What comes to mind when you think of Scandinavia? For some, it’s minimalist design, fabulous architecture, jaw-dropping geography, and far-flung adventures in the snow. For others, it’s solitude, midnight sun, friendly people, the Northern Lights, and locally-sourced cuisine. Travel to Scandinavia can take many different forms, each of them beautiful and utterly thrilling.

Here, we share 10 Scandinavian quintessential travel experiences to get you inspired for your next northern adventure.

But first…

What is Scandinavia, Exactly?
Technically speaking, Scandinavia is comprised of just three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It’s a common misconception outside of Europe that Finland is also a Scandinavian country, but it’s not.

There are also important distinctions between the term “Scandinavian” and the term “Nordic” which is often used to describe this area, but we won’t get into the details here. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are often associated with one another in terms of travel, but our goal here is to talk about our Scandinavian favorites, with a little bit of Finland mixed in.

Now, onto our Scandinavian favorites -

1. The Food Scene in Copenhagen

Cuisine all across Scandinavia is wonderful, but the food scene in Denmark—and Copenhagen, in particular—is a cut above the rest.

While in Copenhagen, be sure to sample some of these Danish classics:

Smørrebrød - the Danish answer to an open-faced sandwich is simply a slice of rye bread with toppings like pickled herring, seafood, meat, cheese, eggs, and more.
Stegt flæsk - Denmark’s national dish features crispy pork with parsley sauce and potatoes, perfect for a cold winter night.
Pastries - Denmark’s famous sticky pastries actually have their roots elsewhere—they were first made by Austrian bakers in the 1840s—but we don’t mind a bit. Try the Cinnamon Snail or Rum Snail.

Smørrebrød, A Danish open-faced sandwich

While Danes are known for their pastries, they certainly know their way around cakes, too. Try a few of these:

Flødeboller - a soft meringue on a light wafer base and enveloped in chocolate
Carrot cake and chocolate cake - absolute staples of any good Danish bakery
Drømmekage - (dreamcake) a sponge cake topped with dark sugar and coconut

Copenhagen is also home to noma, named The World’s Best Restaurant 2021. This three-Michelin-star restaurant is the crown jewel of the city’s food scene and a destination in and of itself. Both the restaurant and its famed chef, Rene Redzepi, are considered revolutionary; noma is partly to credit for the genesis of New Nordic cuisine. The 20-course meals here are a sight (and taste) to behold, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and incorporating such elements as foraging, fermentation, and juice pairings with food. You definitely don’t want to miss this (if you can manage a reservation - advanced planning is a must!)

Beyond noma, there are also a number of other Michelin star-rated restaurants on the Copenhagen modern food scene, including Geranium (three stars), Alchemist (two stars), and Jordnær (two stars), among others.

Side note: While Denmark may be known for its beer, there are wine regions here, too. In fact, Denmark has been an official wine-growing country since 2000. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your tastes.

2. The Winter Wonderland of Sápmi

If the solitude and snowy charm beckon you to the northern regions of Scandinavia, you’ll love the winter wonderland that is Sápmi (commonly known as Lapland). Think igloos, cozy lodges, sleigh rides, snowshoeing excursions, and more. This region encompasses large swaths of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and it’s a perfect destination for a quiet, tranquil getaway any time of year.

The Sámi people, indiginous to the region, have a rich history and culture here. They’re best known for their semi-nomadic reindeer herding, but traditional livelihoods include coastal fishing, fur trapping, and sheep herding. The Sámi also have a gorgeous tradition of music called the joiking. A joik is a traditional form of song performed by the Sámi, meant to reflect or evoke a place, person, or animal. It’s a unique form of cultural expression, one that can be deeply personal or spiritual in nature.

A winter wonderland scene in Rovaniemi, Finland

Sápmi is known for its cozy and often interesting accommodations. Here, you can stay in a luxurious log cabin (on land or on water) or in a panoramic suite. Think saunas, 360-degree views of the Northern Lights, or bathing in a hot (or cold!) bath while you take in the pristine environment around you. You can even stay in a treehouse or a glass cabin for a stunningly expansive experience of the region’s incredible natural beauty.

3. The Northern Lights

Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of a journey to Scandinavia are the Northern Lights. Plenty of destinations close to or above the arctic circle offer gorgeous views of the famed aurora borealis, though Norway is extra-impressive when you’re able to witness the green, purple, and white lights beaming above the country’s magnificent fjords and waterfalls.

The Northern Lights are visible in a wide arc that stretches from Norway, through Sweden, and then into Finland, and the best time to see them is from October through the end of March, depending on your destination.

Read more about the region here: 3 Destinations for the Northern Lights and Beyond.

4. The Norwegian Fjords

Whether you charter a yacht, embark on private shore excursions from a cruise ship, or opt for a private helicopter tour, Norway’s astonishing fjords beckon to be explored.

There are more than 1000 UNESCO-protected fjords in Norway. These long arms from the sea stretch inland, forming what feel like long saltwater lakes, surrounded by towering cliffs on both sides.

