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Welcome to Scandinavia

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Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe and includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. With a royal history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, sustainable living and Nordic cuisine, the region offers unique explorations including Vikings, Sami Culture, design and architecture, Northern lights, the Mid Night Sun, the Fjords and much more!

Only in Scandinavia

With a royal history, unesco world heritage sites, sustainable living and nordic cuisine, the region offers unique explorations including vikings, sami culture, design and architecture, northern lights, the mid night sun, the fjords and much more.

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and southwestern Gothenburg and Malmö, are all coastal.

Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Scandinavian country in Europe and a sovereign state. The southernmost and smallest of the Nordic countries, it is south-west of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany.

Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.

Facts & Info

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL

Visa Information

Visa for all three countries can be obtained through the offices of VFS Global

Flight Information

All major airports in Scandinavia are well connected to India by leading European carriers

Hotel Information

All tourist spots offer a wide variety of stay options including leading hotels, guest houses and home stays

Restaurants

Indian food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, is easily available through several Indian restaurants

Scandinavia makes shopping an absolute pleasure - from classics to up-and-coming talent, this is where you will find the best buys

Getting around

The public transport infrastructure in Scandinavia is reasonably priced, quick, efficient and reliable

Pulsating with energy and glitter, Scandinavia is an expedition into the heartland of clubs and party hot spots

Ferries, Cruises and Voyages

Boats and ferries sail up and down the coast, in sheltered waters and across open seas, to towns and villages

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Scandinavia

Scandinavia’s numerous romantic spots make it an ideal destination for weddings and honeymoons

Scandinavia has a rich variety of nature-tours covering mountains, fjords, lakes, national parks and aurora lights

Discover the unique heritage and pilgrimage sites of Scandinavia, reminiscent of the Viking culture

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View over Geiranger, in western Norway. . . . #Geiranger #Fjords #Norway #Scandinavia #VisitScandinavia Photo: Tina Stafrén A post shared by Visit Scandinavia (@visitscandinavia) on Jul 1, 2017 at 8:21am PDT

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Scandinavia

Endless day, perpetual night. Rocking festivals, majestic aurora borealis. With effortlessly chic cities and remote forests, Scandinavia attracts style-gurus and wilderness-hikers alike.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, the ‘fortress of Finland’, straddles a cluster of car-free islands connected by bridges. This Unesco World Heritage site was originally built…

Kronborg Slot

Best known as the Elsinore Castle of Shakespeare's Hamlet, this Unesco World Heritage Site is a vast Renaissance masterpiece topped by baroque green…

Frederiksborg Slot

One of Denmark's most impressive buildings, this gigantic, Dutch Renaissance–styled fortress-palace rises proudly out of photogenic moat-lake Slotsø…

Mind-blowing Lego models, fun rides and the happy-family magic associated with great theme parks have transformed Legoland into Denmark’s most visited…

Vatnajökull National Park

Vast, varied and spectacular, Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice…

Hammershus Slotsruin

The impressive ruins of Hammershus Slot, dramatically perched on top of a cliff 74m above the sea, are the largest in Scandinavia. The castle was thought…

Tivoli Gardens

Dating from 1843, tasteful Tivoli wins fans with its dreamy whirl of amusement rides, twinkling pavilions, carnival games and open-air stage shows…

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Welcome to Scandinavia

From deciding when to go to choosing what to see, when you arrive, we tell you all you need to plan your trip and experience to the best of Scandinavia.

Scandinavia is a Northern European region that includes Denmark , Norway and Sweden. These three countries are often referred to as the Scandinavian countries. Finland and Iceland are sometimes considered part of Scandinavia, although they are not geographically located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The five countries together are called ´ The Nordic Countries´

What to See and Do

Here you can read articles with in-depth insider information on top attractions and must-sees like the famous Fjords in Norway , Viking Heritage in Denmark and the Northern Lights in the Arctic region. Find the hidden cultural gems like Kungsleden Trail in Sweden and the amazing Midnight Sun in Lapland . Visit also the capitals in Scandinavia as Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. See more about  Denmark, Norway,  Sweden

Difference between Scandinavia and the Nordic countries

Scandinavia historically encompassed the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. All three Scandinavian countries share a common language branch and understand each other culture.

The term "Scandinavia" is used for Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The name "Nordic countries" is used unambiguously for Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland, including Greenland, the Åland Islands and the Faroe Islands.

» See more about Scandinavian royal top attractions

Climate and geography in Scandinavia

The southern and, by far, most populous regions of Scandinavia have a temperate climate. Scandinavia extends north of the Arctic Circle but has relatively mild weather for its latitude due to the Gulf Stream. Tromsø  in Norway is a perfect place to discover the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun with this temperate climate.

The geography of the three countries is highly varied. The archipelagos of Sweden and Norway, the famous Norwegian fjords , the beautiful mountains, and the relatively flat, low areas in Denmark have lovely beaches . 

See the best time for visiting Scandinavia and the Nordic countries

Guide to Scandinavian Countries

Denmark Travel Guide

Scandinavian Royal Attractions

Amalienborg Palace

Gripsholm Castle

Frederiksborg Palace

Rosenborg Castle

Drottningholm Palace

Fredensborg Palace

The Royal Palace

Marselisborg Palace

Oscarshall Castle

Akershus Castle & Fortress

Tullgarn Palace

Explore the the vikings.

The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

Jelling Heritage Monuments

Birka and Hovgården

Ribe Viking Center

The Viking Village

Lofotr Viking Museum

Bork Vikingehavn

Vikingmuseum Ladby & Lindholm Høje

Sigtuna Museum

The Saga Museum

The Viking Market

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Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip

Jalyn Robinson is the assistant travel editor at Dotdash Meredith, working for both Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy. She started at TripSavvy in 2021 and joined Travel + Leisure in 2023, where she writes, edits, and assists with other editorial operations. 

Planning Your Trip

Places to visit, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, money saving tips.

Scandinavia and the Nordic region are historical and geographical regions covering much of Northern Europe. Extending from above the Arctic Circle to the North and Baltic Seas, the Scandinavian Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Europe.

Popular tourist destinations Denmark , Norway , Sweden , Finland , Iceland , and on occasion, Greenland , all make up the Nordic countries. (Three of them took the top three spots on the United Nations' World Happiness Report in 2021, with Finland being number one for the fourth year in a row.) As a whole, Scandinavia has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and is enriched with its own culture and way of life, which draws in millions of people every year.

This guide includes everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the best time to visit, the top Scandinavian destinations, where to stay, what to eat, and money-saving tips in this often-pricy part of the world.

Best Time to Visit: Because of the Nordic countries' locations, they have relatively long daylight hours in the summer and very short ones in the winter. Northern Norway and Finland experience almost no darkness during June and July. The summer season brings more stability in the weather , making it the perfect time to schedule outdoor adventures. The winter months are ideal for a quieter vacation and give the best opportunity to spot the Northern Lights because of the lack of light pollution.

Languages : Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese.

Currency : Each country has its own unique currency. Denmark and Greenland both use the Danish krone. Finland uses the traditional European Euro. Norway uses the Norwegian krone, Sweden uses the Swedish krona, and Iceland uses the Icelandic krona.

Getting Around : It is relatively easy to make your way around Scandinavia. The region is driveable , so long as you have a valid license, passport, the car's registration and insurance, and are over the age of 18. The road rules are also similar to that of the U.S., making driving more straightforward than in other countries. However, train travel is just as popular in this area and can be cheaper. There are various rail passes you can get to explore the region, or you can take private train rides, such as the famous Flam rails.

Travel Tips : Make sure you pack a variety of clothing, as the weather in Scandinavia can vary between each country. Plan ahead for a trip to Scandanavia, as there are many cities to visit and even more to see and experience.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen offers unique museums that explore its Viking heritage, guided tours to help immerse travelers in its everyday life, and historical sites, such as Amalienborg Castle, where the royal family takes their winter holiday. Travelers can see the changing of the guard daily. Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia's most popular tourist destinations, and there is so much to do that no two days could be the same.

Bergen, Norway

Norway offers stunning cities where the scenery might take your breath away. The city of Bergen is one of Norway's most popular and scenic destinations, where you can peruse an old-timey fish market or enjoy buildings that date back to the 14th century. Don't forget to spend some time in the natural beauty of the mountains and fjords surrounding the city.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a busy tourist attraction all on its own. The city is full of gorgeous sights and experiences, including two free beaches, several impressive churches, and Djurgården, a nature park on an island right in the middle of Stockholm.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's picturesque terrain is perfect for anyone who wants to earn some stunning photos. Travelers can visit the Blue Lagoon, a series of naturally-heated thermal pools near Iceland's capital Reykjavik. Some people say that bathing in the lagoon can help treat certain skin conditions - it's like visiting a spa minus the insane prices. Travelers can also enjoy whale watching on a whale safari, and depending on where you go and who you booked with, you might even have the opportunity to swim with the giant sea mammals.

Helsinki, Finland:

While less of a tourist attraction than some of the other Scandinavian capital cities, the capital city of Finland, Helsinki, offers some of its own top-notch attractions. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Suomenlinna Fortress , a  UNESCO-designated  historic site. It holds several shops, restaurants, and museums inside, including one housed in an old submarine. Close to the capital are more than 300 islands that bring in thousands of visitors for recreation and other entertainment throughout the year.

The Scandinavian and Nordic countries are well known for their delicious foods, and each country has its own special something to offer up.

It's hard to think about Sweden's cuisine without thinking of the famous Swedish meatballs, whether it's because it's the national dish or because of the success of Swedish furniture titan IKEA, but that isn't the only dish the nation has to offer. Cinnamon rolls originated from the country in the 1920s, and they are celebrated in Sweden every year on Oct. 4, on Kanelbullar Day. A popular food that isn't entirely as well known outside of the country is smörgåstårta, also known as sandwich cake. Most commonly served at parties and other large gatherings, smörgåstårta is fresh-baked bread filled with meats, fish, and vegetables, often topped with sour cream and cream cheese "icing."

Finnish foods are more fresh and straightforward, but that doesn't mean they aren't delicious. Lohikeitto, for example, is a soup made with salmon, potatoes, and leeks, primarily popular in the winter. Reindeer meat is also a country staple and can be found in most restaurants.

Norway's national dish, Fårikål, is exactly as the name depicts in English—mutton and cabbage. It's simple but delicious and often eaten in the colder months in the country. If you're interested in going out and having a drink , you might see Aquavit on the menu, one of the more well-known alcoholic beverages in Norway made from potatoes and grain.

Denmark's food is much more than the stereotype of meat and potatoes. They have a lot of delicious sweets to offer their visitors. A famous bakery treat found all around the country is flodebolle, a wafer cookie with marshmallow cream and covered in chocolate. The pastry named the Danish, well known in other parts of the world, also comes from its namesake but is often only eaten in Denmark on special occasions or weekends.

Iceland, of course, is well known for its seafood . Travelers can experience seafood that they might not be able to try in their own countries, such as puffin, whale, and fermented shark.

If you're looking to pack your itinerary with multiple activities every day and enjoy finer restaurants and hotels, the capital cities of any of these five countries will be where you want to stay. Copenhagen, Helsinki, Reykjavik, Oslo, and Stockholm are the hub of their respective country's culture and arts, and you'll find plenty to do and explore. It is easy to take day trips to some of the smaller, surrounding towns from these larger cities.

Where you stay should also depend on what kind of things you're looking to experience on your trip. If you're interested in seeing the Northern Lights, for example, you'll want to leave the hustle and bustle of a capital city and go somewhere much more secluded, such as a smaller and less populated area in Sweden .

Camping can also be a fun and different kind of stay; just make sure you know all the rules and regulations before setting up camp.

There are several options when it comes to reaching the many Scandinavian countries. The best airport to fly into in Finland is the Helsinki Vantaan Airport , right in the nation's capital. It's the largest airport in Finland and the easiest for international travel, as it serves over 100 destinations, including the other Scandinavian countries.

Copenhagen International Airport is the closest to Denmark's capital if you're interested in flying there. The Helsinki Vantaan Airport flies to over 100 destinations, although flying into Copenhagen might be a bit cheaper.

Sweden's Stockholm Arlanda Airport is one of the biggest airports in Scandinavia, serving more than 27 million passengers annually. It has many connections to some of the more remote Scandinavian airports.

The Oslo Gardermoen Airport  in Norway is closest to Norway's capital and has several means of public transportation within.

Keflavik International Airport is Iceland's largest airport and will only get more prominent in the coming years. The flights here are arguably the cheapest, but with the capital city of   Reykjavik still being 45 minutes away, it's not the most convenient of the airports.

• Enjoy all of the free things that Scandanavia offers, including its three most extraordinary natural phenomena, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the Midnight Sun, and the Polar Nights.
• Scandanavia's casual cafes and bars usually offer very filling meals for a relatively low cost. Integrate them into your eating itinerary instead of sticking to restaurants only.
• If you're interested in touring museums and other local attractions in Sweden or Norway, look into getting a city card, which can offer discounts and sometimes free admission to some of the most popular tourist sites. They can be purchased online for a day or more.
• Instead of using ATMs to access the many different kinds of currency in the region, travel with your debit and credit cards instead. It will save you money on potentially high ATM fees.

Related Articles

More related articles.

The 16 best places to visit in Scandinavia

Snowy landscapes, stunning scenery, awe-inspiring fjords, majestic lakes and mountains – yes, Scandinavia offers all these things.

But it’s also a region that’s home to surprisingly cosmopolitan cities, quirky towns and villages, world-class museums, and a great range of places to stay from remote glamping sites and treehouses to trendy hostels, boutique B&Bs and converted castles.

Here we pick some of our favourite places to visit in Scandinavia, whether you’re visiting in summer, spring, autumn or winter!

Stockholm Copenhagen Oslo Gothenburg Gotland The fjords Abisko Ærø Lofoten Bergen Svalbard Tromsø Jokkmokk Bornholm Dalarna Lund

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s capital, the vibrant city of Stockholm sits on a series of 14 islands. A photographer’s dream, its grand waterfront buildings contrast with a beautifully preserved old town, miles of open parkland and some impressive examples of contemporary architecture.

But it’s not all about the views. Stockholm boasts some top-class museums – from the Academy of Fine Arts to the people-pleasing Abba Museum – plus plenty of palaces, where you can marvel at the lavish lifestyles of the royals.

And, of course, it’s Sweden’s liveliest city, with a cool café culture and nightlife. Not to mention its designer boutiques, hip bars and clubs and cutting-edge cuisine.

Stockholm highlights:

• Try these awesome free and cheap things to do (all 100 of them!)
• Explore the beautiful Stockholm archipelago
• Go skiing or ice-skating (in winter) or try hiking in the summer
• Eat yummy Swedish  meatballs  and visit the world’s biggest Ikea – or do both at once
• Take a guided tour to learn more about the city’s rich history

Copenhagen, Denmark

Another place that should be high on your Scandinavian wish list is  Copenhagen . If your impression of the Danish capital is of bleak, glowering streets gleaned from gloomy Scandi Noir detective series, think again. The epitome of cool, this is a trendy and welcoming waterside city with a lively and surprisingly hip café, bar and music scene.

Europe’s cycling capital, it’s a great place to explore by bike, or by boat. From the historic 12th-century castle and grand royal palaces to the traditional Tivoli Gardens and alternative ‘free town’ of Christiania , the city’s attractions are varied.

And in recent years, it’s developed an unrivalled culinary scene and given birth to the fashionable New Nordic cuisine, with its emphasis on local and seasonal food.

Copenhagen highlights:

• Take a boat tour around the canals (or hire your own vessel for some laid-back exploring!)
• Eat crazy amounts of scrumptious Danish food without blowing your budget
• Enjoy a day trip to see ancient Viking sites and some very modern art
• Grab some two-wheeled transport and explore like a local
• Buy a Copenhagen Card and hit as many museums as possible

Oslo, Norway

Surrounded by water, mountains and forests, Oslo is an easy-going city with a fine array of international museums, parks and galleries.

Lovers of contemporary architecture will want to check out the city’s fantastic modern buildings – the striking Opera House, the Astrup Fearnley Museum and the state-of-the art ‘floating’ Holmenkollen ski jump – but there’s plenty for history buffs and art fans too. Museums devoted to subjects as diverse as Polar exploration, wartime Resistance, Viking ships, the Kon-Tiki expedition and, of course, Edvard Munch and his famous Scream are all here.

And if you’ve had enough of all that culture, just hop on a ferry and explore one of the nearby Oslofjord islands – Hovedøya is the nearest and one of the prettiest too.

Oslo highlights:

• Try authentic Norwegian cuisine at the city’s cosy cafés and restaurants
• Prove that Oslo can be cheap to visit with these free activities
• Drink local beer at some of Oslo’s laid-back breweries
• Visit the Oslofjord to get your first taste of the Norwegian fjords
• Go snowboarding or skiing at one of the scenic spots nearby

Gothenburg, Sweden

Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg may be at heart an industrial port city, but its wide avenues, leafy parks, world-class museums and lively student population make it an atmospheric place to spend a weekend.

Hop on one of the fun and efficient trams that criss-cross the city to visit its many parks, galleries and attractive regenerated neighbourhoods, or leap on a ferry and venture further afield to explore the islands of the southern archipelago.

Add to this a buzzy nightlife, quirky boutiques, a fantastic fish market in a converted church, great street food trucks, the world’s weirdest-looking sauna and some of Sweden’s more affordable accommodation and you can’t fail to have a great stay.

Gothenburg highlights:

• Visit Scandinavia’s best theme park , which is right in the middle of town
• Hang out in Hisingen , an up-and-coming suburb away from the tourist crowds
• Sail, swim or sink your teeth into incredible seafood in the Gothenburg archipelago
• Fika with the locals at cool, laid-back cafés
• Enjoy some of the city’s geekier distractions , from comic stores to odd museums

Gotland, Sweden

Sweden’s largest island, Gotland lies in the Baltic Sea, a three-hour ferry trip from the mainland. Its highlight is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby. A Unesco World Heritage site, its warren of narrow cobbled streets, timbered buildings and fortified walls are a joy to explore.

But the rest of island is appealing too, with miles of long sandy beaches and lush woodlands. Gotland is pretty flat, so hire a bike and set off round the island, stopping en route at its pretty rural villages, small fishing settlements and local farms and cafés.

For a few weeks in summer, Gotland becomes party central, when it seems like half of Stockholm’s population decamp here to sun themselves on the beaches. But for most of the year, it’s a lovely, low-key rural idyll.

Gotland highlights:

• Explore the winding streets and cobbled lanes of medieval Visby
• Go deep underground on a visit to the epic Lummelunda Cave
• Take the ferry to the tiny island of Fårö, just off Gotland, for total peace and quiet
• Try to snap the perfect picture of the unusual rock formations edging Gotland’s coastline
• Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, an old quarry with surprisingly warm water (in summer, anyway!)

The Norwegian fjords

Some of Scandinavia’s most spectacular scenery can be found in the Norwegian fjords , whose craggy glacier-formed inlets, sheer cliffs and crashing waterfalls have a scenic drama rarely found elsewhere.

Norway boasts some 1000-or-so fjords, many dotted with pretty mountain villages and small port towns. Some are easily visited by boat, car or even mountain railway – the village of Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, for example – while others require more effort to reach, involving a long vertiginous, winding bus journey or even a hike.

But any effort spent getting here will be amply rewarded – the sheer beauty of the region is an Instagrammer’s dream.

Norwegian fjords highlights:

• Take the spectacular train ride from Bergen to Flåm
• Stop off for some cheap and cheerful  sightseeing in the pretty city of Bergen
• Gawp at the views from Preikestolen  and other famous stopping-off points
• See the northern lights dancing overhead (and in the reflection of a fjord!)
• Explore the Oslofjord on a budget

Abisko, Sweden

A true Scandinavian wilderness, with great hiking and vast lakes, the Abisko National Park is the definition of remote. It’s home to bears, lynx and elk, and marks the end of an epic hiking trail, the 500km-long Kungsleden.

However, it’s best known throughout Sweden for offering the country’s most impressive and consistent views of the swirling colourful northern lights. Cameras at the ready…

Abisko highlights

• Join a dog-sledding tour and head out onto the crisp white snow
• See the northern lights – this is one of the best places in the world for aurora-spotting
• Tackle the epic Kungsleden hiking trail
• Take a side trip to Kiruna and the Icehotel
• Enjoy some of Sweden’s best nature, starting from the remote Abisko Turiststation

Ærø, Denmark

One of Denmark’s prettiest islands, Ærø is a picturesque place in the South Fyn archipelago, fringed with sandy beaches, and dotted with traditional villages and quaint colourful cottages. Its handsome capital, Ærøskøbing, is a joy, with cobbled streets and well-preserved houses, plus some decent seafood restaurants and cafés selling local produce.

