scandinavian travel

Luxury Scandinavian Travel

Experience norway's fjords, see the northern lights, learn more about scandinavia.

Our destination specialists will help you experience the trip of a lifetime. We offer one of the most diverse, extensive collections of custom tours to Scandinavia in the world, and every trip is truly unforgettable. Puffins in Iceland, the famous fjords of Norway, the culturally-rich cities of Scandinavia, the Northern Lights from the Arctic Circle: we do it all, and we’re masters at it.

Custom Travel

We will work with you to customize a trip that takes you where you want to go, when you want go there. Travelers stay in truly unique, top-rated hotels personally curated by our team. Our custom travel experts know the best places to eat, drink and explore, and each trip comes with a personal chauffeur, who will give you the local flavor of your destination. From personal food tasting tours to private guided hikes and everything in between, we will help you create a truly personalized and spectacular Scandinavian experience.

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Nordic / Scandinavia Tours & Trips

Chase the Northern Lights, see the world from the top of Norway’s astounding fjords, visit Stockholm and Gothenburg or try to meet Santa Claus - anything is possible on one of our amazing Scandinavian adventures. Get affordable tour packages and go on an incredible journey.

250+ Nordic / Scandinavia tour packages with 6,003 reviews

• Northern Lights
• Christmas & New Year

4 Day - Northern Lights, Snæfellsnes & Glacier Lagoon

The staff was super professional, helpful and funny too. The trip to the ice cave was quite challenging for two of our group, as we had to walk approx. 3km to the cave through rough terrain from the parking lot. We needed longer than planned, so we missed the amphibian boat tour through the lagoon.

From Copenhagen to Helsinki

Great experince . Every thing was well planned and executed.

• In-depth Cultural

Absolute North

My brother and I chose the Absolute North tour because our family heritage is Norwegian and we wanted to experience a Norwegian Christmas. Sadly, we were not able to visit Norway due to current COVID restrictions. So, four stars because we didn't actually go on the Absolute North tour. Europamundo allowed us to trade into the Berlin to Tallinn trip which hit all the highlights of our previous trip barring Norway. We had a good time and that was partially because we were a very small crew of 6 for a few days and then 3 for the final 4 days of the trip. We got some good time spent with our guide Juan Manuel and plenty of stories/photos to last us a lifetime. Overall, accommodations were great and the tour itself was full of interesting stops. Our only letdown was that a holiday meal wasn't planned for our trip over Christmas. Very few restaurants or stores were available in Berlin on Christmas Day, not even the hotel restaurant was open. It could have been a nice touch to offer a meal together for our last night in Berlin. I know a few in our small crew had to resort to McDs because a proper meal couldn't be acquired. We survived, but that was a needless stressor for the trip. Our favorite adventure was definitely the night ship from Stockholm to Helsinki - thank you for that experience! We didn't know what to expect from a night ship and it was definitely cruise level! We managed to get single beds for the majority of the trip except for a hotel change in Copenhagen that only had double beds. We want to go back and visit in the Summer to see more at night. Finland was a fun stop but the cold and approaching New Year's Eve meant that many places closed early. Thanks again to Juan Manuel for being such a kind and hospitable guide. There is a room waiting for you in Idaho, my friend!

• Coach / Bus

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Overall very good. We saw the places we wanted to. Sitting back and enjoying the scenery was the highlight. Accomodations were reasonable and breakfasts were very good. Friendly fellow travellers with good camaderie.

Scandinavia Explorer

This trip gives a wide range of experiences. Different countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland. Different types of transport: boat, ship, train, tram, bus, bike. Different types of location: cities, countryside, lakes, fjords. Different activities: historical tours, hiking, scenic tours, sampling local foods, bob sledding. Our guide Sigrid, from Norway, was outstanding. Very organised, spoke many languages, excellent knowledge of the areas we were exploring and so much more, good sense of humour, caring, joined in and shared her passion of Scandanavia. There were so many wow moments on this trip especially the amazing views. The sight of the Fjords and tyke snow capped mounds will live on in my memory forever. 5am amazing experience.

Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords (14 Days)

Great experience and everything was perfect. Big thanks to our Tour Director and the team!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Focus on Scandinavia

Two hotels on our tour were not acceptable. Our hotel in Oslo was near a ski slope far away from town, where we wasted half the day of our one day stop in the Capital.. Our hotel in Stockholm was again far away from town and we spent a lot taking a taxi to town and back.. thank God our hotel in Bergen was downtown.. where we were comfortably independent to walk to the sights. The guide and the driver of our bus were excellent , helpful and capable. On a fast paced tour like this the location of hotels is as important as the quality.

Grand Scandinavia (Classic, 20 Days)

Greg was an excellent guide and leader. He brought everyone together with his games , picnics and excellent communication and enthusiasm! I wish we could havehim again as a director. Bravo! Lew and Jack (Canada)

Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords (Classic, 15 Days)

Insight Vacations is really a top notch company. They really care about their guests and make the trip special.

Best of Iceland

The trip was great but was not really as advertised. It worked out but could have gone badly because it was not well described in the trip description

Northern Capitals

It was excellent tour

Capitals of Scandinavia (10 Days)

Our Tour Director Mike was very knowledgeable about all the places we went to The be my guest lunch was off the beaten track and was sensational. As a solo traveller I felt reassured as Mike was making sure I was Ok. We had a wonderful bus driver Greg who made sure we had a safe journey in unpredictable weather

• Sightseeing

A Taste of Scandinavia

Nikolai was FANTASTIC!!!! He was a great tour leader. The tour took us to many places and he educated us well. However, just a few negative comments. The hotels were not satisfactory ....I am used to better hotels when I travel. Carrying my luggage throughout the tour was very burdensome. I am an older person, and although I am in great shape, I did not want to be responsible for carrying my luggage everywhere. There was an 89 year old man on our trip. He had a real hard time catching up. I usually go on escorted tours where my luggage, and everything else, is handled by the guides, not by me. I loved the places that wer went to and overall I would suggest people take Tourradar and Intrepid if they don't mind doing some of the labor involved.

Copenhagen to Helsinki

We enjoyed the tour. The tour leader was engaging, informative and professional, the sights interesting and on the whole pretty spectacular. Only thing to improve is that the optional extra tours are not prominently shown and require cash payment in Euro’s. This was a bit inconvenient and costly as we didn’t know the cost of the options or realise how many euro’s we would need, and changing money to Euro cash when we were travelling in UK just prior to the tour was a pain.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Scandinavia Highlights – Denmark Norway Sweden Finland

What people love about nordic / scandinavia tours.

Great tour, short but hit all the places that were on the initinery and the pick up from the hotel was very swift and easy. The guides for the 2 trips were friendly. I love how Mahlia (or Maria?) added her personal touch and stories to the pitch on the bus. I had a great trip in Iceland and want to come back again in different seasons.

I was worried about the culturally mixed tour clients due to some negative reviews from previous clients. But I enjoyed the experiences of mixing with participants from Mexico and the Philippines. Yes sometimes bilingual guides’ presentations were not clear, and I had to ask for clarifications. Hotels were better than I had expected from the reviews; except in one-hotel the lightening was so bd

Lovely places to see. Tour experience was great. We had wonderful times.

