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Our Arctic Bucket List Itinerary for Norway + Sweden (1-2 Weeks)

February 25, 2019 by Silvia 34 Comments

When Danielle first said she was going to visit me in Norway in January I got super excited. And then the stress hit. Danielle isn’t a big fan of the cold and I knew she was pretty much only coming to see me, but I wanted to make her trip as worthwhile as possible. Plus I’m always trying to show people how magical winter in the north actually can be, so I wanted to show her the best time ever here.

And I think I succeeded!

When I put together our itinerary I focused on checking off what I consider to be the top Arctic bucket list experiences, as well as taking her to the prettiest spots in Norway.

So I thought I would share our itinerary with you guys as well.

Now, this isn’t our exact itinerary as I actually drove my car up from Mosjøen, which wouldn’t really make sense if you were renting a car. And then there was that huge blizzard that closed the main highway so I was two days late picking Danielle at the airport (this is why you should always get travel insurance when visiting Norway – the weather here can seriously mess with your plans!).

Table of Contents

Day 1: Narvik

You’ll most likely get an international flight into Oslo or Trondheim, but then book a flight directly up to Evenes Airport in Narvik. You’ll rent your car for the week from here. I always rent from Sixt when I’m in Norway as they tend to have the cheapest rates and are always reliable, but you can also check RentalCars.com to compare prices at different rentals.

Once you get your car drive straight to Narvik, where you’ll be spending the night in an Arctic Dome !

This is one of my top Arctic bucket list experiences, as sleeping in a clear dome under the Northern Lights is probably the best thing ever. But even if you’re traveling in the summer sleeping in a dome is amazing, as you get such beautiful views all night long. The dome also has curtains if you want darkness while you sleep.

You can read more about our stay in Narvik’s Arctic Dome here . It’s pricey, but so, so worth it. And if you’re new to Airbnb you can get a discount by signing up here .

Day 2: Abisko/Kiruna

Today you’ll head over to Sweden!

Or at least, head over to Sweden if you’re visiting from October to March. In the summertime I actually would skip Day 2 and Day 3 of the itinerary, as the main reason for coming here is for higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights. I don’t think Kiruna is particularly beautiful in the summer, but of course it’s up to you if you still want to visit.

Cue all the Swedes coming to Kiruna’s defense, haha.

No, but Kiruna is great in the winter because not only is it an easy drive to Abisko, aka the best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe , but it’s also a center for Arctic tourism activities. So there’s so much cool stuff to do here!

Danielle and I opted for hanging out with huskies at this husky Airbnb , which I wrote more about here . But if you’re not a dog person, you could opt for staying at this reindeer Airbnb , which I wrote more about here .

However if you’re not interested in reindeer or huskies, I would instead try to stay in Abisko. There isn’t as much to do in Abisko during the day, but it is the best place to watch for the Northern Lights, thanks to its microclimate which tends to pull clouds apart from the center of the sky.

Plus Abisko is closer to Norway, so you’ll have a much shorter drive from and back to Norway, which is definitely a bonus.

My top accommodation choice in Abisko would be the  Abisko Turiststation , where you can also organize Northern Lights tours if you wish. Plus they serve delicious Swedish pancakes at their lunch buffet on Thursdays!  Check current prices and availability here

If you’re on a budget, I’ve also heard great things about  Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies . Remember that in hostels in Sweden you’ll usually have to pay extra for bedding (which usually is obligatory).

Regardless of whether you’re in Kiruna or Abisko, tonight you can watch out for the Northern Lights!

Day 3: Kiruna

Spend today out in the snow! If you’re staying with the huskies this is a great time to organize husky sledding, or they also have cross-country skies for rent, and I think they even offer snowmobile tours.

Or if you’re staying with the reindeer, feed the reindeer in the morning and maybe see what activities are on offer there.

You could also spend your first night with the reindeer and then tonight move to the husky Airbnb – they’re only a fifteen minute drive apart.

And then tonight you can chase the Northern Lights! This is a great place to see them, but if the weather is bad you could consider driving up to Abisko, which has a micro climate and clearer skies.

Day 4: Vesterålen

You have about four hours of driving today, but it’s a beautiful drive! The route over the mountain back into Norway is lovely, and then you’ll be heading to one of my favorite areas of Norway – Vesterålen.

Danielle and I stayed in this incredible cabin .

I chose to spend two nights here because staying in a cabin like this is such a Norwegian experience. A lot of people visiting Norway just hit the main tourist spots and activities (which we did as well), but they don’t really experience Norway like a local would.

Norwegians love to go to their  hytte , or cabin, and often they’ll spend their weekends and holidays at the cabin enjoying nature.

And that’s exactly what we did. This cabin is huge so you could come with lots of people, but it’s also really reasonably priced on Airbnb. And the owner is the nicest guy who also runs a nearby campground.

I would especially love to return here in the summer, as the cabin is right on a lake, which was frozen over and covered with snow when we were there. Though we did see a moose couple enjoying a stroll on the lake one morning!

There’s also a sauna here, and if you come in the winter you have to have the full experience of jumping out into the snow – it feels amazing, I swear.

Day 5: Vesterålen

Today you can either hang out at the cabin, do a little road trip around Vesterålen, or drive up to Andenes to do a whale safari.

And if you didn’t get a chance to see reindeer in Sweden you can drive over to Inga Sami Siida, which is really close to the cabin. You can read more about whale watching, reindeer, Vesterålen’s scenic route, and other things to do in Vesterålen here .

Danielle wanted to go whale watching so we left early in the morning to get to Andenes in time for her whale safari, and then we still had a bit of daylight left so we drove back down along the scenic route.

Then in the evening you can chase the Northern Lights, enjoy the sauna, or just make a fire and enjoy the cosy Norwegian hytte life.

Day 6: Lofoten

Danielle and I only drove down through Lofoten as a day trip because we were short on time after the storm, but I would recommend spending a couple of nights here if you can.

This is the most touristy area on the itinerary, but it’s also the most spectacular. Plus I find that the tourist crowds tend to gather in the south around Reine, whereas the rest of the islands are relatively quiet (except maybe in July when tourism hits its peak).

My favorite place I’ve stayed in Lofoten is Svinøya Rorbuer , which is in Svolvær, the main town in Lofoten. This is a great base for activities, like this amazing sea eagle RIB safari I did , as well as a good starting point for driving around to see the islands. Check rates and availability at Svinøya Rorbuer here

Day 7: Lofoten

Take this second day to drive down the islands. They get more beautiful as you head south. I’ve written about some especially scenic places to visit on Lofoten here .

And then tonight you can either stay at Svinøya, if you prefer not to move around too much, or if you’d rather stay somewhere new, my second choice for Lofoten is Eliassen Rorbuer near Reine. This is in the most scenic part of Lofoten – in fact you might recognize the red cabins you’ll be staying in:

This is also a very touristy area of Lofoten, but aside from July it should be fine. Check current rates and availability here

Day 8: Leave or Bodø

Today you’ll return to Evenes Airport and either leave Norway, or if you have a bit more time, you could head to Bodø! Easiest would be to fly, and if you book your flight early it will actually be cheaper to fly than to take the bus.

If you end up taking the bus you’ll need to first get the airport bus to Narvik , which takes 75 minutes, and then the bus from Narvik to Bodø , which takes about six hours.

If you fly into Bodø in the morning you’ll have all day in the city. You can read more about things to do in Bodø here , and visiting Bodø in winter here .

My favorite hotel in Bodø is Thon Hotel Nordlys , which has my favorite buffet breakfast in Norway. Check current rates and availability here

Bodø also has a bunch of great Airbnb options , which is especially helpful if you’re on a budget as they tend to be cheaper and have self-catering options – eating out in Norway is pricey.

Day 9: Mosjøen

Today you’ll get the train from Bodø to Mosjøen. Be sure to book your train ticket as early as possible (earliest possible is three months in advance), as early bird “mini price” tickets are heavily discounted.

Okay, so Danielle and I of course included Mosjøen in our itinerary because I wanted to show her my new home ! But actually I think Mosjøen is worth a visit even if you don’t have a bff here.

Mosjøen is such a pretty town, and personally I think the train ride from Bodø to Mosjøen is the most beautiful train ride in all of Norway – take that, Flåm. And the downtown is right by the train station, so you won’t need to worry about renting a car here.

Tonight you can stay at Fru Haugans Hotel, which is right at the end of Sjøgata, Mosjøen’s famous old street. Dating back over 200 years, Fru Haugans is Northern Norway’s oldest hotel and also has two great restaurants inside. And apparently it has always been run by women!  Check prices and availability here

If you’re on a budget, Airbnb also has a couple of great options in downtown Mosjøen.

Or you could stay at Mosjøen Hotel , which has a nice old fashioned vibe and is conveniently right across the street from the train station.

Day 10: Mosjøen

It’s definitely worth spending another day in Mosjøen if you have the time.

You can read more about things to do in Mosjøen here .

And if you’re visiting in the winter, this will be your last chance on the trip to see the Northern Lights. We see them over the town fairly often, so you don’t even need to worry about getting somewhere dark.

Day 11: Trondheim

Danielle got an international flight out of Trondheim, and if you can do the same then you could take a couple of more days to see Trondheim as well!

If you get the morning train from Mosjøen that leaves around 9:30 am you’ll be in Trondheim by 2:30 pm, so you’ll still have a good portion of the day to explore.

I used to live in Trondheim and have written a huge guide for things to do in Trondheim here .

I’ve also written a guide to the best accommodation in Trondheim for every budget here . Currently my favorite place to stay in Trondheim is either in an Airbnb or the Best Western Chesterfield Hotel , which is right by the train station and beautiful (and affordable!).

Day 12: Trondheim

You could either leave today or take another day to explore the city. Personally I would try to have a second day in Trondheim, but if you’re pressed for time you’ll be able to see most of the main sites in your first afternoon in Trondheim anyway.

And that’s it!

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Riley from Riley's Roves says

February 26, 2019 at 4:40 pm

What a great bucket list! I hope to make it to Scandinavia someday. I’d always pictured visiting in the warmer months, but this itinerary looks incredible.

Silvia says

February 28, 2019 at 1:26 pm

I think this itinerary would be lovely in the summer too!