And if this isn’t enough to tempt you, it even has its own whisky distillery, brewery and tobacco plantation making hand-rolled cigars – a sybarite’s dream.

Ærø highlights:

• Laze on the island’s best and most sandy beaches
• Discover Ærøskøbing’s quirky cafés and restaurants
• Sample a drink (or two) at the island’s own distillery
• Rent a bike or go hiking, then try some gorgeous glamping
• Hop back to the mainland for more pretty coastal towns

Lofoten, Norway

A necklace of islands strung along Norway’s coastline, the Lofoten are connected by one main road, which wends its scenic way across the archipelago by bridge, causeway and tunnel. A laidback place, its attractions include sandy beaches, majestic fjords, jagged mountainscapes, rare seabird colonies and pretty fishing villages.

Fishing is Lofoten’s lifeblood, and to get to the real heart of this remote region you should stay in a rorbuer , or traditional fishing hut. Depending on your budget, they vary from basic seaside tin huts to beautifully renovated buildings with cosy wood-burning stoves where freshly-caught fish is cooked for dinner. Sit back and enjoy!

Lofoten highlights:

• Explore the islands’ picturesque fishing villages
• See the northern lights from a traditional cabin by the water
• Sharpen up your photography skills with some of Scandinavia’s best scenery
• Learn about the islands’ unexpectedly rich history at the  Lofotr Viking Museum
• Rent an Airbnb somewhere truly special

Bergen, Norway

Known as the gateway to the fjords, Norway’s second city, Bergen is an appealing, laid-back place, worth spending a few days in its own right.

Formerly home to Hanseatic merchants, its Unesco-protected Bryggen district is an attractive place to wander amid winding cobbled lanes, brick warehouses and old timber shops and houses.

The town also has plenty of museums, covering a variety of subjects from Viking ships through art to the Norwegian Resistance. Add to this some great cafés and restaurants and you may be tempted to linger longer before heading out to the fjords.

• Seek out Bergen’s best free and cheap activities
• Take this 10-hour round trip to see some of the area’s best scenery
• See the colourful wooden buildings at Bryggen
• Check out the street art and visit KODE, a cool collection of galleries

Svalbard, Norway

Home to more polar bears than people, the snowy wastes of the Svalbard archipelago lie some 500 miles north of mainland Norway. A land of glaciers, mountains and the midnight sun, this icy wilderness is a great place for Arctic adventures.

There’s constant daylight between May and August, while the darkness of the polar night from November to February make it one of the world’s best places to view the northern lights.

It takes some planning to get to, but you’ll be rewarded with the most dramatic landscapes of glacial fjords and wild tundra. Go exploring by dog-sled or snowmobile and you may even glimpse some of the native wildlife such as polar foxes, reindeer, whales, walruses and, of course, the famous bears.

Tromsø, Norway

A former fishing port and trading station within the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a remote outpost surrounded by snowy mountains and an indented coastline of fjords and islands.

However, it’s also a vibrant university town with a sizeable student population, which keeps its café, bar and club scene very much alive and kicking. There are also some surprisingly cheap and comfortable places to stay .

The town’s sights include a dramatic contemporary cathedral, an Arctic aquarium and an interesting Polar Museum. Nature lovers, however, may prefer to explore the world’s most northerly botanical gardens, or take the funicular up to the top of nearby Mount Storsteinen for fantastic fjord and city views.

Jokkmokk, Sweden

It’s a long journey through miles of forests to reach the small town of Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle . Lying in Swedish Lapland, Jokkmokk is proud of its native Sami culture, and the local museum is a great place to learn more about its indigenous people.

In summer, the town makes a good base for hiking in the surrounding forests and mountains, plus fishing, kayaking – and even swimming for the brave – in the local rivers and lakes.

However, it’s winter when Jokkmokk really comes to life, with its annual Winter Market which has been attracting visitors every February for over five hundred years to buy and sell local produce and enjoy a festival of traditional Sami songs, dancing and celebrations.

Bornholm, Denmark

Denmark’s easternmost Baltic island, Bornholm is a picturesque place of sandy beaches, craggy granite outcrops, round white-washed churches and pretty fishing villages. Its main sight is the Hammershus, Northern Europe’s largest castle ruins, which date from around 1300.

Accessed by ferry from Ystad in Sweden, the island has long hours of sunshine and excellent light, which has attracted many artists over the years and resulted in a fine tradition of arts, crafts and ceramics.

Today, it’s also something of a culinary hotspot, with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and some tempting local specialities including smoked and cured fish.

Dalarna, Sweden

Home of Sweden’s iconic red houses , the region of Dalarna is a popular summer holiday spot for Swedes who come here to swim, sail and kayak in Lake Siljan, hike in the pine woods or camp by one of the lakeside beaches.

This picturesque region is also a good winter sports destination, hosting the gruelling annual Vasaloppet, the world’s longest cross-country ski race.

And if you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, head below ground to explore the historic Falun Mine . Once the world’s largest copper mine, it’s now a well-preserved World Heritage site and underground adventure.

Lund, Sweden

It may be one of Sweden’s oldest cities with a cathedral dating from 1145 and a university from 1666, but Lund has got a lively modern vibe.

Perhaps because of the large student population, it’s a forward-thinking city with a vibrant arts scene, cutting-edge design and technology companies, plus a raft of eco-friendly innovations such as buses run on biogas.

There’s no shortage of culture here too, including a state-of-the-art science centre, a large open-air museum in the city centre and a modernist art gallery.  And don’t miss the Saluhallen, a former market hall, now home to some of the city’s tastiest cafés, restaurants and stalls selling delicious local produce and delicacies.

Don’t forget insurance – even if your trip has already started!

It’s no good visiting Scandinavia if you don’t have decent insurance in place. Even though Scandinavia is safe, we strongly recommend getting good insurance. It really can make a world of difference when things go wrong.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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The Most Beautiful Places in Scandinavia

A few things come to mind when we think of Scandinavia: hygge , modern, minimalist furniture, avant garde dining , the Northern Lights. But above all, the countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark make us think of staggering natural and architectural beauty. (Some people include Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands under the umbrella term of “Scandinavia," but we're sticking strictly to the Merriam-Webster definition here.) We're talking ancient castles , snowy forests, historic city centers, and countless fjords. Thanks to the rise in popularity of stopover programs with airlines like Norwegian Air and Icelandair, these northern stretches of Europe are more accessible than ever—so what are you waiting for? To inspire your next trip, here are 19 of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød

Built in the early 17th century, this stunning Renaissance castle sits on three lake islets in Hillerød, just north of Copenhagen —but it feels like an entirely different world. The castle complex is known for its exquisite gardens and for housing the Danish Museum of National History.

Located on the Jutland Peninsula, Aarhus was named both the European Region of Gastronomy and European Capital of Culture for 2017. Denmark's second-largest city has three Michelin-starred restaurants and landmarks like the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum art museum, which sports an iconic rainbow walkway.

Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen

Walking into Tivoli Gardens already feels like stepping inside a fairytale—a feeling that grows exponentially once you stumble upon the palatial Nimb Hotel . Built as a castle in 1909, this hotel manages to preserve its grand Moorish past (see: the mosaic-clad pool and Turkish hammam) while embracing modern-day Scandinavian style, complete with clean decor and bath products all made in Denmark.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

This 17th-century harbor with rows of colorful buildings is easily the most iconic site in all of Copenhagen. Lined with wooden ships, modern boats, and the aforementioned Crayola-colored townhouses, the spot is a must-see, as evidenced by the constant buzz of locals and visitors alike.

These white chalk cliffs stretch for more than three miles along the eastern coast of Møn, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea. The cliffs and surrounding areas attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, who also come to see rare orchids and nesting peregrine falcons, the world's fastest animal.

Dating back 1,307 years, Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark—and in all of Scandinavia. The city was established in the early eighth century, and while you can't find any structures that ancient around today, the picturesque cathedrals and half-timbered houses on cobblestone streets are well worth a visit.

Atlantic Ocean Road

Often considered one of the world's best road trips , driving the Atlantic Ocean Road on Norway's western coast is almost like signing up for an amusement park ride, complete with roller coaster dips and eight thrilling bridges. Ease up on the gas a little to enjoy your beautiful surroundings—you might even spot seals and whales swimming in the adjacent ocean.

The Arctic Hideaway

While it's becoming increasingly hard to go completely off the grid these days, Norway has you covered with The Arctic Hideaway , a hotel located on its own island (Fordypningsrommet) above the Arctic Circle. The sleek accommodations and gorgeous setting make the island one seriously dreamy vacation spot, bookable on Airbnb. The cabins' floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Northern Lights , letting you cross the activity off your bucket list while sitting indoors under a warm blanket.

Geirangerfjord

Situated in southwestern Norway, the UNESCO-recognized Geirangerfjord in southwestern Norway is among the most scenic fjords anywhere in the world. Its beautiful landscape features steep, 2,000-foot rock walls, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. You can get the best views from the deck of a cruise ship, but another great option is to drive the Geiranger-to-Trollstigen route, stopping overnight at the gorgeous Juvet Landscape Hotel .

No trip to Norway is complete without a stop in Bergen, the country's second-most populated town and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe . The postcard-perfect town is known for its scenic harbor, colorful rows of wooden houses, and surrounding mountain range (known as the Seven Mountains).

Preikestolen

Easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a rock platform located nearly 2,000 feet above the surrounding fjord. Serving as a sort of natural observation deck, the landmark lets hikers take in unencumbered views of the fjord's vertical cliffs and granite formations. Just be sure to visit sooner than later—geologists say the platform could be at risk of collapsing .

While much of Norway is all about the picturesque coastal towns and stunning natural sites, the capital city of Oslo stands out with its sleek skyline. Dine at the Mathallen Oslo food hall, view contemporary artwork at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and explore its iconic Scandinavian architecture via bike —by far one of the best ways to tour the city.

Most Pinterest or Instagram users have seen a photo of Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue), Norway's undeniable social media darling. The protruding rock sits about 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, tempting travelers to inch out to the edge to snap a photo.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Stockholm is built for walking and biking, and there's no better place for a leisurely stroll than Gamla Stan, the historic center of the city. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with cozy boutiques and restaurants, and you can see Stockholm's 13th-century roots throughout the cathedrals and old merchant houses.

Arctic Bath Hotel

The Arctic Bath Hotel made a splash when it opened in early 2019, thanks in large part to the fact that it floats on the Lule River in Swedish Lapland . The main building's design draws inspiration from the woods, with a criss-crossed log exterior and paneled wood interiors, and the theme is further emphasized among the 12 cabins lining the river. Take a plunge in the open-air Arctic pool, then immediately warm up in one of the adjacent saunas or with a cup of mulled wine in the restaurant.

Abisko National Park

Home to Scandinavia's largest lake, Abisko is also known for its flowering Abiskodalen valley, rushing rapids, and accessible nature trails. The park, established in 1909, is considered one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights , thanks to its clear weather and coordinates.

Stockholm Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago is the largest archipelago in Sweden, with tens of thousands of tiny islands stretching some 40 miles off of Stockholm, and a popular vacation spot for locals during the summer holidays. The best way to see the islands is by hopping on a ferry in Stockholm; hitch a ride to admire all the red wooden holiday homes, and enjoy some fishing or foraging on the shores.

Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi

Located in Jukkasjärvi (population: 600) in far northern Sweden, the aptly named Icehotel originally opened in 1992 as little more than a glorified igloo and has since become a year-round, 20-suite hotel with an art gallery and bar.

Visby, the only town on the island of Gotland, was once a major Viking trading settlement. Today, it's a walled town with UNESCO World Heritage honors. Take a walking tour of the city, making time to stop and learn about the island's history at the Gotland Museum. Whatever you do, don't miss trying a saffranspannkaka (or three): this Gotland specialty, a saffron pancake topped with fresh cream and salmonberries, dates back to the 18th century.

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Nordic Perspective

Scandinavia & the Nordics: A Guide to the Nordic Countries

Are you among those who are a bit curious about those weird Northern European lands filled with weird, blond, blue-eyed, people and with crosses on their flags? Scandinavia , the Nordics , or why not the Land of Vikings — the region has been called many things over the years. Here’s everything you need to know about the Scandinavian and Nordic countries; where and who we are, what the culture is like here, and how we look and behave. Basically, a handy guide for those who want to get more acquainted with Scandinavians and the Nordic countries in general.

ℹ️ You’ll get to know the Nordics with help from data-driven insights and my personal experiences from having grown up here and traveled around the region my entire life. To paint a more vivid picture of the places and people, I’ve also included lots of photos from my own life and travels. Lastly, I’m including plenty of links to further reading throughout this article if you’d like to dig deeper.

Map of Scandinavia and the Nordics

• Scandinavia & the Nordic Region — What's the Difference?

What Connects the Nordic Countries?

🇫🇴 faroe islands, 🇬🇱 greenland, 🇦🇽 åland islands.

• The Nordic Flags (with the so-called "Nordic Crosses")

Famous Scandinavian Women

Famous scandinavian men, ordinary scandinavians, 🇳🇴 norwegian, further reading on the norse vikings, further readings on norse mythology, scandinavian & nordic unity, is finland considered part of scandinavia.

• So why aren't the Finns seen as Scandinavian?

The Countries of Scandinavia and the Nordics

Scandinavia & the Nordic Region — What’s the Difference?

Locally (and technically) speaking, Scandinavia refers to the countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark — all speaking the Scandinavian languages and home of the Norse people during the Viking Age. The Nordics include Scandinavia plus Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland — along with the island regions of Åland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard .

To make it a bit more complicated, for most of the English-speaking world, Scandinavia can more commonly refer to not only Sweden, Norway, Denmark, but also Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands . However, this is not a common view at all here in the Nordics.

The Nordic countries are today tied together culturally, historically, financially, and politically ; specifically when it comes to the following areas and compared to the rest of the world:

ℹ️ The Nordic countries are more commonly called Norden locally, which literally means “the North”. In the Nordics you would similarly refer to a Nordic person as Nordisk which means “of the North”. This infers that Nordic means “of the North” as well.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at each of the Nordic countries next, with a map and some quick facts about each country.

👑 Official name : Konungariket Sverige ( Kingdom of Sweden ) 🆔 Meaning : “ The land of the Swedes “ 📍 Location : Northern Europe 🏛 Capital : Stockholm (pop: 2 428 987 in 2022) 💬 Languages : Swedish, Sami 👫 Population : 10 502 959 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 81.7 years, Women 85 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $60 239 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area : 173 860 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : Around 970-1100 , gained independence in 1523 ℹ️ The most populous Nordic country and biggest economy, home of Ikea, Pewdiepie, Spotify, the Skarsgårds, and Midsummer

Sweden is the most populous country in the Nordic region, and the largest economy as well. It borders Norway and Finland by land in the north, and Denmark across the Öresund strait in the south.

From the beautiful rolling hills and canola fields of the southern region of Skåne, to the deep forests and jaw-dropping Icehotel in the northern region of Norrland—Sweden offers a multitude of unique experiences.

It’s also known for consumer-brand exports such as IKEA, Volvo, and H&M, as well as tech innovations such as Spotify, Minecraft, The Pirate Bay, and Skype.

If you’re hungry for more in-depth information about Sweden, I’ve written plenty of articles that describe the country in more detail.

For an extensive list of more things Sweden is known for, go read my epic guide to Swedishness .

Related Reading

38 Things Sweden Is Known For: An Epic Guide to Swedishness

It sometimes surprises me how much people actually know about this small home country of mine — even if it’s remotely located in the cold Nordics, covered in darkness for half the year, and home to a measly 10 million socially awkward and abnormally tall people. Read Article Now

If you’re more curious about the Swedish people, I’ve written an article that describes how Swedes behave and what Swedish culture is like in general :

What Swedish People Are Like (Behaviors, Stereotypes & More)

You might have heard a funny stereotype about us silly Swedes and wondered, are they really like this? Or you might just be curious about Swedish culture, how Swedish people actually behave, or what the Swedish social etiquette is all about. Whatever your reasons, I bid you a warm welcome to this guide to what Swedish people are actually like. Read Article Now

A Quick Travel Guide to Sweden

Language: The official language is Swedish, but English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, making it easy for tourists to communicate.

Currency: The currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).

Capital: Stockholm is the capital and largest city in Sweden, as well as the home of the Royal Palace. It is built on 14 islands connected by bridges and offers a charming blend of historical sites, modern architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Climate: Sweden has a temperate climate with mild summers and cold winters. Summers (June to August) are pleasant, while winter (December to February) can be quite cold, especially in the northern regions.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Sweden is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is favorable, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, winter is also a popular time to visit for those interested in experiencing a Nordic winter and the magical Northern Lights.

Notable Cities: Aside from Stockholm, other notable cities to visit in Sweden include:

• Gothenburg : Known for its vibrant food scene, maritime heritage, and beautiful archipelago.
• Malmö : A modern and multicultural city with an impressive mix of old and new architecture (and my hometown!).
• Uppsala : Home to Sweden’s oldest university and a great Viking museum, Uppsala offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Tourist Attractions:

• Gamla Stan : Explore Stockholm’s charming Old Town, with its narrow medieval streets, colorful buildings, and royal palace.
• Abisko National Park : Located in Swedish Lapland, it is the perfect spot to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
• Gotland : Visit this stunning island with medieval architecture, sandy beaches, and idyllic countryside (I spent 2 years here and loved it!).
• Vasa Museum : Discover the well-preserved Vasa warship, which sank in Stockholm’s harbor in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later.

Food: Swedish cuisine offers an array of delicious dishes, including iconic Swedish meatballs, sill (pickled herring), gravlax (cured salmon), and cinnamon/cardamon buns. Don’t forget to try traditional “delicacies” like surströmming (fermented herring) and smörgåstårta (“sandwich cake”).

Travel Tips:

• Sweden has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it convenient to explore the country.
• Cashless payments are widely accepted in Sweden, so carrying a credit card or relying on mobile payment apps is recommended.
• Swedes practice “allemansrätt,” which grants everyone the right to access and enjoy the natural landscapes. Respect nature and follow guidelines to preserve the environment.

👑 Official name: Kongeriket Norge ( Kingdom of Norway ) 🆔 Meaning : “ The Way North “ 📍 Location : Northern Europe 🏛 Capital : Oslo (pop: 1 019 513 in 2022) 💬 Languages : Norwegian , Sami 👫 Population : 5 553 840 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 81.1 years, Women 84.8 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $89 203 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area : 148 729 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 872 , gained independence in 1905 ℹ️ Highest GDP per capita in the Nordic region, home of fjords, glaciers, and oil rigs

Norway is the smaller, prettier, and wealthier western neighbor of Sweden; filled with majestic mountain ranges, enchanting fjord landscapes, and rich historical landmarks.

It is not only the richest country in the Nordics (from a per capita perspective), but also one of the wealthiest countries in the world — not the least due to its massive oil and natural gas resources scattered around the Norwegian Sea.

The country’s fjords, mountains, and natural wonders will truly leave you speechless; I’ve spent countless hours hiking around places like Geirangerfjord and Hardangerfjord , simply amazed by the scenery.

And no, this is not a corny exaggeration, it is truly mind-bogglingly beautiful!

The country is known in sports circles for its hugely successful downhill and cross-country skiers, the mega-star footballer Erling Haaland, and of course the #1 chess player in the world – Magnus Carlsen.

The capital Oslo offers many architectural wonders, a historical old town, and kind and helpful people — and is great to explore on foot as well.

Travel Showdown: Sweden Vs. Norway (Where To Go?)

For those looking for a Scandinavian adventure, both Sweden and Norway will be excellent choices that will leave you with many great memories. Both enjoy safe travel, beautiful nature, friendly people, uniquely Scandinavian towns and cities, and interesting historical sites. But what if only one of the countries could fit in your itinerary, and you had to pick one? Read Article Now

A Quick Travel Guide to Norway

Language: The official language is Norwegian, but English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, making it easy for tourists to communicate.

Currency: The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Climate: Norway experiences moderate winters and cool summers in coastal areas, while the inland areas can have considerably colder winters and hotter summers.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to visit due to warmer temperatures. Winter (November to March) is perfect for winter sports and viewing the Northern Lights.

Notable Cities:

• Oslo:  The capital city boasts of modern architecture, fascinating museums like the Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum, and vibrant nightlife.
• Bergen:  Known for the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, the Fløibanen funicular, and its close proximity to the fjords.
• Tromsø:  This city is great for viewing the Northern Lights and offers many winter activities.
• Fjords:  Norway is famous for fjords, including the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Viking Museum:  Gain insights into the Viking culture and history.
• The Northern Lights:  Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Food: You must try traditional Norwegian dishes like Rakfisk (fermented trout), Klippfisk (dried and salted cod), and Lutefisk (stockfish). Also, don’t miss out on tasting Brunost, a unique sweet brown cheese.