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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.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

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…

Vikingskipshuset

Aker Brygge & Bygdøy

Around 1100 years ago, Vikings dragged up two longships from the shoreline and used them as the centrepiece for grand ceremonial burials, most likely for…

Fotografiska

Since opening its doors in 2010, Fotografiska has become one of the world’s leading photography museums and one of Stockholm’s most popular attractions…

Djurgården & Skeppsholmen

Often called 'Sweden in miniature', Skansen is an unmissable Stockholm highlight. Expect to spend a full day wandering this hilltop open-air museum, with…

Kungsholmen

The imposing Stadshuset (City Hall) defines the Stockholm skyline, with its blocky silhouette and waterside perch. It looks stern and weighty from afar,…

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…

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Scandinavia and beyond

The Most Beautiful Places in Scandinavia

By Caitlin Morton

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.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

Karthika Gupta

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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Your Scandinavian Travel Agency

Imagine exploring breathtaking fjords and vibrant cities on a tour of the Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. When you book with Nordic Visitor, a leading Scandinavian travel agency, you’ll have a dedicated local expert to plan your entire trip for you.

Multi-Country Tours

Enjoy a smorgasbord of different cultures and experiences on a combination tour of several Scandinavian countries.

Why choose Scandinavian combo?

• See all the highlights of several countries on an expert-crafted itinerary
• Marvel at the colourful capitals of Sweden, Norway & Denmark
• Travel through the scenic Swedish countryside
• Explore the majestic Norwegian fjords by car, train or boat

Best of Scandinavia Classic

Train & cruise, capitals of scandinavia, highlights of scandinavia, sweden, denmark & norway, choose by season.

Discover Scandinavia at a time of year that suits you.

Summer Tours

Travel to Scandinavia between May and September for more daylight hours and mild weather.

Winter Tours

Experience the charm of Scandinavia in winter by visiting between October and April.

One-Country Tours

Focus on one Scandinavian or Nordic country exclusively with these one-destination tours. Choose from Norway's fjords and mountains, Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, and more!

Get ready for dramatic hilltop views and coasts carved with impressive fjords.

Experience the most sought-out natural sites and incredible activities of this popular Nordic nation.

Travel through Sweden’s idyllic landscape and visit serene lakes and forests.

Discover the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Lapland, a true winter wonderland.

Top Scandinavia Travel Ideas

Explore Scandinavia with our popular travel styles.

Guided Group Tours

Explore with a local guide and up to 16 like-minded travellers.

Scandinavian Triangle

Visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark by land and sea.

Independent Tours

Discover Scandinavia’s beauty by coastal cruise, rail and road.

Discover Scandinavia on the open road.

Different ways to see Scandinavia

Whatever your interest, we have the package for you.

Castles and Royalty

Independent cruise, scandinavian countryside, culture and history, family trips, romance and honeymoon, railway journeys.

Spring Sale

Browse our special offers to save 10% on your 2024 group tour around Scandinavia.

Get in touch with one of our local travel experts

Whatever your needs, we are here to help. If you have any questions about our packages or services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our Scandinavia Tour Reviews

Here’s what some of our lovely customers think about our Scandinavia tours.

Anita Singapore

We were very pleased with the service provided by our travel consultant, Sofia. She was very prompt in replying to... read more

We were very pleased with the service provided by our travel consultant, Sofia. She was very prompt in replying to all our queries. We enjoyed the itinerary where different experiences were offered - various train rides and cruises.The hotels were good, all centrally located and spacious with very good breakfasts provided. Everything is planned for with detailed information, maps and vouchers. All we needed to do was present ourselves at the various venues. We felt assured that there is someone who knows our plans and who we could call upon should we require any assistance. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone who wants to go Scandinavia on a free-and-easy yet have all the hassle of planning taken care of.

Graham and Sylvia Canada

We felt that every aspect of our contact with you was professional and excellent and are very pleased we chose to... read more

We felt that every aspect of our contact with you was professional and excellent and are very pleased we chose to book through you. There were no complications, errors, annoyances. We had a marvelous time in the three beautiful capital cities and loved every moment of our travels in them. We were especially impressed by the friendliness, courtesy and exemplary English spoken.

Your Scandinavian Travel Experts

Your itinerary is made with intimate local knowledge. That’s because your dedicated travel consultant has first-hand experience of all activities and hotels along the way. Our Scandinavia travel experts regularly inspect all services on our tours to ensure nothing but the best for our customers.

Quick Facts

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

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

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor creates unforgettable travel experiences across Northern Europe. Our travel experts have all lived and travelled extensively in Scandinavia, and create your itinerary with their insider knowledge and travel experience. Travel with us, and you’ll take home lasting memories.

Great reviews

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

Flexible tour options

Everyone’s travel wish list is different, so we are happy to update your tour with extra days, optional activities and pretours. This means you’ll have more opportunities to experience all that Scandinavia has to offer.

Hassle-free experience

Depend on us to take away the hassle of travel. You’ll receive a comprehensive itinerary, a dedicated travel consultant and all of your tickets and activities booked. We work with our network of trusted local businesses to make your trip seamless, saving you time and effort.

You are in good hands

One of our travel experts is always on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Unexpected delays or weather? No problem. Nordic Visitor will rework your itinerary, re-book activities and fix your accommodation, all while keeping you informed.

Full financial protection

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

Exploring Scandinavia

Imagine feeling the fresh sea breeze on your face as you take a coastal cruise, or marvelling at the deep valleys of Norway’s fjords - soon you could experience this and even more. Here’s just a taste of what you could get up to…

• Photograph the jaw dropping cliffs and “mouth” of Norway’s Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord
• Explore the colourful Norwegian wharf of Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen
• Wander around the cultural landmarks and green parks of Norway’s capital, Oslo
• Ride the legendary Flåm Railway , one of Norway’s steepest rail climbs, and see remarkable views
• Roam the historic cobbled streets of Gamla Stan Old Town and learn about Sweden’s rich history
• Cast your eyes on Sweden’s beautiful Stockholm archipelago
• Discover the majestic history of the Christiansborg Palace , the seat of the Danish Parliament
• Release your inner child at Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens , one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
• Visit the capital of cool, Copenhagen , and try tasty local specialties like Smørrebrød

Frequently Asked Questions About Scandinavia

You may have a few questions about your upcoming trip to Scandinavia, so we’ve collected and answered the most important ones for your convenience. Or, if you want to know more about our processes and payment details, check out our FAQ page .

1. What countries make up Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe that is made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The neighbouring countries of Finland and Iceland are technically 'Nordic' rather than 'Scandinavian'. But many people consider them Scandinavian because they share many cultural similarities.

2. Are Finland and Iceland in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is typically defined as the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Finland and Iceland are technically ‘Nordic’ countries as they are not part of the Scandinavian peninsula.

However, due to shared celebrations and cultural norms, both Iceland and Finland can loosely be considered Scandinavian in many ways.

3. Why travel to Scandinavia?

Imagine looking out to incredible views of endless fjords, visiting chic ‘Scandi-cool’ cities and enjoying the midnight sun by the many charming canals and harbours. Scandinavia is a brilliant destination for its balance between urban areas and nature reserves, and you benefit from the best of both with the opportunity to go on pretty hiking trails and sightseeing in the city.

It’s a feast for the senses as well, with colourful UNESCO heritage wharfs, cruises along the Baltic sea and literal smörgåsbords of delicious food. A long-time favourite of nature lovers, hikers, city breakers and fans of architecture, Scandinavia has activities and points of interest for everyone.

