to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway with a kayaking tour off the Helgeland coast. They’ll explore narrow fjords, see majestic mountains and paddle around a variety of islands. Theirs is also a chance to find their own private beach.

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Northern Europe Cruises

Our Northern Europe cruises mix seldom-explored locales with famed ports and overnights in alluring cities, such as Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more. Glide through Norway’s fjords, explore Iceland’s lava fields or tour England’s storied castles on a British Isles cruise. Choose between convenient roundtrip voyages and longer expeditions and experience all that Northern Europe has to offer.

• Northern Europe Destinations
• Northern Europe Ports
• Northern Europe Shore Excursions
• Northern Europe Travel Tips & Articles

Explore Northern Europe's Charming Destinations

Towering waterfalls, sprawling lava fields, tranquil hot springs—incredible landscapes await in Iceland.

No visit to Norway is complete without exploring its breathtaking fjords and charismatic cities.

British Isles

Amble seaside hamlets and medieval castles across the rolling emerald landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Discover the boundless charm, romance and culinary treasures that France has to offer.

Make the Most of Your European Cruise Vacation

Peruse our convenient Europe departure ports. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins.

Cruises from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cruises from Reykjavik, Iceland

Cruises From Copenhagen, Denmark

Cruises from Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Featured northern europe cruise ports.

Eidfjord, Norway

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. 

Glasgow, Scotland

Stay in town and see Victorian architecture or head to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake.

Oslo, Norway

In this charming capital, see design mastery at the Oslo Opera House, dine al fresco along the Aker Brygge boardwalk, or tour the Norwegian Folk Museum.

Flam, Norway

Gaze at frozen-in-time churches and verdant, sheep-dotted fields. Take a spectacular train trip from the fjords to soaring peaks.

Dublin, Ireland

Walk the streets of celebrated writers, enjoy a pint or three at Temple Bar, see Trinity College’s iconic library.

EXPLORE ALL NORTHERN EUROPE PORTS

Featured northern europe cruises shore excursions.

From cooking classes to architecture tours and thrilling outdoor adventures, our shore excursions are the easiest way to explore the Old Continent.

Bathing In The Blue Lagoon

Aakrafjord & Langfoss Waterfall

Iceland on Horseback

Northern europe cruise travel tips.

Find out what to experience on your Europe cruise. Read insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do in beloved European destinations.

Best Time To Visit Iceland

While Iceland is incredible any time of year, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

A Nordic Adventure

Learn about the best ways to experience the spectacular beauty of Flam, Norway and the Aurlandsfjord.

Best Fjords in Norway

Discover our top 5 picks for the best fjords in Norway—and what makes each one unique.

Europe Cruise Onboard Experience

Travel to Europe’s most fascinating destinations on perfectly sized cruise ships offering unmatched service and an award-winning onboard experience. Enjoy entertainment for every preference and the best live music at sea. 

Onboard Entertainment

Dining Experiences

Onboard activities, northern europe vacation packages and add-ons.

Add flights and hotels before or after your cruise (or both!). Arrange ground transportation to create a custom cruise package.

Find Flights To Europe

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for your Europe cruise with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

Add a Hotel Package

Extend your trip by a few days. Add a hotel package to your Europe cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise.

Plan Ground Transportation

We make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise.

Get Free Planning Help

Recommended for you.

Europe Cruises    |    Mediterranean Cruises    |    Northern Europe Cruises    |    Scandinavia & Baltic Sea Cruises    |    Transatlantic Cruises

Rotate your phone to portrait to continue.

• Special Offers
• Find a Cruise
• Request Information
• Partner Center

1.866.585.0942

800.285.1835.

• Agent Center
• The Regent Experience
• Worldwide Destinations
• Regent Cruise Collections
• Discover More
• Seven Seas Society®
• Every Luxury Included
• Immersive Exploration
• Culinary Experiences
• Luxury Suites
• Personalized Service
• Onboard Activities
• Regent Enrichment
• Customize Your Journey
• How We Compare
• Seven Seas Grandeur™
• Seven Seas Splendor®
• Seven Seas Explorer®
• Seven Seas Voyager®
• Seven Seas Mariner®
• Seven Seas Navigator®
• Africa & Arabia
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & New England
• Caribbean & Panama Canal
• Mediterranean

Northern Europe

• South America
• South Pacific
• Transoceanic Crossings
• Grand Voyages
• World Cruises
• Digital Brochures
• Virtual Tours
• Destination Insights
• Luxury Goes Exploring Blog
• Social Media

Reservations

• Request a Call
• Post Cruise Inquiry

Have a question? You may find an answer in our FAQs .

Hours of Operation

• WEEKDAYS: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm EST
• SATURDAY: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm EST
• SUNDAY: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm EST
• SUNDAY: CLOSED
• My Bookings
• Marketing Tools
• Sales Resources
• RSSC University
• Update Profile

Explore Our World

• By Destination

• 699 Free Excursions

• 297 Free Excursions

• 938 Free Excursions

• 428 Free Excursions

• 40 Free Excursions

• 325 Free Excursions

• 824 Free Excursions

• 2665 Free Excursions

• 1414 Free Excursions

• 361 Free Excursions

• 284 Free Excursions

• 0 Free Excursions
• Africa & Arabia 55 Ports
• Alaska 14 Ports
• Asia 62 Ports
• Australia & New Zealand 32 Ports
• Bermuda 3 Ports
• Canada & New England 22 Ports
• Caribbean & Panama Canal 53 Ports
• Mediterranean 129 Ports
• Northern Europe 106 Ports
• South America 33 Ports
• South Pacific 21 Ports

• Request Pricing
• Submit an Inquiry
• Group Travel Benefits
• Order a Brochure

Become a Regent Insider

Become a regent insider.

• Privacy Notice

Thank you for your request

• Request A Brochure

Sign up to become a Regent Insider and be the first to learn about the latest special offers, company announcements, and voyage collection debuts.

Cruise has been saved!

Do you have an account.

All-Inclusive Luxury Cruises To

FEATURED OFFER

2025-2026 voyage collection, curate your journey.

Highlights of Barcelona

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example. One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example. One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example.

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example.

Sign up to receive special offers for Northern Europe voyages

Northern europe insights.

PORTS & EXCURSIONS

Please select from the country list below to view available ports. You may also use the search bar below.

Netherlands

United kingdom, there were no results found for.

• Ronne (Bornholm)
• Runavik (Faroe Islands)
• Torshavn (Faroe Islands)
• Berlin (Warnemunde)
• Eskifjordur
• Grundarfjordur
• Seydisfjordur
• Siglufjordur
• Cork (Cobh)
• Dublin (Dún Laoghaire)
• Ringaskiddy (Cork)
• Amsterdam (Ijmuiden)
• Bronnoysund
• Flam (Sognefjord)
• Kristiansand
• Kristiansund
• Nordfjordeid
• North Cape (Honningsvag)
• Gdansk (Gdynia)
• Helsingborg
• Edinburgh (Leith)
• Edinburgh (Newhaven)
• Glasgow (Greenock)
• Invergordon
• Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
• Lerwick (Shetland Islands)
• London (Southampton)
• London (Tilbury)
• Londonderry
• St. Helier (Jersey)
• St. Peter Port (Guernsey)
• Stornoway (Hebrides)
• Tyne (Newcastle)

Barcelona, Spain

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.

NO PORT FOUND

Sorry, we could not find a port on the location selected. Please close this window and select a different port.

THE BEST VALUE IN LUXURY CRUISING

Request A Personalized Quote Today

Begin your unrivaled experience with pricing tailored to your ideal vacation by one of our Personal Consultants or your Travel Advisor, who will contact you about your voyage to Northern Europe aboard The World's Most Luxurious Fleet ™ .

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Bonus Savings
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Loyalty Status Match
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200.

Northern Europe Cruises

Tabs view cruises.

• View Cruises

Cruises to Northern Europe

On a Northern Europe cruise, you’ll discover breathtaking scenery, ancient history, and a rich culture in every port. Explore Iceland’s otherworldly landscape, shaped by fire and ice. Beyond Scotland’s culture-packed cities, discover glassy lochs, forested highlands, and majestic castles.

Cruises to Northern Europe also visit Ireland’s bucolic countryside and buzzing towns, where there’s always a warm welcome. Join us on a voyage of discovery to immerse yourself in some of Europe’s most exciting countries aboard one of our award-winning ships.

Featured Northern Europe Cruises

Iceland & ireland cruises.

See the best of two contrasting islands, taking in Iceland’s glacier-carved fjords, lava fields, and spectacular marine life as well as Ireland’s soft greens and historic cities. Explore Belfast’s buzzing waterfront and Titanic Quarter. In dreamy Waterford, learn about the Vikings, medieval history, and that famous crystal.