• The public transportation in Norway is excellent. The trains, buses, and boats are well-connected, making it easier to explore.
• Remember to respect the local culture and environment. Norway takes sustainability and nature conservation seriously, and it is expected that tourists do the same.

Whether you’re a lover of history, nature, or culture, Norway offers countless experiences for every type of traveler. Enjoy your journey in this beautiful Nordic country!

👑 Official name: Kongeriget Danmark , Kingdom of Denmark 🆔 Meaning: “ The Danish march “ 📍 Location: Northern Europe 🏛 Capital: Copenhagen (pop: 2 135 634 in 2022) 💬 Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic 👫 Population: 5 920 767 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 79.6 years, Women 83.4 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $67 803 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area: 16 580 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : Late 8th century ℹ️ The smallest Scandinavian country, home of Lego, Mads Mikkelsen, hygge, smørrebrød, and bikes

Denmark is known as the land of Lego, Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), and Hygge (getting cozy), as well as being the most continental Nordic country in culture and location.

It consists of the Jutland Peninsula and several islands, including Zealand, where the capital city of Copenhagen is located, and is really a small country when considering the total area of the mainland. However, if you count the semi-autonomous countries of the Faroe Islands and Greenland (which are technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark), it’s suddenly quite vast.

Nonetheless, the capital Copenhagen is the largest city in the Nordics, and offers a superb mix of canals, harbors, boardwalks, pedestrian-only streets, royal palaces, and of course the free city Christiania.

Swedish vs. Danish Culture

To outsiders, Swedish and Danish people might seem very similar; as Scandinavian brothers and sisters with a common history and ethnicity. But how do the two cultures actually compare, and how do they get along with each other? Read Article Now

A Quick Travel Guide to Denmark

Language: The official language is Danish. However, most Danes also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Currency: The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK).

Capital: Copenhagen is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It offers a mix of historical sites, innovative architecture, and a thriving culinary and cultural scene.

Climate: Denmark has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Denmark is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing. However, spring and autumn can also be delightful with fewer crowds.

Notable Cities: In addition to Copenhagen, other notable cities to visit in Denmark include:

• Aarhus : Denmark’s second-largest city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, museums, and stunning architecture.
• Odense : The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, this city offers a glimpse into Denmark’s history and fairy tale charm.
• Helsingør : Home to Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s famous play “Hamlet.”
• Tivoli Gardens : Located in the heart of Copenhagen, it is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and offers a mix of rides, beautiful gardens, live entertainment, and delicious food.
• Nyhavn : This picturesque waterfront area in Copenhagen is lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses, bars, and restaurants, offering a lively and charming atmosphere.
• The Little Mermaid : One of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks, the statue of the Little Mermaid sitting on a rock has become an iconic symbol of the city.
• Legoland Billund : Perfect for families, Legoland is a popular theme park in Denmark, featuring an array of impressive LEGO sculptures, rides, shows, and activities.

Food: Danish cuisine is known for its open-faced sandwiches, smørrebrød , which are topped with a variety of ingredients and usually combined with a shot of aquavit . Other traditional dishes include frikadeller (Danish meatballs), stegt flæsk med persillesovs (pan-fried pork with parsley sauce), and æbleskiver (a type of Danish pancake).

• Denmark has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains and buses, making it easy to explore the country.
• Renting a bicycle is a popular way to get around in Denmark, as the country is relatively flat with many dedicated cycling paths.
• Keep in mind that Denmark can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly. However, there are also plenty of free attractions and activities to enjoy.

👑 Official name: Suomen tasavalta (Finnish), Republiken Finland (Swedish), Republic of Finland 🆔 Meaning: “ The Land of the Finns “ 📍 Location: Northern Europe 🏛 Capital: Helsinki (pop: 2 135 634 in 2022) 💬 Languages: Finnish, Swedish, Sami 👫 Population: 5 569 431 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 79 years, women 84 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $53 982 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area: 130 678 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 1809 , Independent from Russia 1917 ℹ️ The only Nordic country that doesn’t speak a language with Norse roots, home of the sauna, Moomin, Angry Birds, and Santa Claus

Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” and the home of Sauna , Moomin , Nokia , and of course the annoyingly succesful Angry Birds .

Being half-Finnish I’ve spent every other summer and winter break growing up visiting and enjoying the uniquely Finnish way of life with my Suomalainen family.

The Finnish language is the odd one out in the region, as the only language without any Old Norse roots, and for being extremely different from its neighbor’s languages.

That said, Finland was part of Sweden for close to 500 years before falling into Russian hands, and when it finally gained independence in 1917 it forged strong bonds with its western neighbor that are even stronger today.

Finnish Origins & Heritage Explained (Where Did The Finns Come From?)

Ever wondered how it came to be that the Finnish language is so different from the Scandinavian languages, why the Finns aren’t usually included in the term Scandinavian, or who the closest relatives to the Finnish people really are? I have written an article about the origins of Finnish culture and heritage, where I answer these questions and lots more! Read Article Now

A Quick Travel Guide to Finland

Language: The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in tourist areas.

Currency: The currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR).

Capital: Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is a vibrant cultural hub with a blend of modern and historical architecture.

Climate: Finland experiences distinct seasonal changes. Summers are mild and pleasant, while winters can be cold with significant snowfall. The Arctic regions in the north have colder temperatures.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Finland depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers long daylight hours and pleasant weather, while winter (December to February) provides opportunities for winter sports and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Notable Cities: In addition to Helsinki, other notable cities to visit in Finland include:

• Rovaniemi : Located right on the Arctic Circle, it is known as the official home of Santa Claus and offers winter activities, including sleigh rides, reindeer safaris, and ice fishing.
• Turku : The former capital city of Finland, known for its historic landmarks, medieval castle, and vibrant riverfront.
• Tampere : Finland’s third-largest city, offering a mix of cultural attractions, museums, and scenic lake views.
• Northern Lights : Head to Finnish Lapland for a chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
• Santa Claus Village : Visit Rovaniemi and step into the magical world of Santa Claus, where you can meet Santa himself and cross the Arctic Circle.
• Archipelago National Park : Explore the stunning archipelago off the southwestern coast of Finland, consisting of thousands of islands and islets, perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
• Suomenlinna Sea Fortress : Located just off the coast of Helsinki, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into Finland’s history with its well-preserved fortress and picturesque surroundings.

Food: Finnish cuisine is influenced by its Nordic neighbors, emphasizing fresh and local ingredients. Try traditional dishes like salmiakki (salty licorice), lihapiirakka (a meat and rice-filled pastry), reindeer meat, Karjalan piirakka (rice-filled rye pastry), and kalakukko (fish and pork-filled pastry).

• Finland has an excellent public transport system, including trains and buses, making it easy to explore the country.
• Sauna culture is an integral part of Finnish life. Don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional Finnish sauna, which is an essential part of Finnish culture and relaxation.
• Remember to pack appropriate clothing based on the season you’ll be visiting, including warm layers and waterproof gear.
• Finland’s nature is pristine and preserved, so help maintain its beauty by respecting the environment and following guidelines for responsible tourism.

👑 Official name: Island, Iceland 🆔 Meaning: “ The Land of Ice “ 📍 Location: North Atlantic Ocean 🏛 Capital: Reykjavík (pop: 131 136 in 2022) 💬 Languages: Icelandic 👫 Population: 376 248 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 82.2 years, women 84.9 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $53 982 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area: 39 682 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 930, Independent 1918 ℹ️ Closest to Old Norse out of all Nordic languages, home of volcanoes, phenomenal landscapes, geysers, and Björk

Iceland is a fairly remote island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its spectacular volcanic landscape, relaxing hot springs, and vomit-inducing fermented shark specialty.

If you want to learn how the Vikings spoke, the Icelandic language is the closest to Old Norse out of all the North Germanic languages.

A Quick Travel Guide to Iceland

Language: The official language is Icelandic. However, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.

Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).

Capital: Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It offers a lively arts and music scene, colorful buildings, and a great selection of restaurants and cafes.

Climate: Iceland’s climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, resulting in cool summers and mild winters. The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s advisable to pack layers and be prepared for changes.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers longer days, milder temperatures, and the opportunity to explore the stunning Icelandic landscapes. Winter (December to February) is ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights and engaging in winter activities.

Notable Attractions:

• Golden Circle : Experience three iconic natural wonders – Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall – all in one route.
• Blue Lagoon : Relax and rejuvenate in the famous geothermal spa with its mineral-rich, milky blue waters.
• Vatnajökull National Park : Home to Europe’s largest glacier, where you can hike, explore ice caves, and witness captivating ice formations.
• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls : These stunning waterfalls offer unique experiences, with the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and see the rainbow at Skógafoss.
• Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon : Marvel at the floating icebergs in this picturesque glacial lagoon, where you can also take boat tours.

Food : Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Icelandic cuisine, such as fresh seafood (including delicious Icelandic salmon and cod), Icelandic lamb, and their unique delicacy, fermented shark. Skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt, is also a must-try.

Travel Tips :

• Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) allows you to drive around the entire country, exploring its scenic landscapes. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility and convenience.
• Be aware of the unpredictable weather and carry appropriate clothing, including waterproof and warm layers.
• Iceland is known for its geothermal energy, which powers most of the buildings and hot water supply. Be mindful of conserving energy and being eco-friendly.
• Respecting nature is crucial in Iceland. Follow designated paths, avoid littering, and leave no trace of your visit.

👑 Official name: Føroyar (Faroese), Færøerne (Danish), Faroe Islands 🆔 Meaning: “ The Sheep Islands “ 📍 Location: North Atlantic Ocean 🏛 Capital: Tórshavn (pop: 21 078 in 2022) 💬 Languages: Faroese, Danish 👫 Population: 54 000 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 79.9 years, women 84.5 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $66 321 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area: 540 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 1030 ℹ️ Part of the Danish Kingdom, home of the puffin, breathtaking cliffs, sheep, and cozy grass roofs

The Faroe Islands are home to puffins, cozy grass-roofed houses, and gorgeous coastal landscapes.

When we spent time on these islands a few years back we were taken aback by how spectacular the landscapes were, how untouched the islands felt, and how warmly the locals welcomed us.

And due to its location in the North Atlantic Ocean, the climate is volatile and harsh and never gets truly cold or warm.

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A Quick Travel Guide to the Faroe Islands

Language: The official language is Faroese. However, Danish is also widely spoken and understood by most Faroese people.

Currency: The currency in the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna , which is a local version of the Danish krone (DKK).

Capital: Tórshavn is the capital and largest city in the Faroe Islands. It is known for its colorful houses, charming harbor, and lively cultural scene.

Climate: The Faroe Islands have a maritime subpolar oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters. The weather is highly changeable, so it’s advisable to pack layers and waterproof clothing. To illustrate this, during a May visit some years ago we experienced hail, snow, rain, and nice and sunny weather — all in the same afternoon.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is milder, and the days are longer. However, the islands have their own unique charm in all seasons.

• Sørvágsvatn (Leitisvatn) : A stunning lake located on Vágar Island, famous for its optical illusion that makes it appear as if the lake is hovering above the ocean.
• Mykines : This remote island is a bird lover’s paradise, inhabited by puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds. It is also home to a picturesque lighthouse and breathtaking cliffs.
• Gásadalur : A village situated amidst striking landscapes with a picturesque waterfall, Múlafossur, and stunning coastal views. It was once one of the most isolated villages in the Faroe Islands.
• Skansin : A historic fort located in Tórshavn offering panoramic views of the city and the harbor.
• Kirkjubøur : A historic village with well-preserved medieval ruins, including the ruins of an ancient cathedral and the oldest still-inhabited wooden house in the world, Kirkjubøargarður.

Food: Try the traditional Faroese cuisine, including dishes like ræst kjøt (smoked and fermented lamb), skerpikjøt (dried mutton), and Faroese fish delicacies like salted or dried fish. Faroese cuisine is often centered around locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

• Public transportation in the Faroe Islands is limited, so renting a car is recommended to explore the islands at your own pace.
• Make sure to plan out your meals, as there are not that many restaurants and stores around. And if you do find one, chances are it’s closed (speaking from experience here!).
• Be prepared for unpredictable weather and changes in road conditions. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before venturing out.
• Respect the local nature and wildlife by following designated paths and trails, and avoid disturbing bird colonies. The islands have a strong conservation focus, and it’s essential to do your part in preserving their natural beauty.
• Keep in mind that the Faroe Islands are a remote destination, and some facilities may have limited opening hours, especially in more rural areas.

👑 Official name : Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenlandic), Grønland (Danish), Greenland 🆔 Meaning : “ The Green Land “ 📍 Location : North Atlantic Ocean 🏛 Capital : Nuuk (pop: 19 023 in 2022) 💬 Languages : Greenlandic, Danish 👫 Population : 56 466 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 68.3 years, women 73.7 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $54 570 USD (2021) 🗺 Total Area : 836 330 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 1262 , Self rule 2009 ℹ️ Part of the Danish Kingdom, home of glaciers, tundra, and polar bears

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world’s largest island.

Known for its unique Arctic landscapes, massive glaciers, and rich Inuit culture, Greenland offers adventurers an unparalleled experience.

It is also known as being the site of a peculiar diplomatic exchange between Denmark and Canada, where the countries take turns claiming an island located in between the two while leaving a bottle of booze as a gift for the next expedition every time.

A Quick Travel Guide to Greenland

Language: The official languages are Greenlandic and Danish. English is also widely spoken and understood, particularly in tourist areas.

Currency: The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK).

Capital: Nuuk is the capital and largest city in Greenland. It serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic hub of the island.

Climate: Greenland has an Arctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and cool, short summers. Temperatures vary across different regions, with coastal areas being milder than the inland regions.

Best Time to Visit: The summer months from June to August offer the most comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours, making it the best time to explore Greenland’s unique landscapes.

• Ilulissat Icefjord: Located on the west coast, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its immense icebergs, calving glaciers, and breathtaking scenery.
• Eastern Settlement : Visit this historic site, the remains of the first Norse settlements in Greenland, dating back to the 10th century.
• Disko Island : Explore this picturesque island with its stunning volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and vibrant wildlife, including whales and seals.
• Greenland National Park: Covering a vast area of Northeast Greenland, it is the largest national park in the world. Experience raw nature, glaciers, and wildlife, including polar bears and musk oxen.

Food: Traditional Greenlandic cuisine includes various seafood like fish, shrimp, and whale meat. Other specialties include mattak (whale skin and blubber) and kiviak (fermented seabird).

• Greenland is best explored through organized tours, as the terrain and weather conditions can be challenging.
• Pack warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather in Greenland can be unpredictable, even in summer.
• Respect the local culture and nature by following guidelines and instructions given by tour guides and authorities.
• Observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior or habitats.

👑 Official name : Ahvenanmaa (Finnish), Åland (Swedish), Åland 🆔 Meaning : “ Land of Water “ 📍 Location : Baltic Sea, Northern Europe 🏛 Capital : Mariehamn (pop: 19 023 in 2022) 💬 Languages : Swedish 👫 Population : 30 129 citizens (Oct 2022) ❤️ Life expectancy : Men 80.4 years, women 85.5 years (2022) 💰 GDP per capita : $51 934 USD (2022) 🗺 Total Area : 610 sq mi ⏳ Consolidated : 1920 , Self rule ℹ️ Autonomous region of Finland, but culturally and ethnically Swedish. The least populous Nordic country, and home of the Åland Archipelago

The Åland Islands is an autonomous region of Finland located in the Baltic Sea in between Sweden and Finland. Comprising of more than 6,500 islands, this archipelago offers a unique blend of Scandinavian and Finnish culture, stunning nature, and maritime heritage.

What makes this island region unique is that it’s a culturally Swedish region within Finland, that speaks Swedish and follows Swedish traditions more so than Finnish.

This has been the case since the age of Vikings, when it was an important trading port on the way east towards Kievan Rus and even Miklagård (Istanbul).

It was given to Finland by the UN after the first world war, and is commonly used as a textbook example of how to solve a territorial island dispute amicably.

And while most Ålanders see themselves more as Swedes than Finns, the country still enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a part of Finland (which might not have been the case if they were part of Sweden).

A Quick Travel Guide to Åland

Language: The official languages are Swedish and Finnish. However, Swedish is the predominant language spoken on the islands.

Currency: The currency used in the Åland Islands is the Euro (EUR).

Capital: Mariehamn is the capital and largest town in the Åland Islands, known for its picturesque waterfront, maritime history, and charming architecture.

Climate: The Åland Islands experience a mild maritime climate, with cool summers and relatively mild winters due to the moderating effects of the Baltic Sea. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Åland Islands is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is at its warmest and daylight hours are long. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the archipelago.

• Maritime Museum, Mariehamn : Discover the rich maritime history of the Åland Islands in this museum, showcasing fascinating exhibits and ship models.
• Kastelholm Castle : Explore this medieval castle located on the main island, offering a glimpse into the region’s history and providing stunning views from its tower.
• Archipelago Trail : Drive, bike, or hike along the scenic Archipelago Trail, a 250-kilometer route that winds through Åland’s picturesque landscapes and charming coastal villages.
• Långnäs Village: This small village is a popular starting point for exploring the eastern islands, with beautiful nature, picturesque cottages, and opportunities for fishing and boating.

Food: The local flavors of Åland revolve around fresh seafood such as Baltic herring, salmon, and smoked fish. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Åland pancakes, a traditional dessert served with cloudberries and whipped cream.

• The Åland Islands are accessible by ferry or by air. Ferries operate from mainland Finland and Sweden.
• Renting a bike or a car is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace. It allows you to visit remote areas and experience the natural beauty of the archipelago.
• Keep in mind that the Åland Islands have their own autonomous status within Finland, and they maintain their own rules for governance and taxation.
• Respect the pristine nature of the islands by following hiking and camping guidelines, and dispose of waste responsibly.

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The Nordic Flags (with the so-called “Nordic Crosses”)

Almost all the Nordic flags have the iconic “Nordic Cross”—a rotated Christian cross to symbolize the region’s late conversion from the Norse gods of the Viking Age to Christianity in the 11th century—with the exception being Greenland.

A red Nordic cross on a yellow background was also used as the union flag during the Scandinavian Kalmar union between 1397 and 1523, when most of the Nordics were united under one ruler, and one flag.

Greenland has ultimately opted for a different type of flag, as although the country has been under Scandinavian influence for most of the time since Erik the Red established the first Norse colony in Greenland in 986, the now mostly Inuit population is moving for independence from the Danish Kingdom it’s still formally a part of.

And speaking of Denmark, the Danish flag (“Dannebrog”) is claimed to be the oldest continuously used flag in the world according to the Guinness World Records!

So we’ve covered the countries located up in the cold north, but how about the people? Let’s look at who the Scandinavians are next.

The Scandinavian People

The people currently living in Scandinavia may seem like a stereotypically homogenous bunch today ( the famously blond and blue-eyed Scandinavians ), but in reality, we have arrived to the region from a number of different places.

The first people who settled in the Scandinavian region arrived some 14 000 years ago after the most recent ice age, one wave from the northeast (the modern day Russian steppes), and one from the south (Central Europe) .

Both of these groups of people were hunter-gatherers who mainly followed the herds of animals that entered the region as the ice retreated, and it would take another 8 000 years until this way of life changed when farmers from Anatolia and Syria arrive in the region.

After a few millennia of farming and intermingling between the old and new arrivals, there would come a new wave of people to Scandinavia around 4 800 years ago from the steppes north of the Black Sea and the so-called Yamnaya culture .

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After these three major influxes of people into the region, a common culture started taking form in Scandinavia, which would eventually become the Germanic and later Norse culture of the Iron and Viking Ages (around 400-1100 CE).

Over the past 1 300 or so years we Scandinavians haven’t changed all that much—studies have shown that we share around 65%-80% similar DNA to Scandinavians from the Viking Age—though we have seen more people continuously migrate to the region.

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This is especially true over the last 40 years, as hundreds of thousands of immigrants have arrived from the Balkans, the Middle East, and the horn of Africa mainly.

So what do Scandinavians look like today? I’ll list some examples below of people you might have heard of who come from the region, but if you’d like to dig deeper I’ve also written an extensive article that goes into great detail about Nordic physical traits .

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To get a better idea of what Scandinavian women look like and to get better acquainted with some of the more famous ones, I’ve included a small selection of the many inspiring women from the cold north below:

You might think to yourself, “Alright all the celebrities are gorgeous, big surprise! How about regular folks?”