Nicole W Matthews says

March 6, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Wow, This artical is more benifitable for all of world pepoles. It is importent foe me. Thanks for this post.

March 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm

Thanks for the great post! I am planning to visit in February mainly to see the northern lights and do some other winter activities. I originally was going to go to Tromso and then to Lofoten, Abisko. For 10 days trip, would it be better to skip Tromso, because main reason for being there will be northern lights. Other activities such as dog-sledding seems to be available in Abisko.

March 24, 2019 at 1:20 pm

If you want something very easy Tromsø is a big tourist hub and has tons of Northern Lights tours. But the tours will be big and crowded (like with several buses stopped at the same viewpoints), so personally I would skip Tromsø. Abisko has much better weather so you’ll probably have the best chance of seeing the lights there, plus I prefer the vibe in Abisko and Kiruna.

ursula says

May 30, 2019 at 11:34 pm

Hi ya. Loved reading your blog, makes me definitey want to put Norway on my list. Do you have any idea what it would be like to visit here during the Summer (June-Sept)? or do you think that it would be better to hold off visiting during Winter season? Also, would you mind if I asked whether, in your opinion, would you say Norway is an expensive country to visit? Thank you 🙂

May 31, 2019 at 10:50 pm

I would visit later if you want to see the Northern Lights, but otherwise it would be lovely in the summer too! And yes, Norway is expensive.

Amit khaitan says

June 21, 2019 at 8:23 pm

Hi Silvia.. i just started reading one blog of yours but now like i want to read everything you wrote about your travel experience. I am planning a 10-12 days trip to norway in feb or march. Earlier i just planned to cover tromso, lofoten , senja, nordcape and kirkenes .. but now after reading your travel blog i want to cover kiruna/abisko and narvik. So what is your suggestion for that to cover kirkenes..? Is it worth to visit kirkenes including nordcape? as i can book hurtrigen cruise ship from tromso to kirkenes or i should keep it up to narvik, kiruna/abisko, lofoten and tromso as per your iterneries ? Kindly suggest or it will be bettter if can connect over whats app on +971555575049 or on messenger. Many Thanks

Arvindh S says

June 22, 2019 at 8:16 am

Hey Silvia!

Thank you for writing this article.

We’re planning to follow this travel plan in the second half of September.

With that, I have six questions:

1. Would this travel plan make sense at that time? 2. Will there be snow? 3. Will Abisko have the northern lights? 4. Are there any special considerations I need to make if I’m traveling with a two year old? 5. How feasible/friendly is Norway for vegetarians? 6. Should we get the World Nomads Explorer insurance for all three of us (me, my wife and my baby girl!)

June 22, 2019 at 6:31 pm

1. yes, definitely! 2. probably not, but there might be snow in the mountains 3. you should have a good chance to see the Northern Lights, but of course it’s a natural phenomenon that can’t be predicted or guaranteed 4. I don’t know anything about kids 5. I have several Norwegian friends who are vegetarians, so it shouldn’t be a problem 6. yes, I definitely recommend getting insurance for all of you

June 23, 2019 at 1:09 pm

Hello Silvia.. i just started with reading one of yours article but now like i want to read everything you wrote about your travel experience. I am planning a 10-12 days trip to norway in feb or march. Earlier i just planned to cover tromso, lofoten , senja, nordcape and kirkenes .. but now after reading your travel blog i want to cover kiruna/abisko and narvik. So what is your suggestion for that to cover kirkenes..? Is it worth to visit kirkenes including nordcape? as i can book hurtrigen cruise ship from tromso to kirkenes or i should keep it up to narvik, kiruna/abisko, lofoten and tromso as per your iterneries ? Kindly suggest . Thanks

Anwesh Dayal says

August 22, 2019 at 11:38 pm

Is it safe to drive (on the icy roads) from Kiruna to Vesterålen? Or in general that up north in the Lapland by yourself?

September 2, 2019 at 4:35 pm

Yes, you just need to be careful and follow weather advisories in the winter.

August 27, 2019 at 1:33 pm

Hello Silvia, Me and my friend planning to visit from mid feb to end of feb 2020. I have followi g questions.. 1. Is a good time to visit as per the weather conditions? 2. Will it be possible to drive by car that time on all the routes which you mentioned in your itrenery? 3.apart from northen lights we want to do some activities as well..like sea eagal safari,whale watching so all these activities will be avilable at time? Awaiting your reply. Thanks

September 2, 2019 at 4:06 pm

Yes, those activities will all be available then.

August 27, 2019 at 3:40 pm

Is it the good decision to make plan from mid feb to till end of feb 2020 for this iternery?

August 27, 2019 at 3:53 pm

Hello Silvia, Pls advise can i plan this iternery from mid of feb2020? 2. Will it be possible to drive by car all the place in the month of feb? ( my concern is of road closure due to snow or bad weather) Pls advise so that i can start my booking accordingly. Thanks

September 2, 2019 at 4:03 pm

We did this itinerary in early January, so you will have an easier time of it in February! But it will help if you have some experience driving in snow. If you don’t just be sure to take it slowly and you should be okay.

amit khaitan says

January 29, 2020 at 2:43 pm

thank you so much Silvia… we are all set to go. we will be travelling from 13th feb.2020 to till 26th feb2020. my route by car will be Oslo-evens-abisko-lofoten-andenes-vesterlan-senja-tromso-nordcapp-kirkenes-oslo-Dubai. Thanks to all your blogs which helped alot while making bookings for this memorable trip. regards

October 11, 2019 at 3:49 pm

Like many of the folks above, my wife and I are planning to visit in early February. It sounds like the best all-around time to visit. My only concern is the rental car. I have some experience driving in the snow, but some of these locations seem somewhat remote, and have limited daylight hours. Should I be worried about getting stuck, or not being able to reach any of these destinations?

October 14, 2019 at 10:40 pm

There’s always a chance that there could be a big storm and the roads will close. The only way to avoid getting stuck would be to fly directly to one location and stay there your entire trip, as unfortunately storms and road closures are part of life in the Arctic. But it usually only happens a few times each winter, so hopefully you wont’ be unlucky! I would buy travel insurance just in case.

October 14, 2019 at 10:53 pm

Thank you! We’re going to go for it with insurance in our back pocket.

Jasmin says

October 28, 2019 at 7:32 pm

I am very new to your page so I don’t know how you feel about this question. But I would very much like to know how much a trip like this would cost. Thank you in advance.

Selina says

November 19, 2019 at 9:02 am

Hi Silvia, may I know if it is possible to do this trip without a car? We may do something like this:

2-3 days Kiruna 1 day travel from Kiruna to Tromso 2-3 days Tromso

We are thinking of taking the train from Kiruna to Narvik, then Narvik to Tromso.

Would you recommend stopping by Abisko for a night, or skip it and go to Tromso straight? Can we do our own northern lights spotting in Abisko?

January 2, 2020 at 2:36 pm

hi! I love your blog. I would love to do this rode trip with my Boyfriend. woulg you recomend november a good time to do it?

January 3, 2020 at 3:11 pm

Yeah I think that should be good, as there won’t be as much snow so driving should be easier.

Ridhima Singh says

August 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm

Very informative blog Silvia. Got your e-book too. Good stuff.

You might have answered this millionth time – But how good is first week of October for NL? Tromso, Lofoten and now adding Abiska after reading this Blog. And second question – Apart from rental car – do we have easy public transport which connects all these places?

August 23, 2020 at 7:52 pm

October is a great time to see the northern lights! The only worry is the weather can be bad in the autumn, but to be honest that’s a problem here in the winter too, so you just have to hope for clear skies. Unfortunately there is not easy public transport here. You can look into getting a bus from Lofoten to Narvik, and from Narvik you can get the train to Abisko. And there should be a bus from Narvik to Tromsø, but I’m not sure how often it runs. If I were visiting without a car I would probably actually only visit Tromsø and take northern lights tours from there.

Meagan says

October 12, 2020 at 1:31 pm

Hi Silvia, I have enjoyed reading a few of your post tonight. My fiance and I want to honeymoon in the Artic and I was wondering what month you most recommend for this itinerary? Also, can you give a ballpark range for the cost of this trip? Thank you so much!!

Kristen says

December 17, 2020 at 6:02 am

Hey Silvia, I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s incredibly helpful to get advice from someone who’s figured out the best ways to travel around the area. What airport would you recommend flying into from the US if we’re planning on doing a Northern Lights trip in February?

December 17, 2020 at 3:28 pm

You’ll probably want to fly into Tromsø or Evenes, but may need to fly via Oslo.

Rhodri says

December 31, 2021 at 1:07 pm

Hey Silvia. Love your articles, they’ve been really handy for planning my trip this winter. I’ve been planning on taking a train to Bode (after reading your article on it) and using that as a base to whale watch, visit lofoten and see the lights, but after reading this a road trip by car does sound appealing… My main concern though would be how to organise all the different accomodation. Did you book it all way in advance or as you went along? I love the idea of a flexible itinery but presumably it would be too hard/expensive to book last minute? Thanks in advance

richard says

June 12, 2022 at 5:26 am

We are visiting in late sept/early oct. Are there small group tours to Abisko or Lofoten to see the Northern Lights and small towns?

Dushyant Kanabar says

November 13, 2022 at 12:28 pm

Hi Silvia, Thanks for such a in depth and informative write up. It’s so helpful for someone who’s never visited that part of the world. Since you know that area well, what are your thoughts on visiting this area around X-Mas time this year? We’re planning to self drive and replicate your itinerary above. Any suggestions/tips/comments would be highly appreciated. Are the lack of daylight hours a hindrance? Would you be able to recommend any good local travel agents please? Thanks.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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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

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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

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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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14 Best Attractions and Things to Do in Scandinavia

As a region, Scandinavia is home to some of the world's most striking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and legendary traditions of anywhere in the world. While the famous aurora borealis (or Northern Lights) are a draw for many, there's more to this vast region than the dramatic night sky. From royal palaces to sandy beaches and dramatic fjords, here are the 14 best things to do on your trip to Scandinavia . 