Best of Scandinavia Cruises

These 11 to 13-night cruises take you to some of the most iconic Baltic capitals, from cool Copenhagen to regal Stockholm, dynamic Helsinki, and gorgeous Tallinn, its medieval lanes and squares straight out of a fairytale. You’ll also visit Visby, a walled city dating to the Viking age, and Denmark’s arty Skagen, where beaches and sand dunes roll away under vast skies.

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

Tumbling waterfalls, lush meadows, and snow-draped peaks frame Norway’s fjord-indented west coast, where one magnificent view segues into the next. Explore waterfront towns such as Stavanger, gateway to the dramatic Pulpit Rock; Alesund, filled with whimsical Art Nouveau architecture; and Olden, perched at the end of the vast Nordfjord.

View Popular Northern Europe Cruise Destinations

Scandinavia

British Isles

Find Your Perfect Northern Europe Cruise Vacation

Itineraries, explore more.

Europe Ships

Europe Shore Excursions

Why Cruise to Northern Europe With Celebrity Cruises

Discover some of the most dazzling destinations in this endlessly fascinating region with Celebrity Cruises, whether you’re intrigued by Iceland’s stark beauty or the lush landscapes of the Norwegian fjords. Sail to Norway from Southampton on Celebrity Apex and take in those spellbinding views of mountains and waterfalls from the Magic Carpet. Choose Celebrity Silhouette from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, or Celebrity Eclipse from Amsterdam, and you can relax on the fragrant grass of the Lawn Club to watch the scenery drift by during the long, light-filled days of the Norwegian summer.

On any Celebrity cruise, you’ll dine at world-class restaurants with menus crafted by a chef. Spend restful days at sea enjoying the state-of-the-art spa, the balmy indoor solarium, and the refreshing outdoor pool with unrivaled views.

Take in show-stopping performances at The Theatre, or dance the night away in one of the onboard lounges. Elevate your experience at The Retreat® and enjoy a stylish suite and exclusive access to the delightful Luminae at The Retreat restaurant, as well as a dedicated lounge and sunbathing area.

Featured Articles

15 Best Places to Visit in Iceland

The best places to visit in Iceland range from powerful waterfalls to the vast glaciers that can be seen from space

Ireland Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

For anyone coming to Ireland for the first time, its reputation for beauty, hospitality, music, and history precedes it.

25 Things to Do in Oslo

Some of the best things to do in Oslo include dedicating time to the city’s cutting-edge museums and galleries, many of which are clustered near the waterfront

What Is Denmark Known For?

Ask a local what Denmark is known for and they’re likely to point to the country’s world-renowned fine dining scene, picturesque seascapes, and warm-hearted people.

Why a Cruise Is the Best Way to Travel in Europe

If you’re looking for luxurious comfort and a wide variety of cultures to explore, a cruise is by far the best way to travel to Europe.

9 Beautiful Castles in Glasgow

The castles in Glasgow are well worth a visit on vacation.

What is Sweden Known For?

Picture Sweden; perhaps you’re imagining forested wilderness, cozy, candle-lit restaurants, and clean-lined Scandinavian style.

9 Stunning Fjords in Iceland

There are 109 dramatic fjords in Iceland, and these deep, narrow inlets of glacial water form a U-shape, flanked by wild volcanic landscapes.

Sign up and start planning your best vacation ever.

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy

Vacation inspiration is on its way.

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Top Northern Europe FAQs

What is the best time of year to take a cruise to Northern Europe?

Northern Europe is enchanting at any time of year, but May to September is the best period. You’ll enjoy long, bright days and almost 24 hours of daylight in June. Summer for the locals is a time of festivals, exploring the countryside, and enjoying al-fresco dining.

How long are typical itineraries?

Our Northern Europe itineraries vary from seven to 14 nights, with a vast range of choices, whether you’re looking for a week in the Norwegian fjords or a longer itinerary that explores the capitals of the Baltic. You can even sail from Southampton, England deep into the Arctic Circle, to Norway’s Nordkapp.

Are there any specific visa requirements for cruising to countries in Northern Europe?

It is the responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available at the pier when necessary. Before leaving home, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. You’ll find more information here .

The vast majority of countries visited by European cruises do not require a visa. From 2024, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens will be required to register for the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries. 

This will be easy to apply for, inexpensive, and is simply a pre-authorization system similar to the ESTA that Europeans need to travel to the U.S. and Canada. Once you have the ETIAS, it will be valid for three years. You should make sure you have at least six months before your passport expires, too.

What kind of weather can be expected during a Northern Europe cruise?

You can expect all kinds of summer weather, from bright sunshine to occasional mist, rain, and drizzle. Evenings can be cool. Come prepared for all eventualities, with light layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.

What types of excursions are available?

We offer excursions for a range of interests, from guided hikes to scenic boat rides, in-depth visits to castles and museums, and immersive explorations of local food and drink. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, an individual, a family, or a group of friends, you’ll find a fantastic range of cultural and experiential activities in every port.

Are there any cultural or language tips I should know before cruising to Northern Europe?

On your travels in Northern Europe, you will experience a number of different cultures, currencies, cuisines, and languages. It’s important, and fun, to acknowledge these differences and learn a little about the historical events that have shaped each destination. English is widely spoken in Scandinavian countries, especially in the service industry, although it’s always appreciated if you learn a few words of the local language.

Prepare to encounter a number of different currencies on your travels; Finland, Estonia, and the Republic of Ireland use the Euro, but other countries have their own currencies. U.S. dollars are not necessarily accepted, although credit cards are widely used, and there are plenty of ATMs.

You Might Also Like

Baltic Cruises

British Isles Cruises

Iceland Cruises

Norway Cruises

Cruises to England

Sweden Cruises

Denmark Cruises

Ireland Cruises

Scotland Cruises

Cruises from Southampton

Cruises from Amsterdam

Norway Cruises from UK

Belgium Cruises

Famous Landmarks in Europe

Europe With Kids: Family-Friendly Places to Go

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

The Absolute Best Places to Travel in Northern Europe

If you love exotic landscapes, challenging hikes, and off-the-beaten-path attractions, we think these are the best places to travel in Northern Europe!

The colder regions of Europe often get overlooked by the mass tourist crowd in favor of sunny Spain or the gorgeous islands of Greece. Romantics head for Paris, France, and those obsessed with all things royal, usually land in London. However, for the traveler who loves exotic landscapes covered in snow, difficult hikes, and all things Viking, you can’t beat a trip that includes the best places to travel in Northern Europe!

Scavenger Hunts in Northern Europe

If you’re planning a visit to Northern Europe, don’t forget to download our adventure app and try one or more of our walking scavenger hunt tours ! We’ve created hundreds of exciting excursions in cities throughout the world , and our talented guides are creating additional options every day. Each experience includes a fun route to area attractions, facts about each stop, and photo challenges. Trivia questions will help test your knowledge and give you a chance to top the local leaderboard. Try one on your next trip!

The Best Places to Travel in Northern Europe

“Northern Europe” is a bit difficult to define, but it’s often categorized as countries above the 54th Parallel North, or roughly in line with the southern border of the Baltic Sea. This includes all of Scandinavia, most of the United Kingdom, and the northernmost cities of Continental Europe. That’s what we will use as our definition for this article.

Now that our parameters are set, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to travel in Northern Europe!

1. Drive The Ring Road of Iceland

There is no landscape on earth quite like Iceland. “The Land of Fire and Ice” is majestic, mystical, and full of history. From active volcanoes to snorkeling with Humpback Whales, there is an adventure for every traveler in this northern paradise.

Your trip will start with a flight into the funky capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. From there, we recommend renting a camper van or SUV and driving The Ring Road . The Ring Road is the main Highway that circumvents the entire Island. Most of Iceland’s best sights can be seen from here on a 10-day trip. Check out the Golden Circle where you can snorkel between two continents at Silfra, explore Thingvellir National Park, and check out the show at Geysir Park.

Next, you’ll visit waterfalls and black sand beaches on the southern and eastern coast, including the famous Diamond Beach. In the north of the country, you can snorkel with Humpback Whales in Strytan, and then continue your hunt for waterfalls and canyons around the loop back to Reykjavik.

The interior of Iceland is magical as well, full of colorful mountains in Landmannalaugar and glacier peaks. However, the roads are only open in the middle of summer, from June-August, usually. You kind of have to pick your poison with Iceland travel. If you want ice caves and the best Northern Lights possibilities, winter is your time. If you want to go see the interior then summer is your best bet. In the summer months, you also have almost 24 hours of daylight, so that helps get all those sights in easily!

