Travel Tips
Scandinavia: It's easy to fall in love with Scandinavian citied, cities at once historic and modern, traditional and innovative. Known for its design scene, top-notch cuisine and hip, laid back atmosphere, this Scandinavian capital is certainly not considered a budget destination. Surprisingly, though, there is a multitude of experiences to be had for no cost at all, among them some of the most famous sights that Scandinavian cities has to offer.
Denmark-is a Scandinavian country comprising the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands. It's linked to nearby Sweden via the Öresund bridge. Copenhagen, its capital, is home to royal palaces and colorful Nyhavn harbor, plus the Tivoli amusement park and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue. Odense is writer Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, with a medieval core of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
Norway- Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
Sweden-is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and southwestern Gothenburg and Malmö, are all coastal. Stockholm is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges, as well as the medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums such as open-air Skansen.
Finland-is a Northern European nation bordering Sweden, Norway and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, occupies a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is home to the 18th-century sea fortress Suomenlinna, the fashionable Design District and diverse museums. The Northern Lights can be seen from the country's Arctic Lapland province, a vast wilderness with national parks and ski resorts.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options...and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the Schengen countries. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the respective consulate or through their respective website. When traveling to multiple Schengen countries it is best to apply in the country of the first entry or the country you will stay the most. Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Finland are part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You'll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers...or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you'll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you're on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things do & see:
DENMARK
Copenhagen – One of my favorite cities in the world is Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. It’s beautiful, the architecture is amazing, there is a great nightlife, and the locals are friendly. It’s also the largest city in Denmark. It may be expensive, but it is worth every penny. I can’t sing its praises enough! I’ve never heard anyone walking away without falling in love. Make sure you cruise on the harbor and visit the Tivoli Amusement Park.
Enjoy Roskilde – Known as the ancient city of Denmark, Roskilde was Denmark’s capital from 960 to 1536. This is an amazing city to view the country’s history, whether it be at the various churches, brick building lined streets, or the Viking-influenced museums. This small city is close to Copenhagen so it’s easy to get to. The Roskilde Cathedral is the most famous in the country. It is also host to Europe’s largest music festival every June.
Explore Aarhus – Denmark’s second largest city is known for its art and culture. Beyond the many museums and galleries are unique amusement parks, such as Legoland and the Tivoli Friheden. Check out the Aarhus Festival at the end of August for international entertainment. Additionally, this is a major college town and has an active nightlife and good budget restaurants.
Kronborg Castle – This castle is where Shakespeare set his play, Hamlet, though you don’t need to be a fan of the Bard to enjoy it. Located along the coast in Helsingør, the castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It’s a great place to wander and explore, and it’s only an hour from Copenhagen.
Go wild in Dyrehaven – Known commonly as ‘The Deer Park’, this park is located just outside Copenhagen in a city called Klampenborg. Both locals and tourists enjoy cycling, trekking, and horseback riding throughout the park. Be sure to check out the Bakken Amusement Park also within the park.
Skagen Museum – This is the Skagen artists’ museum, featuring the culmination of the artistic inspiration of the area. Transformed into an artist colony during the 1880s, many paintings from the time are on permanent display here.
Randers – A small town located in the harbor of the Kolding fjord, this is a quaint place to enjoy some time hiking, bird watching, or cycling. The cobbled streets and crooked alleys will charm you and the Clausholm Castle is one of the country’s last remaining castles.
Borreby Castle – The oldest renaissance-style construction in Denmark, this castle is a stunning sight located outside of Zealand. It often appears in fairy-tale movies. As a fan of castles, I love this one.
Svendborg – Located on the island of Funen in southern Denmark, Svendborg is a town entrenched in history. Be sure to visit Vlademars Slot, a palace that was constructed by King Christian IV for his son, Vlademar. His son died before ever living in the place, but the palace-turned-manor is still inhabited. Some parts of the grounds, including three museums and a lovely cafe, are open to the public. Also, you should spend some time wandering around Svendborg and taking in the historical architecture.