Relax in Iceland's Blue Lagoon

Everyone's seen the Instagrams: One of Scandinavia's top attractions in undoubtedly the Blue Lagoon, a series of naturally-heated thermal pools near Iceland's capital Reykjavik . The warm waters are rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur, and some visitors claim that bathing in the lagoon can help treat skin conditions. The pools are always pleasantly warm, usually around 100 degrees F, and are open from the morning through the evening. 

Watch the Northern Lights in Norway

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

The Northern Lights are one of Scandinavia's best attractions . Tromso in Norway is the best place in Scandinavia to watch the show, which can be seen only in polar regions. The effect is caused by particles from the solar wind getting trapped in the Earth's magnetic field. The lights "turn on" when particles crash with the atmosphere, which results in a showing of colored flames.

Find Denmark's Greatest Castles

An unexpected plus for most first-time visitors, Denmark is home to an incredible selection of ancient castles. After all, it is the oldest continuous monarchy in Europe. Copenhagen's Amalienborg is one of the must-visits for most visitors. The royal couple's winter residence, this castle is built in the classic Rococo style. The public can visit both Christian VIII's and Christian VII's palaces. 

Take a Unique Guided Tour in Stockholm

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Sweden's capital Stockholm is one of Scandinavia's top attractions by itself. This city offers so many exciting sights and history that travelers often find the best way to explore this city is a guided tour, with plenty of photo opportunities. If you're short on time, one of the best ways to tour Stockholm is via the city's Royal Canal. These tours are inexpensive and begin at Djurgarden, passing Fjaderholmarna, Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde, the Vasa Museum, Sodermalm, and Slussen, among other city landmarks.

Visit the Danish Royal Gardens

These beautiful gardens in Denmark offer peace for everyone and let you get away from the busy city life for a while. During the Baroque period, French design had a strong influence on Danish castle gardens and gave them their unique flair. These quiet retreats should be a part of your trip if you are planning to visit the Copenhagen area. 

Go Whale Watching in Norway and Iceland

Chris VR / TripSavvy

In Scandinavia, whale watching is very popular among tourists, and many travelers choose to go whale watching on a whale safari during their vacation in Norway or Iceland. Depending on where you go, you might spot Minke whales, humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, orcas, and more! Adventurous travelers can even sign up for special whale safaris offering to let you swim with the whales.

Visit Legoland in Billund, Denmark

The famous Danish theme park Legoland in Billund is great fun! The park is home to an incredible 340 billion pieces of Lego and many rides can provide entertainment for days! Every building, boat, train and car is constructed from millions of Lego blocks in fantastic detail. 

Go Skiing in Norway

Winter attractions in Scandinavia? Yes, right here. For your winter vacation, this is a must. Famous from the 1994 Winter Olympics, Norway's Lillehammer area is known for the spectacular local ski terrain and the many local winter sports activities. Trysil, on Norway's Swedish border, is also one of the country's most popular ski destinations, with a rich history. It was one of the first resorts known to have held a ski competition, way back in 1862. Today it is Norway's largest ski resort, with 46 miles of slopes.

Explore Sandy Beaches in Scandinavia

If you're visiting in the summer, explore the beautiful sandy beaches in Scandinavia. Denmark is one long coastline, with fine, white sand, and beaches that become day-trip hotspots on summer weekends. One of the most popular is Amager Beach, easily accessible by public transportation from Copenhagen. In Sweden, two of the country's best beaches are Langholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet Beaches, both on the outskirts of Stockholm. 

Take a Walking Tour of Stockholm's Djurgarden

Djurgarden is one of Scandinavia's top attractions for many travelers, and rightfully so. This famous island in Stockholm is dotted with parks, events, and activities, drawing more than 10 million visitors each year. You can spend a whole day exploring the island, from relaxing in the Galärparken or visiting the 19th-century Rosendal Palace & Garden.

Hike at Finland's Koli National Park

Finland's Koli National Park offers the country's best hiking, with truly stunning landscapes. The park has nearly 50 miles of trails, which traverse moss-covered forests and open meadows. If you head the Ukko-Koli Hill, a 1,100-foot climb, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Lake Pielinen. Not into hiking? The park has excellent skiing and cycling, as well as a spa, the Koli Relax Spa . The park is approximately six hours from Helsinki, Finland .  

Drive Across the Oresund Underwater Bridge

Driving across this Scandinavian landmark is a truly unique experience. The five-mile-long bridge stretches across the Oresund Strait, beginning outside of Malmo in Sweden. Then, ​ the bridge descends beneath the water before re-emerging in Amager, Denmark. It's a once-in-a-lifetime drive that everybody should do at least once.

Chill Out at Sweden's Ice Hotel

Sweden's famous Ice Hotel isn't for the faint of heart. This popular attraction opened in the small town of Jukkasjärvi in the late 1980s with just one room. Now, the hotel has 70 deluxe suites that are built each year with ice blocks from a nearby river. As for the temperatures, rooms are maintained between 17 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit. (Don't worry, you'll sleep in a heavy-duty sleeping bag topped with blankets from reindeer skin.)

Go See Geirangerfjord, Norway's Most Idyllic Ford

If you're going to Norway, you're probably going to see at least one fjord. But in a country full of them (approximately 1,200, in fact), why not see the most beautiful one? Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nine miles long and just under a mile wide. It's flanked by cliffs which make for incredible views from the dozens of surrounding hiking trails. 

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Best Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days + Nordic (Norway Sweden Denmark Finland)

Read about detailed and day-wise Scandinavia itinerary 15 days + Nordic (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland Itinerary) with things to do, places to visit with distance and how to commute in-between places, overnight stay with hotel names, adventure activities, and boat tours.

ALSO READ : Best Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days (Norway, Sweden, Denmark Itinerary)

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Scandinavia is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, Northern lights, and high-quality lifestyle. Therefore read Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland itinerary for 15 days with things to do. 

Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark

• Arrive in Copenhagen and check into your hotel .
• Explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Nyhavn Harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Christiansborg Palace.
• Visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with beautiful gardens and thrilling rides.
• Enjoy Danish cuisine at local restaurants.

Day 2: Copenhagen

• Take a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective.

• Explore the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, known for its vibrant atmosphere and street art.
• Experience the lively nightlife in the Vesterbro district.
• Overnight in Copenhagen.

Day 3: Stockholm, Sweden

• Travel to Stockholm by train or flight.

• Visit the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and explore its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
• ALSO READ : Best Sweden Itinerary 7 Days (Things To Do + Hotels + Vegan Food)
• Explore the Vasa Museum , which houses a 17th-century warship that sank and was salvaged after 333 years.
• Stroll along Djurgården Island and visit attractions like the Skansen open-air museum and Gröna Lund amusement park.
• Overnight in Stockholm. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Hellsten.

Day 4: Stockholm

• Explore the modern part of Stockholm, including the trendy district of Södermalm.
• Visit the ABBA Museum and learn about the iconic Swedish band.

• Explore the art galleries and boutiques in the trendy neighborhood of Östermalm.
• Overnight in Stockholm.

Day 5: Oslo, Norway

• Travel to Oslo by train or flight.
• Check into your hotel and start exploring the city.
• Visit the Viking Ship Museum and see well-preserved Viking ships.

• Visit the Oslo Opera House and enjoy its stunning architecture.
• Overnight in Oslo. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Thon Hotel Terminus.

Day 6: Oslo

• Explore Oslo’s historical and cultural sites, such as the Royal Palace and the Akershus Fortress.
• Visit the Nobel Peace Center and learn about the Nobel Prizes and laureates.
• Stroll along Aker Brygge, a waterfront area with restaurants and shops.
• Explore the museums on Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum.
• Overnight in Oslo.

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Day 7: Bergen, Norway

• Travel to Bergen by train or flight.

• Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, known for its colorful wooden buildings.
• Visit the Bergenhus Fortress and the Hanseatic Museum to learn about Bergen’s history.
• Overnight in Bergen. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Scandic Byparken.

Day 8: Bergen

• Visit Troldhaugen, the former home of the renowned composer Edvard Grieg.
• Explore the picturesque neighborhoods of Bergen, such as Nordnes and Sandviken.
• Overnight in Bergen.

Day 9: Gothenburg, Sweden

• Travel to Gothenburg by train or flight.

• Explore the Haga district, known for its charming wooden houses and cozy cafés.
• Visit the Universeum, a science center with interactive exhibits.
• Overnight in Gothenburg. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Flora.

Day 10: Gothenburg

• Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago and take a boat tour to visit some islands.
• Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art and admire its extensive Nordic and international art collections.
• Walk along Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main boulevard, and visit the Trädgårdsföreningen Park.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.
• Overnight in Gothenburg.

Day 11: Helsinki, Finland

• Travel to Helsinki by ferry or flight.

• Explore the Market Square and try local delicacies like Finnish pastries and smoked salmon.
• Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved into solid rock.
• Overnight in Helsinki. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Arthur.

Day 12: Helsinki

• Explore the Design District and visit the Design Museum to learn about Finnish design.
• Take a stroll along the Esplanade Park and enjoy the street performances.
• Visit the Ateneum Art Museum and admire its Finnish and international art collections.
• Explore the unique architecture of the Kamppi Chapel of Silence.
• Overnight in Helsinki.

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Day 13: Copenhagen, Denmark

• Return to Copenhagen by ferry or flight.

• Visit the National Gallery of Denmark and admire its collection of European art.
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Latin Quarter.
• Overnight in Copenhagen .

Day 14: Copenhagen

• Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and learn about the history of the famous Danish beer.
• Explore the Frederiksberg Gardens, a beautiful park with a palace and a zoo.
• Take a bike tour around the city to explore further.
• Enjoy a Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) for lunch.

Day 15: Departure

• Check out of your hotel and depart from Copenhagen, marking the end of your Scandinavian adventure. 

15 Days Scandinavia Itinerary Useful Resources 

Read some helpful information about the Scandinavia tour before planning the Scandinavia itinerary 15 days.