What's more, the region has been named by top publications as one of the best destinations to visit in Northern Europe this year . 

If we’ve whet your appetite and you’re curious about the attractions here, then read our first-time visitor guide to Scandinavia .

4. Where to visit in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia has so many must-see cities and points of interest that it’s hard to list them all. Here are our favourite cultural hotspots and famous sights:

• Geirangerfjord, Norway
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen, Norway
• Bergen, Norway
• Gothenburg, Sweden
• Helsinki, Finland
• Oslo, Norway
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Flåm, Norway
• Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

For more information about exploring the region, read this handy guide on the best times and places to go , or check out the top Scandinavian cities to visit .

5. When is the best time to visit?

Scandinavia is stunning all year round and there’s plenty to see and do during each season. Pinpointing the best time for you depends on your preferences when travelling. For pleasant weather and extended hours of daylight, visit Scandinavia during the summer months.

Visit in the winter or shoulder seasons for a quieter trip with charming, festive sights. If the northern lights are your must-see, then we’d recommend checking out our Norway and Lapland packages.

For more information and travel ideas read our comprehensive guide on when to visit Scandinavia .

6. How to get around Scandinavia?

A popular option to travel around Scandinavia is via railway. Highly rated by locals, the trains are usually clean, comfortable and most importantly, prompt. The railway routes pass by stunning scenery making for an extraordinary “commute” and there are opportunities to stretch your legs on board.

Sailing from destination to destination on a cruise is also a great way to see Scandinavia, as each voyage will give you amazing views of coastal attractions such as the Norwegian fjords. For our cruise and train packages , we arrange all of the timings for you and tickets are booked before you arrive for peace of mind.

Another great way to travel around Scandinavia is by guided mini-bus tour. Unlike larger coach tours, our small group tours have a maximum of 16 people. You get to travel with a local guide who will show you their perspective of Scandinavia, and not just repeat what’s written in the guidebooks.

Scandinavia also has some of the best self-drive road trip routes in the world. You could see the countless islands of the Stockholm archipelago here, as well as seaviews from Hardangerfjord Bridge or vistas from the highest mountain passage in Norway, Sognefjell.

For more ideas on how to explore Scandinavia, check out our range of travel packages .

7. Can I choose the arrival date?

Yes you can choose your ideal arrival dates. We have a wide range of arrival options depending on the package and season. Our tours are all available to book online so once you’ve found your favourite one, you can choose the best dates for you. If you’ve already booked but need to change your dates, get in touch with your travel consultant to rearrange your bookings.

8. When should I book my flights?

We recommend that you book your package and wait for confirmation before you organise your flights as this ensures that your tour is secured and you have all of the correct timing information.

We advise checking flight times and dates beforehand so you can pinpoint your ideal tour dates. Get in touch with your dedicated travel consultant to move your tour dates if your flights change.

9. Can we add extra nights in some locations?

You can add extra nights at the start and end of all tours. For some tours, you can ask your consultant to add extra nights at destinations along the way as well. You can do this online when you book, or if you’ve already booked your package, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to update your tour.

10. Can I customise a tour from scratch?

By booking one of our packages, you’ll enjoy fantastic accommodation, carefully planned routes and pre-booked activities. As well as this, we can personalise your itinerary with added nights at the start and end of your journey and, depending on the package, extra stops during your trip.

While we may not always build a tour from scratch, we will try our best to include any special sights or attractions you want to go to.

11. What should I pack to wear in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe, so the weather can be a little temperamental in most seasons. We advise that you prepare for all outcomes by packing the following:

• Warm jumper or fleece
• Thermal layers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Small day bag or rucksack
• Binoculars  

For more information on what to pack and wear, take a look at our handy Norway packing guide .

About Nordic Visitor

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a travel agency that creates amazing travel experiences for customers across Scandinavia. Our travel consultants are passionate about providing excellent quality service and will be available to help you before, during and after your trip. Every package is created from scratch by our travel experts and is regularly quality tested.

Reasons to choose us include:

• Personalised itinerary: you deserve the trip of a lifetime, so depend on our travel experts to create and organise an amazing trip.
• Quality checked accommodation: all of our accommodation is tried and tested by our local specialists to guarantee an excellent stay.
• 24/7 helpline: for peace of mind, there’s always a travel consultant on the other end of our 24/7 helpline.
• Travel expertise: your journey will be extra special with our team's insider knowledge and Scandinavia experience.

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Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

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7 scandinavian cities you need to visit, 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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The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Scandinavia ? Made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, this region is a top destination whether you’re looking to experience the northern lights or visit the grand capital cities. 

This useful guide will help you figure out the best times to visit and the best places to see in Scandinavia. Get ready for a bucket-list worthy trip to the land of the Vikings, steep mountains, long fjords and majestic waterfalls.

Best time to visit Scandinavia

With four distinct seasons, Scandinavia has plenty to offer all year long. When is best to visit for you is personal and may depend on your pre-booked holidays, what you want to see and experience, or your preferred season.

Read below for a short-and-sweet guide to the best time to visit Scandinavia.

• During the summer months, you could take on a self-drive trip around Scandinavia or join a small guided tour  with a local guide
• Throughout the year, travel around Scandinavia independently via scenic trains and cruises journeys

1. Best time to visit Scandinavia for weather

Summer in Scandinavia, the months of July and August , is a great time to visit. At this time of year, you’re more likely to have pleasant and stable weather. Nature comes alive and locals and visitors alike can enjoy the great outdoors.

Another bonus of summer is the extended daylight hours. Take advantage of long days with more sightseeing and excursions.

The summer is also a good time for a road trip. Take the wheel, enjoy the warmer weather, go off the beaten track, and find your own corner of paradise.

• Browse these summer Scandinavia packages

2. Best time to visit Scandinavia for quieter travel

Scandinavia is very popular with travellers – for excellent reasons! But do you dream of a quiet holiday, to experience the natural wonders in peaceful reflection? Or to capture the perfect photos without too many distractions?

Travelling during in winter has many benefits that you may enjoy. One of which is experiencing the country at your own relaxed pace.

If you would like to take advantage of the fairer weather and quieter attractions, visit during the shoulder season in May or September .

3. Best time to visit Scandinavia to see the northern lights

While summer may be ideal to visit the Nordic countries , it is not the best time to see the northern lights.

To see the aurora borealis you need a clear, dark sky, which is difficult to find in the Arctic region. This includes Northern Norway, Svalbard, Finnish and Swedish Lapland where the sun doesn't fully set in summer.

For the best chances of dark skies and northern lights spotting, visit Scandinavia and especially its northern reaches between October and March.

• Check out Scandinavian northern lights tours

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Encompassing Denmark, Norway and Sweden, this northern region of Europe has so much to offer. While planning a trip around Scandinavia, the only challenge you’ll have is to narrow down the places you’ll want to see.

Here are some suggestions to add to your Scandinavian itinerary: 

1. Oslo, Norway

Norway's capital, Oslo , is a must-see city blending nature with modern, urban vibes. Chances are you will fly into Oslo to visit Norway, making it a perfect first stop on your itinerary!

Head outdoors to admire the green hills and surrounding mountains of Oslo. Or enjoy the vibrant cultural life, visiting world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Kon-Tiki Museum .