Meander through Tivoli Garden – Just adjacent from Copenhagen Central Station, the Tivoli Garden is a beautiful amusement park. It’s tons of fun, even if you aren’t a little kid. (There’s a beer garden here too!) Complete with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, the Peacock Theatre, and a concert hall, this is an awesome place to spend an afternoon. It’s not cheap but it’s certainly fun. Avoid the weekend and school holidays when the place is overflowing with families. Weekday admission is 110 DKK, while it is 120 DKK Friday-Sunday.
Relax at one of Denmark’s many beaches – With 7,400km of coastline, Denmark has its fair share of beaches. In the summer months, there is a huge influx of tourists (mostly German) who own summer homes around the country. While the weather can be tricky, a sunny day on the beach in Denmark is a wonderful way to unwind.
North Zealand – Just a train ride away from Copenhagen, North Zealand features an idyllic coastline, the beautiful landscapes, and the Shakespearean setting of Kronborg Castle. If you are looking to get away from the city for a day or maybe more, this is an awesome place to head to and one not often visited by tourists.
Visit the Jelling stones – The Jelling stones are massive runestones dating all the way back to the 10th century. They were declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1994, and are worth checking out if you are in the area. You can reach Jelling by train from Aarhus. The ride takes just over an hour.
Hans Christian Anderson Parade – Famous for his fairy-tales, this parade is a performance featuring over 30 characters from Hans C. Anderson’s literary works. Held every day during the summer behind the Anderson Museum in Funen, this is a neat event to check out, especially for children.
Attend a music festival – Roskilde is the Danish music festival with the biggest international reputation (more than 80,000 tickets sold at this annual rock music event), but it only offers a taste of the music scene in Denmark. Other big events include the Skanderborg Festival (August – rock music), Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July), Tønder Festival(August – folk and country), and the Skive Festival (Danish music).
Go hiking – Like their Scandinavian counterparts, Danes love the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails all throughout the country, many of which are interconnected. Whether you want a short day hike from the city or something more challenging, Denmark has it all.
Den Japanske Have – This beautiful and sophisticated Japanese garden includes a tea house, shop, café, several sub-gardens, and a Japanese house. It is particularly beautiful during summer and autumn.
NORWAY
Check out the Fjords – There is much beauty to behold in these narrow, deep sea inlets. Surrounded by high cliffs, the fjords of Norway are world renowned and are sure to exceed your expectations. Consider Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. They are visited by roughly one million people every year.
Bergen – Lift off from Bergen’s city center and travel up Floyen mountain for amazing views of Norway’s second largest city. You are sure to enjoy the panoramic view and various hiking routes. A must for those visiting Norway!
Stunning National Parks – For the nature-loving traveler, Norway is host to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. You will see everything from waterfalls and glaciers to reindeer, lynx, and wolves. You can also enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, from caving and canyoning to rafting. Consider Jostedalsbreen National Park, host to the largest glacier in continental Europe.
Trondheim – Colorful, laidback, and filled with students, Trondheim is a fun place to party and meet new people. Bustling with various restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, you are bound to have a great time, especially those of you studying abroad!
Peek over the Preacher’s Pulpit – Preikestolen (Preacher’s Pulpit or Preacher’s Chair) is one of the most famous landmarks in Norway. An unusually flat and wide surface located atop a cliff, Preikestolen is only reachable by hiking a 4km trail. With around 200,000 visitors per year, you’ll want to make sure you arrive early in order to take some photos without all the crowds.
Journey to the North Cape – The northernmost tip of Europe, Norway’s North Cape is great for hiking, trekking, driving tours and more. Explore the jagged coastline and Finnmark, which includes six national parks. There is nothing quite like a day outdoors, in a foreign land.
Head North to Tromsø – Perfect for a 24-hour party, Tromsø in the summer is a city that doesn’t sleep. Experience unbroken sunlight amidst the many pubs or if you happen to visit in the winter, catch the Northern Lights. Tromsø is one of the best places in the world for both.