2. Explore The Top Trio of Norway

The Scandinavian nation of Norway should be at the top of any nature lover’s list! The mountain peaks, the fresh air, the deep blue fjords… heaven! From epic waterfalls to death-defying cliff overlooks, Norway has some serious beauty and adventure! With all those waterways, navigating around Norway can be a bit difficult, but with a little planning and flexibility, it can be the trip of a lifetime. We recommend spending a few nights in each of these areas and taking day trips and excursions from each.

Oslo is the oft-overlooked capital city of Norway, but Bergen is kind of the cultural capital. Oslo hasn’t been the capital that long, and much of it was destroyed in a fire in the 1600s, so so you won’t get the rich history there that you do in Bergen. Spend a day in Oslo, then move on to greener pastures.

We recommend you spend at least a couple of days in Bergen. The brightly colored wooden buildings of Norway’s second-largest city look like something straight off a postcard. Bergen is a mecca of culture and history. Visit the gorgeous Fantoft Stave Church, explore the museums, and stop by the historic Fish Market.

From there, you can hop on one of Bergen’s Fjord day trips to Mostraumen Fjord, or a slightly longer trip to Sognefjord or Flåm-which we highly recommend. Flam is adorable! You can also very easily take the train from Bergen to Flåm. Bergen is also the closest city to the famous cliff overlook of Trolltunga, which is a hike you don’t want to miss!

Tromso is a gorgeous town far above the Arctic Circle, in Northern Norway, famous for its nature activities. This is your chance to fulfill all your winter wonderland fantasies. Hunt for the Northern Lights. Marvel at the Midnight Sun. Search for wild reindeer or take a dog-sledding tour. Enjoy a concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Go on a whale safari or kayak the northern fjords on a guided tour. When in the city, make sure to take the Fjellheisen cable car up for a stellar view of the area. Tromso is gloriously beautiful! Just don’t forget your parka!

Stavanger is your mecca for hiking! It has an adorable Old Town too, but Stavanger is the perfect place to camp out a couple of nights and make the day trips to Lysefjord, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Kjerag. Pulpit Rock and Kjerag are two of Norway’s most easily accessible and popular hikes. You have likely seen both of these beautiful multiple times in your Insta feed. Kjerag is the rock wedged between two cliffs that the craziest hikers brave their life on to get that perfect photo. Pulpit Rock is a large, cliff overhang with incredible Norwegian fjord views. Both of these places are must-visit sights in our opinion!

3. Basque in The Quaintness of Tallinn, Estonia

Cutest” “Old Town in the world” award goes to… drum roll, please… Tallinn, Estonia! This place is seriously a fairytale and so underrated! A walk around Tallinn is like stepping back into a Medieval world of knights and castles, princesses, and perfect castle turrets. Pass by the multiple booths of fresh-flower merchants and enter the twin-towered gate to Old Town. You’ll instantly be greeted by a cobblestone maze of high-end cafes and stunning architecture.

Tallinn has one of the most intact medieval city walls anywhere in Europe. Parts of the wall are open for tourism. You can stroll at the top of the city on a covered wooden path, and several of the towers along the path now serve as city museums.

The Downtown area is laced with period actors selling their wares in costume. The food is fantastic. You can even experience a true Medieval meal at Ill Draakon. Fish for pickles in a barrel, be denied any kind of silverware, and have an absolute blast at this themed restaurant in the town square.

You can do everything, or nothing at all, in the city of Tallinn. Either way, you’ll enjoy some of Europe’s best food, the most beautiful architecture, and a quirky, entertaining personality that will lift the spirits of any weary traveler.

4. Sauna Hop in Finnish Lapland

Finland has emerged as a leader in travel for Scandinavia in recent years. It’s no surprise either. Finnish Lapland has done an excellent job of drawing in tourists. It plays on its natural beauty and incredible snowy landscape to provide adventures of all kinds to tourists who don’t mind a few cold nights.

Then, there are the saunas! Finland has a little over 5 million people, and those people enjoy well over two million saunas. To say it’s a Finnish pastime is the understatement of the century. To do it correctly, you must spend your time in the sauna until you’re nice and sweaty, run and jump in the nearest snowbank or icy body of water. It’s a thrill like no other! Don’t worry. Unless you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, it’s a safe activity and has been tested thoroughly by every Finnish local and the bravest tourists.

We recommend you spend a couple of days in the capital city of Helsinki. It has some excellent restaurants and cafes, a lovely national museum, and several stunning cathedrals. Plus the seaside port and Old Market Hall are a must-see. The market is a bit touristy, but worth it for the Lohikeitto (salmon soup)! It’s the perfect antidote for a cold Helsinki day.

From there, snag a bus or rental car and head up to paradise in Rovaniemi. Book a few days at Apukka Resort. Here is your one-stop shop for reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding excursions, and Northern Lights tours of every kind. They have lodging ranging from glass-topped Aurora cabins, to villa-style lodges, to campers by the lake. Or, for the really adventurous, book a night in their ice hut and see if you can make it through until morning in -10C temps. You would think with all this on offer that Apukka would cost you an arm and a leg, but surprisingly, it’s one of the cheapest resorts in the area (which still isn’t cheap, Finland is very expensive).

5. Take the Ferry to St. Petersburg, Russia

While Russia is causing some trouble on the world scene at the moment, and we wouldn’t recommend this trip currently (actually it isn’t running right now), normally you can book a ferry from Helsinki, Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia. This ferry is a sort of an ill-kept secret and a loophole for getting into Russia without a visa. Russian visas are expensive.

With a tour package from St. Peters Line , you can take the ferry from Tallinn, Estonia, or Helsinki, Finland, and spend up to 72 hours in St. Petersburg, visa-free! There are a few rules you have to abide by, like taking a guided excursion into the city, but all-in-all it’s an easy and cheap way to get a taste of Russia!

6. Put Your Liver to the Test in Dublin, Ireland

There is no place on earth more lively than a Dublin pub. Pull up a barstool. Tap your foot to the rousing tune of a live band playing traditional music as drunken revelry entertains all your senses. If you’re lucky, perhaps an old Seanchai (traditional Irish folk teller) will regale you with a limerick or two.

Aside from the pubs, Dublin is a lovely city, full of gorgeous cathedrals and tons of history. Most of the city seems to be owned by either Guinness or Jameson, and there are a number of great rivalry tales. Plus, two pretty awesome brewery tours.

If you have the time, rent a car and do a loop of the Emerald Isle. There is no landscape on Earth that’s quite as peaceful as the Irish countryside. You can fish in quaint seaside villages, and explore some of our oldest human creations in the Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne.

Drive Slea Head Loop. Stop at all the little beehive huts and Celtic burial grounds along the route. Stop off for a Guinness at the Dingle Pub. Drive the Ring of Kerry and experience paradise on Earth. Traverse the massive monasteries and abbey ruins like the Rock of Cashel, and visit every castle you can. It’s a road trip for the books! Oh, you can even stay in a renovated castle. Book a night in Wilton Castle for excellent service and a historical tour of this storied property.

For the very best way to explore Dublin, hop on one of our app-guided scavenger hunts of the city. Our hunts are chalked full of fun photo and trivia challenges and introduce you to the city in an adventurous competition that’s guaranteed to be the best part of your trip! Check out “ The Dublin Adventure ”, or the spooky ghost hunt, The Dark, The Dead, and The Doomed. ”

7. Explore the Complicated History of Riga, Latvia

Latvia not on your bucket list? It should be! Riga is a stunning city with an interesting history. It served as a major port for most of its existence and has been fought over by pretty much every major power in its turbulent past. It was founded by Germans and was going to be the Nazi headquarters for Northern Europe had Hitler succeeded. Riga has excellent free walking tours, led by local historians, and we recommend you take as many as you can!

Try all the local delicacies at the sprawling Riga Central Market. Take a dive off the bungee platform and enjoy the gorgeous Baltic Sea at Dārzu ceļš. Outside of the museums and architecture of Old Town Riga, Latvia is filled with gorgeous national parks and Baltic Sea beaches that are thriving in the summer months. If you want to avoid mass tourism, see amazing scenery, and get a little history in too, you can’t beat a week in Latvia!

8. Experience Pure Peace In The Faroe Islands

If you really don’t like people, head for the remote Faroe Islands. Holy cow are they beautiful? You get all the green swept fields of Ireland, the waterfalls and cliffside views of Iceland, and none of the tourist crowd!