Distances between Cities – Scandinavia 15 days Itinerary

Approximate distances between the major cities in Scandinavia and the estimated travel times by train:

Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden :

• Distance: Approximately 650 km (400 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by train

Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway:

• Distance: Approximately 530 km (330 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 6-7 hours by train

Oslo, Norway to Bergen, Norway:

• Distance: Approximately 400 km (250 miles)

Bergen, Norway to Gothenburg, Sweden:

• Distance: Approximately 320 km (200 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours by train

Gothenburg, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland:

• Distance: Approximately 600 km (370 miles) by flight
• Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by flight (direct flights available)

Helsinki, Finland to Copenhagen, Denmark:

• Distance: Approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) by ferry
• Travel Time: Around 16-18 hours by ferry (overnight trip)

How To Commute Internally – Norway Sweden Denmark Finland Itinerary Planning

• Train Operators:  The leading train operators in Scandinavia are DSB in Denmark, SJ in Sweden, and NSB in Norway. These operators offer regular train services connecting major cities and towns within each country.
• Ticket Types:  Train tickets in Scandinavia come in different types, including single-use tickets, round-trip tickets, and flexible tickets. Single-use tickets are valid for a specific journey, while round-trip tickets cover a return journey between two destinations. Flexible tickets offer more flexibility in terms of travel dates and times.
• Booking Tickets:  Train tickets in Scandinavia can be booked online in advance through the respective train operator’s website or third-party websites offering train ticket bookings. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred travel times and get the best fares.
• Seat Reservations:  Some trains in Scandinavia require seat reservations, especially for long-distance and high-speed trains. Seat reservations ensure that you have a designated seat for your journey. When booking your train ticket, check if a seat reservation is included or needs to be purchased separately.
• Train Passes:  If you plan to travel extensively by train in Scandinavia, consider purchasing a rail pass. The Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass are popular options that offer flexible travel within multiple countries. These passes allow unlimited train travel within a specified period, providing excellent value for frequent train journeys.
• Boarding the Train:  Arrive at the train station early to locate your platform and boarding area. Trains in Scandinavia are generally punctual, so make sure to be on time. Look for the carriage number on your ticket and board the appropriate train carriage.
• Onboard Facilities:  Trains in Scandinavia typically offer comfortable seating, luggage storage, and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food and beverage services. Some trains also provide scenic views, especially when traveling through the countryside or along the coast.
• Commuting Within Cities:  Trains are also a convenient mode of transportation for getting around cities. Each city has a local train or metro system, such as the Copenhagen S-train in Denmark, Stockholm Metro in Sweden, and Oslo Metro in Norway. These systems are efficient and connect various neighborhoods and attractions within the cities.

Vegetarian food options – Scandinavia 15 days itinerary

Copenhagen, Denmark:

• Copenhagen offers a good variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Look out for places like Plant Power Food, which specializes in plant-based comfort food. The organic restaurant Souls serves a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Additionally, you can find vegetarian options in many international cuisines, such as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Italian.

Stockholm, Sweden:

• Stockholm has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene. Check out Hermans, a vegetarian buffet restaurant with a stunning city view. Chutney offers delicious Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes. Other notable options include Veganbar and Veggie by Paul’s.

Oslo, Norway:

• Oslo has a decent selection of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Mathallen Food Hall is a great place to explore various food stalls with vegetarian options. For vegetarian sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, try Happolati. Nordvegan is a popular vegan spot in the city, offering tasty plant-based dishes.

Bergen, Norway:

• Bergen may have fewer vegetarian-focused restaurants, but you can still find suitable options. Legal Food is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of dishes. Pingvinen is a traditional pub with vegetarian options available. For vegan and vegetarian sandwiches and wraps, check out Fresko.

In addition to dedicated vegetarian restaurants, most places in Scandinavia will have vegetarian options on their menus. Look for terms like “vegetarian” (vegetarian) or “vegans” (vegan) when ordering vegetarian Food in your Scandinavian countries.

Must Do Tours in Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

Here’s a list of must-do tours in the mentioned cities:

• Canal Tour: Take a boat tour along Copenhagen’s picturesque canals to see the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective.
• Tivoli Gardens: Explore the historic amusement park, known for its beautiful gardens, thrilling rides, and live entertainment.
• Christiansborg Palace: Join a guided tour of the palace, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Stables, and the Royal Kitchen.
• Food Tour: Embark on a food tour to sample Danish specialties like smørrebrød, Danish pastries, and craft beers.
• 7 Days In Denmark (Best Denmark Itinerary + Hotels + Ultimate Things To Do)
• Archipelago Boat Tour: Take a boat tour through Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, visiting some islands and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
• Gamla Stan Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old Town) to explore its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and historic sites.
• ABBA Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of ABBA with a tour of this interactive museum featuring memorabilia, costumes, and music.
• Royal Palace: Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace to see the opulent Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Chapel.
• Viking Ship Museum : Explore the museum and see the well-preserved ships, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing Viking history.
• Oslo Fjord Cruise : Take a leisurely boat cruise along Oslo Fjord, passing scenic landscapes, islands, and iconic landmarks.
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump : Visit the ski jump area and take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding area.
• Oslo Opera House : Take a guided tour of the striking Oslo Opera House, known for its modern architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop.
• Fløibanen Funicular: Ride up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords.
• Bryggen Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about its history and architecture.
• Fjord Cruise: Take a boat tour through the majestic Norwegian fjords, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty.
• Troldhaugen: Visit the former home of composer Edvard Grieg and enjoy a guided tour of the museum, his cabin, and the beautiful gardens.

Gothenburg, Sweden:

• Liseberg Amusement Park: Enjoy thrilling rides, live performances, and beautiful gardens at this renowned amusement park.
• Gothenburg Archipelago Tour: Join a boat tour to explore the picturesque islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with opportunities for swimming and nature walks.
• Universeum: Visit this interactive science center, featuring exhibits on everything from animals and space to the human body.
• Haga Walking Tour: Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Haga, known for its cozy cafés, boutiques, and historic wooden houses.

Helsinki, Finland:

• Suomenlinna Fortress Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed sea fortress on a guided tour, learning about its history and enjoying the scenic views.
• Helsinki Design District Tour: Discover Finnish design with a guided tour of the Design District, including visits to boutiques, galleries, and design studios.
• Market Square Food Tour: Sample Finnish delicacies at Helsinki’s lively Market Square, including fresh seafood, reindeer meat, and Finnish pastries.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: Visit this unique museum, featuring historic Finnish buildings and structures, and learn about traditional Finnish culture.

These tours offer a great way to experience each city’s highlights and unique attractions. Remember to check availability and book beforehand, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently asked questions Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

What is the best time to visit Scandinavia for a 10-day itinerary?

• The summer months (June to August) are generally the best time to visit Scandinavia as the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy longer daylight hours. However, each season has its charm, and you can plan your visit based on your preferences.

Is English widely spoken in Scandinavia?

• English is widely spoken in Scandinavia, especially in major cities and tourist areas. You’ll be fine communicating with locals and seeking assistance if needed.

What is the currency in Scandinavia?

• Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), and Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Carrying some local currency for small expenses is advisable, although credit cards are widely accepted.

How do I get around Scandinavia between cities?

• Scandinavia has an efficient transportation system. You can travel between cities by train, bus, or domestic flights. Trains are a popular choice, offering comfort, scenic views, and convenient connections. Buses are a cost-effective option, especially for shorter distances. Domestic flights can be faster for longer distances.

How do I book train tickets in Scandinavia?

• Book Train tickets online through national railway websites, such as DSB for Denmark, SJ for Sweden, and Vy for Norway. Better to book in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your preferred schedule and seating.

Are there vegetarian food options available in Scandinavia?

• Yes, vegetarian food options are widely available in Scandinavia. Most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian dishes, and you’ll find vegetarian-friendly options in major cities. It’s also helpful to inform the staff about your dietary preferences to ensure suitable meals.

What should I pack for my Scandinavia trip?

• Pack layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions. Include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Remember essentials like a power adapter, sunscreen, and any necessary medications.

Are there any cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of?

• Scandinavians value personal space and privacy, so respecting their boundaries is polite. Tipping is not mandatory when dining out, as the bill usually includes service charges. However, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.

Are there any safety concerns in Scandinavia?

• Scandinavia is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take standard safety precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and following local guidelines or warnings.

Now you can plan the best Nordic countries with this 15 days Scandinavia itinerary. So enjoy your Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland trip with this detailed Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland itinerary (Scandinavia itinerary 15 days). 

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Europe , Norway , Sweden · April 14, 2024

10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary – The Perfect Norway, Sweden and Denmark Trip

Spending 10 days in Scandinavia is a trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.  Whether you are looking for beautiful nature, charming cities, or fascinating history you will find it somewhere in this itinerary. While 10 days is not enough to see everything, especially in three countries as diverse as Sweden , Norway and Denmark, it is definitely enough to get a taste of the north. This 10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary will take you from Copenhagen in Denmark, to Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden, and finally Oslo in Norway, with several more nature inspired trips along the way!

With that said, let’s get started! In this itinerary for a 10-day trip to Scandinavia I will outline exactly what you should do each day, where you should travel, and the unique experiences you should try out to really get a feeling for the Nordic countries.

If you haven’t come across my blog before, I have lived in Sweden (in Gothenburg ) for almost 4 years now and have taken multiple trips to all the cities and places on this itinerary. So, rather than it being one trip I have done, it is based on all the trips I have taken so to give you the best possible 10 days in Scandinavia. I hope that this ‘locals’ knowledge will give you more of an insight into each city and help you travel more authentically. I have based this itinerary on all of my favourite things to do in each place and how I would plan it for myself if I were to do a 10 day Scandinavia trip for the first time!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

Days 1 – 2: Copenhagen

Days 3 – 5: stockholm, sweden, day 6 – 7: gothenburg, day 8: west sweden, day 9 – 10: oslo, 10 day scandinavia itinerary – oslo, gothenburg, stockholm and copenhagen, 10 day scandinavia itinerary.

Here you will find a rough outline for a 10-day Scandinavia itinerary! This trip visits 4 big cities in 3 different countries over a week and a half. I have outlined the best things to do in each city and a few possible day trips you can take if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of each country! As I said, this Scandinavia itinerary is very city based. If you want to mix it up a little and include more Nordic Nature experiences then I can recommend reading through these posts to find some inspiration!

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This 10-day Scandinavia Itinerary begins in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. A city on the water, Copenhagen is renowned for its beautiful old harbour Nyhavn , and the harbourside walk which takes you past the opera house and the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid . If you want a good viewpoint, don’t miss the spiral tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke . If you want to see the city from the canals, make sure to take the canal cruise which passes the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, and the royal palaces.