• Book one of these Norway holiday packages

2. Bergen, Norway

Bergen , Norway’s second largest city, is a great place to experience rich cultural and historical attractions, as well as seeing majestic natural wonders.

Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Fjords", you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Norway’s’ longest fjord, Sognefjord , and the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

You can also spend hours walking around the streets of this vibrant city, exploring museums and its old town, the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen .

• Look up city breaks in Scandinavia to explore Bergen as well as the capital cities
• Related: 7 Scandinavian cities you need to visit

3. Lofoten islands, Norway

Discover Norwegian natural beauty at its finest in the Lofoten islands .

As an archipelago within the Arctic Circle, this region boasts plenty of dramatic scenery with mighty mountains, craggy coastal lines, pristine waterways and quaint fishing villages. Svolvær, the main community of Lofoten, is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

This is an excellent place to visit for keen bird watchers in summer, and for those chasing the northern lights  in winter.

• Explore tours to the Lofoten islands

4. Flåm, Norway

The small town of Flåm is an ideal stop to relax during a bustling trip around Norway or Scandinavia.

Nestled at the heart of the western fjords, you’ll find a wealth of natural attractions a stone’s throw from this tiny village. Admire the mighty mountains, stunning fjords, and powerful waterfalls.

From here, you could hop on a fjord cruise, or aboard the famous Flåm Railway , known as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world!

• Experience the comfort of train travel and see the sights from your window with one of these Scandinavian tours by rail

5. Preikestolen, Norway

Conquer your fear of heights at the gravity-defying Preikestolen . Its name means "Pulpit Rock", given because of its odd shape resembling a preacher’s pulpit.

You could admire it from a boat tour along the fjords, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike up Pulpit Rock . It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to make this 8-kilometre (5-mile) round trip.

At the top, enjoy the views over the Lysefjord from the 604-metre (nearly 2,000-feet) high cliff!

• Visit Scandinavia in the summer months, June , July or August , to go hiking, kayaking and more

6. Sognefjord, Norway

Prepare to be amazed by Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Also known as the "King of the Fjords", it's a breathtaking site with towering mountain peaks and tranquil waters.

If you take part in the legendary Norway in a Nutshell© tour , you will pass through Aurlandsfjord , an arm of the Sognefjord. This will allow you to really take in its vastness. Sognefjord itself also extends inland to Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks.

7. Geirangerfjord & Nærøyfjord, Norway

Escape to an area of renowned natural beauty. The UNESCO World Heritage-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are often referred to as the "world’s most stunning fjords" and you're in for a treat.

Spend a day cruising along their peaceful waters, looking up at the steep mountainsides, and spotting wildlife. You could also admire views of powerful waterfalls, such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil .

• Sail along fjords, rugged coastlines and across the Baltic Sea on a cruise of Scandinavia

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Discover Stockholm, the enchanting capital of Sweden. Here you can spend your days discovering Swedish culture and history.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of the 13th-century old town (Gamla Stan). This area is dotted with interesting attractions such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace.

You could also head out to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum, the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Or take a boat trip around the stunning Stockholm archipelago .

• Explore these Sweden holiday packages

9. Gothenburg, Sweden

While making your way through Sweden, don’t forget the western city of Gothenburg. With its chilled-out and trendy vibes, the country's second largest city is one of the best vacation spots in Sweden .

Here, you’ll discover neoclassical architecture along quaint streets and grand canals. You could dine at romantic gastropubs in Haga, ride rollercoasters at the 1920s Liseberg amusement park, and take a cruise along the Gothenburg archipelago.

• Check out these tours of Sweden to explore the country in more depth
• Related: Best group tours in Europe for solo travellers

10. Icehotel, Sweden

Sleep on ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL in Sweden – a quintessential Nordic experience!

During the day, you can try your hand at fun winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. By night, keep warm on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the dancing northern lights in the sky above. 

• Head north to have a  winter getaway in Lapland

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel to the fairytale city of Copenhagen, where you’ll discover royal palaces, nods to writer Hans Christian Andersen, and canals lined with colourful houses.

You could easily fill several days visiting all of Copenhagen’s cultural and historical attractions. But make sure to visit the extravagant Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal family, and Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park.

• Visit Copenhagen as part of a  Scandinavian triangle tour that also includes Stockholm and Oslo

12. Helsinki, Finland

While not technically part of Scandinavia, don’t forget Finland when travelling through the Nordic countries.

Cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki and experience Finnish culture at its finest. Here, you’ll find modern buildings alongside ornamental, Art Nouveau architecture, which makes exploring the city a real treat.

We recommend checking out the Design District, Temppeliaukion (an incredible rock-carved church), and Market Square.

• Take an  independent tour of Scandinavia including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway

13. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Relive childhood fantasies by visiting the official hometown of Santa Claus in the capital of Finnish Lapland.

After you’ve met the jolly old fellow, make sure to visit the Arktikum museum. Or head into the great outdoors to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi is also a good spot to chase the northern lights during the winter months.

• Visit in  December , January , February or March to enjoy the winter wonderland

Planning your trip to Scandinavia

Booking a trip to Scandinavia couldn't be easier with Nordic Visitor. You can take your pick from the large selection of self-drive itineraries , train and cruise packages , and guided group tours .

Choose your favourite itinerary and we'll do the rest for you. We'll book your accommodation, in-country transportation and transfers, and activities. So all you have to do is fly here and enjoy your holiday! 

When you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian getaway, get in touch with our travel consultants who can arrange it all for you. They can even customise your itinerary should you have any particular needs and interests.  We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Scandinavia!

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila 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.

SCANDINAVIAN ROAD TRIP

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HIGHLIGHTS OF SCANDINAVIA & FINLAND CRUISE

Best of scandinavia classic, related posts, 7 scandinavian cities you need to visit.

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The complete guide to traveling Scandinavia

Scandinavia

Scandinavia Trip Costs  | Transportation | Food and alcohol | Accommodation | Water | City passes | When to visit | My Top Travel Tips | Denmark | Sweden | Norway | Top 10 Things to do

With its picturesque forests, a thousand lakes, northern lights, Viking heritage, and the dream of countries filled with tall, blonde, singing people, IKEA, and immaculate fashion, Scandinavia is the perfect destination to combine breathtaking nature with art, architecture, food, and history.

Scandinavia typically refers to the three countries Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and even though the Scandinavian countries share a history, have similar culture and languages they differ enough not to skip any of the three countries on your travels in northern Europe.

As Copenhagen holds the busiest and most well-connected airport in Scandinavia, Denmark is a good starting point. However, all three countries are connected by land (or in some cases bridges or tunnels) making it easy to travel between and within the countries by train or car.

 SCANDINAVIA TRIP COSTS

There is no way to sugarcoat this. Scandinavia is expensive, Norway especially, being the second most expensive country in the world. If you plan wisely, your costs can be reduced significantly.

TRANSPORTATION

Travelling by car or train gives you more flexibility, but it is time-consuming due to the vast countries, so if you are short on time, I highly recommend flying.

Renting a car is no budget option but gives you flexibility and the ability to reach places that can be hard to reach with air travel or train. The distances in Norway and Sweden long so remember that you not only have to pay for the car rental, but you will also use a lot of fuel and it doesn’t come cheap!