We definitely suggest you do a road trip—with a few ferries thrown in. Visit the giant puffin colony of Mykines. Mykines is the westernmost island and can be accessed by ferry from Størvágur. Take some time to visit the lighthouse and explore a local village after admiring the cutest birds ever. You must make the hike to the stunning Lake Sørvágsvatn on Vágar Island. It’s the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, and it famously appears to be hanging off a cliff into the sea. The hike takes about an hour, and it’s fabulous!

The other must-see sight is the village of Gásadalur and its glorious waterfall, Múlafossur. The typical Faroese village has all the grass-covered roofs of your Faroe dreams and some of the most beautiful towering-mountain surroundings. The Faroe Islands are not a cheap trip, but they are beautiful and secluded, which sounds pretty good to us!

9. Cruise the Canals of Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden is a gem! The city proper is spread over 14 islands and covered in glorious palaces, museums, and castles that will keep you busy for weeks! Make sure to visit the opulent Royal Palace, on par with any in Europe. Make sure to stop in the Vasa Museum, The Swedish History Museum, and The Medieval Museum to get your history fix. Stroll the gardens of Drottningholm Castle , Sweden’s most intact and glorious residence from the 1600s. Stroll Strandvägen boulevard with some swiss chocolate in hand.

If you’re an ABBA fan, the famous Swedes have their own museum in Stockholm ! Stroll around 13th century Gamla Stan (Old Town). Cruise through the ancient canals and under beautiful bridges on a Paddan boat tour, and with all that sightseeing, don’t forget to take some time for a Fika (coffee and cake break)!

10. Medieval Castles and Beasts in Scotland

Castles, kilts, scotch, and Nessie, that’s what a vacation in cheery Ol’ Scotland will get ya. We don’t know about you, but that all sounds pretty good to us. Start your trip with our fun-filled “ Fairy Tale Capital” scavenger hunt and learn all there is to know about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Edinburgh. It will get you all caught up on your Scottish history and give you a good overall layout of the city. Then, you can go back and explore in detail anything that strikes you as interesting!

After a couple of days in the city taking in Parliament, the cathedrals, and Castle Rock, hop in the car for the ultimate road trip! Head for Lochness and try to snap a shot of the Lochness Monster. Explore the remains of 13 intact castles on The Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire.

Next up are the incredible landscapes and eery mists of the Isle of Skye. You can hike its glens and explore caves for days, not to mention the gorgeous waterfalls and sandy beaches. With tons of wildlife and over 200 species of birds, the island is a haven for nature lovers!

However, make sure to save a couple of days in your itinerary for Glasgow to admire the Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, catch an opera, and check out Glasgow Cathedral. We have a tour of glorious Glasgow , too!

Visit the whiskey distilleries on the isles of Islay and Jura. Climb The UK’s highest peaks in the Grampian Mountains, and make sure to take the tour of Melrose Abbey! Alternatively, you could just hop from castle to castle and keep your fairytale dreams alive for weeks.

11. Take A Pilgrimage in Lithuania

Like Latvia, the Baltic country of Lithuania might not be on your radar. However, there are some interesting sights in this little northern beauty. First of all, let’s talk about the “Hill of Crosses.” This quirky little sight is in northern Lithuania and has been a pilgrimage route since the first crosses were placed there after an uprising in 1831. Over the proceeding generations, pilgrims and tourists have left their mark on the grassy hill with what has turned into one of the largest collections of crosses and crucifixes in the world. Estimates as of 2006 put it at more than 100,000 crosses, and that was a long time ago. It’s kind of fun to just wander the sight and see the relics placed there by the faithful and the curious. It’s a weird sight, but worth a look!

The rest of the country is full of weird and quirky history too. Visit the Cathedral of St. Anne, the church Napolean tried to steal. Lurk through the underwater tunnels and escape routes of Kulgrinda, carved by Lithuanians over the centuries to escape their numerous invaders. Hike The Hill of Witches Trail and marvel at all the wood carvings of mythical beasts and little gnomes that dot the path.

We recommend a few days in the capital city of Vilnius too. It’s a beautiful city full of culture and history. Napolean was so impressed by Vilnius that he wrote home to his wife to tell her of its beauty. You can get an awesome view of the city from the Hill of Three Crosses, peruse the cafes and shops of one of the most well-preserved medieval Old Towns in Northern Europe, and even visit the weirdly-placed Frank Zappa Memorial. The singer had absolutely no ties to Vilnius or Lithuania and never visited there, but it’s one of two places in the world with a memorial to him. We told you Lithuania is quirky! If you like an off-the-beaten-path getaway, you’re gonna love this little Baltic jewel.

12. Connect With Your Inner Viking in Denmark

Copenhagen Denmark is a travel destination full of wonder and history. The city is full of museums, historic royal palaces, and fun amusement parks. Almost every major city in the world has a hop-on-hop-off tour, but not many of them are done by boat! In the gorgeous Danish capital, you can hop off at all the major sights from your canal cruise, and hop back on to the next sight down the waterway… so much more fun than a bus!

If you really want to explore the canals in luxury though, book a hot tub boat with Copehhot ! That’s right, you can cruise around the canals of Copenhagen in a hot tub boat, complete with champagne or a bucket of beer. Awesome! You’ll also want to make pitstops at The Little Mermaid Statue, Tivoli Gardens, and several of the country castles surrounding the city.

Once you have thoroughly explored the capital, head north and visit the acclaimed open-air museum of Den Gamble By. It contains over 75 historic buildings collected from multiple townships all over the country. The live period actors and furnishings really make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Hop over to the city of Odense and visit the historic home and museum of famous writer Hans Christian Anderson. Then, head for Randers and check out the amazing 3-domed zoo with an Asia, Africa, and South America Dome. It’s a paradise with free-roaming monkeys! One of the coolest zoos anywhere in the world!

Denmark is a small country, and you can feast your way through it on a 7-10 day trip pretty easily. Of course, you won’t see everything, but you can certainly make a good dent!

13. Explore The Shipyards of Belfast, Northern Ireland

Start your tour of the capital of Northern Ireland with a Let’s Roam scavenger hunt! It’s one of the best ways to get to know the city and have a really good time doing it. Work your way through difficult trivia questions, photo and video challenges, and much more on our adventure through the heart of Belfast. Simply download our adventure app and purchase tickets for the “ Bold and Beautiful Historic Belfast ” experience. Once purchased, our hunts can be done at any time, so they easily fit into the dead space of your trip itinerary. They may even turn out to be your favorite part of the trip. Give it a shot. We know you’re gonna love it!

If we could pick one thing that Belfast is famous for, it would be the RMS Titanic. The famous tainted ship was assembled right in the heart of Belfast at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard. After a period of abandonment, the Belfast Lough has been reconfigured as the Titanic Belfast Museum. The giant museum resembles four-ship bows and is quite an architectural feat to gawk at. Plus, you know, it’s full of Titanic memorabilia and history.

The Titanic museum isn’t the only great museum in Belfast though. The Ulster Museum boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and Neolith war items and jewelry. The Ulster also has a great folk museum, east of the city, where you can experience a taste of ancient Northern Ireland village life.

Make sure to stop by the iconic City Hall, take in the smells of the Botanic Gardens, and visit the Grand Opera House before leaving the city. If you choose to tour around the rest of Northern Ireland. We recommend that you head north to the tip of the peninsula and visit Giant’s Causeway and The Old Bushmills Distillery. Oh… and The Dark Hedges are a beautiful place to snap those vacation Insta shots!

14. Pay Homage To The Beatles In Liverpool, England

Ahh, Liverpool… home to The Beatles, the world’s greatest second-hand shops, and a pretty great futbol club! In fact, it’s mostly Beatles fans and futbol fans, coming to Anfield, that target Liverpool as a travel destination, but it’s so much more than that! The city has a grit about it that is amusing and interesting. It’s a university city that still has kind of a rebellious vibe about it.

Start your trip with a visit to The Beatles Story . The world’s most iconic quad started their career here in Liverpool, and the most thorough museum dedicated to their lives and work is rightly here. Aside from the museum, you can visit The Cavern Club. The original club was one of the first places The Beatles played regularly and become the heart of the rock and roll scene in Liverpool in the 1960s.

After all the rock and roll and violent futbol stadium chants, make a stop at the Liverpool Cathedral to repent and take in the stunning architecture. Liverpool is a great city to just wander. Step into the record shops and vintage stores. Grab a coffee and hang out at The Royal Albert Docks, the old Victorian docks in Liverpool harbor.

If you have some time on your trip, drive through Manchester. Have a look around, and then swing up through the Yorkshire Dales. This part of the Northern English countryside is absolutely stunning, especially Malham Cove, The Forbidden Corner, and Aysgarth Falls. You really can’t go wrong actually, Northern England is beautiful anywhere you go!

Not sure where to start? We recommend our “ Lucky Liverpool ” walking scavenger hunt!