It’s no surprise that actors and artists are on average more attractive, and I don’t want to promote a skewed notion that all Scandinavians are perfect ( trust me, we are NOT! ).

So let’s include some more everyday examples of “ordinary” folks from the region as well, mostly from photos I’ve taken myself in Malmö, Sweden, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, over the years:

The Scandinavian Languages

Swedish is an East Nordic language spoken by around 10 million people, making it the most common Scandinavian language. It is the main language of Sweden, and also a minority language in Finland where they still have some Swedish-speaking parts along the coast and the border to Northern Sweden.

The autonomous island region of Åland is also Swedish-speaking, situated in between Sweden and Finland (and officially part of Finland).

Danish is an East Nordic language spoken by around 6 million people. It is the main language of Denmark, and is also spoken by many in the Faroe Islands and Greenland (both self-governing countries within the Kingdom of Denmark).

Norwegian is a West Nordic language spoken by around 4.5 million people, which also makes it the smallest Scandinavian language. It is the main language of Norway.

ℹ️ If you’re interested in the Scandinavian languages and how they compare, I’ve written an article where I dive deeper into how Swedish, Danish and Norwegian sound, which is easier to learn, and how useful each language can b e.

Nordic History: Vikings, Norse Mythology, Nordic Unity

The strong Nordic connection comes from a mostly common history; we share the same origin story and can trace our common ancestors back to the first inhabitants of the region (of course mixed with wave after wave of immigrants over the years).

Though we have changed a lot over time and had our fair share of conflicts and disagreements, the Nordic people have essentially shared a similar culture and values from the Bronze Age up until today.

That’s a 14 000-year-old connection; no wonder we are hard to tell apart sometimes!

Historians generally agree that the Nordic Bronze Age culture was the cradle of all the Germanic tribes that would spread out across Europe, and contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire. And out of the Northern Germanic tribes came the Norse Vikings, who would yet again set out on raids and colonize large parts of Europe a few hundred years later.

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Old Nordic Symbols: Norse Runes & Viking Ornaments (Meanings & Examples)

Old Norse mythology is filled with fascinating symbolism, and the runic alphabets of Germanic Europe have told numerous tales of heroic deeds and tragic deaths over the years. Having worked with graphic design for most of my life, I’m a huge fan of typography and symbolism, and also a huge history nerd. So I’ve spent a lot of time reading about and trying to understand the Viking symbols left behind on runestones, jewelry, weapons, armor, and other items from the Viking Age.

Although the three Scandinavian countries do share a common origin, history, language group, and culture—and even agree on most modern-day politics—the Scandinavian region is not unified by a common governing body (such as the EU or the US, for example).

The countries each have their own separate governments, and despite being part of the same Scandinavian language group, the three languages aren’t really mutually intelligible (although especially Swedish is widely understood among young Danes and Norwegians ).

That said, within the larger Nordic region (which formally includes Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland) there is a regional co-operation agreement in effect through the Nordic Council (formed in 1952).

The Nordic Council of Ministers is made up of 87 elected representatives from all the countries in the council, and was formed to foster cooperation between the Nordic countries and “to make the Nordic region one that people want to live and work in”.

Common Questions

Formally and locally speaking, Finland is generally not considered part of the Scandinavian region or the Scandinavian people (Sweden, Denmark, and Norway). However, the broader Scandinavian definition commonly used in the US sometimes includes Finland, Iceland, Åland, and the Faroe Islands when referring to Scandinavia and Scandinavians.

A small part of northern Finland is also technically part of the Scandinavian peninsula, bordering both Norway and Sweden above the arctic circle.

It’s also important to note that Finland has been part of both Sweden and through it the Scandinavian Kalmar union (for a combined 500 years), so the Scandinavian ties are still strong to Finland, although sometimes with a bad connotation from the Finnish perspective.

When including Finland with the Scandinavian countries the terms Fenno-Scandinavia or Fennoscandia are sometimes used.

ℹ️ I wrote an article diving deeper into whether Finland is Scandinavian or not , so if you want to find out more about Finland’s links to Scandinavia go check that out.

So why aren’t the Finns seen as Scandinavian?

The short answer is that the Finns do not share the same origin story that Scandinavians do, but instead have their own unique story of how they came to the Nordic region, and a separate cultural heritage from the Scandinavian.

I have written an article about Finnish heritage and the origin of the Finns , so go and check that out if you’d like to find out more about the fascinating Finnish history.

https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2022.pdf

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/quality-of-life

https://www.norden.org/en/information/official-nordic-co-operation

https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/n1TUAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

https://sok.riksarkivet.se/sbl/Presentation.aspx?id=15413

https://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen

https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/befolkning/befolkningens-sammansattning/befolkningsstatistik/

https://www.dst.dk/nyt/40193

https://www.ssb.no/befolkning/folketall/statistikk/befolkning

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By Karl Andersson

As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. He left Sweden at 19 to explore the world, and stayed abroad for almost 8 years—during which he backpacked, worked every job there was, earned a degree from UC Berkeley, and met the future mother of his children. He ultimately returned to his native Malmö with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world.

An interesting find and one with lots of things to learn. These are places and people I tend to daydream about during the Arizona summers. Cool, damp and green are in short supply around here so I am glad to have found a place where I can at least see pictures of it. Thanks.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article Steven! Having spent some time in the southwest deserts myself, I can certainly relate and confirm the stark contrast between the two worlds. But there are certainly some magnificent landscapes around your neck of the woods too!

If you’re interested, I send updates every now and then with photos and stories from the Nordics through my newsletter. I love taking photos of life here in the Nordics, so it’s certainly a big part of the newsletter! You can sign up here: https://shop.nordicperspective.com/get-a-free-guide-to-the-nordics

Thanks for reading,

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Itinerary | 12 Full Days, 6 Fantastic Stops

• Post author By Melissa
• 1 Comment on The Ultimate Scandinavia Itinerary | 12 Full Days, 6 Fantastic Stops

Scandinavia is a wonderful, safe, family-friendly region of northern Europe that will make for an unforgettable vacation. It is one of the more expensive areas of Europe to visit, but it is worth the money to see the natural beauty of this area.

We spent 12 days in Scandinavia and loved every single one of them. Our trip started in one of the most popular Scandinavian cities , Copenhagen, Denmark, and it ended in Bergen, Norway.

We were able to see parts of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, although by no means were we able to see and experience everything we wanted to in this region.

A lot of people have asked us about this trip, so I wanted to lay out all of the details in a full overview of Scandinavia… A complete Scandinavia itinerary – 12 days, 6 stops.

This Scandinavia itinerary briefly covers all the cities, towns, and villages we visited, the places we stayed, how much money we spent, and the attractions we were able to see.

Although you could easily spend 10 days in Norway alone, we only had 12 days for all of Scandinavia. So, this whirlwind travel itinerary covers a lot of ground.

Useful things you will need for Scandinavia

Because you will be changing cities and hotels every couple of days, I recommend backpacking rather than bringing rolling luggage with you. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may also need rain gear. After all, Norway is lush and green for a reason. It rains a lot!

In fact, it rains a lot in Denmark and western Sweden, too. There is a good chance it will rain at least once during your 12 days in Scandinavia. Here are a few must-have items for your trip.

About Scandinavia and the Nordic North

The Nordic north region of Europe consists of five countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland , and Iceland . However, only three of those countries are considered Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Although many throughout the world use the terms “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” interchangeably, they are not the same, and locals in Iceland and Finland will make sure to correct you if you make that assumption.

The Scandinavian region of the Nordic north refers to the ancient territory of the Norsemen.

While the five countries that make up the Nordic north are all similar in economic structure, politics, and history, for the purpose of this itinerary, the term Scandinavia refers only to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.  

How to get around Scandinavia 

The major cities and tourist sites in Scandinavia are well connected by trains, buses, and even boats. But for part of our Scandinavia itinerary, we decided to rent a car and road trip. This allowed us to visit some of the smaller, charming fishing villages in western Sweden that aren’t very accessible using public transport.

• We always book rental cars in Europe through Discover Cars , so we can compare prices and get the best deal.
• We book most our train tickets using RailEurope which partners with train companies across the continent.  

ALSO READ: AN HONEST RAIL EUROPE REVIEW

Overview of this Scandinavia itinerary 

Here is a brief outline of our 12-day travel itinerary for Scandinavia. We will get into more details below on each city or region. Keep scrolling to see a day-by-day breakdown of what to see and do on your Scandinavia trip.

Copenhagen, Denmark (Day 1-3)

• Where to stay: Steelhouse Hostel
• What you’ll need: Copenhagen Card

Gothenburg, Sweden (Day 4)

• Where to stay: Scandic No25
• Train ticket from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Smogen (Day 5)

• Where to stay: Smogen Hafsvad
• What you’ll need: rental car

Weather Islands (Day 6)

• Where to stay: TanumStrand

Oslo, Norway (Day 7-8)

• Where to stay: Scandic Byporten
• What you’ll need: Oslo Pass

Flam, Norway (Day 9)

• Where to stay: Brekke Apartments
• What you’ll need:  Norway in a Nutshell transportation package

Bergen, Norway (Day 10-12)

• Where to stay: Hotel Oleana

The different regions you’ll visit during this Scandinavia itinerary

The Scandinavian peninsula is huge, so if you only have 12 days in Scandinavia, I’d recommend not trying to see it all.

You’ll need to narrow down your Scandinavia itinerary to just a few places otherwise you’ll spend all your time driving or on a train.

This 12-day Scandinavia itinerary takes you through the majestic fjords of Norway, to the rugged west coast of Sweden, and to the bicycle-friendly streets of beautiful Copenhagen.

Fair warning, it will leave you wanting to see more. You see, Scandinavia isn’t just big, it’s incredible! Here are some of the highlights you’ll see in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. Not only is it home to one of the best amusement parks in the world, but outside of that, there are so many things to do in Copenhagen with kids .

From the vibrant, photogenic canal street, Nyhavn, to the stunning Rosenborg castle and its surrounding gardens, you will love exploring the streets and sites of Copenhagen.

West Sweden coast

Relaxing, serene, and rugged – the West Coast of Sweden will be a tranquil escape during your busy 12 days in Scandinavia.

The coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages and an untainted and primarily uninhabited archipelago begging to be explored.

Oslo, Norway

The capital city of Norway is a great place to get a grasp on Scandinavian culture, history, and Nordic life in general.

With countless museums spanning various interests like art, Viking history, and even skiing, Oslo, Norway is a chic metropolitan area with a friendly and extremely safe vibe.

Norway fjords

The fjords of Norway are practically supernatural. They are beyond majestic. I’d go as far as to say they are heavenly. The fjords are the number one tourist draw for Norway, and for a very good reason.

This area of Norway, near the village of Flam , is one of the most naturally beautiful regions of the world.

A fjord is a deep, narrow body of water surrounded by steep mountains. In the fjords, you’ll see countless waterfalls, enjoy scenic hikes, and feel completely immersed in nature.

Bergen and the west Norway coast

Bergen is a quaint city at the mouth of the fjords. Sitting on the southwestern coast of Norway, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe.

It is surrounded by mountains and is often called the gateway to the fjords, as it is the starting point of many of Norway’s most popular and picturesque fjord tours. This colorful city has a whimsical, almost fairytale-like charm.

With a row of colorful wooden buildings lining the old wharf, the city is often a starting or ending point on many Norway itineraries, including this 12-day Scandinavia itinerary.

But what about Stockholm? 

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia , so why isn’t it included in our itinerary?

Time constraints and distance are the two main reasons that Sweden’s capital city is not on our Scandinavia travel itinerary. 

If you have a full two weeks in Scandinavia, you could visit Stockholm for a couple days then fly to Copenhagen and follow the rest of our itinerary. Or, you can always add Stockholm to a trip that includes Helsinki, Finland and the country of Estonia, instead.

Our Personal Experience following this Scandinavia travel guide

We traveled across Scandinavia with our then 3-year-old daughter, so nothing on this itinerary is extremely strenuous.

Although the days are filled with a ton of activities, this Scandinavia 12-day itinerary isn’t so full that you won’t be able to simply sit and enjoy a gelato, a glass of wine, or a fika in Sweden.

Although there isn’t anything on this itinerary that a toddler wouldn’t be able to do, if you are looking to take part in more adventurous activities, like some of the longer, strenuous hikes in Norway, you can still follow this itinerary and just modify your activities each day. 

Day-by-Day Breakdown of our 12 Days in Scandinavia

This day-by-day breakdown of our itinerary gives you a rough idea of how you can feasibly spend 12 days in Scandinavia, what to see, how much time you will need, and how to get around the easiest.

Day 1 – Copenhagen, Denmark

You’ll start your 12-day Scandinavia itinerary in Copenhagen, Denmark. We arrived by plane mid-morning and took the train to the central train station (also known as Kobenhavn H). At the airport you can also pick up your Copenhagen Card .

You will want to buy one for the 2-3 days you are in Copenhagen, as admission to everything on this itinerary is included in the price.

From Kobenhavn H train station it is a short walk to Steelhouse Hostel, where we stayed in a private hostel room that was perfect for traveling with kids .

There are various other hotels and accommodations in the area, as well if hostels aren’t your thing. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll want to drop off your bags at your hotel so you can spend your afternoon exploring luggage-free.

Reserve your Copenhagen Card

Your first Copenhagen experience will be a Carlsberg Brewery tour. The self-guided tour takes a couple of hours. It’s interesting and includes beer! The brewery has a free shuttle bus which picks you up across the street from the train station and runs hourly until 5 p.m.

After the brewery tour, enjoy your two beers then either shuttle, take the metro, or walk back to your hotel and enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

• Where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget: Steelhouse Hostel
• Alternative hotel if hostels aren’t for you: Andersen Boutique Hotel

Day 1 Highlights

• Carlsberg Brewery tour
• Explore Vesterbro District 

Day 2 – Copenhagen, Denmark

This will be a busy day of sightseeing, so wear comfortable walking shoes and consider renting bicycles to get around the city faster like the locals do.

Start your day walking toward Stroget, the busy shopping district in Copenhagen. You’ll find plenty of places where you can grab breakfast along the way.

From there head to Nyhavn to stroll along the picturesque canal street before making your way to Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guards at noon. Afterwards, you’ll hit up Kastellet, and the Little Mermaid, one of the most famous statues in Europe .

We walked back to Nyhavn afterwards for a late lunch along the canal and a boat tour. Afterwards, visit Christiansborg Palace, the Rundetaarn, and Rosenborg Castle. Dinner on day 2 will be Torvehallerne market.

Day 2 Highlights

• Amalienborg Royal Palace
• little Mermaid 
• Christiansborg Palace
• Round Tower
• Rosenborg Castle
• Torvehallerne Market

Day 3  – Copenhagen, Denmark

If you are visiting Scandinavia with kids, this day will be their favorite.

Start by taking the free shuttle to Den Bla Planet, the National Aquarium Denmark. It is the largest aquarium in northern Europe, so you can spend hours exploring and learning about marine life. This will take up a large part of your morning.

The rest of your day, including lunch and dinner, should be spent at Tivoli Gardens , the world’s second oldest theme park. It is amazing!

Day 3 Highlights

• Den Bla Planet
• Tivoli Gardens

Read about all of the Copenhagen attractions mentioned in this itinerary.

Day 4 – Gothenburg, Sweden

The fourth day of your 12-day tour of Scandinavia, you’ll take a morning train to Gothenburg, Sweden. The train ride takes roughly 3 ½ hours and requires switching trains in Malmo, Sweden.

Drop off your bags at your hotel and spend your afternoon exploring Gothenburg. You’ll want to check out the Feskekorka Fish Market and partake in the Swedish tradition of fika in the Haga district.

• Where to stay in Gothenburg: Scandic No 25
• Luxury hotel also near the train station: Clarion Hotel P ost

Day 4 Highlights

• Feskekorka Fish Market
• Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Day 5 – Smögen, Sweden and the west coast

After exploring Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, you’ll get a break from the city streets on day 5 of your 12-day Scandinavia itinerary. This day will be spent exploring the charming fishing villages along the west coast of Sweden. Pick up your rental car and spend the day in rural, coastal Sweden.

Smogen is one of the most popular and picturesque fishing villages in west Sweden, primarily due to a pretty row of colorful fishing houses along the boardwalk. Make sure you enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while in Smogen. You can also stop at Bohus Fortress and the Pilane Sculpture Park.

• Where to stay in Smogen, Sweden: Smogens Hafvsbad

Day 5 Highlights

• Bohus Fortress
• Pilane Park

Day 6 – Fjallbacka, Sweden and Weather Islands

Fjallbacka and the Weather Islands are both equally fun to explore. In Fjallbacka, you can do an easy hike up Kungsklyftan and before catching a ferry to the Weather Islands.

The desolate islands are home to colonies of seals, so you may spot a few lounging on the rocky islands as you pass by in the ferry.

The ferry will drop you off at one of the only islands that is actually inhabited. Have lunch and walk around the island for a while to escape the crowds and recharge. Afterward, head to Grebbestad where you can relax and have fun in a huge indoor pool with a water slide at Tanumstrand Resort.

• Where to stay in Grebbestad, Sweden: Tanumstrand

Discover all the best stops in West Sweden .

Day 6 Highlights

• King’s Cleft Hike
• Weather Islands tour

Day 7 – Oslo, Norway

From Grebbestad, it is about a 2-hour drive to Oslo, Norway. On your first day in Oslo, you will want to visit the National Museum, Slottsplassen, the Nobel Peace Center and Frogner Park. Have dinner that night along Karls Johans Gate.

When you arrive in Oslo, you will want to drop off your rental car, and then drop off your luggage at the hotel.

I recommend staying somewhere near the Central Train Station and getting an Oslo Pass. It will save you a ton of money if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions in Oslo.

• Where to stay in Oslo, Norway: Scandic Byporten
• Alternative hotel also near the train station: Comfort Hotel Grand C e ntral

Reserve your Oslo Pass

Day 7 Highlights

• National Museum
• Karls Johans Gate
• Nobel Peace Center
• Frogner Park

Day 8 – Oslo, Norway

There is so much to do in Oslo that if you have the time, you could spend 3 or 4 days exploring the city. Your second day will primarily be spent on the Bygdøy peninsula.

You can take an Oslofjord tour that morning, which departs near the Olso City Hall and the city’s famous opera house.

From there, you’ll ferry over to the peninsula to check out the Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, Viking Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

If you aren’t a big fan of museums, you can pick and choose which ones you want to visit, but I’d definitely recommend the Fram and Cultural History museums.

In the afternoon, you’ll want to catch a train to the suburb of Holmenkollen to see the Olympic Ski Jump and Ski Museum. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over the Oslofjord.

Check out our full Oslo itinerary and read more about the Oslo attractions we recommend.

Day 8 Highlights

• Oslo City Hall
• Oslo Opera House
• Fram Museum
• Viking Ship Museum (reopening in 2025)
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
• Holmenkollen

Day 9 Flam, Norway

On the ninth day of your 12-day Scandinavia tour you’ll catch an early train to Flam. This is a popular route that is part of the “Norway in a Nutshell” Package.

The train ride takes roughly 6 hours. You’ll change trains in Myrdal to board a smaller tourist train on the Flam Railway.

It is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. When in Flam, you can hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall or kayak through the fjord.

You’ll want to spend at least one night in Flam, however if you have more time, this is another wonderful place to connect with nature and unplug.

• Where to stay in Flam, Norway: Brekke Apartments
• Alternative hotel with a bit more luxury (and a closer walk from the train station): Flamsbrygga Hotel

Check out all the great things to do in Flam .

Day 9 Highlights

• Flam Railway
• Brekkefossen hike

Day 10 – Norway fjord cruise

The best way to experience the Norway fjords is by water. A fjord cruise will take you from Flam to Gudvangen.

The 3 hour cruise takes you past countless waterfalls and gives you incredible views of one of the most stunning fjords in Norway. After the fjord cruise, you’ll board a luxury bus to the town of Voss.

The bus ride is equally picturesque and winds through steep canyons surrounded by mountains.

In Voss, you will transfer once again to a train that will take you to Bergen. All transportation on this day is also included in the “Norway in a Nutshell” package.

Book your Norway in a Nutshell package .

Day 10 Highlights

• Fjord Cruise and bus to Bergen

Day 11 – Bergen, Norway

You’ll have a few hours on day 10 to explore Bergen, but day 11 will be spent exploring all the city has to offer. You’ll want to see Bryggen, the Bergen fish market, and take the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

If you plan to do some hiking in Norway, Bergen is a great place to base yourself and you’ll want to pad the end of your itinerary with an extra day or so and do a day trip to hike some of Norway’s famous Trolltunga hiking trail.