If you want to save money on travel costs you are most likely to do so with a combination of flights and trains. The costs of travelling by train or plane can be very similar for long distances, but if you are flexible, the prices for the train tickets can be as low as 20 Euro instead of 100 Euro.

If you travel by train, make sure you are flexible on the time of the day you want to travel as well as the day you want to travel, buy an interrail pass (note that the interrail passes are usually just available during the summers), take the night train and save both time and money. There is no need to buy your train or plane tickets far in advance, the prices go up and down depending on availability.

There is also the option of buses for long distances, they are usually the cheapest option, but you will need a lot more time than if travelling by train or plane.

Except for the capitals most of the cities are walkable and in the capitals, especially Copenhagen, why not rent a bicycle and move on two wheels like the Scandinavians? You´ll get both an authentic, sustainable, and cheap experience!

If you prefer public transportation make sure to buy 24-hour passes or multiple days passes instead of single rides as they tend to be pricey.

FOOD AND ALCOHOL

The restaurants keep a high standard – and high prices. Lunch will usually set you back 9-15 euros while you are unlikely to find the main course for dinner for less than 22-28 euros. Due to a high tax on alcohol, your party nights in Norway and Sweden might be limited. Expect to pay 7-10 euros for a beer and 15-23 euros for a cocktail in a bar. If you buy the alcohol in the specially designated shops for alcohol the prices will be lower, but still high.

In Denmark however the prices on alcohol are lower and more similar to those of the southern European countries, but depending on where you go it might still be pricey. The cheapest bars in Denmark are called Bodegas, small places, nothing fancy, usually with pool tables or boardgames, where a beer usually is around 2 euros, any cheaper than that and you´ll have to make your own.

To cut your costs, buy your groceries in the local supermarkets or markets and your costs for food will be remarkably lower than if you eat in restaurants. There is a lot of money to save here.

ACCOMMODATION

If you are travelling in Norway and Sweden in the summertime and/or are well equipped it is good to know that you are allowed to sleep under the stars or put up your tent anywhere, as long as it is not on private property. In Sweden and Norway, there are also so-called wind protectors, small wooden shelters on strategic places in nature for everyone to use for camping. Camping and using wind protectors are for free, which is amazing, but respect nature and don´t leave any trace, except maybe your footprints. Remember that in the summer the temperatures can differ between 15-30 degrees Celsius or 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures in the winter are cold to freezing, so be prepared!

So if you don´t want to sleep in a tent or in the grass? Scandinavians are very friendly and there is always the option of couch surfing or renting cabins, but if it isn´t for you hostels are usually cheaper than both Airbnb and hotels. The hostels are of a good standard and normally with cooking facilities.

Sustainability is big in Scandinavia and you can refill your water bottle anywhere for free. The tap water is not only free and drinkable but also delicious! So make sure to bring your own water bottle and save both money and the environment.

CITY PASSES

All major cities in Scandinavia offer city pass that gives you discounts on everything from transportation to museums to food and even shopping!

WHEN TO VISIT

There is no right or wrong time to visit Scandinavia unless you are planning on only visiting the cities, in which case they will be more vibrant between April-September. If you choose to visit Scandinavia in the summer you will witness the lush green nature, you will see the waterfalls and the rivers in their full glory, you will swim and sunbathe, hike and ride a bicycle and of course, see the midnight sun! If you choose to visit in the winter you will experience fairytale-like winters, aurora lights, glistening frozen lakes, and cozy winter markets. If you plan to visit Stockholm in winter make sure you read my Stockholm in winter guide . Out of all the Scandinavian capitals Copenhagen will be the mildest to visit during winter as it’s the southernmost capital out of the three. Copenhagen in winter is actually not that cold and some winter you might not even get any snow.

Remember that the weather and temperatures are unpredictable and you need to be prepared for it. There is no guarantee that the winters are freezing and the summers are hot or vice versa.

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS

• Even if Scandinavia can be done on a budget, you need to account for that it is not as cheap as South East Asia or Eastern Europe. Be prepared that things will cost and that cheap travel will take time.
• Try to take the night train when possible, the trains are of a high standard and is well worth saving a night’s accommodation and travel time.
• Bring your own water bottle for free refills everywhere.
• Both Sweden and Norway are big countries and require time, it can be done in a shorter time, but to get the most out of your Scandinavian trip I would recommend at least 3-4 weeks.
• Be aware that the weather and temperatures can change quickly and pack accordingly.
• Talk to people, even if they might seem shy and maybe won´t approach you, Scandinavians are super friendly and willing to go out of their way and beyond to show you their countries and all of what they have to offer.

Danes are often referred to as the happiest people on earth and it is easy to see why, with the Danish philosophy of “Hygge” – a word that can´t be translated, but described as way of life where you seek happiness in the simple and cozy things.

Copenhagen might be the coziest and liveliest of the three northern capitals, filled with great bars and nightclubs making the Copenhagen nightlife fantastic. You also find cozy and cool restaurants as well as plenty of outdoor activities.

But Denmark is so much more than just Copenhagen. You have the central region with Aarhus, Herning, and Viborg, with the white sand dunes of the North Sea as well as charming bays and inlets on the east coast. Here you will also find Legoland and dozens of art museums.

In northern Denmark you will find some of the countries most prominent architecture, thriving food scene and not to forget it is home to some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Scandinavia.

Sweden with its ever-changing landscapes from the flat south to the mountainous north is filled with beautiful islands and beaches, spellcasting forests, medieval cities and castles, incredible art, and world-famous fashion.

Entering Sweden from Copenhagen is easily done by train to Malmö, where a one-way ticket costs 10 euros. Malmö being the third biggest city in Sweden, although fairly small and walkable, is a mix of an old fisherman´s village and an industrial manufacturing hub. It is charming and has a big cultural diversity. You will hear dozens of different languages, smell the spices of the Middle East, enjoy swimming, and having a look at Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest building. Around Malmö, you have the coziest little beach towns with soft white sand and where time moves as if everyone is on vacation all year round.

From Malmö to the very north of Sweden the possibilities are endless, you can choose to go on the west coast of Sweden up to Gothenburg, stop for amazing seafood and continue your way up north or enter Norway. Or you can choose to go on the east coast, visit the capital, Stockholm, with its archipelago, forests, nightlife, shopping, and then continue your way to the incredible north. Of course, in between Malmö, Gothenburg, and Stockholm, there are amazing places to explore but you will really notice a difference in culture and nature if you travel further north instead. While the south of Sweden offers beaches and city life, the north is all about nature and it is nature you don´t want to miss out on!

While all three countries are like exotic fairytales, Norway is a category on its own. People sound happy even when they are arguing and most of their time they spend outdoors, summer as well as in the winter. And Norway is mostly famous for exactly this, its nature, its Fjords, its mountains, its forests, its coastline, its marine life. There is probably not one part of Norway that isn´t breathtaking. This doesn´t mean that Norway is only for the outdoorsy type, even if, if there is one place that could convert even the most big-city-life-traveler, it is Norway. It is the second most expensive country in the world, but it is well worth a visit and can be done on a budget with a bit of planning. Even if Norway is all about nature you shouldn´t miss out on exploring the capital, Oslo, which gives you a feeling of being in a village rather than a capital. It is very tourist-friendly, filled with restaurants, unique cafés, shops, and interesting museums as well as proximity to nature, you can even go surfing in Norway!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

1.the northern lights, sweden and norway.