Where to stay: The Square, Copenhagen

I have stayed in a few different hotels and Airbnbs in Copenhagen over the last few years and definitely had the best experience staying at The Square . This hotel is right in the center of the city, only a short walk from the central station and all the sights so it’s perfect if you just have a few days to explore and it’s your first time in Copenhagen.

Getting around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is quite a big city, and while it is definitely walkable, it can always be good to have a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for when you want to travel larger distances. This bus stops at over 30 places, meaning you can quickly go form stop to stop and make sure you don’t miss anything! Alternatively, there is the Copenhagen city card which gives you a bus ticket and access to over 40 attractions (museums, galleries etc.).

If you are up for a little self-navigation, Copenhagen does also have a good public transport network that you just need to buy tickets for.

What to do in Copenhagen

Tivoli gardens.

Somewhere you shouldn’t miss is Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park. People travel from all over Scandinavia to spend the weekend here, enjoying the rides and the atmosphere. My favourite time to visit Tivoli is during December when the park is decorated for Christmas and they have a beautiful Christmas Market. In the summer, there are a lot of different events on – and of course it is a theme park so there are a lot of rides to try! I can recommend The Demon if you just want to try one rollercoaster – it was a lot of fun!

If you are not one for rides, you can purchase a park entry ticket . This allows you to walk around the park, and you can still buy individual ride or game tickets while you are there! If you want to spend the whole day here, I recommend getting the unlimited rides pass which gives you park access and you can use the rides all day. With this ticket, you can go in and out of the park if you want to mix it in with sight-seeing.

Something to note is that the queue times in Tivoli can be quite long so if you want to experience some of the rides then plan to spend a bit of time in the area. The rides can also be quite expensive (419dkk for a day pass and 50 – 90 dkk per individual ride).

A Day Trip to Møns Klint and Forest Tower

As this is your only time in Denmark on this Scandinavia trip, I fully understand if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of rural Denmark! One great day trip you can take is to Møns Klint , one of Denmark’s most beautiful coastlines. The stark white limestone and chalk cliffs here are so beautiful, towering over the crystal blue waters. This is definitely a once-in-a-life time experience you shouldn’t miss!

We had the best day trip here, seeing something a little different and getting a taste of “the real Denmark” rather than just seeing Copenhagen.

A Day Trip to Sweden

If you want to see even more of Scandinavia, you can take a day trip over the Öresund bridge to Malmö and Lund , two cities in the south of Sweden. They are only 40 minutes away from central Copenhagen which makes city hopping a really fun and unique experience. Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, with a beautiful seaside, old town and lots of cosy cafes. Lund is a smaller university town, renowned for its town centre filled with old buildings and Lund cathedral.

You can either take a tour between the two cities which includes a visit to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, otherwise known as Hamlet’s castle, a guided tour around Lund and a trip to Malmö. This is great if you want to see a few different places on one day and make the most of your trip

Otherwise you can take the train to Malmö from Copenhagen . This is the cheaper option and perhaps better if you only want to visit Malmö, not any of the other stops on the tour.

While in Malmö I recommend just spending the day walking around, trying different cafes, visiting the castle and walking along the coastline. We have spent a lot of time in Malmö over the last few years visiting friends who live there and I think what makes the city great isn’t necessarily the things that there are to see and do but the overall vibe of the city. One of my favourite things to do is head down to the Kallbadhuset for a swim (even in the winter), followed by brunch at MJ’s, a walk around Malmöhus Slott and Slottsträdgården and then fika at Lilla Kafferosteriet. For more details you can read my one day Malmö itinerary!

If you want to experience more of Southern Sweden and have a car, there are a lot of great day trips you can take from Malmö out into the countryside! Österlen is one of my absolute favourite places in Sweden and its only a few hours drive from Malmö along the south coast. Here you will find lots of farm shops and beautiful countryside cafes (Olof Victors is amazing!), as well as the stone circle Ale Stenar and the most beautiful beaches in Stenhuvuds Nature Reserve.

Alternatively, there are a lot of different castles, cafes and forests to explore within a much shorter distance (some also accessible by public transport). Make sure to read this post for a full list of Day Trips from Malmö !

Time for a change of scene – we are heading to Stockholm , the capital of Sweden on day 2 of this Scandinavia itinerary! In this section I have outlined a few things to see and do in Stockholm and some day trips you can make. If you want more details, with restaurant recommendations etc. then make sure to read my guide to one day in Stockholm or 3 days in Stockholm .

Where to stay: Downtown Camper

When it comes to hotels in Stockholm, my personal favourite is Downtown Camper by Scandic. It is located very centrally – just a few minutes walk to the central station, Gamla Stan, and Drottningsgatan – and from the rooms there are amazing views over the cities. Below in the picture you can see the cosy single room perfect for a solo traveller! The best thing about Downtown Camper is The Nest, the spa and bar on the top floor with views out over the whole of Stockholm. Every day, they hold different activities in the bar area including yoga classes and a knkitting circle! This is the most fun and lively hotel, but also luxury feeling. You can book it here !

A Budget Option: Generator Stockholm

Generator Stockholm is my favourite budget place to stay when I visit the city. I have stayed here 5+ times over the years and always recommend it to others! It is a hostel, meaning that it is a much more budget friendly option. However, it is not dissimilar to a hotel – with private rooms, private bathrooms available. It is super fresh and has a really nice common area in the lobby where they often hold events like trivia! It is definitely family and solo traveller friendly which is another reason I like to recommend it! Book it here !

See more: Find all your Stockholm accomodation options here

How to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm

The trip from Copenhagen to Stockholm covers quite a long distance, and as such the best way to take the trip is by train. The train journey is so beautiful as it travels through the Swedish countryside. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours but luckily is direct! There are a few different companies that run trains for this trip so you can find the best option here!

Things to See and Do in Stockholm

Stockholm is a city with so much to see and do, three days will never give it justice! However, there are definitely some things you shouldn’t miss, especially if it’s your first visit to the city. For a more detailed itinerary you can read my Stockholm One Day or Three Day Itinerary !

While you are in Stockholm make sure to wander down to Gamla Stan! This is the old part of Stockholm – An island made up of narrow streets, all lined with colourful stone houses dating back to the 17 th and 18 th centuries. In Gamla Stan you will find Stortorget, the main square where you will likely recognise the iconic view four colourful houses in a row. If you fancy a fika (a classic Swedish coffee pause) head to the old café Grillska huset – a locals’ favourite. Another spot you shouldn’t miss is Västerlånggatan; a long and narrow street lined with boutique shops and little cafes. To either side, there are alleyways running up and down the hill, often with cosy little shops hidden away inside.

No matter how many times I have been to Stockholm, Gamla Stan is still the first place I visit. I will never get tired of the picturesque alleyways and colourful buildings. I personally think that the best time to visit is in the morning (before 10 when most shops open) as here you will see the streets almost empty. If you visit later in the day, Stortorget and all of the bigger roads are often crammed with people – especially during the summer or around Christmas! My favourite street is Trädgårdsgatan which is just off of Stortorget. In the autumn, theres a beautiful tree in the middle of the alley which just lights up the orange walls.

There are loads of great museums to visit in Stockholm. If you are an ABBA fan, you can’t miss the ABBA museum ! It is so much fun, with interactive displays, photo opportunities, replicas of different props, recording studios and lots of interesting facts you probably didn’t know about the band! The museum is very interactive so expect to find yourself in a recording booth singing along to the songs, or dancing alongside holograms on the big stage. I have been to the ABBA museum 3 times in total and never get sick of it – especially with the alternating exhibitions that take place in the foyer. Mamma Mia the film, ABBAs tour costumes, and Eurovision have been the three that I have been lucky enough to visit!

If you want something a bit more historic, you have to visit the Vasa Museum ! The Vasa is the world’s only well-preserved 17 th century wooden boat – one which sunk in Stockholm harbour immediately after it first set sail in 1628. This is one of the best museums I have ever been to and would go back in the blink of an eye. It is amazing how intact the boat still is, and a great opportunity to learn about “Sveriges Stormakstid” (The Swedish Empire), an extremely interesting era of Swedish history that you don’t hear much about otherwise.

There is also Skansen, the open-air museum/ zoo with lots of classic Swedish wooden houses to explore! You could spend hours here wandering around the different plots. I remember walking around thinking that a visit to Skansen is very much like a trip around Sweden – with the classic farmhouse you see in Skåne , to the Sami village from Abisko , and wooden village of places like Eksjö.

If you are in to art then you won’t want to miss the Photography museum – or the Nobel Prize Museum for something a bit more unique.

If you are interested in visiting several museums or attractions during your visit, it could be worth getting the Stockholm city card which includes lots of different tours, museums, and even adventures out into the archipelago!

As I said before, there are so many different things to see and do in Stockholm! So make sure to read this guide with all my recommendations!

Getting around Stockholm

Stockholm is also a very walkable city however it is also a big city and you will likely want to use the public transport system at some point! There are buses and an underground that you can take all around the city. Tickets can be bought in advance , or you can just tap your card on entry to the station. The same goes for trams and buses – you can either download the app and buy a ticket or you can tap your card when the guard comes through the tram. I recommend buying a ticket in advance though if you can – you only need to purchase the ticket just before hopping onto the bus, tram or metro and it just keeps you safe from getting a fine. They can be quite harsh with public transport fines in Sweden so it is good to be on the safe side.

A Day Trip into the Stockholm Archipelago

One of the best day trips you can take in Stockholm is a trip out into the archipelago! There are a few different ways you can do this depending on how you want to spend the day!

Firstly, you can take a guided tour on a sight-seeing boat . This is only a 2.5 hour tour which is perfect if you just want to take a quick trip out to see the archipelago, spending the rest of the day in the city. The tour doesn’t stop at any of the islands, but it is a great way to see the archipelago from the water! I have done this trip in both the summer and winter and think both experiences were amazing. Not only do you get to see a different side of Stockholm but you get to learn about the different islands that make up the city. The tour guide was also great, talking us through everything we saw along the route.

Secondly, you can take a kayaking tour around the archipelago . This is a much more active way to see the archipelago, paddling through the islands and stopping at a few different places throughout the day. This tour includes all the equipment, drinks and snacks so is the perfect day trip! The East Coast of Sweden is so special, with over 14,000 tree covered islands, its a really unique experience to kayak here.