Spend the night in a lighthouse, explore the fjords by kayak, climb mountains like Alden (nicknamed “The Norwegian Horse” for its dramatically vertical shape), trek across a glacier, ride a gondola to the top of a mountain for spectacular views, or embark on a private fishing tour. There’s plenty of beauty to be explored here, no matter your preferred level of activity!

5. Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden has a mix of contemporary, urban culture alongside centuries old history

Stockholm, Sweden has a reputation for being one of the most inclusive and welcoming cities in the world. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of contemporary, urban culture alongside a rich, centuries-old history. It’s dynamic and inviting, and fantastically close to nature—a perfect stop along your explorations of Scandinavia.

The city itself is actually spread across the Baltic Sea in an archipelago of fourteen islands, earning it the nickname “Venice of the north.” Here, you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons, excellent public transport, and an assortment of fascinating neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and unique appeal.

Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) is a compact, bustling island with a history dating back to the 13th century. It’s home to the Royal Palace, marvelous restaurants serving New Nordic cuisine, chic cocktail bars, and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral. You’ll love the cobblestone streets and colorful 17th- and 18th-century architecture.

Worth noting are Stockholm’s vibrant design scene (just pop into a few of the city’s unique shops, and you’ll see what we mean!), its smorgasbord of art and culture (from world-class museums to royal palaces), and the easy access to nature (you can hike, catch a ferry, and stroll botanic gardens all within the same afternoon).

6. Art & Architecture, Design, and Innovation

It’s no secret that much of the world is slightly obsessed with the Scandinavian aesthetic (and we’re not just talking IKEA!). The region is known for its art, architecture, and design, both the classic and the innovative.

Sweden is known for the enduring appeal of its design aesthetic. It’s clean, functional, and modern, often with a surprising twist of fun. The aesthetic was borne out of Sweden’s appreciation of light, its love of nature, and its rich crafts heritage. If you love beautiful, functional design, you’ll love spending time in Sweden.

And while it isn’t a Scandinavian country, Finland, too, is worth mentioning here for its fantastic contributions to the region’s design culture. In the heart of Finland’s capital, Helsinki, you’ll find its famous Design District, a vibrant hub of creativity encompassing some of the city’s most attractive neighborhoods. The District is home to over 200 boutiques, ateliers, museums, cafes, and galleries. Be prepared to fall in love with Finnish design! (And if you visit in September, be sure to make time for Helsinki Design Week.)

As for world-class museums, Scandinavia boasts a number of incredible institutions that deserve a spot on every art lover’s itinerary. Here are just a few:

Examples of contemporary architecture contrasting with old world architecture can be found throughout the region. Here pictured is the ARoS Museum in Aarhus, Denmark

Nationalmuseum - Stockholm, Sweden
The Sámi Museum - Karasjok, Northern Norway
The National Gallery - Oslo, Norway
National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design - Oslo, Norway
The International Museum of Children’s Art - Oslo, Norway

Without question, Scandinavia has made some fantastic contributions to modern art, architecture, design, and innovation. But there’s plenty to love about the old and the historic here, too!

Of note is Norway’s contribution to world architecture: its stave churches. These striking wooden churches date back to the Middle Ages, and their intricately-carved doors and finials combine Christian motifs with Viking themes. There are 28 remaining stave churches in Norway, most of them in the inner parts of Eastern Norway and Fjord Norway.

Scandinavia also boasts a number of gorgeous castles, full of old-world charm and rich histories. Here are a few highlights:

Kronborg Slot in Helsingør, Denmark - A UNESCO site and known around the world as Hamlet’s castle

The Royal Palace - Stockholm, Sweden
Gripsholm Castle - Mariefred, Sweden
Bohus Fortress - Gothenburg, Sweden
Kristiansten Fortress - Trondheim, Norway
Akershus Castle - Oslo, Norway
The Royal Palace - Oslo, Norway
Kronborg Castle - Helsingør, Denmark
Frederiksborg Castle - Hillerød, Denmark

While Scandinavia is home to loads of old world charm, it’s also a hotbed of terrific modern architecture, much of which is centered around sustainable building. Some highlights:

The Oslo Opera House - Oslo, Norway (you can walk on the roof!)
The Royal Danish Opera - Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s “Second City,” Aarhus
Nordhavn, an ambitious and sustainable urban development project in Copenhagen, Denmark

7. The Arctic

While Denmark is too far south to fall within the Arctic Circle, the northernmost reaches of Sweden and Norway are part of the Arctic.

Arctic Scandinavia is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes (think fjords and glaciers) and unspoiled wilderness on the planet, as well as the famed Northern Lights. Arctic Scandinavia is the perfect destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and solitude.

Norway’s arctic region covers 37,153 square miles but has a population of just 393,000 people. It’s the most populated arctic region in the world, but you’d never know it given the vast expanses of uninhabited land.