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is on most people’s bucket list, and for a reason, it is stunning, and you will never experience anything like it. It is also not easily accessible. Your highest chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon is during wintertime, north of the arctic circle, in Sweden and Norway , the more north you go, the better the chance you will have.

2. The Royal Palace Drottningholm, Sweden

On the list of World Heritage Sites protected by UNESCO is the Royal Palace of Drottningholm in Stockholm, Sweden. The Palace has been compared to the one of Versailles and is the residence of the Swedish King and Queen. The southern wing of the Palace is reserved for the royal family only, but visitors are allowed in the rest of the Palace all year around.

3. The Fjords of Norway

There is no other word than stunning, to describe the Fjords of Norway. The Fjords are formations of ocean water between cliffs caused by the glacier and Norway has thousands of them, making Norway the “Fjord capital of the world”. Once in Norway they are fairly easy to reach and should definitely not be missed! Make it a few days adventure up the coast of Norway to see the most breathtaking ones or just a quick daytrip from Oslo. Neither will disappoint.

4. The little mermaid, Denmark

Copenhagen is like nothing else, the streets of Nyhavn look like they are taken from a fairytale with the canals, boats and tiny colored houses. Speaking of fairytales, you will find one of the biggest Nordic icons in Copenhagen – the sculpture of the little mermaid , based on a story about a little mermaid written by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

5. Christiania, Denmark

Following the canals between street musicians, the smell of Danish sausage, and never-ending bicycles you will eventually reach Freetown Christiania . In this self-proclaimed free state in the middle of Copenhagen, Denmark, no one owns their homes, the people police themselves, and all decisions are made by consensus. It has a mix of homes, cafes, art galleries, and workshops, many covered with colorful murals or accented by sculptures and if Copenhagen is like nothing else, Christiania is even more so.

6. Bergen, Norway

Filled with cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, surrounded by mountains, fjords, and sea you can mix quirky shopping, lazy days at the seaside with hikes up the two most famous mountain viewpoints, Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken. You will enter the wilderness of the forest and do a few days hike or for the shorter and easier route, begin your hike right in the city center and hike your way to the viewpoints. Don´t worry if you´re lazy, you can go on the funicular train “Fløyen” and still enjoy the same views.

7. Lapland, Sweden

It will not get more exotic than this. You have dog sleds, reindeers, waterfalls, tipi tents, rivers, lakes, midnight sun, mountains and the northernmost indigenous people in the world, the Sami . Sami speak multiple traditional languages and try to secure their culture and heritage even today, which is clearly noticeable when visiting Lapland. And if this isn´t enough if you are visiting Lapland in winter you also have a great chance of seeing the Northern lights. If you feel like splurging it is also in Lapland that you find the world-famous Iglootel , a hotel completely made out of ice and snow.

8. Scandinavian food

In Scandinavia, you will find weird food, fermented, pickled, dried, salted, and even rotten, some of it is not for the weak and even the smell might get your stomach to turn, but for the brave, it is considered delicacies and is even exported to high-end restaurants all over the world.

If you want to play it safer, modern Nordic cuisine is one of the main reasons Scandinavia attracts tourists in the last ten years. Maybe it all began when Noma in Denmark was named the best restaurant in the world. However, since then the scene has only been growing and growing and Scandinavia is at the top of every foodie’s bucket list. Last but not least, DO NOT miss out on the seafood!

9. Briksdal Glacieer, Norway

The mighty Briksdal Glacier is part of the Jostedal Glacier national park. From an astonishing height of 1200 meters or 3 937 feet, you will see the wild glacier drop into the narrow lake surrounded by lush vegetation and smooth rocks – it will take your breath away.

10. Stockholm

Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia, but don´t be fooled thinking you will end up in a hectic place. It is made up of 14 islands and situated in the Stockholm archipelago. The archipelago itself is the largest one in Scandinavia, with 30 000 islands, where you will find the urban Swedes swimming and sunbathing in the summer. Stockholm is extremely pretty, filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and museums. Amongst the museums you will find the Vasa Museum, the Vasa ship capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. Vasa is the world’s best-preserved 17th-century ship and the most visited museum in Scandinavia.  Don’t miss the picturesc old town or, gamla stan, with it’s narrow streats and cute little shops and cafes.

Ready to travel to Scandinavia? Let us know if there is something ells you’d like to know in the comments below

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Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

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

7 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

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!

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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Bornholm is officially the Danes’ favourite holiday spot (as voted for last year in the Danish Travel Awards). Reachable by bus and ferry or hydrofoil from Copenhagen, it’s known as the country’s sunshine island: Svaneke, a charming harbour town on the west coast, is the sunniest spot in the whole of Denmark.

There’s no need for a car: you can get around relatively easily by bike and bus to explore fishing villages and small towns such as Gudhjem, known for its national cooking competition , and sunny Svaneke, in search of the best ice-cream, smoked herring and locally brewed beer. Bornholm has an artist colony vibe reminiscent of parts of Cornwall and is well known for its ceramics. You can find small workshops and galleries dotted around its villages, and especially in the town of Nexø, where there is a ceramics school. Beaches are wide, sandy and beautiful – especially child-friendly, dune-backed Dueodde, which Lonely Planet recently listed as one of the 20 best beaches in Europe .

New this year, Eco Beach Camp offers glamping from about £150 a night (sleeping two to four) on the beach just steps from the island’s Michelin-starred Kadeau restaurant, known for its focus on hyper-local, sustainable food. Or rent a summer house through firms including Novasol and Dancenter where rates start from about £300 for a week’s stay. It’s expected that you’ll bring basics with you, including bed linen.

Norway’s Arctic hiking route

Culture and nature come together on Norway’s longest hiking route this summer. The 400-mile Nordlandsruta , which runs along the Norwegian-Swedish border, will be joining in the celebrations to mark the Arctic city of Bodø’s year in the spotlight as one of 2024’s European Capitals of Culture. There are a range of artist-led events in cabins along the trail, and activities include poetry and portrait workshops and a mobile perfumery making scents from the herbs that hikers pick along the route.

Evening entertainment includes campfire cooking, improv theatre and Sápmi lassoo throwing. It also plays into another key Nordic travel theme: friluftsliv , a love of the great outdoors. Norwegians love to hike and there is an extensive network of trails, with hiking cabins along them, across the country.

It’s a beautiful hike – whether you’re in the region for the celebrations or not – passing through the Arctic Circle, Laponian Area world heritage site , national parks and Sápmi cities. From meadows filled with wildflowers to snow-capped mountains, reindeer-herding plateaux and raging rivers, it has all the drama you’d expect of this northern landscape. There are 43 unstaffed huts on the route – you’ll need a key from Norwegian trekking organisation DNT to use them.

To walk the whole route would take around six weeks, but it’s broken down into eight smaller stages for those with less time. For ramblers with an eye on reindeer herding and Sápmi husbandry, the 57-mile stretch from Raudlia to Susendalen treks across two valleys and past the hat-shaped Hatten mountain while the 45-mile section from Bolna to Umbukta skirts the sacred Sápmi mountain of Auronasen, silver mines and a glacier. Weekend hikes along the trail are also possible from Narvik and Bodø.