Thirdly, you can take a sailing trip . This is my personal favourite way to see the archipelago – there is nothing like exploring the water on a small boat, stopping at different islands and beautiful swimming spots throughout the day. This trip is a more expensive way to see the archipelago but is definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Lastly, you can also visit the islands in the archipelago using ferries. One of the more popular islands to visit is Vaxholm where you will find the historic Vaxholm Kastell, Bogesund Castle, lots of nice restaurants and swimming spots. You can find information about booking tickets and planning your trip here !

Today we will be travelling from Stockholm to Gothenburg , the second largest city in Sweden. Located on the west coast, it is renowned for its slower lifestyle, cosy cafes and beautiful archipelago ! The few days spent in West Sweden is a highlight of this trip, with little fishing villages and beautiful islands to explore. I am a little bit biased when it comes to the West Coast, having lived here for almost 4 years now and spending my weekends exploring the towns along the way, I think it is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Sweden. What makes it so unique is all the fishing villages – places like Smögen or Fiskebäckskil that have houses so tightly woven it feels almost like a film set when you are walking through them. Unfortunately, there is no way you can visit everything that makes the West Coast great in just a few days so I would actually recommend either spending a few more days here, or considering a future trip back to see it all! I have loads of guides on my site to help you plan! Otherwise you can get my West Sweden Map with over 300 locations plotted out along the coast!

Where to stay: Clarion Hotel Post

The Clarion Hotel Post is quite a big hotel in Gothenburg’s old postal building. It’s a beautiful hotel located really centrally. The newly built glass tower with a rooftop pool has an amazing view over the city, and the lobby bar is one of the best places for a drink! You can read about our stay or book it here !

Where to stay: Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem

If you want something slightly more affordable then I definitely recommend Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem! This is a hostel with shared bathrooms, but the rooms are super fresh, and it is located very centrally, just by Linnéplatsen and Slottskogen, Gothenburg’s big park. This hotel is a bit further away from the central station but there are many trams and buses that travel this 10-minute journey, so it is still very easy to get back and forth. Find out more here!

How to Get From Stockholm to Gothenburg

The best way to travel from Stockholm to Gothenburg is by train. There are several different companies that run trains between the two cities (SJ, MTRX, FlixTrain) and it is one of the most popular routes in Sweden to travel! It’s comparing them to get the best price as the services are quite similar. You can that do here !

Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a much slower paced city than the others you will visit on this trip. What makes it such a special place is not all the sights, but the atmosphere, all the cosy cafes, the old houses and the nice parks.

If you want all my tips, you can find them on either my guide to spending one day in Gothenburg or my 2 – 4 day itinerary !

Make sure to visit the district of Haga, an older part of the city renowned for its cosy cafes and nice shops. It is here in Café Husaren where you will find the giant cinnamon buns Gothenburg is famous for. For a good view, walk up to Skansen Kronan, the old fortress on the hill behind Haga. If you want something a little more adventurous, visit Liseberg amusement park. I 100% recommend this if you are visiting Gothenburg in the autumn or in around Christmas time ).

When it comes to food, make sure to wander through the food market Saluhall, or take the free ferry over to Lindholmen Street Food Market if you are visiting on a Saturday. Make sure to also stop by the courtyard on Magasinsgatan where you will find local coffee roastery Da Matteo, and several food trucks set up outside. This is somewhere locals flock on a sunny day as it is protected from the wind in all directions.

For something a bit different you can also take a tour along the canal with Paddan , the canal boat, or take a city tour on the Amphibious land and water bus .  

Getting around Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a small city and very much walkable, however, you may find you will want to use public transport if you are heading out on a day trip. This is great in Gothenburg – There are trams, buses, and ferries which will take you anywhere you want to go. The best way to buy a ticket is to download the Västtrafik app where you can purchase either a single ticket (90 minutes) or a day ticket. Depending how often you will be travelling the single ticket can work out better as when you buy 4 you get a 20% discount on your 5 th .

If you are staying in Gothenburg, you will only need a zone A ticket. Just in case though, it’s best to check your route on the app where they will suggest the ticket you need.

Alternatively, if you can’t or don’t want to be walking too much, you can take the hop-on-hop off bus around the city. This stops at 8 different places around the city and makes it very easy to get to exactly where you want to go. There is also a hop-on-hop-off boat and bus trip which includes 5 boat stops around the city. This is a super fun way to explore Gothenburg by the waterways and it takes you to some very interesting places.

A Day Trip into The Archipelago

There is nothing I can recommend more when visiting Gothenburg than a day trip out into the archipelago. These islands are so unique and have some a beautiful atmosphere that it really gives an insight into Swedish life, especially in the summer. There are a few different ways to explore the archipelago. You can find more tips and information about all the islands in Gothenburg archipelago guide !

The first is to take a guided tour of the Southern archipelago on a beautiful old-timey boat. This trip leaves from the centre of Gothenburg (Lilla Bommen) so takes a really unique route out to the islands where you get an up-close view of the active harbour and the old Älvsborg Fortress. This tour does not stop on any of the islands though. A good mix if you still wanted to take the boat tour and also visit an island is the trip out to Vinga Lighthouse . This is one of the best day trips we have ever done from Gothenburg and I definitely recommend it! The island is the most westerly in the archipelago and has played quite a big role over the years in protection and sea rescue. If you want to know more, here you can read all about our trip to Vinga Fyr and Island .

The other option is to take the public ferry out to one of the islands. In the Northern archipelago, the most popular island to visit is Hönö . This is a lively island all year round, with beautiful nature reserves, sandy beaches and the town of Hönö Klåva. However, to get here is a little more difficult as you must first take a bus to Lilla Varholmen and then the ferry over to the island. Hönö is best explored by car or bike as the buses here are quite irregular.

The Southern Archipelago

In the southern archipelago, I recommend visiting Styrsö or Vrångö . These are car-free islands where it is possible to explore solely by foot. Styrsö is best if you want to visit somewhere with a summer resort type vibe. There is a nice café, swim spots and pretty houses to wander around. Vrångö is best if you want more nature, with beautiful sandy beaches and nature reserves to explore.

To get to both of these islands you will need to catch the ferry from Saltholmen. To get here you can catch the number 11 from the city. The ticket out to the island is the same zone A ticket you buy to travel elsewhere around Gothenburg.

Today, if the weather is looking good, it’s time to head out of the city and to some smaller villages for the day! West Sweden is renowned for its beautiful little fishing villages such as Smögen or Fiskebäckskil. Most places are accessible by public transport and you can find the routes on the same Västtrafik app . Some tips for destinations are:

• Marstrand – A summer island with an old fortress and walking paths
• Åstol – A very picturesque island close to Gothenburg
• Dyrön – Hire a sauna or walk around the unique nature reserve
• Smögen – A small town with amazing swimming spots and a colourful harbour
• Käringön – A lively island with beautiful beaches and great restaurants
• Orust – A bigger island with lots of small towns and farm shops
• Koster Havet – A marine nature reserve with amazing snorkelling opportunities

Tip: If you want to extend your trip, you could add a week in West Sweden. Read my West Sweden Road Trip Guide for inspiration!

• West Sweden Map

Get 300+ tips on West Sweden

In this map and guide to West Sweden you will find over 300 tips for places to visit in and around the region. These are places I have visited and personally recommend – some hidden gems and a few more well known spots!

Day 9 we are moving onto Oslo for the final stage of this 10-day Scandinavia trip itinerary. Oslo is the capital city of Norway, known for its beautiful architecture, great museums and harbour. In this section I have included the basics, but if you want a more detailed guide, make sure to read my itinerary for 2 Days in Oslo .

Where to stay: Att Revier

This hotel is perfectly located when you only have 2 days in Oslo. It is only a 5-minute walk from the central station, the main street, and the opera house and harbour. The atmosphere is really calm and relaxed, with a lobby but also self-check in. The in-house restaurants are also some of the best in the city! Find out more here.

See more: Find all your Oslo accomodation options here!

How to get from Gothenburg to Oslo

The best way to get from Gothenburg to Oslo is by bus. There are a few companies that run the buses (Vy and occasionally Flixbus) – so you can compare them and find the best option here . The trip takes around 3.5 hours in total. I recommend taking a relatively early bus, so you have as much time in possible as Oslo.

Things to See and Do in Oslo

Start off your time in Oslo with a visit to the Opera house. This architectural wonder sits at the edge of the water, with glass pained walls and a rooftop that you can walk on. From the roof, there is an amazing view over the city! Be careful if you are visiting Oslo in winter as it can get really slippery here! From the opera house, you can head down to the waterfront saunas and enjoy a dip in the sea. This is a must in Oslo! There are both public and private saunas you can hire out, so it is very much budget friendly no matter which type of traveller you are.

Another great thing to do in Oslo is visit one of the many museums. A few favourites of mine were the Munch Museum , dedicated to painter of “The Scream” Edvard Munch, or the Norwegian Folk Museum where they have lots of old houses, a stave church and displays on Norwegian history. This was where one of my favourite Oslo Christmas Markets was when we visited in late November. Lastly, we really loved Akershus Castle and the Norwegian Defence Museum. This was probably the highlight of the trip. I won’t add to many more details here but you can find out everything about Oslo in this 2 day Itinerary !

If you are thinking of going to multiple museums, it can be worth purchasing the Oslo City Card . This gives you access to most museums and also includes public transport!

If you feel like a day trip, you can head out into the Oslo Fjord for some island hopping or on a guided cruise on a sailing boat . I know I have recommended trips out to islands in the archipelagos of so many places on this trip – but it is the proximity to the water and these islands that brings so much to each city!

For more tips make sure to read these guides:

• Visiting Oslo in Winter
• Itinerary for Two Days in Oslo

Getting Around Oslo

Travelling around Oslo is easy with the bus system. You can either buy single tickets or a day ticket and you can find the timetable here. Alternatively, you can take the hop-on-hop-off bus which stops at 11 different places around the city, including many different museums, the royal palace and the opera house.