Engage in some winter sports – Norway is one of the top ski destinations in the world, so if you’re into it, hit the slopes! Choose from any number of resorts, for snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross country skiing, or snowboarding. You won’t get many opportunities like this elsewhere!
Bergen Fish Market – Open daily, this market offers more than just fish — a must see for everyone. Explore the many stalls, snap some pictures, and check out the waterfront. Just a short walking distance from many museums and galleries.
Oslo – The capital of Norway is a beautiful city located on a fjord. There are great harbor tours, islands to explore, museums to see, people to meet, and food to eat. Even though Oslo is expensive, it’s not to be avoided!
Vigeland Sculpture Park – If you are in Oslo, you should definitely check this out! One of Norway’s most popular visitor destinations, this unique park is host to the world’s largest collection of sculptures executed by a single artist. Don’t miss this!
Walk Through Gamle Stavanger – One of the oldest parts of Stavanger, this area is composed of small, rock streets, lined with old white wooden homes built during the 18th century. Taking a walk down here is like going back in time. Be sure to take in the history and check out the various paintings, pottery, and more offered by local artists within the area.
The Royal Palace – Built during the first half of the 19th century, the Royal palace is an interesting place to visit. Beyond the architecture, and historical significance, many come to see the changing of the guards. If you make it to Oslo, it is a neat stop to make during your afternoon adventure. The palace is open during the summer.
Ringve Music Museum and Botanical Garden – Located in Trondheim, this a nice switch from your typical museum trip. Check out the awesome collection of musical instruments, walk around the park amidst the farm buildings, and enjoy lunch at the tea house. This is one of the most underrated stops in Norway.
Norwegian Folk Museum – There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is perhaps the most interesting. Cross the Fjord to Bygdoy and immerse yourself in the history. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, dating back to 1200 AD, however, there are many other attractions to see. It’s open air, so get ready to roam!
Stavanger Jazz festival – If you are a jazz fan, you will definitely want to catch this! Held every May, this festival is a weekend-long, fully-packed event, featuring several of the most well-known jazz artists in the world. The weather might be balmy, so make sure you grab your coat.
Lofoten – Located far in the north, Lofoten is a picturesque area well worth the effort (and cost) to get there. The stunning landscapes and traditional lifestyle are only made more interesting by the climate. While the Lofoten distract is located within the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures there are actually quite mild, making year-round visits possible. If natural beauty is your thing, Lofoten is a must!
SWEDEN
Vasa Museum – As one of Sweden’s Wonders of the World, it showcases an amazingly-preserved 17th Century ship, complete with six levels for your viewing. This battle ship was built to demonstrate Sweden’s might, however, it ironically sank upon launch. This museum is the best in the country and gives you a lot of historical context about the ship and empire at the time. This is a must see attraction!
Stockholm Archipelago – It’s worth spending a little money to take a boat from Stockholm to the different islands and experience just what they’re about. During the summer, they become big attractions for locals as they boat on the water and spend nights on the tiny islands in the area. Be sure to get out of the city and see some of this more local region.
Haga in Gothenburg – It’s worth a day’s trip just to walk along the cobblestone pedestrian streets and window shop in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area. You’ll find plenty of cafes here, some of which sell cinnamon buns as big as your face! They also have some wonderfully-quaint restaurants, so stop at one of the many when you get hungry for lunch (just be aware you’ll find cheaper food elsewhere).
Stockholm – There is so much history in Stockholm that if you stay less than three days here, you’ll leave feeling like you missed out. From the museums to nightlife, there’s no time to get bored. It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen, rivaling the best capitals of Europe. From picturesque harbors to the charming lanes of Old Town, Stockholm is a city to soak in. Once you visit you’ll begin to understand that the Swedes knew how to build long before IKEA came around.