15. Refresh Your World War II History In Gdansk, Poland

Poland is a huge country, and there are so many places that you should visit there! Let’s start with the gorgeous Old Town of Krakow, home to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wawel Castel. Then, there’s the capital of Warsaw and the World War II concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Sobibor, and Treblinka. But, if we are sticking to our definition of Northern Europe, Gdansk is as far south in Poland as we are allowed to go, but don’t get sad yet. Gdansk is amazing!

Start your tour of the city with the emasculate St. Mary’s Basilica. This baby is huge, one of the three largest brick churches in the world! Yes, the world! It’s gorgeous. Then, move on to ice cream at Neptune’s Fountain, before hopping into The Museum of The Second World War. Do a little shopping in The Long Market. Gaze at all the pretties in The Amber Museum, and wander through the incredible shipyard.

Once you have finished your tour of the city, spend a couple of days taking some excursions. Head north to see the imposing Wisłoujście Fortress and Moat. Then, spend a day wandering the gardens and interior of Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest castle in the world! It’s a 13th-century beast, and it’s beautiful!

If you have time to see more of Poland, do it! However, you can easily spend a week in the stunning city of Gdansk. The architecture is to die for, with all those soaring epithets and red-tile roofs. The food is hearty and tasty. The city is clean and vibrant and full of history. We love everything about it, and we are sure you will too!

16. Photograph The Iconic Bridges Of Hamburg, Germany

Much like Gdansk, in Poland, Hamburg is the one German city that pretty much fits our rules for being included in Northern Europe. This German beauty is worth a visit for sure. It’s the second-busiest port in all of Europe. It’s the second-largest city in the country, a major metropolis of harbors and canals, and is the largest non-capital city in the European Union. Those are some pretty major stats.

Take a boat tour down the Zolkanal to Speicherstadt. This city of warehouses is a feat of architectural genius. A canyon of red brick, Gothic Revival “cliffs”, soaring up from the canal, all built on oak piles. It’s quite a sight! Few of the warehouses built in the 1880s are still used for storage. Most are now apartments or tourist interests, like Miniatur Wunderland- a warehouse turned into a miniature moving world, complete with just about everything you can think of. It contains scale models of part of Italy, The United States, Hamburg itself, and Switzerland, among other famous places.

Check out a concert at the iconic Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Not only is the talent exceptional, but the building is a stunner! Join the locals for a picnic on the green spaces of Planten un Blomen. Take a harbor boat tour in one of the beautiful paddle boats. Photograph all the stunning bridges. Did you know that Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam, London, and Venice, combined?! That’s an insane amount of bridges. Make sure to take a gander at Hamburg City Hall too.

If you’re going to Hamburg to party, you certainly won’t’ be alone. Its Reeperbahn District needs no introduction. It’s famous for its wild bars, numerous prostitutes, and a plethora of porn shops and strip clubs. The Saturday night tradition is for the wildest of partiers to wander down to the Fischmarkt and party on out until morning light. It might be one of the wildest nights in Europe, but if you’re young and up for it, it’s a night you won’t forget! Never mind. Strike that. You probably won’t remember any of it!

Whether you enjoy gorgeous architecture, hearty German food, tons of naval and maritime history, or a good party, Hamburg has something to offer every kind of adventurer!

Closing Thoughts

Well, now that your next 16 vacations are planned, which epic destination are you going to start with? Let us know in the comments!

It’s a tough decision. Northern Europe is a mecca of Viking and Celtic culture, has some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and contains some of Earth’s most charming cities. You should probably just quit your job and go visit them all! ( Disclaimer: We offer travel guides and adventure inspiration here on Let’s Roam. We do not recommend that you take our financial advice.)

We do, however, know a thing or two about budget travel! For a few tips on how to save some money on Europe travel, don’t leave without reading our tips for traveling Europe on the cheap !

Taking your whole family? No problem! You can still travel for cheap. Find out “ How To Travel On A Budget With Your Family. ” With these budget travel tips in tow, you can enjoy your vacation and not regret your life choices once you get back home!

Frequently Asked Questions

There are some iconic travel destinations in Northern Europe ! Hike the incredible overlooks of Norway. Drive the Ring Road of Iceland , or enjoy a quiet holiday on the quaint Faroe Islands.

There are magnificent places to see in Northern Europe ! It’s full of historical sights, stunning architecture, and arctic adventures! Explore the quirky capital of Iceland , take a road trip around the Emerald Isle, or try a dog sledding excursion in Finnish Lapland!

Northern Europe has some stunning cities. The canals and waterways of Hamburg and Copenhagen are perfect for boat tours. Tallinn, Estonia is one of the most intact medieval towns, and the pubs of Dublin offer some of the friendliest locals in the world!

Featured Products & Activities

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1800 001 778

Northern Europe

SEE ALL NORTHERN EUROPE TOURS

FEATURED TOURS

Save up to $788

Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague

6 Locations

3 Countries

Price $5,034

Save up to $992

Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords

15 Locations

Price $9,925

Save up to $1,139

Grand Scandinavia

17 Locations

4 Countries

Price $11,395

Scandinavian Heritage

25 Locations

Save up to $1,282

Country Roads of Scandinavia

13 Locations

2 Countries

Price $8,050

Save up to $1,642

Country Roads

Natural Wonders of Iceland

Price $10,950

Northern Lights of Scandinavia

SHOW ALL EUROPE TOURS

FROM OUR BLOG

HOW TO SPEND 24 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK’S TRENDY CAPITAL

How does one spend only 24 hours in Copenhagen, the beautiful gateway to Scandinavia famed for its progressive ideals, cutting-edge design, and sumptuous gastronomy?

A way to truly take advantage of your time is through a guided tour. Insight have three trips that take you on an adventure through Scandinavia, and all stop by the Danish capital to show you the best sights ( Spectacular Scandinavia & Its Fjords ), ( Grand Scandinavia ), ( Country Roads of Scandinavia ).

With our careful planning and keen eye for detail, we’ve compiled the perfect itinerary below – this is what to do and what to see with 24 hours in Copenhagen.

#INSIGHTVACATIONS

Discover inspiring, magical moments captured by our guests in Northern Europe

ALL EUROPE DESTINATIONS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Switzerland

Alps Central and Eastern Europe

Spain and Portugal

Eastern Mediterranean

Christmas Markets

Central Europe

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Eastern Europe

Mediterranean and Southern Europe

OTHER REGIONS

Australia and New Zealand

Latin America

North Africa

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

ALL THE SIGHTS AND THE INSIGHTS, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, IN COMFORT AND IN STYLE

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Special Interest Tours

Enquire Now

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

30 unique experiences you can only have in Northern Europe

There’s a region in the world where you can cruise through fjords flanked by sky-high cliffs, visit the most spectacular Christmas markets, and chase the northern lights in the snow-covered countryside. That spot is Northern Europe—and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds.

Wondering about the best places to visit in Northern Europe on our Europe tours ? Read on to see some of the most unique, unforgettable, photo-worthy experiences to have while visiting Northern Europe on tour, straight from our community of staffers and travelers. But first, here are a few helpful things to know before you decide where and when to go.

What are the countries in Northern Europe, you ask? Here’s the list!

• The United Kingdom (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)

The best time to visit Northern Europe

It all depends on what you hope to see on a trip to Europe . The summer months bring more sunshine to Northern European countries like Iceland, Norway, and beyond (hello, midnight sun). Want to pencil in a winter trip instead? The winter months offer up snow flurries, Christmas market magic, and opportunities to spot the northern lights dancing across the sky. Read on to see some of the most unique experiences you can have in the northern countries of Europe—no matter when you go.

Explore all of our Europe tours

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

4.3 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars

Find more Europe travel inspiration

©AleksandarGeorgiev/Getty Images

There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

La Sagrada Família

L'Eixample

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) is considered to be the symbol of Barcelona by many residents, and the…

Kungliga Slottet

A massive structure with more than 600 rooms on 11 levels, Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace) dominates the north end of Gamla Stan. The official…

Van Gogh Museum

This wonderful museum traces Van Gogh's life and artistic development via the world's largest collection of his work. More than 200 canvases are on…

Stiftsbibliothek

Northeastern Switzerland

If the greatest masterpieces on earth are wrought for the glory of God, St Gallen’s Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), is like a living prayer. Religious…

Jungfraujoch

Bernese Oberland

This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…

Museo del Prado

Welcome to one of the world's premier art galleries. More than 7000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado’s collection (of which only around 1500 are…

Museumsinsel

Museumsinsel & Alexanderplatz

Walk through ancient Babylon, meet an Egyptian queen, clamber up a Greek altar or be mesmerized by Monet's ethereal landscapes. Welcome to Museumsinsel …

Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton

The world’s largest and oldest continuously occupied fortress, Windsor Castle is a majestic vision of battlements and towers. Used for state occasions, it…

Latest stories from Europe

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Jun 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Cruising down a quiet river, surrounded by scenic views is an ideal way to see Europe. Here are the 10 best places for a European river cruise.