10 days in Scandinavia – 3 countries, 4 cities, and hopefully too many memories to count. This trip to Sweden , Denmark, and Norway gives a little taste of Scandinavia will hopefully inspire you to come back and explore more of each country. The mix of cities and day trips gives the itinerary a bit of a balance the bustling city life and the beauty of Scandinavian nature. As always, leave any questions in the comments and enjoy your trip!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden

By Carl Austin · Last updated on March 7, 2024

Sweden is famous around the world for lots of things: Saab and Volvo automobiles, the music group ABBA, pickled herring and the DIY megastore IKEA. It is equally as famous for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages, being the land of reindeer and endless summer sun.

Sweden is filled with colorful wooden buildings, traditional huts, stone fortresses and cathedrals, and some pretty innovative contemporary architecture. Whether it’s hiking trails or art museums you’re looking for, Sweden has it. An overview of the best places to visit in Sweden:

10. Kosterhavet National Park

Sweden has lots of coastline, no doubt about that, but the best place to observe marine line under protected circumstances is Kosterhavet National Park. Kosterhavet, which borders Norway, is the country’s first marine national park. With 6,000 species of marine life, the park is home to several species that can’t be found anywhere else in Sweden.

The park is centered around the shores and sea of the Koster Islands. Kosterhavet’s coral reefs make it popular with snorkelers and divers, while landlubbers can enjoy quaint fishing villages waiting to be turned into picture postcards.

9. Marstrand

Marstrand, a city since 1200, is known for two things: sailing and an old fortress. This seaside community, located on an island in western Sweden, hosts the annual Match Cup Sweden, an important sailing competition. It also is home to the 17th century Carlsten Fortress, a majestic stone structure that guards the city.

Visitors describe Marstrand, which makes a good day trip from Gothenburg, as a “Kodak moment” so be prepared to take lots of pictures of the ornate, pastel-colored historic buildings that line cobblestone streets. Other “don’t miss” attractions include the Strandverket Art Museum, the restored Pater Noster Lighthouse, and scenic hiking trails.

Something old, something new is perhaps the best way to describe Malmo , a medieval historic city with a landscape that’s studded with modern, contemporary buildings. Sweden’s third largest city has a marvelous Old Town (Gamla Stoden) with three main squares: Stortoget, Lilla Torg and Gustav Adolfs Torg. Old Town is also where you’ll find the castle Malmohus Slott.

This multicultural city, with 150 ethnicities, is linked via Oresund Bridge to Denmark. A must-see “new” attraction is the Turning Torso, an architectural masterpiece that twists more than 190 meters (600 feet) into the sky, making it Sweden’s most talked about building.

Ystad, a coastal town in southern Sweden, is sure to draw sleuths and murder mystery fans. Noted author Henning Mankell set his Kurt Wallender detective novels in Ystad and the surrounding area. Notable buildings you’ll find used in his books include Greyfriars Abbey, one of Sweden’s best preserved medieval monasteries, and the Church of the Virgin Mary, a large medieval church; both are outstanding examples of Gothic Hansa architecture.

A walking tour over cobblestone streets also will take you past picturesque pastel-colored half-timbered buildings. A walk on the town’s pretty sandy beaches is called for, too. East of Ystad is the megalithic monument of Ales Stenar, consisting of 59 large boulders forming a stone ship.

6. Stockholm archipelago

If you’re into island hopping, then touring the Stockholm archipelago could be just your cup of akavit. Obviously, you won’t have time to visit every island since there are 30,000 of them – big rocks jutting up from the sea count here. Ferries serve major points in the archipelago, beginning with a 10-minute boat ride from Stockholm.

Visit a World War I fortress at Starofortet or Vaxholm, the “capital” of the archipelago with its ornate buildings and a history of herring fishing. Indulge yourself at a spa in Nacka, the closest to Stockholm and accessible by motor vehicle.

Uppsala, located 70 km (44 miles) north of Stockholm , is the religious center of Sweden, and has been since the 12th century. Prior to Christianity, Uppsala was known for idols of Norse gods. The Uppsala Cathedral, seat of the archbishop of Sweden, is the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. Education is important here, too, with Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477, making it one of the oldest colleges in Scandinavia.

The Fyris River runs through the city, with the medieval section located west of the river. Both the cathedral and Uppsala Castle dominate the skyline here. Eighteenth century botanist Carl Linnaeus lived in Uppsala, so check out the botanical garden next to the castle.

4. Swedish Lapland

If it’s wilderness adventure you’re seeking, there’s no better place to visit in Sweden than Swedish Lapland. Located in the far north above the Arctic Circle where summer shines around the clock. Lapland is for canoers, hikers and viewers of wildlife. Swedish Lapland is inhabited by the hardy, indigenous Sami. Who live in massive forests and barren tundra.

A good way to experience the region is to drive the 359-km (223-mile) long Wilderness Way from the canoeing center at Stromsund to the terminus at Vilhelmina, a church town, via Fatmomakke, where you’ll see traditional wooden huts. Winter visitors can buy reindeer hides at Jokkmokk, the center of Sami life.

3. Gothenburg

Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is a green city dotted with numerous parks of all sizes. Many of the parks date back to the 19th century, including Kungsparken, a park that circles the canal that rings around the city center. If you’re more interested in amusement parks, head to Liseberg, which has more rides than any amusement park in Scandinavia.

The largest port city in Scandinavia, Gothenburg also boasts the region’s largest film festival as well as numerous music festivals throughout the year. Hungry? Try a haga bulle, a large cinnamon roll at Haga, a district known for its picturesque wooden houses.

As Sweden’s largest island, surrounded totally by the Baltic Sea, you’d think fishing would be the island’s main industry. Not so. Agriculture, tourism and information technology are among the top industries. The island is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations; sun seekers like it because it has more sunlight during the year than any other place in Sweden.

Visby, the only city on the island, is a beautiful walled Hanseatic town which has preserved most of its townscape and historic buildings. There are also around 100 medieval churches and countless prehistoric sites on the island.

1. Stockholm

Stockholm, a pretty city set on 14 islands, has a lot going for it as Sweden’s capital and the largest city in Scandinavia. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is where the annual Nobel Prizes are given out. Lush green parks, world-class attractions and a blend of historic and modern architecture make Stockholm an appealing tourist destination.

Among Stockholm’s must-see attractions is the city’s well-preserved medieval center with its beautiful old churches, Royal palace, picturesque bridges, canals and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. The lush green island of Djurgården is home to some of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Gröna Lund theme park, the Stockholm Zoo and the Skansen Open-Air Museum. A must-do is to view the city from atop the world’s largest round building, the Ericcson Globe.

See also: Where to Stay in Stockholm

The Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, is Scandinavia’s most visited museum. Stockholm is easier on your budget than other Nordic cities, offering free admission to 15 museums, including the Swedish History, Medieval Museum, Royal Armoury and Skokloster Castle. You also won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Modern Art Museum and City Hall.

Map of Places to Visit in Sweden

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Reader interactions.

February 16, 2020 at 4:27 am

Sweden is a beautiful country, i have been to Gotenborg, Karlstad, Jonkoping, Malmo, Helsinborg, and Stockholms. I wish i be there once again. I have not yet explored it fully. The finest people i have ever seen, the flocks of horses, elk and deers, are all worth seeing a dozen times.

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Sweden vs Norway, which one should you visit?

So you’re thinking of a trip to Scandinavia, but don’t know where to go. Sweden and Norway are both popular countries with plenty to appeal to visitors – stunning scenery, beautiful coastlines, islands galore, great skiing, pretty villages and some vibrant cities too.

So how do you decide which country to visit? We’ve done a handy comparison to help you decide – Norway vs Sweden: which one should you visit? Read our guide to find out.

Size and population 

So first things first, which is bigger: Sweden or Norway? And which has the larger population?

Well, Sweden is the winner here, both in terms of size and population. At 450,000 square kilometres, it’s almost a third larger than its long, thin neighbour which covers 324,000 square kilometres.

And as for population, Sweden has almost twice as many inhabitants as Norway, with a population of just over 10 million, compared to Norway’s 5.5 million.

Obviously Swedes speak Swedish, and Norwegians speak Norwegian, but how similar are they, and do Swedes understand Norwegian and vice versa?

Well, both the Norwegian and Swedish languages originate from Old Norse and are closely connected, with similar grammar, structures and vocabulary.

However, they do sound obviously different with their own distinctive pronunciations.

But the truth is that they are quite similar, and native Swedes are able to understand and speak a certain amount of Norwegian and vice versa.

In the north of both countries, Sami is spoken by the indigenous people that live in Lapland. 

Some 25,000–30,000 native Sami speak the language across the north of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, though they will all speak their national language too – and probably some English as well.

The good thing for visitors is that English is widely spoken in both Norway and Sweden, and you should find no problem being understood in both countries.

Almost 90 percent of Swedes and Norwegians speak some English and many of those are fluent. 

So, while both Swedes and Norwegians will appreciate you making the effort to learn a few phrases of their language, you should have no problem getting by in English.

Things to see and do: Sweden vs Norway

Both Sweden and Norway have an amazing variety of things to see and do, not least adventure sports, mountain villages, lively cities, unspoilt archipelagos and, of course, the famous fjords.

Scenery: Sweden vs Norway

Norway probably wins out for spectacular scenery, with its majestic and unique coastline indented with steep cliffs and deep blue fjords .

But visiting the fjords can be expensive and involve a lot of planning (check our our advice on how best to visit the fjords ), so Sweden’s lakeland and archipelagos , with their pretty waterfront villages and laidback lifestyle, can be a good alternative for a relaxing, chilled-out holiday. 

If you’re visiting from a more densely populated country (like the UK, for example), then both Norway and Sweden both offer a slower pace and plenty of wild spaces to really get away from it all.

Cities: Norway vs Sweden

Both Oslo and Stockholm are fascinating cities to visit. Stockholm is the more picturesque city of the two, built on 14 islands and with a well-preserved old town and some world-class museums.

Oslo shouldn’t be ignored though – it has a lively waterfront with some great contemporary architecture and a vibrant restaurant and bar scene.

For sheer beauty, however, we think Stockholm wins the prize – it’s one of the most attractive cities in Europe, both in summer and winter, with an Insta-worthy view on almost every street corner.

Both countries have other cities that are well worth visiting too. Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg is a lively place and jumping-off point for visiting the beautiful islands of the Gothenburg archipelago .