• Where to stay in Bergen: Hotel Oleana
• Luxury hotel on the old wharf: Clarion Hotel Admiral

Day 11 Highlights

• Bergen Fish Market
• Fløibanen Funicular
• Ulriken Cable Car

Day 12 – Bergen, Norway

Finally, say goodbye to Scandinavia. Your 12-day experience in Scandinavia comes to an end. Depending on where you are from, you will fly out in the morning, afternoon, or evening to head home.

Spend your final hours shopping for those necessary souvenirs you won’t want to leave without, or if you have the time and like famous European churches , head to Fantoft to see a historical stave church.

Get more ideas of things to do in Bergen .

Day 12 Highlights

• Gamle Strandgaten -or-
• Fantoft Stave Church

Best way to get around Scandinavia

This is one of those trips that requires utilizing every single mode of transportation, trains, a rental car, bus, and a ferry.

You’ll have to take a train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg and rent a car in Gothenburg to explore the coast. That is really the only way to visit the quaint fishing villages along the coast.

Then you will travel by train, ferry and bus across Norway to see the fjords. But don’t worry, booking all those different modes of transportation doesn’t have to be difficult.

You can book all of your transportation across Norway by purchasing the Norway in a Nutshell package. Your rental car can be reserved here , and you can book your train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg here .

How much does a 12-day trip to Scandinavia cost?

If you’ve done any research about Scandinavia or the Nordic countries you probably already know that it is expensive.

We are neither luxury nor budget travelers. Like most families traveling with kids, we travel on a moderate-budget and book mid-range accommodations.

Comfort and convenience are important to us. We may splurge for a hotel or apartment in the right location, but eat street food instead of dining in restaurants.

For 12 days in Scandinavia during the off-season, not including flights, our family of three spent approximately $4,000 USD. That covered lodging, transportation, food, admission to attractions, and small souvenirs. Luckily, we got a great deal on our flights, too. Of course, this was several years ago, and with the cost of inflation, I’d definitely plan to budget about $6,000 USD if we did the same trip today.

I typically don’t discuss money or the amount we spend traveling, but in the interest of full disclosure and to help you plan effectively for your trip, I thought cost was an important part of the equation to include.

However, how much you’ll spend in 12 days in Scandinavia can vary greatly depending on how many people you are traveling with, the time of year you go, where you stay and eat, and what activities you add to this itinerary.

FAQs about traveling in Scandinavia

It’s only natural to have questions when planning a trip to Scandinavia – or anywhere else for that matter. Here are a few of the other most frequently asked questions that we have gotten about travel in Scandinavia.

How many days do you need for Scandinavia?

How many days you need in Scandinavia depends on what all you want to do and see there.

While you can easily follow this 12 Day Scandinavia itinerary and enjoy yourself, if you add an extra week to the itinerary, you can visit Stockholm or make your way up into the Arctic Circle and the Lapland in northern Sweden and northern Norway. And depending on the time of year, you might even get to see the Northern Lights!

What is the best month to visit Scandinavia?

Because Scandinavia sits so far north, the weather is most pleasant during the summer months. However, with the pleasant temperatures comes larger crowds. 

But, if you visit in early May or early September, you will miss most of the crowds and still have decent weather, although long sleeves and layers will likely be needed. 

Winter is cold and dark in Scandinavia, but your odds of seeing the bucket list-worthy Aurora Borealis from late fall to early spring is really good.

Have you visited Denmark, Sweden, or Norway? What would you add to this Scandinavia 12-day itinerary (besides 12 more days)?

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7 Amazing Scandinavia Tour Ideas for First-Time Visitors

Have you always been intrigued by Scandinavia? Once the home of Vikings, it is now renowned for its sleek design, hygge and fika lifestyle, and jaw-dropping natural scenery. There’s much to be inspired by!

If you’re looking for a real adventure with a dash of sophistication, set your sights on a tour of the Scandinavian countries .

What countries make up Scandinavia? First things first, Norway , Sweden and Denmark are the 3 kingdoms that compose the region. Nowadays a looser interpretation is closer to the Nordic region, also including  Finland and Iceland .

You’ll find that some tours also include famed Baltic cities, like Tallinn in Estonia, for an even grander itinerary.

The best thing about exploring Scandinavia is that the possibilities are endless. You could cruise the fjords, see polar bears in the wild, and go cross-country skiing or hiking high into the mountains.

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your dream Scandinavian getaway, whether you’re looking for summer fun, an Arctic experience, or a city getaway.

• Start planning your adventure with one of these Scandinavian tour packages

Best tour ideas:

• Tour the Scandinavian capitals
• Cruise around Scandinavia and the Baltics
• Head into the Arctic Circle in winter
• Take the wheel of a Scandinavian road trip
• Chase the northern lights in Scandinavia
• Explore Norway onboard iconic train journeys
• Go on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise

1. Tour the Scandinavian capitals

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a city break and taste of each country.

A tour of Scandinavia’s capital cities is ideal for those craving some cosmopolitan glamour,  hygge  and fika , and stellar historical attractions. 

Between planning for Sweden, Denmark and Norway, you could spend lots of time trying to sort logistics to get from place to place. Instead we suggest a guided tour of Scandinavia, with a pre-arranged itinerary covering the must-see attractions and a tour leader so you can soak in all the local history.

Travel this way and you'll benefit from meeting like-minded travellers. You'll also have the peace of mind that your accommodation, transport, activities, and some meals are included in your tour. 

• Check out these guided small group tours of Scandinavia
• Related:  7 brilliant reasons to go on a European group tour

What is the best itinerary for a tour of the Scandinavian capitals?

Day 1:  Start in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, and explore the city centre. Why not wander along the shopping street Drottninggatan and dine in the district of Östermalm?

Day 2:  Today, explore Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) and find your way through the colourful buildings to the Royal Palace, the Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum.

Day 3:  Next, board a train to Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. This is an easy half-day ride across the forests and fields of Sweden. You’ll arrive with enough time in the afternoon to enjoy visiting attractions like the Amalienborg Palace.

Day 4:  Get to grips with Copenhagen’s charms on a tour with a local guide. You'll check out the  Tivoli Gardens amusement park and go on a canal cruise to the impressive Christiansborg Palace. If you’re a foodie, don't miss a stop at the Torvehallerne food market.

Day 5:  Spend your morning in Copenhagen enjoying the photogenic Nyhavn harbour, then head over to snap a pic of the fairytale heroine and icon of the city: The Little Mermaid. Later, board your ship as you’re off to Oslo, Norway's capital.

• Visit the capital cities with one of these Scandinavian Triangle packages
• Related:  Ultimate Scandinavia guide – The best times and places to visit

Day 6: Once in Oslo , tour the top attractions like the Royal Palace and Akershus fortress . 

Day 7:  A week in, and you should be ready for what is considered to be one of the best train journeys in the world: Oslo to Flåm. Along the Flåm Railway , you will be taken through Norway’s mountainous region.

Day 8:  From Flåm , you will bear witness to the majesty of Norway’s fjords by sailing along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord , the narrowest fjord in the world. In the evening, hop on a train to Bergen.

Day 9:  Whilst Bergen is not as famous as the capitals of this list, it is a stunning city worth the detour. It makes for a perfect day of exploring thanks to its mountainous surroundings and UNESCO-listed medieval wharf, Bryggen .

Day 10:  Explore more of Bergen before flying home. You could take the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for an incredible view of Bergen’s surrounding fjords, and then maybe take in the bustling Fish Market.

2. Cruise around Scandinavia and the Baltics

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a multi-country cruise adventure and taste of the Baltics.

The Baltic Sea is inextricably tied to Scandinavia, and some of the most magnificent cities in Northern Europe perch on its shores. Enjoy the grand Baltic capitals of Helsinki and Tallinn, before seeing the dramatic beauty of Norway, Sweden and Denmark by train and ferry.

This kind of itinerary is ideal for anyone curious to see both the eastern and western sides of Scandinavia. Make this journey on your own, to enjoy extra free time, or join an escorted tour of the region to see the sights from a local's point of view.

• Travel on one of these cruise tours in Scandinavia
• View independent tours in Scandinavia to travel at your own pace

What is the best itinerary for a tour of Scandinavia and the Baltics?

Day 1:  Start in Finland’s lovely Helsinki, and explore the city solo. Go to the Helsinki Design District for some stylish shopping, and then try contemporary Scandinavian-Finnish cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Day 2:  Tour Helsinki’s many attractions today, such as Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Finlandia Hall. Don't miss the Kauppatori central market for souvenirs and fresh food.

Day 3:  Board a ferry to Estonia’s gorgeous capital city, Tallinn. Take in the UNESCO-listed Old Town before strolling to the Upper Town (Toompea). Here you can visit Toompea Castle and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Day 4:  Make the most of your morning in Tallinn by wandering through the Russian-influenced Kadriorg district. Later, board an overnight cruise to Stockholm. Sweden is up next!

• Related:  A little something about Tallinn

Day 5:  When you wake up, you’ll be sailing through the 24,000 islands and islets that make up the Stockholm archipelago. By mid-morning you’ll be in the city, where you can relax or have a day of exploration.

Day 6:  Dive into Stockholm’s contemporary side and historic district for a full glance at the city. Incorporate a side-trip to Djurgården to see the extraordinary Vasa Museum.

Day 7:  Hop on a train from Stockholm to Copenhagen and enjoy the southern landscapes of Sweden on your way. On arrival, check out the palaces and canals of the Danish capital.

Day 8:  Discover Copenhagen’s romantic Rosenborg Castle and colourful Botanical Garden. With a whole day to sightsee, you can probably fit in an afternoon trip to Christiansborg Palace.

Day 9:  Catch sight of The Little Mermaid poking her head above Copenhagen’s shores and spend a little more time wandering along Nyhavn harbour. At the end of the day, leave behind the fairy tales of Denmark and set sail for the home of Norse legends, Norway.

Day 10:  Step onto Oslo’s cobbled streets for your first taste of Norwegian culture and history. Explore Akershus fortress and the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park .

• Learn more on one of these culture and history tours in Scandinavia
• Related: Best cities in Scandinavia to visit

Day 11:  A trip to Norway isn't complete without a look at its lofty interior: Norway’s mountainous "rooftop". Board the train from Oslo to Flåm, and see quaint villages like Gol and Geilo along the way.

Day 12:  From Flåm you can travel on a boat tour, where you will be treated to the wonderful fjord scenery of the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord. Then board a train for Bergen.

Day 13:  Bergen, also known as the "Gateway to the Fjords", has a medieval city core you can explore called Bryggen. This is a perfect window into the city’s past, and if you have time, you could also visit the Fantoft Stave Church.

Day 14:  Your Scandinavian and Baltic break is now done. Spend your morning relaxing in Bergen before flying home.

3. Head into the Arctic Circle in winter

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a memorable winter getaway and Arctic adventure.

The Arctic Circle is a land of wonder – home to polar bears, reindeer, sled dogs, killer whales, the northern lights and even Santa Claus. Especially in Northern Norway, the landscape is magical during the winter... like Narnia brought to life.

This itinerary is for you if you’ve always dreamed of following in the footsteps of famed explorers. It's also ideal if you're keen to hop on the back of a dog sled and race through the snow under the changing colours of the aurora borealis.

• Visit Northern Norway or explore these  winter tour packages of Scandinavia
• Related:  Scandinavia in winter – What to do & where to go

What is the best itinerary for a winter tour of the Arctic Circle?

Day 1:  Oslo is your first stop. Explore some of the cultural highlights, such as the Norske Folkemuseum, before departing for the northern fjords.

Day 2: After a city break in Oslo, you're now flying   up to pretty  Tromsø , considered the capital of Arctic Norway. Keep your eyes peeled on the sky as Tromsø is prime northern lights spotting territory!

Day 3:  Explore Tromsø and see attractions like the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral. Or take the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of the scenery. In the evening, hop aboard a cruise ship bound for Kirkenes .

Day 4:  On this cruise, you’ll head for the North Cape (Nordkapp) , famed for its landscape and wildlife. You could have the chance to see whales, dolphins and the aurora borealis all from the deck of the ship.

Day 5:  At Kirkenes, deep in the Arctic Circle, you can spend a night in the incredible Kirkenes SnowHotel . Whilst here, book a snowmobile safari and learn about the traditions of the native Sami people.

Day 6:  Wake up with a warming stint in the sauna before embracing more of the winter sports on offer here, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Day 7:  Enjoy the last of the beautiful winter light and landscapes before heading home.

• View these ice and snow hotel packages in Norway
• Related: Your guide to the Nordic ice hotels

4. Take the wheel of a Scandinavian road trip

Best Scandinavian tour for:  exploring at a slower pace and stopping when and where you want to.

Road trips are one of the best ways to get to know a country or region. If you really want to experience the beauty of Scandinavia at your own pace, there are few better ways than hitting the open road.

With this self-drive itinerary, you can take your time and make the most of the incredible scenery of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. All that while taking advantage of parking the car as you wish to tour the towns of Scandinavia on foot.

• Take the wheel of your own road trip with one of these self-drive tours in Scandinavia
• Related:  2-week road trips through Scandinavia – Your guide

What is the best itinerary for a self-drive tour of Scandinavia?

Day 1:  Kick off your tour in Stockholm by strolling around the Södermalm neighbourhood of Sweden’s capital, where you can shop and dine in style.

Day 2:  Spend another day exploring Stockholm. Sightsee around the Old Town and Djurgården, where many of the city’s finest museums are located.

Day 3:  Pick up your car and head north to Borlänge. On the way, stop off at Enköping, where you can see Grönsö Castle and some rock carvings from the Viking age. Driving distance: 230 kilometres (143 miles).

Day 4:  Before departing Borlänge, make time for the fascinating Gammelgården open-air museum. Then drive through the mountains towards the Norwegian border, to the UNESCO-listed town of Røros . Driving distance: 415  kilometres  (258 miles).

Day 5:  Today, drive to Lom, passing through 2 national parks, Dovrefjell and Rondane. Later, take advantage of the outdoor activities in the  Jotunheimen National Park . Driving distance: 315  kilometres  (196 miles).

• Browse  family trips in Scandinavia

Day 6:  There are a few different routes from Lom to the Sogndal region: the Sognefjell route, the Strynefjell route and the Geiranger route. All offer breathtaking scenery of the fjords, so you just have to choose your favourite route. Driving distance: 135 kilometres (84 miles), 290 kilometres (180 miles) and 340 kilometres (211 miles), respectively.

Day 7:  Drive from Sogndal to Bergen, "the fjord capital", and see quaint fishing villages like Aurland and Flåm on your way. Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 8:  Spend some time exploring Bergen’s historical treasures, such as the medieval Bryggen. Then drive east passing through Hardangervidda National Park before stopping in Geilo.  Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 9:  From Geilo, wind your way through the Hallingdal Valley to Oslo. Once in the Norway capital, explore attractions like the Oslo Opera House.  Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 10:  After a morning in Oslo, cross back into Sweden and drive along the Göta älv River to Gothenburg. Don’t forget to see the Bohus Fortress, set just north of the city. Driving distance: 325  kilometres  (202 miles).

• Check out these summer tours in Scandinavia

Day 11:  Today, you’ll drive south to Copenhagen, the Danish capital. In Sweden's pretty Helsingborg, you can take a 20-minute ferry to Helsingør in Denmark. On the way to Copenhagen, drop by Kronborg Castle, the home of Shakespeare's Hamlet . Driving distance: 270  kilometres  (168 miles).

Day 12:  You have the full day to explore the highlights of royal Copenhagen.

Day 13:  After final goodbyes to Denmark, drive over the Öresund Bridge back to Sweden. Keep an eye out for Glimmingehus, a medieval manor, and the Stenshuvud National Park.  Driving distance: 300  kilometres  (186 miles).

Day 14:  Explore the Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket) , known for its famous glassworks, and pick up a souvenir. Then, stop in Linköping to visit the Old Linköping open-air museum for an insight into the region’s past. Driving distance: 225  kilometres  (140 miles).

Day 15:  Head back to Stockholm by way of the quaint seaside town of Trosa, which is home to the 18th-century Tullgarn Castle. Driving distance: 200  kilometres  (124 miles).

Day 16:  On your last day, return the car and enjoy your last few hours in Stockholm before you depart.

5. Chase the northern lights in Scandinavia

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a winter adventure and witnessing the auroras.

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, Northern Norway is for you. It is an ideal destination for glimpsing the aurora borealis as they illuminate the night sky.

Northern Scandinavia is also the place to discover incredible Arctic wildlife, experience a stay in a snow hotel, enjoy winter sports and meet the native Sami people that call this part of the world home.

You can live out your wildest winter wonderland fantasies here. For a tour like this, we recommend you plan for at least 5-7 days to give you ample time to catch the mythical northern lights before you depart.

• Check out these  northern lights tours in Norway
• Related:  Best time and place to see northern lights in Norway

What is the best itinerary for a northern lights tour in Scandinavia?

Day 1:  Arrive in Tromsø, the “Capital of the North”. Set within the Arctic Circle, you're in for a true northern experience. In the evening, go on a guided tour into the wilderness, where you will hear about the local Sami folklore and hopefully see the blush of the aurora borealis.

Day 2: Spend the day taking   full advantage of your Arctic location and go on a dog sled tour through the pristine snowscapes of Tromsø.

Day 3:  Save this day for touring Tromsø itself. Duck into attractions like the Polar Museum and the Art Museum of Northern Norway. If you want more action, go cross-country skiing, ice fishing or take a cable car up to Mount Storsteinen.

Day 4:  If dog sledding kicked up the adrenalin, then you’ll be blown away by a private tour snowmobiling through the Arctic wilderness. A guide will lead you safely through some of the area’s most spectacular spots.

Day 5:  Relax in the morning, because tonight you're going on an evening cruise. This is a stellar opportunity to see the small villages that decorate the surrounding fjords and catch sight of a northern lights show.

Day 6:  Soak in the crisp air and Arctic tranquillity before heading home.

6. Explore Norway onboard iconic train journeys

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a taste of everything and enjoying the view from the window.

Go back to another time, when hopping on a train was the only way to travel. Crossing a country by rail is undeniably romantic, and Norway happens to be home to the Flåm Railway, considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

If you love the idea of watching the scenery of Norway unfold before you from a train window, but would like to also experience sailing along the Norwegian fjords, then this tour was made for you.

• Enjoy the view from the window with one of these train trips around Scandinavia
• Related: Romantic trip ideas for Norway

What is the best itinerary for a train tour of Norway?

Day 1:  Get excited for your tour of Norway, starting off in Oslo. Spend some time exploring some of its best attractions, like the Munch Museum and Aker Brygge .

Day 2:  One day in Oslo is not quite enough to cross off all of the capital’s stunning sights. If you missed them the day before, go see the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park or the Royal Palace.

Day 3:  Today your train tour kicks off in earnest: hop on the Norway in a Nutshell® train journey towards Bergen. Along the way, you'll be taken over the mountainous “rooftop” of Norway. Once you get to Myrdal, switch to the  Flåm Railway for the remarkable ride to Flåm.

Day 4:  Take this day to explore Flåm and its surroundings. You could enjoy a fjord safari or kayaking tour.

Day 5:  The highlight today is a short cruise through two of the most breathtaking fjords of Norway: Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed  Nærøyfjord . Then hop on another train to Bergen.

Day 6:  Tour Bergen, starting in Bryggen, its medieval centre, and then heading up Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen funicular , for jaw-dropping views of the city.

Day 7:  Your week-long Norwegian adventure is now over. Time to depart Bergen for home, and make all your friends jealous with your photos.

• Check out  Norway in a Nutshell train tours from Oslo
• Related:  Why Bergen’s called the gateway to Norway’s fjords

7. Go on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise

Best Scandinavian tour for:  seeing the fjords and taking in the sea air.

We could not, in all good conscience, write a list of the best Scandinavian tours without covering a cruise along the Norwegian coast and into the fjords of Norway. If you’re looking for a guided tour in Scandinavia, you can’t do much better.

On this classic itinerary, you would spend about 10 days bobbing along the undulating coastline of Norway, past sites such as Sognefjord , the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil . Best of all, you can hop on and off and experience treasures on shore like the city of Ålesund .

Oh, and did we mention there's train travel as well? That's right, on this route you also enjoy a trip on the wondrous Flåm Railway.

• Browse  Norway fjord cruise and train packages
• Or these Havila  or  Hurtigruten cruises  in Norway

What is the best itinerary for a tour of the Norwegian fjords?

Day 1:  Arrive in Oslo and enjoy a walking tour of the city, covering the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, Oslo City Hall and the Oslo Opera House .

Day 2:  In the morning, hop on a train to  Trondheim , which takes you over the Dovre mountain plateau. When you arrive, don't miss the Nidaros Cathedral and the Ringve Museum and botanical garden.