One particular draw of Arctic Norway is the remote Svalbard Archipelago which lies about 400 miles north of mainland Norway, deep in the heart of the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard encompasses about 24,000 square miles, but its population is just 2,400 (yes, that’s a population density of one person for every 10 square miles). 60% of the archipelago is covered with glaciers, a real treat for the active adventurer. And the town of Longyearbyen, in Svalbard, is the world’s northernmost settlement. (Fun fact: Longyearbyen has a number of unique laws, given its ultra-remote location, including a ban on cats, a limit to how much alcohol an individual can purchase each month, and a requirement that anyone venturing outside carry a rifle for protection against polar bears!)

In Swedish Sápmi (Lapland), thanks to the Midnight Sun, you can play 18 holes of golf virtually any time of day at Björkliden Arctic Golf Course. You can also hike a mountain, ski, or even take an ice-sculpting course! The region offers hiking, fishing, and dog sledding, too. Whether you’re up for some low-key activities or blood-pumping adventure, you’re sure to find it here.

For more inspiration on Arctic Scandinavia, check out our recent blog post: This is Why You’ll Be Amazed By an Expedition to the Arctic.

8. The Archipelagos

Whether you prefer to explore by kayak, by yacht, by bike, on horseback, or on foot, Scandinavia’s many archipelagos offer a bevy of spectacular sights to take in. Enjoy beaches, relaxing bathing spots, lively food scenes, birding, whale watching, and more!

Here are a few of our favorite archipelagos in the region:

The Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
The Gothenburg Archipelago, Sweden
The Östergötland Archipelago, Sweden
The Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (see above)
Lofoten, Norway (home to the Lofotr Viking Museum)

And though not technically part of Scandinavia, we have to mention Finland here, seeing as it’s home to an astonishing 179,584 islands. Honorable mention goes to the archipelagos of Helsinki, Kvarken, and Kotka all found here.

9. The Midnight Sun & The Outdoors

The northernmost parts of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) are famous for their Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon in the summer months that results in 24 hours of sunlight (pack your sunscreen!).

The midnight sun in Norway; the further north you go, the longer the days of sun in midsummer

These incredible stretches of daylight can be a bit disorienting at first, but it’s nothing a sleep mask and some blackout curtains can’t handle! If you’ve never experienced the long, scenic days of Scandinavia’s Midnight Sun, you’re in for a treat!

In that same vein, so much daylight makes for spectacular outdoor adventuring opportunities in the summer months (though the winter is also a wonderful time to visit, too). Scandinavians are known for their love of the outdoors, as well as their willingness to make the most of even the darkest, coldest months of the year.

This sensible, adaptable, positive attitude toward the day-to-day plays out in several uniquely-Scandinavian life philosophies.

For the Danes, it’s hygge—finding contentment in coziness, no matter the weather.

For the Swedes, it’s lagom—striking a healthy balance between things like work and play (midweek hike, anyone?). It’s also mys—taking time to slow down, relax, and savor delicious food.

For the Norwegians, it’s koselig—relishing the company of others and a connection with nature.

Brilliant, right? The Scandinavians are onto something. It’s no wonder that, depending on the year, Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes are consistently named some of the happiest people in the world.

It’s also worth noting that the popular sentiment, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes” has its roots in Scandinavian culture. Take it from the experts: pack your suitcase well, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy your adventure here.

Whether enveloped in 24-hour days of sunlight or deep winter nights, Scandinavian culture invites you to appreciate exactly what you have in the present moment, connect with the outdoors, and savor the people and the sensory experiences all around you.

10. The Viking History

No journey to Scandinavia is truly complete without taking time to explore a bit of Viking history. In fact, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are consistently ranked as some of the best places in the world to delve into all things Vikings.

The seafaring Vikings raided, pirated, traded, and settled throughout Europe from the 8th to 11th centuries. But they originated in present-day Scandinavia. (They were also the first Europeans to reach North America.)

Norway’s Lofoten Islands are captivating in their own right, but the Lofotr Viking Museum is a major attraction, too, boasting an 83-meter-long longhouse, the largest ever discovered. The annual Viking Festival here, which takes place in August, is also a real treat.

Historically, Sweden’s Vikings plundered and traded along the Baltic coast and up the rivers stretching into what is now Russia. Like Norway, there are plenty of places to explore Sweden’s Viking history. Historiska Museet, Stockholm (The Swedish History Museum) boasts one of the largest Viking exhibits in the world. Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala/Uppsala Museum) is a known Viking pilgrimage site. And Vikingaliv, in Stockholm, is an interactive Viking museum that even includes an 11-minute ride (ages 7 and up).

Denmark, too, boasts plenty of Viking history, including Jelling, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to thousand-year-old rune stones set amidst massive burial mounds. And the Viking Museum Ladby gives visitors an up-close look at the warship burial site of a Viking king laid to rest in 925 AD.

And for even more Viking explorations, the Vasa Museum in Stockholm and The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde in Denmark are among the museums that can enable you to further dive into Viking history.

Start Dreaming Today

There’s so much to see and explore in Scandinavia. If the 10 highlights here have inspired you to embark on your own Scandinavian adventure, now is an ideal time to begin dreaming and planning.

Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary discovery session to learn more about my process.

You’re going to love your journey through the beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Scandinavia. The adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you!

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