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

May 24, 2024 • 9 min read

May 23, 2024 • 17 min read

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

May 7, 2024 • 4 min read

May 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 30, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 16, 2024 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Europe

Europe and beyond.

Protect Your Trip »

How to see the northern lights in iceland in 2024.

Increased solar activity means 2024 is a prime time to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Tom Archer | Courtesy of Hidden Iceland

While Iceland isn't the only place in the world to view the northern lights, the Nordic country's prime location near the Arctic Circle means the light show can be visible for more than 100 nights per year. And 2024 in particular will provide prime viewing opportunities.

"Interestingly, the sun is reaching its solar maximum (increased activity that's conducive for northern lights) over the next few years, so 2024, 2025 and 2026 are prime years for getting a great light show," explains Ryan Connolly, co-founder of tour operator Hidden Iceland.

While you're never guaranteed to see the northern lights in Iceland, a little planning and forethought can pay off. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit, the most scenic places to go, unique tour options and more.

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland

Northern lights forecast for iceland, tips for exploring on your own, the 5 best places to see the northern lights in iceland, iceland northern lights hotels, iceland northern lights tours.

Getty Images

According to the country's tourism authority, the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to mid-April, between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. – and particularly around midnight.

Within that September to April period, there's some debate about the optimal time to see the lights. Connolly cautions against a visit between late March and mid-April as well as in early September "so you don't have to stay up too late to watch the sun set." He and other experts recommend the following timeframes:

• November to January: You're generally more likely to catch the northern lights during these darkest months. The sun barely rises around this time of the year, and the extremely long nights mean a longer window for the phenomenon to appear each day.

Spring and fall equinoxes: Although midwinter probably offers the best chance of catching the aurora, some people recommend viewing it around the spring or fall equinoxes – that is, around March 19 and Sept. 22 (these dates change slightly each year). The science behind this timing is complex: In short, there tends to be more geomagnetic disturbance around the equinoxes, leading to stronger auroras. But don't forget that the nights at these times are shorter than in midwinter, so your daily window for seeing the northern lights will also be shorter.

"We loved visiting in the fall for the opportunity to see the northern lights and for how few tourists there were," says U.S. News Travel digital producer Leilani Osmundson , who has visited Iceland in the fall. "Sometimes it felt like we had the whole country to ourselves!"

• New moons: Moonlight can make it harder to spot the light show if the aurora is already faint – so serious aurora chasers may want to plan their visit to coincide with a new moon.

During the rest of the year, Iceland experiences near-constant daylight, meaning there isn't enough darkness for the aurora borealis to appear. Put simply, if you visit in late spring or summer, you will not be able to see the lights, even if you go to the best viewing locations.

These are the most reliable resources for determining the likelihood of spotting the northern lights in the coming days:

• The Icelandic Meteorological Office: On the Icelandic Met Office's website , forecasts show the Kp index, which measures disturbances in Earth's magnetic field on a scale of zero to nine; the higher the number on the index, the stronger the aurora activity. The Met Office site also shows the cloud cover across Iceland, helping you determine whether you'll actually be able to see the lights.
• Iceland's Aurora Forecast: Iceland's Aurora Forecast , which is run by locals with expert knowledge of the aurora, offers a similar forecast on a slightly more user-friendly site.

Unfortunately, longer-range predictions (for example, weeks or months in advance) are less reliable. There are 27-day forecasts available, but take note that solar activity can occur rapidly and may not factor into such predictions. However, due to the sun's rotation cycle, if a strong aurora appears, it is considered more likely that the lights will appear again 27 days later, so this type of forecast may still be worth checking.

While it requires some extra planning, you can easily explore Iceland on your own. If you're considering this route for your trip, take these expert travel tips into account:

• Avoid chasing the lights: "Once you are in an area with clear skies, you just need to wait, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and hope for the best," Connolly says. "Driving around aimlessly rarely provides any benefits and isn't much fun."
• Manage your expectations: "The northern lights don't necessarily always appear to the naked eye as we see them in photos," Osmundson explains. "On our trip, they looked super green through the camera, but silvery and very faded to the naked eye."
• Consider a self-drive tour: Several tour companies offer customized itineraries for travelers who want to explore on their own.
• Opt for four-wheel drive: Rent a vehicle with four-wheel drive for safety and peace of mind on wintry roads.
• Heed road restrictions and conditions: Regardless of when you visit, don't go off the beaten track – off-roading is strictly illegal. You'll also want to check road conditions via the Icelandic government's official portal to avoid weather-related accidents.
• Consider travel insurance: An international travel insurance policy can provide car rental protections, medical care coverage and more.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

The most basic rule for catching the northern lights is to go somewhere dark – and with Iceland's sparse population, there's no shortage of places that fit the bill. From fjords and glaciers to mountains and black sand beaches , these are some of the most notable places to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón

This glacial lagoon is adorned with icebergs, which break off from the huge Vatnajökull glacier to the north. It's also populated by crowds of seals, making Jökulsárlón a stunning place to commune with nature and a formidable backdrop for the shimmering aurora. You can also watch the light show from Diamond Beach, a black sand beach right where the lake drains into the Atlantic.

Reynisfjara and other black sand beaches

Reynisfjara, near the southern village of Vik, is a popular tourist spot, and it won't be hard to see why once you take in the basalt columns dotted along this black sand beach. You might be able to find yourself a quiet corner either here or on another stretch of shoreline nearby, and you'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery while you wait for the light show.

Be on alert around the water – you must pay attention to your surroundings on the beaches, as so-called "sneaker waves" can cause injury or death. Consider stopping off at the spectacular 200-foot high Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the way; it's about 40 miles from Vik, on the main road from Reykjavik.

Snæfellsnes peninsula

About 130 miles northwest of Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes peninsula centers around a huge volcano called Snæfellsjökull. There's plenty of impressive places to view the lights here – consider staking out a spot near the unusually pointy Kirkjufell mountain or on Djúpalónssandur beach, with its black sand and craggy rock formations. You can stay overnight in a number of villages in the area.

Reykjanes peninsula

Reykjanes has plenty of naturally beautiful backdrops for catching the lights. Kleifarvatn, a large and tranquil lake ringed by small mountains, sits about 20 miles south of Reykjavik, while another option is Krýsuvík, a geothermal area with hot springs south of the lake.

Thingvellir

This volcanic national park is located on the rift between two continental plates. About a 30-mile drive east of Reykjavik, Thingvellir – written as Þingvellir in Icelandic – offers varied scenery from volcanoes to lakes to famous Iceland waterfalls . Take note: As part of the Golden Circle tour route, Thingvellir is a popular spot for aurora viewing, so you may not be alone.

Kristján Pétur Vilhelmsson | Courtesy of Hotel Rangá

If you're planning a self-guided visit, book an Airbnb or hotel that caters to aurora spotters. Below is a sampling of hotels that offer special viewing locations and wake-up calls if the lights appear after you go to bed.

Hotel Rangá

Tucked in a charming timber building near the south coast of Iceland , this hotel specializes in aurora viewing, with an observatory on its roof and an aurora wake-up service. The hotel also lends out snowsuits for those who want to spend time outside and boasts a 24/7 bar with hot drinks to seal the deal. Guests have praised Hotel Rangá's incredible service, calling it the kind of luxury place that's relaxing and not too formal.

The Retreat Hotel and Silica Hotel

The Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters would be a formidable place to spot the northern lights, but daytime visitors can't stay past late evening – before the aurora tends to appear. However, guests in the two on-site hotels don't have to stress about this timing. Offering ultra-chic minimalist rooms, access to private lagoons and otherworldly views, The Retreat Hotel and Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon resort offer a true luxury experience, with prices to match. Despite the price, guests rave about the beauty of this hotel's location and its stylish design.

Hótel Húsafell

Located on a former farm in the Icelandic wilderness, this hotel says it gets an average of three aurora sightings per week in the winter months. Hótel Húsafell also offers a complimentary aurora wake-up service so you don't miss the show. Its location near the Langjökull glacier means stellar views during the day too. Recent visitors enjoyed the range of activities on offer around the hotel in addition to the restaurant, noting that although the menu options are limited, the food is divine.