Day 3:  Embrace the maritime pastime of Norway by setting sail along the scenic Trondheim Fjord. You’ll pass Hitra Island, Kristiansund and Molde , before docking in the historic city of Ålesund.

Day 4:  Take some time to explore Ålesund  and discover its Art Nouveau architecture. You could pop by the Atlantic Sea Park and the Fjellstua mountain viewpoint.

Day 5:  On this day, the fjords truly take centre stage. As you sail towards Geirangerfjord , you’ll be able to see the soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls of the region, including the famed Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil. In the evening, return to Ålesund.

Day 6:  From Ålesund, head down to Bergen. You can spend time by the old wharf of Bryggen, an important heritage site in the city.

Day 7:  You have another day in Bergen. Head to the Edvard Grieg Museum or take in the spectacular panoramic views from Mount Fløyen.

Day 8:  Depart from Bergen travelling all the way to Voss. Then you'll embark on a short fjord cruise to Flåm, and see the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in all of Europe.

Day 9:  In Flåm you can explore and hike around the village. Later, you'll take on the glorious Flåm Railway trip, a 900-metre (3,000 feet), picture-perfect ride up to Myrdal Station. Here, you’ll change trains, and be taken over the magnificent mountainous terrain of Norway, all the way to Oslo.

Day 10:  You’ve arrived, and there’s nothing more to do except enjoy a Norwegian smørrebrød  (an open-faced sandwich invented by the Danes) before departing for home.

Which of these trips would you choose? Found one that inspires you?

Remember these are just some of the possibilities to travel across Scandinavia. And if you’re not sure where to start, browse our Scandinavia tour packages . They are tried-and-tested routes crafted by local experts based in Stockholm, Sweden.

You could also get in touch with the experts and ask for their advice. They can tailor an itinerary to fit your interests and preferences.

When you book with Nordic Visitor, you’re in good hands. We plan your route and arrange your accommodation, transportation and activities, all before you arrive. That means you can relax and focus on enjoying your adventure!

Get in touch with Nordic Visitor  when you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian escape.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Tours of Scandinavian Countries

Discover Scandinavia’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural highlights on a tour of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Stockholm-based travel experts at Nordic Visitor will tailor an unforgettable trip for you to immerse yourself in the incredible scenery.

ITINERARY IDEAS FOR PACKAGE TOURS TO SCANDINAVIA

Interested in a tour of the Scandinavian countries ? We’re here to help!

This Northern European region is made up of Norway , Sweden and Denmark . As these countries share a similar cultural heritage and are well connected to each other, it is easy to visit all three in one incredible trip.

Our Stockholm-based Scandinavia experts can tailor your itinerary to your tastes and interests. You could join a guided small group tour , take the wheel on a self-drive trip , or opt for an independent experience of the region.

Plus, when you book a Scandinavia tour with Nordic Visitor, you get tried-and-tested accommodation, transportation reservations, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Keep browsing below to explore ideas for Scandinavian countries tour packages.

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Why book with nordic visitor.

• Experts in tailor-made Scandinavia tours
• Based in Sweden, Iceland & Scotland
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• Dedicated to providing personalised, quality service

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Scandinavian travel experts

As a travel agency based in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Scandinavia. We offer a variety of tours — both independent and guided — that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you — accommodations, activities, rental car (for self-drive tours), cruise/train tickets and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Relaxing and fun journey

The Scandanavian winter tour package and it's connections made it very easy to see the 4 capital cities and Bergen. There were plenty of suggestions for things to see and do. There was a great mix of cruise and rail segments between cities giving us a chance to see other parts of each country. Staff reserved an extra rail and overnight for us as soon as we asked about it. All in all a very relaxing and fun journey.

Just what we wanted

The plan was just what we wanted and the actual trip delivered just that. Nice balance of scheduled events and free time in the cities visited. Hotel locations were excellent and our tour guide was always available and helpful for additional questions and suggestions.  

First class

Communication was first class. Selection of accommodation was perfect. Great hotels in good locations.

Very easy process

We found the whole process very easy. The instructions and information provided was clear and made it easy to find hotels and transport links. The hotels were centrally located, close to transport links but were not noisy. Our personal travel consultant was very helpful and friendly. We liked the recommendations suggested in the daily itinerary.

Thoroughly recommend Nordic Visitor

We would recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone considering an introductory tour of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. Basics of logistics where well-stated. It was easy to commute from one capital to the next. Itineraries were clear yet flexible. We thought moving from one country to the next would be a challenge - it was not. Nordic Visitor arranged all that was needed, yet gave us the flexibility to do more or otherwise should we want. Again, we thoroughly recommend Nordic Visitor. We look forward to our next excursion in Scandinavia through Nordic Visitor.

Fantastic tour that included the highlights for each country we visited. I really feel like we have seen the best of the countries with the time we had. The activities were terrific. I felt supported by my tour planner, Irja, as we travelled.

Excellent vacation

We had an excellent vacation through Nordic Visitor. The expertise of our tour guide and small group size of 16 enhanced our experience. We had a good blend of free time and tour related programs. We did arrive 2 days early to Stockholm and stayed an additional 2 days in Bergen. We found this time beneficial to explore the areas more. 

A pleasure to work with

Working with Nordic Visitor, and specifcally Irja, was a pleasure. She did an excellent job presenting the information. It was nice to see her enthusiasm as she discussed activites the staff liked in each city. She responded to our questions promptly and in detail. The paperwork, itinerary, written day-by-day descriptions, vouchers, and tour info was all very well-thought-out and presented.

I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

I was so happy during this entire trip. I wanted to travel to Norway before but I didn't understand how Norway in a Nutshell worked so the itinerary prepared by Irja was just perfect. She was always available to answer all my questions and the hotels and activities planned were perfect and easy for me as a solo traveller. I just had to enjoy each city. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

Very well planned

The tour was great and very well planned. We had enough time to explore the cities and the Swedish countryside. It was fun to drive and take the ferries as well.

The best vacation we've ever had!

This was the best vacation we've ever had and I'm planning a Norway trip for August 2024 as we speak. Thanks for a phenomenal time!

An amazing trip

We had an amazing trip in Swedish Lapland and the Scandinavian cities. Nordic Visitor's assistance helped us to have scheduled activities, but also free time to pick and choose what we wanted to do. It was a great balance of planning, with the inclusion of spontaneity!

Getting to Scandinavia

Many of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Scandinavia begin in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, it serves as a major hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian Air.

Here are examples of other airlines that fly to Stockholm Arlanda: United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, EasyJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Icelandair, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages, but all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Stockholm, or another arrival city in Scandinavia, if you’d like to rest up after your air journey.

Different ways you can experience Scandinavia

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scandinavia below.

Guided Small Groups

Independent cruise, independent train, scandinavian triangle, what to see and what to do on a tour of scandinavia.

The best way to enjoy a trip to Scandinavia is to visit Sweden, Denmark and Norway on the same tour. Why? Because these countries share a similar cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.

As such, we highly recommend the Scandinavian Triangle , a route that incorporates the capitals of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Travel between Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen via train, plane and ferry. Or you might prefer to do a road trip around the region. Spend your days enjoying walking tours, savouring delicious meals in Scandinavian restaurants, or cycling along the pedestrianised streets and bike lanes.

Opt for one of our Scandinavia tours and you’ll discover a land brimming with gorgeous scenery. Come in the summer to enjoy long daylight hours, wild swimming and al fresco dining. In the winter, expect a festive wonderland and smaller crowds at top attractions. You may even get a chance to spot the northern lights!

As a specialised tour operator in Scandinavian countries, Nordic Visitor organises trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore Scandinavia your way!

• First time in the Nordics? See our 7 amazing Scandinavia tours for first-time visitors

Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavian countries tour itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki, Finland Fly into Helsinki Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. Try tasty Finnish cuisine at a local restaurant, and see some of the capital’s top sights such as Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Old Market Hall.

Day 2 - At leisure in Helsinki Enjoy more downtime in Helsinki to visit attractions like Sibelius Park, Finlandia Hall, the Finnish National Opera House, and Parliament House.

The capital of Finland is known for being a design hub, boasting its very own design district and “design tram route”. It’s also awash with gorgeous green spaces where you can enjoy a spot of people watching.

Day 3 - Ferry to Tallinn Next up is the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, which is just 2 hours away by ferry from Helsinki. Soak up the medieval architecture and atmospheric streets of this Baltic city today. You could walk from the Upper Town (Toompea), or visit the Orthodox St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and striking Toompea Castle

Day 4 - Baltic cruise to Sweden Enjoy another day getting to know lovely Tallinn, with its fascinating mix of Eastern and Western European influences. You might like to explore the Kadriorg district, Kadriorg Palace, or the Estonian Art Museum.

Later in the day, head to the port and embark on your Baltic cruise to Stockholm, an overnight journey with restaurants, shops and cafés on board to keep you entertained.

Day 5 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden Enjoy breakfast this morning while watching as the vessel navigates through the Stockholm Archipelago, made up of around 30,000 islands.

After your cruise docks, spend some time walking through Gamla Stan, the centrally located Old Town. Enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.

Day 6 - The highlights of Stockholm Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts. You could join a walking tour to see the best of Stockholm in a day, taking you to must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter.

Or, a ferry ride will whisk you off to the island of Djurgården, home to the Vasa Museum and Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Meanwhile a day trip to Drottningholm Palace on the outskirts of town is highly recommended.

Day 7 - Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark Head to Stockholm Airport after breakfast and board a plane to Copenhagen. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget street for a bite to eat, or go check out the fun and games at the old fashioned Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

• Find out why these capitals are some of the  best Scandinavian cities to visit

Day 8 - Discover Copenhagen Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. You might want to visit Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne food market.

We also recommend hopping on a boat tour to see Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful Christianshavn Canal from the water.

Day 9 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway Ahead of tonight's journey to Oslo, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike? You could check out the exquisite Amalienborg Palace, as well as the colourful Nyhavn harbour and the Little Mermaid statue.

Later, head to the port for your overnight cruise to Oslo.

Day 10 - Explore Norway’s capital city After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to roam Oslo. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore historic museums.

If you love art, make sure to take a walk through the delightful Vigeland Sculpture Park. Don’t miss a visit to Oslo City Hall if you want to see where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.

Day 11 - Scenic train journey to Flåm This morning, go to Oslo Central Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell® tour – one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Look out the window to see picturesque landscapes and quaint villages like Gol and Geilo.

Change at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for one of the top highlights of the entire trip: a 900-metre (half-mile) descent to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 12 - Norwegian fjord cruise Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through beautiful fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.

Day 13 - Discover Bergen Known as the gateway to the fjords , Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. You can visit the medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view of the city and fjords.

Day 14 - Depart from Bergen, Norway Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 14 days discovering the many delights of Scandinavia.

• Not sure when to go to Scandinavia, or what you want to see? Read our ultimate guide to the best times and places to visit

What other ideas are there for Scandinavian tours?

There are so many more places to see in this part of Northern Europe. For example, you could delve deeper into the Nordic region, which is made up of Finland , Iceland , Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

One popular option is to travel further up the Norwegian west coast towards the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise , for an exciting journey towards the Arctic Circle. You could even visit the remote Svalbard, also known as the kingdom of polar bears.

Another alternative is to explore more of rural Scandinavia. Discover natural gems like the breathtaking Norwegian fjords and mountains.

Like the sound of an odyssey to the far north of Europe? Then we recommend visiting Lapland – a remote region covering parts of Sweden, Finland and Norway. Come in winter for the chance to see the aurora borealis, soak up snowy landscapes, and meet Santa Claus.

Or hop on a plane and visit Iceland as part of your Nordic experience!

Good to know : Most of our itineraries aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities to tailor your plans. We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city, spend more free time in one destination than another, or add other towns to your trip.

Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel agent for advice.

Interested in guided tours of the Scandinavian countries?

To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option! These tours run from May to August, so you can enjoy summer travel in Scandinavia.

You’ll get an enriching experience on our escorted tours of the Scandinavian countries, getting under the skin of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in the company of like-minded visitors.

These tours allow you to get the most out of this region thanks to the expertise of a local guide and other perks such as private tours. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the experience is still personal for you.

• Want the company of an expert guide and like-minded travellers? Here are 7 brilliant reasons to go on a European group tour .

Prefer a self-guided tour of Scandinavia?

If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Public transportation in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual, so getting around by train and ferry is a great alternative to driving.

By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.

Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.

• Travelling on your own? Find out why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travellers

How about a Scandinavia road trip?

On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia , you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

Your Scandinavia road trip could encompass a convenient circular route, starting and ending in Stockholm, Sweden.

After enjoying the first couple of days of your trip in Stockholm, you would drive south to the charming Swedish towns of Kalmar and Ystad. Stop for 2 nights in each to explore the countryside at leisure.

Afterwards, drive over Öresund Bridge to reach Copenhagen, then take the overnight ferry to Oslo the next day. Soak up the delights of the Norwegian capital for 2 nights before driving east to Örebro in Sweden.

Enjoy the beautiful Swedish countryside, rural villages, and grand castles and manor houses of the region before you return to Stockholm for your final night.

• Day 1 – Arrive at Stockholm Airport.
• Day 2 – Overnight in Stockholm.
• Day 3 – Pick up rental car and drive through southern Sweden. Overnight in Kalmar area of Sweden.
• Day 4 – Overnight in Kalmar.
• Day 5 – Overnight in Ystad.
• Day 6 – Overnight in Ystad.
• Day 7 – Overnight in Copenhagen.
• Day 8 – Journey by ferry to Oslo.
• Day 9 – Overnight in Oslo.
• Day 10 – Overnight in Oslo.
• Day 11 – Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
• Day 12 – Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
• Day 13 – Drop off rental car and spend the night in Stockholm.
• Day 14 – Depart from Stockholm Airport.

If you want your Scandinavia road trip to include Helsinki, you could start in the Finnish capital and take a Baltic cruise to Stockholm from there. Or, drive from Oslo to Bergen and spend a few days discovering the world-famous fjords of Norway.

All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes. If you have any particular attractions in mind, just contact us to ask. 

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Like raw nature? Discover Iceland ’s jaw-dropping landscapes
• Want more road trip ideas? Venture to Scotland and Ireland
• Love winter scenery? Make for snowy Lapland
• Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore wild Greenland and Svalbard

Our services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Our self-drive clients also receive a hand-marked map outlining the route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scandinavian travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

7 brilliant reasons to go on a european group tour, the ultimate scandinavia guide: the best times & places to visit, 7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

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From Copenhagen to Helsinki

Absolute north, highlights of scandinavia (12 days), scandinavian escape, 12 days self-drive | everything you must see in iceland ring road tour, scenic scandinavia and its fjords (14 days), scandinavia (winter, 10 days), land of the northern lights - 5 days, capitals of scandinavia (10 days), 10 days self-drive | in-depth iceland ring road tour.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Cruise the North Sea to Norway
• Cruise through Norway's largest fjord
• Explore Copenhagen with a local guide

“The hotel room in Stockholm Quality Globe where we had to stay 2 days was less than average although service and breakfast was good.”

• Tour Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan

“The rooms of the hotel at Copenhagen were small.”

• Pull up in Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen
• Photograph the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord
• Start the day with a traditional Scandinavian breakfast

“The itinerary was great and I loved the early starts so that no time is wasted.”

• Christmas & New Year
• Enjoy an overnight ferry cruise to Norway
• Experience the majestic Norwegian fjords
• Visit Scandinavian countries - Denmark, Norway, Sweden

“The scenery in Norway was spectacular since it reminded me of the Scottish Highlands, Iceland, New Zealand, Yellowstone, and Whistler/Squamish all rolled into one.”

• Spot seals at Ytri Tunga beach
• Hike to Hengifoss waterfall
• Explore Snæfellsnes's iconic Kirkjufell

“Great accomodations, wonderfully paced for a relaxing yet adventurous exploration of Iceland.”

• Visit Odense - the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen
• See Storkyrkan, Riddashold Church and the Royal Palace
• Appreciate the charming Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord

“I strongly recommend Trafalgar Tour Grp. Well done!”

• Ride a bobsleigh on the Lillehammer track
• Savor Danish pastries in quaint cafes

• Northern Lights
• Explore Iceland's colourful capital, where every street bursts with cool Nordic style
• Spend your nights in the stunning countryside, the ideal spot for the Northern Lights
• Unwind and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the infamous Blue Lagoon

“Saw a lot and came home with a lot of memories and a desire to go back and see more.”

• Discover Oslo's Viking history and vibrant culture
• Explore fairy-tale Copenhagen with a local guide
• Savor local flavors at a Swedish countryside lunch

“Great company, guide and driver.”

• Pick up your car at Keflavik Airport
• Watch seals at Ytri Tunga beach
• Explore Deildartunguhver hot spring

“The trip is well organized and once we booked a tour the company was very responsive. All the hotels were very satisfactory.”

Travel Styles

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Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Nordic countries? We’d be happy to help you craft a perfect Nordic itinerary or, Scandinavia itinerary (as some may call it), or Northern Europe itinerary.

Itinerary for Scandinavian Countries: An Introduction

First off, let me tell you that a trip to Scandinavia is going to be the best trip of your life. Why? Well, Nordic countries are consistently being listed as the top happiest countries, consistently. Plus, they are stunningly gorgeous!

Nordic Countries or Nordics or Norden consists of five beautiful Northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland along with their associated territories of Svalbard, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

Why am I telling you this?

Because…

The terms Scandinavia (Scandia) and Nordics are used interchangeably by foreigners (I’ve been a culprit too before I explored the Nordic region) but they aren’t.

Finns and Icelanders are always quick to correct travelers who call them Scandinavians .

What’s the Difference between Scandinavian Countries and Nordic Countries?

The term ‘Scandinavia’ is commonly used ONLY for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway while the term ‘Nordic countries’ is used for Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

However, the associated territories of Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago) and Greenland are technically neither Scandinavia nor Nordics.

The Scandinavian Peninsula (not to be confused with the Scandinavian Region ) geographically comprises Norway and Sweden only.

To sum up, Northern Europe consists of the Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) and the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Some definitions of Northern Europe also include the United Kingdom and Ireland .

I guess, this topic makes for another blog post. Let’s now move to Nordics itinerary, the sole reason you’re here 🙂

I’ll be using Scandinavia and Nordics, both terms in my post for the ease of getting found by people randomly searching the terms Scandinavia and Nordic Countries.

The Nordic region is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly regions in Europe. Also, it’s one of the most expensive regions in Europe. Believe you me, exploring the region is worth every penny.

Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are part of Europe’s Schengen Region. Read everything you need to know to score a Schengen visa for your Nordics trip.

Scandinavia Itinerary: Summer in Scandinavia

We spent 3 weeks in Scandinavia during the summer. The summer is magical here. It’s the time of the year when the sun refuses to go down and shines through the entire day and night. Seriously.

Summer and winter are, in fact, two extremes in Nordic countries.

If winter in Nordics brings sub-zero temperatures, dark days, snow-covered landscapes, and Northern Lights ; summer brings endless days, nightless nights, vibrant landscapes, and Midnight Sun.

The desire to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky is such a mad rush among travelers all around the world that they overlook the region’s beauty during summer.

Witnessing the Midnight Sun in summer is as magical as the Northern Lights in winter.

Having said that, the Nordics region deserves two essential trips – one in summer and one in winter and some more to drink in its ethereal beauty.

It’s time to plan your Scandinavia travel !

Scandinavia Itinerary 21 Days: An Overview

Our itinerary lets you explore four epic Nordic countries in 3 weeks.

♥ Denmark ♥ Sweden ♥ Finland ♥ Norway

This is what a brief Scandinavia itinerary 3 weeks looks like –

C openhagen (6 nights) – Ystad ( 2 nights) – Molle ( 1 night) – Helsinki ( 3 nights) – Rovaniemi ( 2 nights) – Oslo (2 nights) – Bergen ( 2 nights) – Hardanger (1 night) – Flam ( 1 night) – Oslo ( 1 night)

Day 1: Fly into Copenhagen Day 2: Explore Copenhagen Day 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Explore more of Copenhagen Day 5: Day Trip to Dragor Day 6: Day Trip to Helsingor Day 7: Road Trip to Malmo (Sweden) via Orseund Bridge Day 8: Explore Ystad Day 9: Explore Skane County. Drive to Kullaberg (Molle) Day 10: Kullaberg to Kastrup, Copenhagen. Fly to Helsinki. Day 11: Explore Helsinki Day 12: Day Trip to Porvoo Day 13: Fly to Rovaniemi Day 14: Explore Rovaniemi Day 15: Fly to Oslo Day 16: Explore Oslo Day 17: Oslo to Bergen train Day 18: Explore Bergen Day 19: Hardangerfjord Day 20: Flam Day 21: Flam to Oslo Day 22: Fly back home

Before we elaborate on our Scandinavia itinerary let’s first discuss the basics of a trip to Scandinavia.