Brave the cold in Lapland – Located to the far north is the tundra-like landscape in Sweden known as the Lapland. This is where the Sami, Sweden’s indigenous people, continue to make their home in the snowy cold, and where you can see reindeer, do some great skiing, and experience the great Arctic north. In the winter it’s a great place for a colorful Northern Lights viewing!
Partake in fika – Like “tea time” in the UK, fika is Sweden’s way of slowing down. Coffee, conversation, and a few baked goods are an important part of the social fabric in Sweden, allowing friends and colleagues to take a break from the day to day and just relax. You don’t invite someone out for coffee in Sweden — you invite them to fika.
Stay in the Ice Hotel – Located up north, the Ice Hotel is a hotel built during the winter months out of (you guessed it) ice. You stay in an essentially giant igloo. There’s an ice bar, ice dining room, and an ice bed (with big fur blankets!). Be prepared to pay the price for a unique stay like this and that’s just for a basic ice room! The hotel is also open for tours during the day, allowing visitors to explore the impressive construction and design.
Gotland – This island is a popular place to visit when the weather is nice and it’s where most Swedes spend their summer. Week 29 (out of the 52 week year) is the most popular and crowded week when all the kids come down to party up a storm (so if you’re looking to avoid that, skip that week!). The main town, Visby, is a medieval walled city that is incredibly beautiful. It’s like walking through the 1400s. The island is home to numerous Viking relics, and there’s a cool hostel in an old prison too!
Catch the Midsummer Festival – Swedes celebrate the summer solstice with a giant party. It’s not warm and light often here and they make the most of it by dancing around a maypole, eating, drinking, and enjoying nature. Every municipality around the country will organize events, so be sure to find some Swedes who can show you around. Many locals will also host their own — this is the biggest party day of the year!
Bohuslän Coast – This beautiful coast has been smoothed and carved out by glaciers. Taking a boat trip here is a great way to see Scandinavian fjords without having to visit Sweden’s expensive neighbor, Norway. There is also a UNESCO rock-carving site over in Tanumshede too.
Ski – Scandinavians love their winter sports, understandably so because it’s cold most of the year! One of the most popular ski resorts in the region is Åre, which lies 80 km from of Östersund. The highest peak at the resort is over 1400 meters. Daily trains run to the area from Stockholm.
Kick back in Uppsala – This university town is one of the most popular study-abroad locations in Northern Europe, and it’s got a great student life. The city also features a castle, museums, and numerous gardens. This is also one of the most budget-friendly places in the country thanks to all the students there!
Celebrate Valborg Day – Held on April 30th, this annual Swedish festival serves to welcome spring. It’s characterized by huge bonfires, and even bigger parties, and is a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Municipalities will often organize events — including the massive bonfires — though many locals will also host their own parties. Be sure to ask around to take part! I was lucky enough to be there for it one year and it was an amazing experience!
Wallander’s Ystad – If you’ve read the writing of Henning Mankell or seen the popular adaptation, the Wallander TV series, you’re already familiar with Ystad. This small town is picturesque and full of history. If you’re a big fan of Wallandar, you can arrange a tour at the tourist office, but even if you’re not, the town itself has a lot of character and is worth exploring. It’s only one hour from Malmö.
Kosterhavet – This is a marine park located on the Koster Islands, around two hours from Gothenburg. The park contains Sweden’s only coral reef, and the villages on the islands are quaint. The whole natural area is very beautiful, and it’s worth renting some bikes to explore the islands.
Hike The Kings Trail – This 440km trail stretches along some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the country. While it takes over one month to hike the entire trail, it is very easy to carve out shorter hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. There are numerous huts along the route where hikers can sleep, stock up on goods, and get rides back into nearby towns.
Spend a day at Skara Sommarland – If you happen to be in Sweden during the fleeting summer months, consider heading out to one of Sweden’s only water parks. The family-friendly park is host to a campground, and also offers cabins for rent.