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Finland’s peaceful waterways

If you like lakes, islands and trees, Finland is the place for you – it is the most forested country in Europe and has more bodies of water than any other country in the world . In the Kainuu region in the east of the country, it’s easy to get away from the crowds for pure immersion in Nordic nature.

Nature Travels offers self-guided canoe tours in the region where you can camp wild along the route, fish for your supper and go at your own pace. The pick of the bunch is a remote adventure on the Tar Route (from £154 per person, for three nights/four days, based on two people, including all equipment and transfers to start point), the historic route once used to transport tar to the Baltic Sea. Instead of tar, your cargo will be just yourselves, your tent and enough food for a four to eight-day tour of quiet waterways, short and easily bypassed rapids, and protected islands.

Along the route you might spot moose, foxes, owls or even eagles. Stop to fish for your dinner, cook it on an open fire and retire to a lean-to shelter or tent in the evening. Look out, too, for island saunas, dotted along the route, where you can ease the tension in your back and arms after a hard day’s paddle. Don’t forget to pack insect repellent: Finland’s forests are known for their pesky flies.

This route commonly starts from Kuhmo, accessed by train and bus from Helsinki, while Helsinki itself can be reached by ferry from Stockholm if you prefer not to fly.

Stay in a Swedish summer house

It’s traditional in this part of the world to spend at least part of the summer in a “summer house” (actually more of a simple cabin) in nature. The essence of summer house life is leaning into a slower pace of life: read a book under a tree, bake a cake, a gentle walk. It’s about living in harmony with nature, too, and embracing the joys it offers, including sea swimming, fishing, hiking and boating.

The Stockholm archipelago is one of the most accessible and popular summer house destinations. Access is via one of the many public ferries (one-way trips from the city pier cost up to £14 depending on the location). It’s as easy as taking a bus.

The region is protected by the Archipelago Foundation , which preserves public access to land and water in the area, and has a wide range of characterful accommodation spread all over the islands. They include a 19th-century former customs house on the remote and rocky island of Huvudskär, remade into a rustic youth hostel (room rates from £186 for a four-bed room), as well as summer cottages on the activity-packed southern island of Utö, where two-person cabins start at around £338 for a week in high season.

Summer cottages usually require you to bring bed linen. Depending on which island you choose, you might need to bring all your supplies for the week too. Peak season for Scandinavia is typically July – travel in August for slightly reduced rates.

Copenhagen-based Laura Hall writes the Modern Scandinavian newsletter

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Get an Eyeful of Iceland in These 15 Photos That Capture Its Natural Beauty

These selections from the Smithsonian magazine photo contest will transport you to the small Scandinavian island

A church with a red roof and steeple sticks out against the sprawling landscape as the sun pokes through the hazy clouds.

Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

It’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice for a reason. Sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, Iceland is a geographical contradiction. The frigid temperatures, icy landscape and glaciers coexist with some of the most active volcanoes in the world. A day of hiking up snowcapped mountains might end with a warm dip in a hot spring. Iceland also boasts one of the world’s few black sand beaches and its own equine breed. Curious yet? Satisfy that curiosity. Take a look.

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Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna .

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Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Moscow Metro – Part 2

Have you been to Moscow ? In all seriousness, they have the prettiest metro stations I have ever seen and I still can’t believe how immaculate and lovely every station was. There are several different stations pictured below and this is the second of several posts where I will show you the beauty of the Moscow Metro. Did you see part 1 ?  There really isn’t much to say because I think the pictures speak for themselves. I have so many more pictures to share with you!

Have you ever been to Moscow? Is it someplace you have thought about visiting?

She speaks fluent English, French and Spanish, and works for a major airline. And guess what? She’s also a licensed elementary teacher and has an MBA.

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This is the train STATION?? Oh my god… So gorgeous. Moscow has never even crossed my mind as a possible travel destination but this is gorgeous…Hmmm… LOL

I know, right? We spent several hours in the metro, just marveling at the beauty of each one. Thanks for stopping by!

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The Most Beautiful Stations on the Moscow Metro

You might have heard that there are some beautiful metro stations in Moscow. Soviet decorations, chandeliers, mosaic painting and statues are common in many of the stations. The good news is that the Moscow Metro does not cost a lot of money and many of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro are on the same line, so you can almost get on and off at each station to visit these. Over the New Year holidays, I had a free afternoon and decided to visit some of these stations. Check out what I found below…..

The main stations that you will want to visit are on the Number 5 line, also known as the Circle Line. An advantage of this line is that you can get to it very easily and quickly no matter where you are in Moscow. The announcements on the metro are in Russian as well as English so you don’t need to worry if your Russian language skills are not good.

If, like me, you arrive in Moscow via train from Kyiv , then you will arrive at a metro station which many Muscovites believe to be the most beautiful of them all…..

Kievskaya metro station was opened in 1954 and features white marble walls which curve upwards and have with large mosaics surrounded by a gold trim in a very classical style. The mosaics depict life in Ukraine and was designed by a Ukrainian who wanted to display Ukraine’s influence and contribution to Soviet Russia.

Kievskaya, one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro

Soviet era artwork between the arches

Mosaic with golden trim

People carrying flags is a common theme

Going into battle

Belorusskaya

If you look at a map of the metro , you will want to go in a clockwise direction on the circle line. So you will want to get on the train going in the Barrikadnaya direction and not Park Kultury. Stay on this line until you reach the 2nd station, Belorusskaya. This station was built in 1952 and like Kievskaya also features white marble pylons and a plaster ceiling.

The ceiling features 12 mosaics in an octagonal shape depicting Belarusian life, while the tiling on the floor is said to resemble a Belarusian quilt. One of the passageway exits of the station has a statue called ‘Belarusian Partisans’ of three men wearing long coats, holding guns and carrying a flag.”

Belorusskaya metro platform

Soviet artwork on the roof

The hammer and sickle features prominently in the metro artwork

Three men carrying guns, holding the flag…

Mayakovskaya

To get to the next station, we need to change onto the green line (line 2) and go just one stop to the station of Mayakovskaya. This station has an art deco theme and, for some, resembles an elaborate ballroom. The columns are faced with stainless steel and pink rhodonite while the marble walls and ceiling have 34 mosaics with the theme “24-hour Soviet Sky. Apparently, Stalin resided here during the 2nd World War as the station was used as a command post for Moscow’s anti-aircraft regiment.

Mayakovskaya metro

24-Hour Soviet Sky mosaic

Bomber planes

It looks like planes flying over Red Square

Novoslobodskaya

It’s time to get back on the metro and return to Belorusskaya. At Belorusskaya, change to the circle line again and continue clockwise to the next station, Novoslobodskaya. With its 32 stained glass panels, this station reminds me of a church. The panels were designed by Latvian artists and are surrounded by a brass border.

Novoslobodskaya metro

The platform of Novoslobodskaya metro

Stained glass artwork

The golden trim around artwork is also very common

Prospekt Mira

Back on the metro and again just one stop until our next station, Prospekt Mira. This station was originally called Botanichesky Sad after the nearby Botanical Gardens of the Moscow State University. The pylons are covered in white marble and decorated with floral bas-relief friezes. The ceiling is decorated with casts and several cylindrical chandeliers.

Prospekt Mira metro station

Notice the floral decoration

Komsomolskaya

On the metro once more and once more we are going just one stop to the next station – Komsomolskaya. This station is famous for its its yellow ceiling. The chandeliers in this station are huge. The photos below do not do this station justice.  For me, this station resembles a presidential palace.  You hace to see it for yourself to truly appreciate it.