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit scandinavia.

It all depends upon your choices. If you’d love to witness the white nights and want to soak in the Midnight Sun, plan during the months of June , July , and August .

If you dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights , September to March is the best time to go.

The months of May and September see fewer crowds and thus, are less expensive in terms of accommodations.

How much does a Trip to Scandinavia cost?

Scandinavia is infamous for being the most expensive region in the world. To some extent, it’s true. Scandinavia can be exorbitant if you’re not watchful about how you spend your money.

There are ways to cut your costs in Scandinavia –

• A little planning goes a long way. You save money when you plan and book well in advance.
• Prefer apartments over hotels.
• Shop at local grocery stores and cook your own food. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can go for pre-made meals from supermarkets. Aldi, Lidl, Kiwi, Rema 1000, Netto, and ICA are some of the budget-friendly supermarkets in Scandinavia. K-Market in Finland and Coop Prix in Norway are good discount stores.
• Food Market Halls like Kauppahallit in Helsinki or Torvehallerne in Copenhagen are another great option to cut costs on food. They are way cheaper than restaurants yet a great local food experience.
• Take Self-guided city tours and look for free attractions. Almost, all major cities in Scandinavia have tons of free and budget things to do and see.
• Buy City Tourist Cards like Copenhagen Card or Oslo Card that save money on attractions and transport. They work wonders when it comes to saving time, money, and hassle. You can buy them online and collect them at the airport.
• Bring an eco-friendly reusable water bottle. It saves money plus the environment. A water bottle in Scandinavia costs about $5.
• The Everyman’s Right (Right to Roam) in Nordic countries except Denmark makes it easy to camp in the wild. You can save a lot of money on accommodation if you’re traveling to Nordic countries during the summer.
• We found Norway the costlier of all other Nordic countries. You can maybe cut your time in Norway and spend more time in other Nordic countries to save some money.

We roughly spent about $2500 per person for 22 days in Scandinavia.

Getting to and from Scandinavia

From Asia , the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the UK, the most convenient way of getting to and from Scandinavia is to fly. If you’re in Europe, you have the option to travel by train, bus, car, or ferry.

From India, only two airlines fly directly to the Scandinavian capitals. Air India flies into Copenhagen directly from New Delhi while Finnair flies into Helsinki directly from New Delhi. There are no direct flights to Oslo and Stockholm from New Delhi.

There are a few airlines that fly directly to the Nordic capitals from North America . Norwegian Air flies into Oslo, Finnair flies into Helsinki, and SAS flies into Stockholm, and Copenhagen, direct from New York.

We use and recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

Getting Around Scandinavia

With a flexible range of transport options, Scandinavia is easy to navigate.

We used a rental car for most of our time in Scandinavia though we tried other modes of transportation like flights, trains, buses, and ferries to make our trip more varied and interesting.

Renting a car in Europe has its own set of rules. You can read our detailed guide to renting a car in Europe which will help you get started .

We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our car rental needs wherever we travel in the world.

We traveled by train from Oslo to Bergen which is considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys (you gotta experience it), took a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, and boarded flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Rovaniemi to Oslo.

I’d recommend taking a night train ( Santa Claus Express ) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi if you’ve more time on hand. Also, Norway in a Nutshell package is a great way to explore the dramatic fjords of Norway .

Make sure to book all your intercountry transportation tickets in advance.

It’s recommended to buy a Scandinavia Pass to get around Scandinavia on a budget .

A Detailed Scandinavia Itinerary: Explore Nordic Countries in 3 weeks

As always, our itinerary is packed with activities and leaves less time to just sit and do nothing. We love to explore and mini-me too loves to be on the move. She’s that restless.

This itinerary is made in a way that’ll fit all kinds of travelers, be they family travelers, or solo travelers, or couple travelers.

You can make slight changes and modify the itinerary as per your needs like it misses the famous hiking attractions in Norway (Trolltunga and Preikestolen) that can be added if hiking is what appeals to you.

First Destination: Denmark

Days to spend: 6 days.

You’ll start your Scandinavia exploration with the world’s most bike-friendly city and capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.

How to Get to Denmark

There are regular airline connections from the rest of the world to Copenhagen, Denmark. If you have got a direct flight, that’s awesome else book a flight with the least layover time.

You’ll fly into Kastrup International Airport in Copenhagen which is just about 15 minutes away from the city center.

You can rent a car at the airport or else you can take a train or bus to Kobenhavn H (Central Train Station) from where you can take a subway, bus, or taxi to reach your hotel or apartment in Copenhagen.

If you’re not renting a car, it’s best to book a hotel in and around the city center for ease of access.

Discover the Best Places to Stay in and around Copenhagen City Center, Denmark

Where to Stay in Denmark

Travelers usually keep Copenhagen as the base and prime destination in Denmark. Other cities worth visiting and spending a night or two in Denmark include Aarhus, Aalborg, Skagen, Ribe, and Odense. Dragor, Helsingor, and Roskilde can be visited on a day trip from Copenhagen .

Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Danish cities:

• Hotel in Copenhagen: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
• Hotel in Aarhus: Villa Provence
• Hotel in Aalborg: Aalborg Hotel Apartments
• Hotel in Skagen: Skagenhus ved Kirken
• Hotel in Ribe: Den Gamle Købmandsgaard Bed & Breakfast
• Hotel in Odense: Hotel Odeon
• Hotel in Dragor: Dragør Hotel & Apartments
• Hotel in Helsingor: Charming and cozy annex
• Hotel in Roskilde: Ann’s cottage

Related Read: 10 Days in Denmark Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen

Today, you’ll arrive at the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The day is at leisure.

You can explore the streets of Copenhagen and get familiar with the city depending upon the time you get here or can head to your hotel to relax after a tiring flight journey.

Where to dine in Copenhagen on day 1?

Laundromat Cafe is quite a nice place to have a quick bite. Kids will love it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen : We recommend CopenhagenApartment and citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen .

Read our detailed guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

Day 2 – Explore Copenhagen

Start early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

The attractions you’ll be visiting today include:

• Frederik’s Church
• Amalienborg Palace
• Rosenborg Castle
• Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
• Round Tower
• Christiansborg Palace

Where to dine and drink in Copenhagen on day 2?

• Breakfast: Bowl Market Copenhagen
• Lunch: Torvehallerne or Restaurant Amalie
• Coffee and Snacks: Original Coffee ILLUM Rooftop
• Taste the traditional Danish pastry at Conditori La Glace, one of the historic cafes in Europe .
• Dinner: Riz Raz

Special Recommendation: A scoop or two of organic ice cream at Hansens Is .

You can visit all the Day 2 attractions on foot. The day-wise itinerary is crafted in a way that needs minimal walking.

Transportation and many attractions are free with the  Copenhagen Card . It’s such a time and money saver!

Day 3 – Explore Copenhagen

This day is reserved for kid-friendly attractions. I mean, today you’ll explore the best things to do with kids and kids-at-heart 🙂

• Copenhagen Zoo
• Frederiksberg Palace
• Assistens Cemetery
• Jægersborggade
• Superkilen Park
• Experimentium

Recommended dining in Copenhagen for day 3:

• Coffee and Cakes: Hart Bageri
• Lunch: The Sixteen Twelve
• Dinner: The South Indian Frederiksberg

Day 4 – Explore more of Copenhagen or Take a Day-Trip to Roskilde

If you’re done with Copenhagen (which I doubt), you can take a trip to Roskilde .

Or you can explore:

• Freetown Christiana
• Gefion Fountain
• The Worker’s Museum
• The Copenhagen Lakes
• Tivoli Gardens

Food recommendations in Copenhagen for the 3rd day:

• Breakfast at Reffen
• Lunch: Restaurant Kastellet
• Coffee and Snacks: Mad & Kaffe
• Dinner: Tivoli Food Hall

Read our detailed 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Day 5: Day Trip to Dragør from Copenhagen

Head to Dragor , a cute little fishing town on Amager Island in Denmark.

The visit to this beautiful historic village gives you enough time to relax and take a break from the helter-skelter of sightseeing.

Make sure to take your kids to Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium Denmark), the largest aquarium in northern Europe. It’s on the way to Dragor.

If you plan to spend a night in this quaint village, we suggest booking the classic and beautiful Dragør Fort Hotel .

Where to eat in Dragor? Harborfront Dragør Strandhotel , and Restaurant Beghuset . Don’t forget to taste ice cream at Nam Nam Is .

Read our complete guide to Dragør, Denmark

Day 6 – Day Trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen

How can you visit Denmark and not visit Helsingor aka Elsinore , the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?

Encircled by Orseund, the Sound, and the expanse of water between Sweden and Denmark, Helsingor is a colorful town with cobbled streets and a rich history.

Kronborg Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingor has been a perfect setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The castle hosts Shakespeare’s Festival every summer where international stars portray Prince Hamlet.

You can also visit the Maritime Museum of Denmark, the Culture Yard by AART , and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology .

Where to eat in Helsingør? Værftets Madmarked and Elsinore Street Food .

Note: You can add Aarhus to your Denmark Itinerary if you have an extra day or two. You’d love its Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Infinite Bridge.

How to Get Around Copenhagen? For the most part, Copenhagen is very well accessible by foot and public transportation. A rental car is good for day trips but not suggested for city excursions of course for obvious reasons. Guided tours are also a pretty good option to explore the city without any tension.

We love and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Second Destination: Sweden

Days to spend: 3 days.

On the sixth day of your Scandinavia adventure, you’ll say goodbye to Denmark as Sweden welcomes you with a friendly and warm smile.

How to Get to Sweden

Our itinerary needs you to have a rental car as you’ll be exploring the Swedish countryside which is otherwise inaccessible by public transportation.

It’s quite easy to get from Denmark to Sweden by air, bus, or train. There are buses and trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, Malmo, and Stockholm.

If you are planning to explore the far north of Swedish Lapland like Kiruna and Abisko, there are regular flights by Norwegian Air and SAS from Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Sweden

There are umpteen good stay options all across Sweden. Stockholm, being the capital and major city of Sweden offers a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels for all budgets. Gothenburg, Gotland(Visby), Kiruna, and Skane (Ystad, Malmo, Molle, and Helsingborg) are other popular destinations in Sweden.

Malmo can be easily visited on a day trip from Copenhagen.

Here are the hotel recommendations for popular cities in Sweden:

• Hotel in Stockholm: NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection
• Hotel in Gothenburg: Hotel Vanilla
• Hotel in Visby: Hotel Villa Borgen
• Hotel in Kiruna: True Nature
• Hotel in Ystad: Charming Townhouse
• Hotel in Mölle: Pensionat Strandgården
• Hotel in Helsingborg: The Vault Hotel

Day 7 – Drive from Copenhagen to Malmo | Explore Malmo | Drive from Malmo to Ystad.

Take a beautiful drive to Malmo from Copenhagen via Öresund Bridge .

Check with your car hire company if your rental agreement allows you to cross international borders. Our car hire company gave us a paper that we showed at the border check.

If you don’t have a rental car , you can take a train (ACP Rail) or a bus (Flixbus, Netbuss, or Gråhundbus) from København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

Whichever mode of transport you choose, it usually takes about 40 minutes to reach Malmo from Copenhagen.

Great coffee with cakes and croissants at Noir Kaffekultur , that’ll be all you need for a great head start.

You’d love to check Turning Torso, Malmo Castle, and St. Peter’s Church before you have lunch at Sajvva , a great place in Malmo for vegans and vegetarians like me.

Once done with lunch, fasten your seat belt for another beautiful drive from Malmo to Ystad.

It’s a real delight to drive the awe-inspiring Sweden countryside.

We stayed at a lovely holiday cottage in Löderups Strandbad.

That’s all we needed – I mean a secluded cottage in the middle of the lush forest with a beach nearby, a perfect summer holiday.

Spend the day taking long walks through the forest and soaking in the warmth of the Midnight Sun while sitting at the beach with a glass of wine while kids cycle, run around, and play with the sand.

It’s always good to add such destinations to your otherwise action-packed itinerary. Isn’t it?

Here, you need to visit the nearest supermarket as you’ll have to cook your own dinner at your cottage.

If the idea of cooking on a vacation scares you, check out the best hotels to stay in Ystad, Sweden.

Day 8 – Explore Ystad

Ystad, a gorgeous town located in Skane county on the southern coast of Sweden with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, pastel-colored half-timbered houses, white-sand beaches, centuries-old historical sights, and ravishing rolling countryside all around is well worth a visit.

I instantly fell in love with its beauty.

Kurt Wallander’s crime series by Henning Mankell was set in Ystad. If you’re a Scandi-noir and Wallander fan, you can take one of the Wallander guided tours to see all the locations where the scenes were shot.

Don’t forget to visit the largest film studio in Scandinavia, Ystad Studios .

Where to eat in Ystad? Villa Strandvagen , Maltes Mackor , and Glassmakeriet .

Where to stay in Ystad? We recommend Hotell Bäckagården and Charming Townhouse .

Day 9 – Explore More of Skane County | Drive to Kullaberg

There are a whole lot of things to do in and around Skåne County (Scania) but we chose a few of those as we only had a day to explore Skåne.

We started our day with Ales Staner , a ship-shaped henge. It’s located in the tiny and beautiful village of Kåseberga . Legend has it that the ancient stone ship stands on the grave of a mythic king, King Ale.

Forget about history, the site where the stones are erected in the shape of a ship is utterly impressive. As soon as you hike the hill, you can’t help but admire the views overlooking the Baltic Ocean.

Our next stop was Skånes Djurpark in Höör Municipality, Skåne – a must-visit with kids. The zoo has more than a thousand wild as well as tame Nordic animals – elks, foxes, wolves, lynxes, bears, seals, and many more.

Kids had unlimited fun getting up close with animals, trying horse riding, enjoying the Shaun the Sheep theme park, and climbing the wooden bridges in the trees. Definitely, the best family fun in Skåne.

It was time for us to head to Kullaberg in Mölle, Sweden. It took us a little over an hour to reach Kullaberg Nature Reserve , a haven for outdoor lovers.

You can take scenic hikes, experience Porpoise Safari , check out the mysterious caves and coves, go fishing, admire the views from vantage points, paddle, swim, and so much more.

We enjoyed the Porpoise Safari in a RIB boat. The tour lasts for about an hour and costs Kr 450 per adult and Kr 300 per child.

We stayed at Pensionat Strandgården in Mölle. Wowzers it is! Highly recommended.

Where to eat near Kullaberg Nature Reserve? There aren’t many places to eat near the nature reserve. We tried Molle Krukmakeri and Ransvik Havsveranda and found them decent.

PS: And you can’t leave Sweden before you experience fika, one of the most beautiful coffee traditions around the world .

We wanted to extend the time in Sweden and explore Gothenburg and Stockholm and then take a ferry to Turku, Finland, or a flight from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland but we came back to Copenhagen to catch our flight to Helsinki because car rental companies charge exorbitantly high if you pick your rental from one country and drop it in another. Check out 10 unusual things to do in Stockholm if you’re planning to add Stockholm to your Scandinavian itinerary.

Our car rental charges for 8 days (pick up and drop at Copenhagen Airport) were 8,000 INR ($ 100) and if we returned the car in Gothenburg, we’d had to pay 65,000 ($ 900).

Third Destination: Finland

Days to spend: 5 days.

You’d fall for this little country wrapped cozily into the far up north. Day 9 of the Scandinavia itinerary takes you to Finland.

How to Get to Finland

There are quite a good number of regular flights (Sichuan Airlines, Norwegian, SAS, and Finnair) from Copenhagen, Denmark to Helsinki, Finland. The journey takes a little less than 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Finland

Finland has awesome and unique stay options. For travelers, Helsinki remains the prime or first location in Finland. Summer or winter, you gotta plan a stay in Finnish Lapland to experience the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights.

Here are our recommendations for Hotels in Finnish cities:

• Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel F6
• Hotel in Turku: Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
• Hotel in Porvoo: Small historic wooden house in Porvoo old town
• Hotels in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Holiday Village ; Glass Resor t
• Hotel in Saariselka: Villa Karhunpesä ; Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets

Day 10 – Fly from Copenhagen to Helsinki | Explore Helsinki

Today, you have to drive back to Kastrup Airport (a 2-hour drive) and leave your car at the car rental drop to catch a flight to Helsinki .

Take a taxi, train, or bus to your hotel in Helsinki to drop off your bags and spend your day exploring the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

Take a self-guided or guided walking tour starting from Helsinki Central Station to explore the beautiful churches, charming streets, and markets of Helsinki.

Where to dine and drink in Helsinki on day 1?

• Lunch at Zucchini
• Coffee and Snacks at Karl Fazer Cafe
• Dinner at Kauppatori Market Square

Day 11 – Explore Helsinki

On your second day in Helsinki, you can go on island-hopping. Take a ferry from Market Square that takes you to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Vallisaari, and Lonna .

Once you’re done with the island-hopping, have a cup of coffee and snacks at Cafe Regatta .

If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Linnanmaki Amusement Park, or else you can try the famous Finnish Sauna at Löyly , one of the most popular activities in Helsinki .

Where to eat in Helsinki on day 2?

• Lunch at Juuri  
• Coffee and Snacks at Cafe Regatta
• Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Recommended Reading: Best things to do in Helsinki, Finland A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland

Day 12 – Day Trip to Porvoo from Helsinki

Want a break from city sightseeing? Hop on a bus and head to the little fairytale town of Porvoo. Less than an hour away from Helsinki, Porvoo makes for a perfect day trip.

What’s so special about it? Well, you’ll know once you’re there 🙂

It’s so pretty that you’d want to just pack it in your bag and take it back home 😉

Stroll the cobbled streets adorned with pretty rows of pastel houses, museums, and cafes, and make sure to taste Runeberg’s Torte and Brunberg’s truffle .

If you’ve time, you can take a bus from Porvoo to visit Klovharun , fondly known as Moomin Island.

Where to eat in Porvoo? Ani’s Cafe , Zum Beispiel ,  Sinne , and SicaPelle are some of the best places to dine and drink in Porvoo.

If you plan to stay in Porvoo, please, please book this Small historic wooden house in Porvoo’s old town .

Here’s the ultimate guide to the charming town of Porvoo in Finland

Day 13 – Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi | Explore Rovaniemi

This day is solely for kids – the most awaited experience for kids. You are off to Rovaniemi – the official hometown of the kid’s beloved Santa Claus.

Norwegian Air and Finnair have regular flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by air.

Santa Express Train is another good option provided you’ve enough time on your hands.

Pick up your rental car from Rovaniemi Airport and spend your day exploring Santa Claus Village – Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus himself, feed the reindeer, and visit Husky Park.

Take that mandatory pic with the jolly man in the red!

Relax at your hotel and apartment before you start your hike to Ounsvara to witness the most unique and iconic natural phenomenon, the Midnight Sun .

Rovaniemi is one of the best places in northernmost Finland where you can experience full Midnight Sun when the sun stays above the horizon for about 70 days.

You can spot the magical phenomenon from May to August with June and July being the best months.

Where to eat in Rovaniemi on day 1?

• Lunch at Kotahovi Lapland Restaurant
• Coffee and Snacks at Coffee House
• Dinner at Restaurant Valdemari’s

Where to stay in Rovaniemi? Ukonloma Cottages , Kyyhkynen , Arctic Light Hotel , and Hostel Cafe Koti .

Day 14 – Explore Rovaniemi

Today, you’ll take a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park , home to about 200 Arctic animals like polar bears, foxes, and lynxes.

Where to eat near Ranua Wildlife Park? We found the Wild Arctic restaurant good.

Try Rosso for Dinner and don’t forget to try Nordic’s pure ice cream by Arctic Ice Cream Factory . There are many outlets in Rovaniemi.

Read to know how a trip to Finnish Lapland in summer looks and feels like

Fourth Destination: Norway

Days to spend: 7 days.

Think Norway, think fjords. Majestic Norwegian fjords – there’s no match to them. There are 1000s of them dotting Norway’s coastline. It’s time to explore the sheer and unmatched natural beauty of Norway .

How to Get to Norway

Rovaniemi, Finland to Oslo, Norway is about 4 hours away by flight with a stopover in Helsinki. There’s no direct flight from Rovaniemi. You can come back to Helsinki and spend a day maybe before catching a flight to Oslo.

Where to Stay in Norway

Norway’s capital, Oslo has amazing accommodation options. Other cities of interest in Norway include Bergen, Flåm, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands, Kristiansund, and Ålesund.