FINLAND
Northern lights safari with snowmobiles – Take a snowmobile safari in Yllas to see the Northern lights and explore the area. This is hands-down one of the most incredible sights in Europe, so make sure to research whether the weather is going to corporate for a great view. There are plenty of guided tours you can join, otherwise, venture out on your own.
Ice climbing – Finland is known for its impressive ice formations. For rock climbers, this is the perfect challenge, however, inexperienced climbers are welcome, too! There are several companies who will outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing.
Rappelling down the icefall at Tajukangas – If you’re not afraid of heights and a bit of a thrill seeker, I’d recommend checking this out – if anything, Google rappelling at Tajukangas to see what it’s about. The best place to head is Pyhä with the team at Bliss Adventure. Visit Pakasaivo, the “Hell of Lapland” – This lake is 60m at its deepest, and the steep cliff walls surrounding the lake reach up another 60m above water level. It is a Sámi holy place and a scenic place to hike or snowmobile.
Salla Reindeer Park – This park gives you a comprehensive overview of the old forests and the encounters reindeer had with predators. There are also periodic reindeer competitions, husky sleigh rides, and canoe trips that are worth looking up online to see if they are going on during your visit.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi – Here, you will find year-round Christmas cheer! Check out the snowshoe safaris that run both day and night.
Cycle The King’s Road to the East – This route is an old postal route connecting Sweden and Russia. The 330km trail dates back to the 15th century, making for a great scenic trip for anyone looking to explore the country by bike!
Pyhä-Luosto Mine – Pyhä-Luosto means Amethyst in Finnish. During the mine tour, you actually learn how to mine this precious mineral. If you’re visiting during the winter, the experience is even more incredible because you can ski, snowshoe or walk the last stretch of the 2.5 kilometer trek before you head through Santa Claus Village.
Ranua Wildlife Park – While you’re in Finland, learn about the indigenous arctic animals in their natural habitats at the Northernmost zoo in the world.
The Old Church – This is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689, commissioned by Charles XI, who granted 900 copper dollars to the building. Entry is free.
Sodankylä Museum of Local History and Culture – Built in 1906, the main building of the Sodankylä Local Heritage Museum is a Kuukkeli house from the village of Riesto, but it was moved to the museum site by voluntary labor in the 1960s. The museum also includes numerous other buildings from traditional Sodankylä industry, such as a workshop, an arctic house, a calving hut, a summer house, barns, and part of a reindeer fence. The museum is closed in the winter.
Suvanto village – Situated near Pelkosenniemi, Suvanto is one of the rare villages in Lapland that wasn’t burned down by the Germans in the Lapland War (a spin-off conflict from WWII). When visiting Suvanto, you should check out the cafe-art gallery Säpikäs because it is housed in the yard of an idyllic 1930s country house and renovated barn.
The Ethnographic Museum – This museum tells the story of peasant lifestyles at the turn of the twentieth century. The main building has a farmhouse living quarter, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room. In addition to the house, the grounds accommodate a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable. A memorial to the founder of the Finnish Co-Operative Movement, Hannes Gebhard, is nearby at his birthplace.
Sleep in an ice hotel — A very seasonal and very cool place to stay (pun intended). Everything in Snow Hotel is made of ice — including your bed! Don’t worry, you get very warm sleeping bags!
Helsinki — Historic, small, filled with green space, and set on the waterfront, Helsinki is an esthetically pleasing city filled with friendly people and few tourists. It’s especially great if you love art as they have a ton of museums there. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days!
Cruise around the Harbor Islands — If you don’t spend a whole day hanging out and lounging around Suomenlinna, take a tour around some of the other islands in the harbor to get an idea about how important the harbor was to local lifestyle in the past. There are a ton of tours to choose from, and if you have a Helsinki card, most are 20% off.
Air Guitar World Championship – Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke but has evolved into a major event. If you happen to be in Finland during the festival, be sure to check this quirky competition out!
Commune with nature – There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. Most are conveniently located in the southern half of the country, too. However, if you really want to get off the beaten path be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north!