Panorama Glass Lodge

There's no need to go out in the cold to see the northern lights when you're staying in an all-glass cabin. Hot tubs and heated floors at the Panorama Glass Lodge make the views over the rocky tundra all the more cozy. Guests have plenty of compliments for this lodge's scenic setting, as well as the luxury and comfort of its one-of-a-kind design.

Hótel Búdir

A rustic building now plays host to this stylish yet homey hotel on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, with aurora wake-up calls; fine dining sourced from local purveyors; and stellar views that span glaciers, lava fields and the Atlantic. According to past guests, the old-timey charm and restaurant and bar are serious highlights at Hótel Búdir (also written Búðir).

Skálakot Manor Hotel

This luxury lodge is located on a horse farm in remote southern Iceland – the perfect place to spot the aurora. In addition to tours on horseback, the hotel offers cozy guest rooms, a fine dining restaurant and a spa. Recent visitors, many of whom visited to enjoy the resort's amenities for a day, note how stunning the location is.

Northern lights tours with a guided expert may increase your chances of spotting the natural phenomenon, but remember: Seeing the northern lights is never a sure bet, and as such, tour operators have various policies to account for this. Below are some of the best tour options.

Multiday tours

• Hidden Iceland: Hidden Iceland offers an immersive, private Must See 6+ Day Private Tour Winter Itinerary that combines daytime activities like discovering a blue ice cave with overnight stays in remote locations that are ideal for spotting the northern lights. Recent travelers praise Hidden Iceland, especially the tour guides.
• Arctic Adventures: Arctic Adventures offers a two-day tour focused on the aurora and the Snæfellsnes peninsula north of Reykjavik, including sights of waterfalls and a black sand beach. A six-day tour with Arctic Adventures explores the south of the country, including an ice cave and a black sand beach, as well as a northern lights boat excursion from Reykjavik. Take note, though, that this tour does not accept children younger than 8, while the age minimum for the two-day tour is 6 years old. The company has received generally good feedback for its organization – negative reviews tend to come from customers who didn't get to spot the aurora.
• GJ Travel: Another reliable bet is GJ Travel, which has been showing visitors around Iceland for more than 90 years. This tour operator has garnered high praise for its "jam-packed" itineraries and extremely experienced guides. GJ Travel offers multiple northern lights tours that also stop off at key sights around Iceland. Choose a five-day tour or an eight-day trip , and know that these excursions may carry up to 40 people.

Northern lights tours from Reykjavik

• Iceland Everywhere
• Reykjavik Outventure
• Special Tours
• Elding Whale Watching

For more options, check out our list of the best Iceland tours .

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the northern lights can be visible from Reykjavík . "It's a myth that it's impossible to see them in the city," Connolly says. "If you find yourself stuck in Reykjavík each night, don't be disheartened – there are still plenty of places with wide-open views of the ocean and away from direct light, such as along the harbour downtown." Other local viewing spots include:

• Öskjuhlíð: This hill on the south side of Reykjavík offers decent views of the northern lights from the top. While you're up there, you can visit the spectacular glass-domed Perlan, a museum and restaurant offering an immersive aurora documentary in its unique planetarium, as well as spectacular views over Reykjavik. Although it's possible to see the lights from Perlan, the museum typically closes midevening, before the best viewing hours for the aurora.
• Seltjarnarnes peninsula: Located on the western edge of the city, this area's top viewing spot is the Grótta lighthouse, which provides scenic vistas of the night sky just far enough from the city lights.
• Mount Esja: If you have a car but want to stay close to the city, consider driving less than 20 miles out of toward snow-capped Mount Esja, which provides a splendid backdrop for the light show (but note that hiking on the mountain is not recommended during aurora season due to icy conditions).

Yes, though it's less likely as the Blue Lagoon typically closes in the late evening during the winter and early spring, which is often too early to see the northern lights.

Iceland's weather can be unpredictable. Because there's no easy way to plan around the changing forecasts, it's best to book a longer visit to the country. A two-day jaunt could easily be ruined by one patch of cloudy weather; if you stay on the island for a week, however, your chances of catching clear skies are much better.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Packable Jackets
• How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
• The World's Best Places to See the Northern Lights
• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel , Europe Vacations , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best places to celebrate juneteenth.

Suzanne Mason June 6, 2024

The Best Salem Tours

Lyn Mettler June 6, 2024

The Best Key Largo Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 6, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon June 5, 2024

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois June 5, 2024

The Best Graceland Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 5, 2024

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Brittany Chrusciel and Sharael Kolberg June 4, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Arkansas

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel  

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

Related Topics

• FAMILY TRAVEL
• CITY GUIDES

You May Also Like

How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics

Would you travel by flying taxi? Here's everything you need to know

Introducing nat geo kids book bundle.

Peak fun: what's new in the Alps this summer, from trains to trails

3 European cities of innovation and what they're doing to build a better future

The ultimate Canary Islands itinerary: 48 hours in Northern Lanzarote

The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

A family city guide to Berlin

• Environment
• Paid Content
• Photography

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Floods Break Dams and Submerge Highways in Southern Germany

Several towns declared states of emergency and evacuated citizens as water submerged streets and highways and derailed a high-speed train.

By Christopher F. Schuetze

Reporting from Berlin

After a weekend of heavy rains, severe floods in regions of southern Germany led several towns to declare states of emergency and to evacuate their citizens from heavily affected areas. Water submerged streets and highways, broke dams and derailed a high-speed train. Even as rain let up on Monday, emergency crews rushed to fortify dams along rivers in anticipation of further flooding.

On Monday morning, a 43-year-old woman was found dead in her basement in the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district in Bavaria, according to the local authorities. She had been missing since Saturday night.

Several hours later, responders who were pumping water out of a basement in Schorndorf in Baden-Württemberg found the bodies of a man and a woman, according to the police. On Saturday, a firefighter died trying to save people, according to the district he served; another firefighter has been missing since Saturday.

Tens of thousands of emergency workers, both local and from other regions, are responding to the disaster, which affected Germany’s two southern states, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The responders, who include 800 soldiers, have rescued people stranded in their houses and cars, built emergency dams and set up crisis accommodations.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, visited the small market town of Reichertshofen, roughly 35 miles north of Munich, on Monday and said that the flooding represented a new reality as the effects of climate change are being felt in Central Europe.

“What is also important to me is that we are very clear that this is not just an event that has been happening for centuries,” he told reporters, noting that he had visited four active flooding sites this year alone.

“We must not neglect the task of halting man-made climate change,” he told reporters on Monday. “This, too, is a lesson that we must learn from this event and this disaster.”

Between Friday at noon and Monday at noon, 120 to 160 liters of rain, or about 30 to 40 gallons, fell per square meter (about 11 square feet), which is more than usually falls in a month, according to Sebastian Altnau, a meteorologist with the German Weather Office.

The firefighter who became the first victim of the floods had set out with three colleagues on a boat late on Saturday to save a family stranded inside a building. Before they reached the house, the boat flipped. While three of the firefighters were able to save themselves, the body of the fourth was found early Sunday, a spokeswoman for the district confirmed.

In the small southwestern town of Ebersbach in Baden-Württemberg, the water pushed through a highway wall on Sunday night. A video published on the city’s Facebook feed shows how the water turned the road into an impassable river in seconds.

About 15 miles to the northeast, near Schwäbisch Gmünd, a sudden mudslide pushed a high-speed train off the rails and buried a car on Saturday night, according to the national rail service. Rescue workers were able to evacuate the train of its 185 passengers, and no one was hurt. After signaling with a flashlight, the driver, too, was picked up by rescue workers, he told the German newspaper Bild .

In both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg over the weekend, several dams broke, in some cases leading to flooding of entire neighborhoods. On Saturday in Reichertshofen, where the chancellor visited Monday, two dams broke despite being fortified with sandbags, allowing the Baar River to flood neighborhoods. Around 5,000 emergency workers helped with rescue and evacuation operations.

Responders spent much of Monday safeguarding against flooding from bigger rivers, which have swelled since the downpour. In the medieval city of Regensburg in Bavaria, in the southeast, emergency workers built a dam on Monday along the Danube River as it continued to rise. On Monday afternoon, the Danube’s level measured at over six meters, or nearly 20 feet — twice as high as it was on Friday morning.

The flooding has brought up memories of the disastrous Ahr Valley floods in 2021, which killed 189 people. The heavy rains, which scientists said were driven by climate change , led the Ahr River to rise sharply, sweeping up buildings, bridges and roads. At the time, the authorities were criticized for not warning the local populations properly.

Nancy Faeser, who, as Germany’s interior minister, is responsible for disaster response, traveled with Mr. Scholz on Monday. She told local reporters that she could see “lessons had been learned” in the Ahr catastrophe. “Coordination and organization work much better,” she said.