Because of it’s location, this is one of the busiest stations in the Moscow metro as it serves three of the main train stations in the city – Leningradsky, Yaroslavsky, and Kazansky so be prepared for a lot of people.

Komsomolskaya metro

The yellow ceiling seems to go on forever

Yellow ceiling and artwork

One of the ceiling mosaics

Elektrozavodskaya

When you are ready to leave Komsomolskaya metro station behind, then get back on the circle line and go one stop to Kurskaya and change to the blue line (line 3) and go to two stops to the Elektrozavodskaya station. This station gets it’s name from a nearby electric light bulb factory and has a somewhat industrial but also futuristic style, with 6 rows of circular lamps (there are 318 lamps in total). I think this is one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro for how unique it is. The station was opened in 1944 after a delay because of the 2nd World War and features 12 marble bas-reliefs of the struggle on the home front during the war.

The Komsomolskaya metro station

The struggles of war at home

Fixing machinery

Hard at work

Making weapons

Building a tank

Even the station sign is elaborate

Ploschad Revolyutsii

Back on the metro line 3 (but in the other direction), getting off at the 3rd stop – Ploschad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). This is located underneath the square in Moscow of the same name and is a short walk from Red Square in the city centre. It is the perfect place to end a visit around Moscow’s metro. The station features red and yellow marble arches with a total of 76 sculptures in between each arch. The sculptures are supposed to represent the people of the Soviet Union and include soldiers, farmers, industrial workers, children etc… I noticed a lot of people touching the golden chicken in the photo below as well as the show of the woman. I am assuming that this is for good luck.

Industrial worker

Touch the chicken for good luck

Sculpture of the people of the Soviet Union

Woman reading a book – touch the shoe for good luck

In education

Parent and child

These are some of what I think are the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro. Which ones are your favourite? Would you add any to this list?

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19 comments.

Kievskaya definitely caught me off guard. Didn’t know Moscow metro stations were THIS extravagant! Mayakovskaya is gorgeous too with the marble walls and mosaics. I might just need to book a flight over to admire all of these!

Do it! Kievskaya was my first introduction to the Moscow metro as I got an overnight train from Kyiv.

You know, in the States, all we ever hear is bad stuff about Russia. It’s nice to see other (and lovely!) dimensions of such a controversial place.

It’s the same in the UK which is why I prefer going to see somewhere and making up my own mind. It’s all ‘politics and bullshit’ as I say

I went to Moscow about 13years for Christmas and went to train stations, so I can see these amazing mosaics and chandeliers. I agree with you that are beautiful Stations for sure and I could of wandered around for days. I think Kievskaya is definitely my favourite out of them all and I even have some similar pictures as you.

I imagine Moscow would have been a little different 13 years ago but these stations have probably always looked beautiful

Food and Footprints

You chose some great stations for this write up! Beautiful details in these stations and would love to visit them sometime. Particularly like the Komsomolskaya station with that yellow ceiling!

Thank you very much. Komsomolskaya seems to be a lot of peoples favourite stations too

Sumit Surai

Wow! Without the text I would have thought them to be some museum or gallery.

I know exactly what you mean!

Rosie Fluskey

Wow, it is just stunning! How does anyone get to work with so much to look at. I’m surprised at the very bourgeois-looking Komsomolskaya station. I would have thought it was all too Tzarist looking, but then I haven’t been to Russia yet lol. This has just made me want to go more!

Wow, that’s a lot of artwork. I wonder how old some of these pieces are?

Generally most of the stations are from 1940-1960 approximately. The later stations are more functional than style.

My mother-in-law was in Moscow fifty years ago and still raves about the metro stations. So far, I could not imagine much. But now! The pictures are great and I think it’s almost a pity that this splendor is underground. But for every user of the Metro can enjoy a free trip to the world of art. Susanne

True. It is like having a free trip to an art museum/gallery. I hope that you can one day visit Moscow and see for yourself.

Oh wow, I would never have known that these were metro stations. The ceilings remind me of how you need to look up sometimes, even in the commuter rush!

It is true about life in general, we just go from A to B looking directly in front of us instead of around us

Wow, I would have never guessed that these were stations. The decor is so pretty and not one I’m used to seeing at metro stations. Love the ceiling at The Komsomolskaya metro station.

They certainly don’t look like metro stations. The ceiling there is one of my favourites too!

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

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The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

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Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Mark Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

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Ireland, Spain, Norway moving closer to recognising a Palestinian state

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez says declarations on Palestine will be made “when the conditions are appropriate”.

Ireland and Norway are both moving closer to recognising Palestinian statehood, leaders of the two countries expressed separately after meetings with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who also champions the move.

Ireland wants to recognise Palestine soon , but in a coordinated action with Spain and more European nations, the country’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said after meeting Sanchez in Dublin on Friday.

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Are more european nations finally moving to recognise palestine statehood, red cross: do not normalise what is happening in gaza, several countries issue travel warnings over israel-iran tensions.

Earlier in the day, Sanchez travelled to Oslo, where Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said his country also “stands ready” to recognise Palestine together with “like-minded countries”.

Sanchez said Spain wants to recognise Palestine “as soon as possible”, leveraging the move as a way to gain momentum for a definitive peace process.

The current efforts come as the mounting deaths, starvation and infrastructure damage in the besieged Gaza Strip due to Israel’s war have resulted in growing international criticism.

Within Europe, the concerns about Israel’s war on Gaza have also led to shifting positions – including more nations considering the possibility of recognising Palestine.

Last month, Spain and Ireland, long champions of Palestinian rights, announced alongside Malta and Slovenia that they would jointly work towards the recognition of a Palestinian state. They said they were “ready to recognise Palestine” in a move that would happen when “the circumstances are right”.

On Friday, after meeting Sanchez, Harris said, “Let me this evening say our assessment is that that point is coming much closer and we would like to move together in doing so.”

“The people of Palestine have long sought the dignity of their own country and sovereignty –  a home that like Ireland and Spain can take its place amongst the nations of the Earth.”

Sanchez said that willing countries would make their declarations “when the conditions are appropriate” and that they would support the new Palestinian state becoming “a full member of the United Nations”.

The Spanish leader has repeatedly angered Israel with his outspoken comments since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, while Harris has already drawn a rebuke from the Israeli government this week.

Israel told the four European Union countries that committed to moving towards Palestinian recognition that their initiative would amount to a “prize for terrorism” that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the generations-old conflict.

Norway ‘stands ready’

“Norway stands ready to recognise the state of Palestine,” Norwegian Prime Minister Store, whose country is a part of the Schengen zone but not the EU, told a joint news conference with Sanchez earlier on Friday.

“We have not set a firm timetable,” he added, saying a decision on Palestine’s recognition would need to be taken in close coordination with “like-minded countries”.

In November, Norway’s parliament adopted a government proposal for the country to be prepared to recognise an independent Palestinian state.

Norway also hosted Israeli-Palestinian peace talks at the beginning of the 1990s, which led to the Oslo Accords.

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 33,600 Palestinians and injured more than 76,000 others since October 7. A Hamas attack on southern Israel before the war killed about 1,100 people there.

In all, 139 out of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine as a state.