Here are the hotel recommendations for major Norwegian cities:

• Hotels in Olso: Thon Hotel Storo ; Camillas Hus
• Hotel in Bergen: Scandic Flesland Airport
• Hotel in Flåm: Flåm Ferdaminne
• Hotel in Stavanger: Historical apartments in the heart of the old town
• Hotel in Tromsø: Water-View Home
• Hotel in Trondheim: Affordable three-bedroom apartment
• Hotel in Lofoten: Sennesvik Apartments
• Hotel in Kristiansund: Blåbærdalen 20 Luksusvilla
• Hotel in Lyngstad: Ola Bua Near The Atlantic Road
• Hotel in Ålesund: Hotel Brosundet

Day 15 – Fly from Rovaniemi to Oslo | Explore Oslo

Your Norway itinerary starts in the capital city of Oslo.

From Rovaniemi, it’s about a 4-hour flight to Oslo including a short stopover at Helsinki. Take a shuttle train (Flytoget) to the city center and maybe a taxi from there to your hotel, drop off your luggage and freshen up before you start the sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to book a hotel in the city center to save time and money on transportation.

On your first day in Oslo, you’ll explore:

• Oslo Opera House
• Frogner Park
• Slottsplassen
• Karl Johans Gate
• Nobel Peace Center
• Oslo City Hall

Where to eat in Oslo on day 1?

• Lunch at Tunco
• Coffee and snacks at Funky Fresh Foods – DogA
• Dinner at Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar Tjuvholmen

There are many awesome places to dine in Oslo but are expensive. I’ve suggested the ones we found cheap yet best – the absolute value of money.

Where to stay in Oslo? Mad Architect’s Shared Apt – Sørenga – Homestay, Thon Hotel Storo , and Camillas Hus .

Day 16 – Explore Oslo, Norway

The second day in Oslo starts with an Oslofjord cruise and then a ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula . The peninsula is brimming with famous Norwegian museums like the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

You can’t visit Oslo with kids and not visit one of its amazing museums.

Make sure to grab an Oslo Pass to save money on museums and other major attractions in Oslo.

We recommend visiting the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norwegian Folk Museum), Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum.

Dining recommendations for your 2nd day in Oslo: Mamma Pizza Osteria , Haralds Vaffel , Habits Coffee , and Oslo Street Food .

Try Statholdergaarden if you want to splurge on food.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Oslo, Norway

Day 17 – Oslo to Bergen on Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

Day 16 of your Nordic Countries tour is beautiful. Today, you’ll ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) from Oslo to Bergen .

This train journey is a part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour but that needs you to get down at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), another popular scenic train ride from Myrdal to Flam.

We didn’t take the package so traveled to Bergen.

The journey is exhilarating and the best introduction you can have to the Norwegian landscape.

Read all about the scenic train journey from Oslo to Bergen

If you book Norway in a Nutshell Tour , your transportation is managed by them but if you’re exploring Bergen (Gateway to the fjords) and Norwegian fjords on your own like us, the best way is to rent a car.

The car rental services aren’t available at the Bergen Railway Station which means you’ll have to catch a bus (Flybussen) to reach the Bergen Airport and rent a car.

Once you’ve rented a car, check in your hotel, relax, and spend the evening strolling the colorful lanes and pretty harbor of Bryggen and check out the Bergen fish market.

Where to dine in Bergen?

• Coffee and snacks at Lovetann Kaffebar
• Dinner at Trekroneren

Where to stay in Bergen? Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen , YM40 , Bjørnestrand Fjordside View , Scandic Flesland Airport

Day 18 – Explore Bergen

The entire day is dedicated to exploring Bergen . Ride the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get 360-degree panoramic views over the city.

Visit the KODE Art Museums , especially KODE 4 which has Kunstlab where kids can learn the art while playing.

Next, you can visit Bergen Science Center Vilvite (kid-friendly) or Bergenhus Fortress depending upon the time and interest.

You can take the cruise along the Osterfjord if you’ve time and energy. The cruise leaves from the fish market pier. The last cruise leaves at 6 pm during the summer season and 2 pm otherwise.

Dining suggestions for 2nd day in Bergen:

• Lunch at Bare Restaurant
• Coffee and snacks at Godt Brod
• Dinner at the Horn of Africa

With more time, you can take one of many beautiful day trips from Bergen .

PS: We loved Bergen so much that the plan for the second visit is already on my mind. We explored Bergen in the summer and now are keen to witness the magic of Bergen in winter.

Day 19 – Drive to Hardangerfjord from Bergen | Explore Hardanger

The day finally is here when you’ll witness the majestic Norwegian fjord up close. A beautiful drive from Bergen to Hardangerfjord takes less than 2 hours.

The third-longest fjord in the world and second-longest in Norway, Hardangerfjord is wild and stunning.

There are many ways you can revel in the beauty of the fjord – hiking, walking, cruising, kayaking, and many more.

Where to eat in Hardanger? Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant & Cafe, Restaurant Fjell & Fjord, and Mabodalen Camping and Hyttesenter.

Where to stay in Hardanger? Hardangerfjord Hotel , Mo Gardsferie , Apartment in Herand , Vik Pensjonat Og Hytter , and Jaunsen Gjestegjevarstad .

Day 20 – Drive to Flam | Explore Flam

Today, drive the beautiful stretch from Eidfjord to Flam. There are many beautiful stops on the way to Flam like Voss, Gudvangen, and Stalheimskleiva .

Don’t rush but try to soak in the experiences.

You can opt for a Norled express boat from Bergen to Flam along the Sognefjord if you’ve enough time. The round-trip takes the entire day and the single journey takes over 5.5 hours. The boat leaves at 8:00 and makes brief stops at fjord villages on the way before it reaches Flam. The return trip starts at around 15:00 in the afternoon.

Once you reach Flam, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through UNESCO Nærøyfjord , the most dramatic and wildest arm of the Sognefjord.

The three-hour tour passes through endless waterfalls, mountainside farms, little fjord villages, and colossal mountains.

One of the tours ( Heritage Taste Fjord Safari ) lets you get down to the beautiful village of Undredal , famous for its authentic goat cheese.

You can taste different varieties of cheese and jams at Eldhuset.

Once you’re done with the fjord cruise, board the Flamsbana for the most enchanting train journey from Flam to Myrdal and back.

Where to eat in Flam? Fretheim Hotel Restaurant, Flam Marina and Appartement Cafe, Green Norway Flam, and Bakkastova .

Where to stay in Flam? Flåm Marina , Flåm Ferdaminne , and Visit Undredal .

Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Day 21 – Road Trip from Flam to Oslo

Day 21. Sigh! We are almost done with our Nordic Countries exploration. Wait! The best is yet to come 🙂

Today, you’ll drive one of the loveliest road trips you’ve ever driven in your life. Believe you me.

The road trip from Bergen via Flam to Oslo passes through exciting tunnels, medieval churches, cute towns, mountain passes, national parks, dramatic fjords, and whatnot.

The entire road journey (300+ km) takes around 5 to 6 hours including the time spent at stopovers.

Here’s a detailed post about the road trip from Bergen to Oslo

You can retire to your hotel or check out the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower in the evening. Climb the observation deck on top of the jump tower to enjoy the panoramic views over Oslo. The evenings are special as they bring beautiful sunsets over Oslofjord .

Day 22 – Fly Back Home

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the Nordics. I don’t like the endings especially when it comes to beautiful trips but as they say, “All good things must come to an end.”

You’ll fly out from Oslo to head home, wherever in the world it is. If you have a flight late afternoon or evening, you can spend some time exploring more of Oslo or maybe shopping for souvenirs. We recommend Way Nor for souvenirs.

Phew! This is an exhaustive guide to Scandinavia and we hope it helps travelers across the world to travel to this beautiful region in Northern Europe.

So, it’s basically a Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland itinerary! You can add Iceland to this itinerary to explore the entire Nordic region. I purposely left Iceland as we have planned to visit it sometime soon during the Northern Lights season 🙂

Suggested Scandinavia Itineraries

For all those who don’t have 3 weeks to devote to the trip but still want to explore Scandinavia. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!

Here are suggested itineraries for Scandinavia for 15 days, 14 days, 12 days, 10 days, and 7 days:

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 2: Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Take a Day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Day 4: Fly from Copenhagen to Stavanger, Norway | Explore Stavanger

Day 5: Hike Pulpit Rock

Day 6: Fly from Stavanger to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Hike Trolltunga

Day 8: Take a Day Trip to Flåm to experience Norwegian Fjord Cruise (Nærøyfjord) and Flåm Railway

Day 9: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo

Day 10: Explore Oslo

Day 11: Fly from Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 12: Explore Stockholm

Day 13: Fly from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 14: Explore Helsinki

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 14 Days (Bonus: Vibrant Estonian Capital of Tallinn)

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 2: Explore Helsinki

Day 3: Take a Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia | Explore Tallinn

Day 4: Explore Tallinn | Overnight Cruise from Tallinn to Stockholm, Sweden

Day 5: Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen | Explore Copenhagen

Day 7: Explore Copenhagen

Day 8: Fly from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 9: Explore Oslo

Day 10: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Oslo to Bergen

Day 11: Explore Bergen

Day 12: Explore Flåm and the Norwegian Fjords

Day 13: Drive or Fly from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 14: Fly Back Home

PS: Alternatively, you can join Norway in a Nutshell Tour on Day 10 that starts in Oslo and covers the beautiful Flåmsbana train ride and fjord cruise, and ends in Bergen. In that case, you can trade the day dedicated to Flam for the Trolltunga hike.

Scandinavia Itinerary for 12 Days: An Exciting Scandinavia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Sweden | Explore Gothenburg

Day 4: Drive from Gothenburg to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Drive from Stockholm to Oslo

Day 7: Explore Oslo

Day 8: Drive from Oslo to Bergen

Day 9: Explore Bergen

Day 10: Explore Flam and Norwegian Fjords

Day 11: Drive from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 12: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days

Day 3: Fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 4: Explore Stockholm

Day 5: Fly from Stockholm to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 6: Fly from Oslo to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Take a Day trip from Bergen to Flåm | Cruise Nærøyfjord | Ride Flåmsbana

Day 8: Fly from Bergen to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 9: Explore Helsinki

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 2: Fly or Board a Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Explore Copenhagen | Overnight Cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway

Day 4: Explore Oslo

Day 5: Fly or Board a Train from Oslo to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Explore Stockholm

Day 7: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: FAQs

What are the Scandinavian countries?

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are Scandinavian countries, geographically. However, Finland, and Iceland, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are also considered Scandinavian countries, traditionally. Ideally, they all together are called – Nordic countries.

How many days do you need to visit Scandinavia?

You need at least 10 days to explore the best of Scandinavia. 10 days in Scandinavia allows you to tick off the highlights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, however, it’d be a bit rushed trip. 2 weeks in Scandinavia are perfect to discover Scandinavia in a relaxed manner while 3 weeks in the region lets you discover the hidden gems or add some of the lesser known places.

What are the best months to travel in Scandinavia?

If you go by book, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best months to visit Scandinavia. It’s when the weather is just perfect, the days are endless, and the magic of the midnight sun adds to the experience. However, I feel winter in Scandinavia is extra special too because it brings the otherworldly northern lights and hygge , mysa , and koselig !

Is it expensive in Scandinavia?

Yes, Scandinavia is costly! Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland rank on the top among the most expensive countries to travel to and live in the world. Yet, there are many ways you can visit Scandinavia on a budget if you choose rental vacation homes over hotels, cook your own food over eating out, visit free attractions, use discount passes, and plan well in advance. Also, planning to go during the low season also helps.

Which Scandinavian country to visit first?

It doesn’t matter which Scandinavian country you visit first. You can start in Sweden or Denmark or Norway or Finland depending on where there are a good number of direct as well as cheap flights to and from your home country available. Your Scandinavian itinerary mostly starts and ends in different countries.

Which country is better in Scandinavia?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland; each Scandinavian country is different and more beautiful than the next. Denmark has world-class design and architecture, Norway has unearthly fjords and wilderness, Sweden has lush woodlands, pristine lakes, and islands, and Finland has stunning lakes, and traditional sauna culture, and it is home to the Santa Clause.

Is it easy to travel between Scandinavian countries?

Yes, traveling between Scandinavian countries is quite easy and comfortable. With extensive road, rail, air, and sea networks, getting around Scandinavia is a breeze. Express trains, overnight cruises, short ferry rides, long-distance coaches, low-cost flights – options abound. And, not to mention, a road trip around Scandinavia is the way to go if you have time.

What’s Scandinavia known for?

Scandinavia is famous for its Viking heritage, stunning landscape, endless forest cover, pristine lakes, magical fjords, gushing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, remarkable design, and architecture, royal palaces, pretty churches, unique culture, mouth-watering cuisine, charming towns, northern lights, midnight sun, and happy vibe. It’s one hell of a region!

So, when are you planning your trip to Scandinavia? If you need any further assistance as you plan to travel to Scandinavia, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to help!

Recommended Reading:

• Renting a Car in Europe
• Schengen Visa for Europe
• How to Plan a Trip to Europe
• Cheap and Free Things to do in Copenhagen
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 13+ Incredible Day Trips from Copenhagen
• Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Families
• Dragør in Denmark
• Best Places to Visit in Denmark
• Cool Danish Words
• Trip to Finnish Lapland in Summer
• Best Things to do in Helsinki
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki
• Porvoo in Finland
• Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
• Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids
• Oslo with Kids
• Where to Stay in Oslo
• Undredal in Norway
• The Train from Oslo to Bergen
• A Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo
• 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
• 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary
• Beautiful Norwegian Words
• Cool Swedish Words

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Anjali Chawla

12 thoughts on “Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary”

Hello Anjali! What a nice web travel spot you ve created. I am heading to Denmark, Sweden and Finland for 10 days with 3 kids ( 13 to 20 yrs.), mid january. I am from Argentina and that´s our summer holidays. Do you think it still would be an acceptable idea ( short days, cold cold cold ).

Hey Fernando!

I and Neha love it when our readers find our content helpful because that’s our ultimate goal 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words.

Fernando, the plus points of visiting the Nordic countries in winter are – fewer crowds, lower costs, loads of winter activities, and a chance to witness Aurora Borealis while the downsides include chilly and windy weather, shorter days (translates to less exploration time), and closed roads (matters if road tripping is on your list). Also, many sights and activities remain closed or open on a limited schedule during winter.

Having said that, I’d say winter is a good time to go if your travel goal is to catch the northern lights and indulge in winter sports.

If you can postpone your plan then I’d recommend visiting from late May to early June when the weather is just perfect, days are long, crowds are limited, and all the sights and activities are open.

If you can’t put off your plan then make sure to pack well for your winter adventure as you’ve kids traveling with you. As they say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” You gotta exercise caution while packing for your trip so you and your kids can feel comfortable during wintertime and enjoy snowy activities.

Be ready to layer up or bundle up. You must pack insulated, well-ventilated, and weather resistant jackets, waterproof lower, fleece leggings, long-sleeved tops, thermal underwear, warm sweaters to layer on tops, waterproof boots with a good grip, warm cap, war, and waterproof gloves, warm scarves, and thick socks. Make sure that the material of clothes is lightweight and quick dry.

Hope that helps. If you’ve any further questions or concerns, please let me know. I’m here to help!

Happy Travels!

Glad you liked the article and found it helpful. Hope it helps you plan your Scandinavia trip

It was an exciting read!! Nordic countries are bucket list destinations.

My husband and I are planning a visit to Switzerland around Christmas ( our third visit to the country for we want to experience the Christmas cheer there). Any specific recommendations?

Also, we’d have about 10 days to spare for another country ( late Dec to Early Jan), which country would you recommend given it is not a very ideal time to visit the neighbouring countries? France and Austria are already covered.

The best information I read and don’t know even what is Nordic. It’s nice to know and learn other countries and one day we can visit this places.

So beautiful even looking only on the photos. Just saving money for the next holiday. Bon Voyage!

love to go. need in fo about how to book travel

Great to hear you’re interested! To book your travel, you can look into tour operators that offer various packages to the Nordic countries. Visit their websites, choose an itinerary that suits you, and follow the booking instructions. Or, you can plan your trip on your own by following itineraries available online, like the one on my blog.

Dear sir/ madam. I enjoy travelling, but I´ve never been alone: always been accompanied, on a tour, mainly. That´s the reason why I write you to ask you: Is there any Tour package for 3 weeks that I can take and doing the same journey? Visiting nordics countries is my dream come true, ever! looking forward for your invaluable comment Warm greetings, Gloria Santiago, Chile

Hey Gloria, I’m sorry for the delayed response; we’ve had some issues with the blog comments over the past year. It might be late and not of any use to you now, but I still wanted to provide some information. It could be helpful to other readers who have similar questions. Many tour operators, such as Trafalgar, Globus, and Insight Vacations, offer various tour packages to the Nordic countries, ranging from 10 days to one month. These tours cover destinations like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and are perfect for experiencing the region without the hassle of planning. I recommend checking their websites for detailed itineraries and to find a package that suits your needs.

This sounds amazing! Thank your for your hard work in putting it together. I I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go, but it sounds like a dream vacation.

Excellent info – thank you! If I have 4 weeks to travel around these gorgeous countries, is there anywhere you’d add to the above itinerary?

If you have 4 weeks in Scandinavia, I’d suggest you to add 2 or 3 more days in Denmark to explore the charming cities of Aarhus and Odense and 2 to 3 days in Norway for Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hike, or maybe a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can also refer to the itineraries for Denmark and Norway on my blog for more ideas.

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Scandinavia Tours

On our Scandinavia tours you can visit two or more of the Scandinavian and Nordic countries in one trip. Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while the Nordic countries also include Finland and Iceland.

Our most popular Scandinavia tours combine the Scandinavian capitals with the Norwegian fjords. Also recommended is combining one of the Scandinavia tours with a short break to Iceland. See also our tours to Norway , Sweden , Iceland & Finland . Or perhaps you are looking for a winter tour ?

Explore our Scandinavia Tours

How this works

1. find your dream tour.

Choose from our selection of tours — or discuss the options with our travel specialists.

2. Request your booking

Complete the online process — add extra nights and experiences and combine tours. 

3. Prepare for your journey

Book your flights, receive your travel documents and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

The Countries Snoop Dogg Has Been Banned From And Why

Snoop Dogg has been banned from many countries despite being a well loved celebrity and musician. Here’s why.

Sarah Rand • Aug 23, 2024

Snoop Dogg has been one of the most trending celebrities at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His appearances have been the highlight of some of the Olympic Games. Snoop has even been made into memes over the last few weeks and has had a comeback into pop culture since the height of his rapping career. Although the star has not necessarily always been mainstream, he is well-liked by the public.

Even in the Olympic Games, as a torch bearer and special correspondent, the public found him to be a comedic relief. People online even called his stint at the games one of his most recent side quests . With his positive and happy-go-lucky reputation, people may be surprised to know that Snoop Dogg has been banned by countries during a few of his side quests. Travel has been a part of the star’s life but these bans surely put a damper on Snoop’s fun .  

Where Has Snoop Dog Been Banned?

Although Snoop Dogg has chilled out in recent years, the rapper was living on the wild side in his younger years. He was caught up in some things that ended up getting him banned from many countries. Here is what we know about the star being barred from entering some popular destinations. 

Norway 

Snoop Dogg was banned from Norway most recently. He was detained in 2012 at Kjevik Airport for possession of marijuana after drug-sniffing dogs brought it to the attention of the authorities. He was in the country to perform. While he was allowed to perform at the Hove Festival in Arendal on June 28, the decision was relayed to him once he flew back. Snoop was caught with eight grams of marijuana, which is not technically a lot. He also had more than the legally permitted amount of cash on him. Both offenses were enough for him to be banned from Norway for two years and fined $8,600.

The United Kingdom

This country’s ban happened for a completely different reason. Snoop Dogg was banned from Britain after being arrested on charges of violent disorder. This incident happened in 2006 at the London Heathrow International Airport. Five members of Snoop’s entourage got into a fight at the airport which prompted staff to call the police. This reportedly violent interaction was due to them being denied entry to British Airways’ first-class lounge. As a result of being involved with the situation, Snoop received an indefinite ban from the UK. In 2008, an immigration judge ruled in his favor but it was not until 2010 that the original charge based on being associated was ruled to be unfair.  

Australia 

Snoop Dogg was banned from Australia due to his reputation. On April 26, 2007, the rapper was refused entry and banned from entering Australia on character grounds. The country’s immigrant minister claimed that he did not meet character requirements for a visa. His extensive criminal record (convictions for drugs and firearms offenses and, at the time, the recent ban from the UK) were factors that led to the ban. The decision was later reversed so that he could acquire a work visa for performances. 

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