Christopher F. Schuetze is a reporter for The Times based in Berlin, covering politics, society and culture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More about Christopher F. Schuetze

Explore Our Weather Coverage

Extreme Weather Maps: Track the possibility of extreme weather in the places that are important to you .

Heat Safety: Heat waves are becoming increasingly common across the world. Here is how to keep yourself and your loved ones cool, hydrated and healthy .

Tornado Alerts: A tornado warning demands instant action. Here’s what to do if one comes your way .

Flash Flooding: Fast rising water can be deadly. Here’s what to do if you’re caught off guard , and how to prepare for a future flooding event.

Evacuating Pets: When disaster strikes, household pets’ lives are among the most vulnerable. You can avoid the worst by planning ahead .

Climate Change: What’s causing global warming? How can we fix it? Our F.A.Q. tackles your climate questions big and small .

10 European holidays worthy of your 2024 bucket list

From spotting Norway's Northern Lights to a ride on Switzerland's epic Glacier Express train

Our top picks include everything from a one-in-a-lifetime journey on the Glacier Express to a trip to Europe's prettiest Christmas market and a visit to Italy 's renowned foodie city of Bologna . And, all of our top picks feature Good Housekeeping Holidays , tailor-made and expertly curated trips that show you the very best of the region with fuss-free travel.

What's more, some of our organised trips included appearances from some very familiar faces , from top chef James Martin to journalist Michael Portillo . They'll join you on land, sea or rail to share their expertise, give you a tour of the local area and host Q&A sessions, demonstrations, activities and talks.

Take a look at our round-up of the best European bucket list trips to book now for 2024.

Sail the Rhine and visit Mainz, Europe's prettiest Christmas markets

Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its historic Christmas market on the Domplatz set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral is one for your bucket list. With sparkling fairy lights, wooden chalets and the scent of mulled wine, roasted almonds and spiced cider filling the air, you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time.

What's better than a Christmas market trip ? A festive cruise exploring several of Germany's prettiest winter markets. Our Good Housekeeping Holidays trip will have you soaking up the festive fun in Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, and Rüdesheim as you cruise the Rhine aboard the beautifully-appointed A-ROSA Aqua. There's a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Our exclusive Christmas cruise is available to book ahead for December 2024.

Explore the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express

A rail journey through the Alps is a bucket list trip you'll remember for a lifetime, and our exclusive Good Housekeeping Holiday will allow you to experience the beauty of this mountain range on the iconic Glacier Express. You'll enjoy unrivalled views as you journey past snow-capped peaks, dramatic ravines and beautiful villages, plus visit Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken. The Glacier Express is a rail journey you'll never forget. It's been in operation since 1930, and has been renovated with comfortable carriages and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes.

Our exclusive escape includes high-speed trains from London to Interlaken so you don't have to take a flight for this experience. Plus, there's four nights at the Hotel Metropole in Interlaken and a three-course lunch on the train.

FIND OUT MORE

Taste your way around Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna

Italy’s gastronomic capital Bologna is a great bucket list destination for the foodies amongst us. Renowned for its homemade pastas, meaty ragùs and myrtle-spiced mortadella sausage, it's known as La Grassa - 'the fat one'.To discover the fascinating gastronomic history and taste some of its world-famous food on a guided tour, join our Good Housekeeping Holidays trip for six-days of tasty experiences. In Bologna, you'll visit a local Parmesan factory, a Balsamic vineyard, and a family-run Parma ham producer.

On this trip, you'll also spend time in Modena where you can discover the city's history at the grand Duomo or the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums. Plus, take part in a cooking class and learn to host like a local. With a variety of 2024 dates available to book now, could Bologna be the European bucket list destination you tick off in the new year?

Discover the beauty and history of Venice over seven sublime nights

The romantic city of Venice is known and loved for its acclaimed art museums, stunning architecture and colourful history. Alongside the popular tourist spots, from St Mark's Basilica to Doge's Palace, Venice is also packed with hidden gems down the city's slender canals and surrounding islands.

The best way to explore its beauty is on the sleek and stylish, S.S. La Venezia, often described as a floating boutique hotel. You can enjoy a stay on this luxury ship with Good Housekeeping Holidays, where you will be joined by none other than acclaimed chef James Martin. As well as sailing the area and exploring all it has to offer, James will join you on the ship for a talk, Q&A and book signing. What's more, he'll be there to cook a mouthwatering gala dinner for one of your evenings on board.

Visit Madeira’s spectacular Flower Festival

The best time to visit Madeira, also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, is during its incredible Flower Festival so you can truly soak up the sights, scents and sounds of this special island. The festival is a celebration of spring, and the landscape becomes even more vibrant during the month-long celebration filled with performances and local traditions.

Here at Good Housekeeping , we've got you covered with a tailor-made, eight-day tour of the region during the 2025 Flower Festival so you can see the very best horticultural highlights of the island; from the orchids at Palheiro Gardens to the exquisite colours of the Monte. During this guided tour, you'll also have time to explore the Old Town in Funchal and take in the incredible views of the Ribeiro Frio National Park.

Sail along the Danube and explore Vienna

A cruise along the majestic Danube makes a fabulous European holiday for anyone passionate about art, music, and culture. This grand river meanders through Central Europe, where its banks are dotted with charming villages and magnificent cities such as Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, each full to the brim with cultural treasures.

Good Housekeeping's eight-day Danube cruise will take you along the mighty river through the Wachau Valley on board Uniworld 's luxury ship, Maria Theresa. Look forward to stops in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, discovering the art, architecture and fascinating history of each city with guided tours. As well as these important cities, you'll also stop off in some smaller towns, like pretty Dürnstein, where you can explore the quaint shops and castle ruins.

Hunt for Norway's Northern Lights

For wild natural scenery and jaw-dropping wildlife in Europe, Norway always delivers. Here adventurous travellers will find breathtaking landscapes dotted with tranquil fjords carved by ancient glaciers and towering, snow-capped mountains. Travellers are also drawn to Norway's icy Arctic region by the chance to see the ethereal Northern Lights dancing in the unpolluted skies. In this northernmost region, at the right time of year, the incredible Aurora is nearly certain to make an appearance. Good Housekeeping has a special winter expedition cruise that will take you through Norway’s fjords and up through the Arctic Circle to spot the Northern Lights

For an extra-special Northern Lights experience, why not join our expedition cruise with expert photographer Doug Allen, who has worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet? Doug will give you tips on how to capture the best of Norway's landscapes and wildlife on camera and will join you on an Arctic Coastal walk.

Cruise the Douro Valley and taste fine wines

Portugal’s Douro Valley is a wonderfully scenic wine-producing region, where rolling, sun-kissed hills are dotted with historic vineyards and wine estates that have been producing flavoursome Port wines for centuries. It makes an ideal European holiday destination for wine enthusiasts who can visit some of these historic Quintas and learn all about the process of wine production in the valley. Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise will begin in Portugal's second city of Porto, where you'll have some time to explore the historic old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, before setting sail along the river. You'll also stop at Régua, a town that has produced port wine since the 18th Century and continue onwards to the little town of Pinhão.

Travel from Venice to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

When it comes to European rail adventures, it doesn't get better than a trip on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This is an exceptionally luxurious train, with meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, kitted out with plush armchair seating, gleaming polished wood and brass fixtures. seasonal four-course d'hôte menus are served in the dining car, with a sommelier on hand with the perfect pairings.

The train travels several different routes throughout the year, but a favourite is an overnight trip from Venice to Paris. Good Housekeeping is offering a special ride on this route, where you'll be joined by journalist Michael Portillo, who'll give an evening talk and travel with you on the train. Michael is passionate about rail travel, and this will be his first time travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Explore Transylvania and stay at an Ice Hotel

For an unforgettable European trip, explore the gothic region of Transylvania and stay at the iconic Ice Hotel, which is built every year entirely of snow and ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake in the Fagaras Mountains. For an expert-led trip, you can join us on a Good Housekeeping Holidays guided tour through the region as you soak up the history, culture and charm of some of Romania's most picturesque medieval towns.

Tick Bucharest and Brasov off your list, before you head up rugged mountains for a stay at the Ice Hotel where you can go snow rafting or simply enjoy the icy scenery. On your return to Bucharest, you'll also visit Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - one for the bucket list.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Why Uniworld is world's best river cruise line

Best Portugal holiday destinations for 2024

10 travel toiletry bags for your next holiday

The best Italian family holidays

The most amazing ways to experience Italy

The best hotels in Rhodes

16 best Christmas hotels in the UK

The best hotels in Malta for 2024

The best long-haul holidays to take this year

The 2025 holidays to book now

The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for 2024