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Watching a sunset over snow covered mountains in Scandinavia

Best Things to Do in Scandinavia

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Scandinavia

Encompassing the lands of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, Scandinavia is known for beautiful scenery and beautiful design. Lovely locals and a blend of traditional culture and innovation have led to some of the coolest cities around. Fashion-forward and cutting-edge, Copenhagen, Stockholm and the like remain remarkably approachable and charming thanks to neighborhoods with grand palaces and cobblestone streets, and a workmanlike but immensely pleasant approach to life. There's also a frequent dose of whimsy and wit in Scandinavia. Travel outside of the cities and the landscapes are jaw dropping - from glacier to fjord to a veritable winter wonderland. Scandinavia offers something to please every sort of traveler.

Top Scandinavia Experiences

A trip to Scandinavia will lead you to enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultures — a major draw for tourists around the globe. Scandinavian tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient Viking sites to witnessing the magical Northern Lights, ensuring every traveler finds something to captivate their senses amidst the beauty of the Nordic region.

  • Dining at some of the best and most creative restaurants in the world in Copenhagen 

  • Visiting the Little Mermaid statue on a guided walking tour of Copenhagen

  • Exploring the colorful streets of Bergen, Norway, known as the gateway to the fjords

  • Touring Kronborg Castle, Shakespeare's inspiration for Elsinore in Hamlet 

  • Sailing the archipelago of Sweden, each island more charming than the next

  • Taking the Flam Line railway through stunningly beautiful scenery  

  • Sampling traditional Finnish sauna culture and enjoying a refreshing dip in a frozen lake

  • Boating through Norway's stunning fjords

  • Learning about Scandinavian history at the Viking Ship Museum

  • Staying in the world's first ice hotel, opened in 1990 in Sweden

  • Watching reindeer races and experiencing Sami culture in Lapland, northern Sweden

  • Breathing the impossibly fresh air of Iceland - plus scuba diving between tectonic plates, glacier walking, hiking volcanoes, and soaking in natural hot springs

  • Marveling at the architectural wonders of Helsinki, including the iconic Helsinki Cathedral

  • Floating in a wetsuit down an icy river in Finland

  • Witnessing the stunning beauty of the Lofoten Islands in Norway

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Things to do in Scandinavia - Expert’s guide

Discover the wonders of Scandinavia through its top attractions, where ancient history meets modern innovation amidst breathtaking landscapes. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, each attraction offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry and stunning beauty of the Nordic region.

  • The Northern Lights: Witness the awe-inspiring dance of the aurora borealis, which paints the night sky with vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple. You can see the northern lights best in Norway's Lofoten Islands, Sweden's Abisko National Park, and Iceland's remote countryside.
  • The Little Mermaid: Encounter Copenhagen's iconic bronze statue perched gracefully on a rock along the Langelinie promenade. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale, this landmark attracts visitors from around the world.
  • Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan): Step back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic heart — marvel at the colorful buildings, charming squares, and landmarks like the Royal Palace and Nobel Museum.
  • Geirangerfjord: Cruise through the breathtaking beauty of Norway's Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. Admire the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, among other natural wonders.
  • The Blue Lagoon: Indulge in ultimate relaxation at Iceland's Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by lava fields. Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties and marvel at the surreal landscape of volcanic rock and steam.
  • Suomenlinna Fortress: Explore Helsinki's maritime heritage at Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across several islands. Wander through its historic ramparts, tunnels, and museums, learning about its rich history as a strategic military stronghold.
  • Vasa Museum: Immerse yourself in maritime history at Stockholm's Vasa Museum, home to the remarkably well-preserved Vasa warship. Discover the story of this 17th-century vessel, which sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged centuries later.
  • Hallgrimskirkja: Ascend the tower of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja church for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Admire the unique architecture of this modernist masterpiece and take in vistas stretching to the distant mountains and sea.
  • Tromsø Arctic Cathedral: Marvel at the striking design of Tromsø's Arctic Cathedral, with its soaring triangular roof and stunning stained glass windows. Experience its serene interior and attend a concert featuring the cathedral's renowned organ.
  • Santa Claus Village: Embrace the magic of Christmas at Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. Meet Santa, explore his workshop, and cross the magical line that marks the boundary between the Northern Hemisphere and the North Pole.
  • Nyhavn: Wander along Copenhagen's picturesque waterfront, lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses, cozy cafes, and bustling restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the canal or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district.
  • Bergen Bryggen: Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district in Bergen, Norway, renowned for its iconic wooden wharf houses dating back to the Hanseatic period. Stroll along the narrow alleyways, browse the boutiques and galleries, and learn about the city's maritime heritage.
  • Lapland Wilderness: Experience the pristine beauty of Lapland's wilderness, where vast forests, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped mountains create an enchanting landscape. Embark on husky sledding adventures, reindeer safaris, and snowshoeing excursions in this Arctic wonderland.
  • The Royal Palace, Stockholm: Visit the official residence of the Swedish monarch, the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Marvel at its grandeur, explore the opulent staterooms and witness the changing guard ceremony, a traditional display of military pageantry.
  • Gullfoss Waterfall: Behold the awe-inspiring power of Iceland's Gullfoss Waterfall, located on the Hvítá River in the canyon of Haukadalur. Watch as torrents of glacial water plunge over two cascades into a rugged gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle amidst the dramatic Icelandic landscape.
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