And Norway’s second city, Bergen is known as the capital of the fjords and is a great place for hiking in the mountains , kayak trips and exploring the breathtaking fjords .

Malmö in southern Sweden is Swedens’ third largest city, though it’s much closer to Copenhagen than the Swedish capital.

Host city of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, it’s an interesting, lively place, with plenty of museums, galleries, shops and nightlife to entertain. 

Norway’s northernmost city, Tromsø is something of an year-round adventure centre, with loads of summer and winter activities including whale-watching tours , dog-sledding trips , kayaking and reindeer sleigh rides . 

It also makes a great base for exploring the remote Lofoten islands .

Outdoor sports: Sweden vs Norway

Both countries have loads to offer adrenaline junkies, from para-gliding to glacier skiing and white-river rafting to ice-climbing.

Norway is probably better for real extreme sports, simply because of its high mountains and dramatic scenery – check out some ideas here – though Sweden is better for lakeside camping and gentle paddling downriver in a kayak .

Hiking: Norway vs Sweden

Norway and Sweden both have some great hikes, so take your pick! Norway is good for steep hikes up high-drama peaks, where you can get your winning Insta pose – the trek up to Pulpit Rock is the classic example of this.

Sweden, meanwhile, has some amazing long-distance hikes, such as the Kingsleden , that wend their way through national parks, dramatic scenery and long stretches of wilderness. Check out our guides for more on hiking in Sweden and Norway .

The northern lights: Sweden or Norway?

Well, both Sweden and Norway have large parts of their landmass above the Arctic Circle, so both are pretty good places to view the amazing spectacle of the northern lights from late October to early March.

What you need for northern lights viewing is dark, clear skies, so Norway is good in terms of having wide swathes of uninhabited land with no light pollution.

Sweden meanwhile has a good infrastructure to get you to the wilderness and is probably a bit cheaper if you want to go on a guided tour.

Both countries run great guided tours to help you see the northern lights at their best, such as this one from Malören in Sweden and this one from Tromso in Norway .

For more on the best way to see the Northern lights, check out our comprehensive guides to watching them in Sweden and Norway .

Sweden vs Norway for skiing – which is best?

The short answer is both have fantastic skiing. Both countries have hosted the Winter Olympics – most recently Lillehammer in Norway in 1994 – both have some great ski resorts and both have miles and miles of pistes for cross-country and downhill skiing.

For more on skiing in Norway click here and for all the lowdown on skiing in Sweden click here and here .

Sweden vs Norway: activities

Which country is better for activities? Well, both countries offer a great range of winter and summer activities and tours. 

So we’ve complied a table detailing what you can do in which country.

Sweden vs Norway: culture and traditions

Both counties have their own particular culture and traditions, but there are also several that they share.

Christmas, of course, is celebrated in both countries, with Swedes enjoying their julbord feasts and Norwegians eating ribbe (pork ribs) and lutefisk on Christmas Eve.

Both also share a strong Viking heritage. Sweden has plenty of Viking remains to see , while Norway is home to some beautifully preserved Viking longhouses .

Fika is a strong Swedish tradition of taking a break for a coffee and cinnamon with friends or alone. The practice is also common in Norway, though they don’t have a specific term for it.

Midsummer is celebrated in both countries , though it’s a bigger deal in Sweden, with dancing and drinking spreading over two days.

Norway’s National day is on May 17th and celebrates the country’s declaration of independence in 1817. It’s a public holiday with parades and partying taking place around the country.

Sweden’s National Day is on June 6th, and celebrates the date when Gustav Vasa was elected king in 1523, though it has only been a public holiday since 2005.

The main celebrations take place at Skansen , with the royal family attending for a day of parades, speeches, music and flag waving.

What about the prices?

Hotels, food, sightseeing… pretty much anything you’re likely to buy as a tourist will be cheaper in Sweden than in Norway.

And train travel in Norway is among the most expensive in Europe – second only to the UK – while fares in Sweden are more reasonable.

So while Norway trumps Sweden for certain things like natural beauty, wildlife tours and extreme sports , it can be an expensive place to explore properly.

Hey, even Norwegians have been known to hop over the border into Sweden for cut price booze and consumer goods!

In practice this means that, over the course of two-week vacation, visiting Norway could cost you hundreds of dollars more than an equivalent stay in Sweden.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit Norway – it’s just that you should expect the prices to be higher.

You can compare the costs of everyday things like meals and transport in our guides to the cost of living in Norway and Sweden .

Which is safer: Sweden or Norway?

We’ve looked at the Norway vs Sweden crime rates, and the good news is both countries are pretty safe to travel around, with low crime rates and efficient, trustworthy police forces.

Norway comes out with lower crime rates overall, with a murder rate less than a third of its neighbour – ‘just’ 38 murders in the whole country in 2023 , compared to 116 in Sweden in 2022 (the latest figures available).

However, when you consider that Sweden’s population is almost double that of Norway, the difference doesn’t seem so marked.

So, despite all those Scandinavian crime dramas making it look like gory murders are around every corner, it’s actually a very safe place to live. 

Is it better to live in Sweden or Norway?

And if you’re thinking of a long-term move to Scandinavia, it’s a big decision to make – where to live: Sweden or Norway?

So, we’ve checked out the pros and cons of living in Sweden vs Norway for you.

First of all, how much will you earn? What is the average salary in Sweden vs Norway?

The good news is that Norway and Sweden both have among the highest average salaries in the world.

Norwegians earn more at the equivalent of around $62,000 a year, while annual salaries in Sweden are the equivalent of around $46,000.  However, Norway has a higher cost of living.

To find out more about what things cost, check out our guides on the cost of living in Sweden and Norway .

As for life expectancy, both countries rank in the world top 20 for long life.

Norway comes in at 14th with an average life expectancy of 82.3 years, while Sweden just pips it at 11th, with Swedes living an average of 82.7 years.

Is Sweden or Norway richer?

This is a tricky one because it depends how you measure it. In terms of GDP, Sweden is richer because its GDP in 2023 was the equivalent of $US577 billion as opposed to Norway’s, which was $US435 billion.

However, if you factor in the population, Sweden’s GDP was $US55,200 per capita, while Norway’s was $US99,000 per capita – making Norway richer per head of population.

So, is Sweden better than Norway?

Now we’ve given you all the facts and figures it’s up to you to decide!

Both countries have good points and bad points, but as far as we’re concerned they’re both pretty amazing places to visit, and whichever you chose we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

So, our advice is to visit both!

See also: The best time to visit Sweden The best time to visit Norway 21 things you should know before visiting Norway

Camping in Iceland: the ultimate guide

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More From Forbes

Nordic countries: which one should you visit.

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Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark are the five principal countries of the Nordic region.

The Nordic countries are known around the world for their unique history and culture. From a shared Viking past through to their ‘Nordic model’ approach to society, the Nordic region of northern Europe attracts many curious travelers from all over the world.

Despite their similarities, each of the five main Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden—offers something different to travelers.

Here’s what to expect in each country along with a highlight or two to help you decide on your next Nordic travel destination.

Denmark: Explore Copenhagen by bike

While much of the Nordic region is defined by mountains, glaciers and other natural features, the highest point in Denmark is just 566 feet above sea level. This relatively flat landscape has plenty of other benefits though, most notably turning Denmark into a top cycling destination .

In 2022, the Tour de France comes to Denmark, further highlighting the country’s benefits for cycling. Rush hour in Copenhagen is a sight to behold, with the capital’s cycle lanes busier than the roads.

Touring Copenhagen by bike is a must, but the keen cyclist can explore Denmark’s network of seven national cycling routes. The 510-mile Baltic Sea Route is the pick of the bunch.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finland: the home of happiness.

Beautiful landscapes, easy-to-access nature and a chilled-out way of life are among the reasons Finland consistently ranks first in the World Happiness Report.

Finland's capital city Helsinki is a must for architecture and design lovers.

Start in the relatively modern capital city Helsinki where Scandinavian and Russian influences mix. It’s a city for architecture and design lovers, with popular stops including the hidden church carved out of the bedrock and the Helsinki design museum.

Of course, no trip to Finland would be complete without a sauna experience. While saunas are popular throughout the region, Finland is the undisputed home. There’s believed to be as many as one sauna for every two of Finland’s 5.5 million residents.

Iceland: Incredible natural landscapes

From active volcanos reshaping the country to epic glaciers, Iceland truly is the home of fire and ice. After 6,000 years of silence, the Geldingadalir volcano burst into life in March 2021 in an eruption that would ultimately last for six months.

The natural attractions of Iceland—lava fields, hot springs, geysers and blue ice glacier caves—are seemingly endless, yet there’s a new destination that everyone’s talking about in 2022. Lonely Planet named the Westfjords on its ‘best in travel’ list due to recent investment that has made the region more accessible to tourists than ever before.

U.S. travelers now have an easier time of visiting Iceland thanks to the launch of several new routes to/from Reykjavik operated by PLAY, a low-cost airline launched last year that is quickly expanding.

Norway: Fjords and mountains

The Norwegian fjords have previously been named as the world’s best tourist destination, but they are just one of the natural attractions Norway has to offer active travelers.

Home to many protected species of plants, birds and animals, Norway’s 40 mainland national parks are the best place to start. From the blue ice caves of Jostedalsbreen to the wild reindeer and musk ox of Dovrefjell, there’s something for every nature lover.

Norway's glaciers hide magnificent blue ice caves that can be toured with an experienced guide.

Historic Bergen is a fantastic choice as a base. Norway’s second biggest city has a fascinating history to uncover, before road, rail and passenger ferry links take you into the heart of the country.

Sweden: Best for city breaks

With a population of more than 10 million, Sweden has the biggest population in the region. You certainly notice that in the capital city Stockholm where there's plenty of things to do to suit all tastes.

High speed rail connects Stockholm with the other big cities Gothenburg and Malmö, enabling tourists to explore them with relative ease.

Of course, there’s far more to Sweden than just its bustling cities. There’s plenty of isolated coastline, lakes and islands throughout the country if you need a break.

The colorful buildings lining Stortorget in Gamla Stan are at the very heart of Stockholm, Sweden.

Much of this is located close to the cities. For example, Stockholm locals often head out to the much quieter islands of the Stockholm archipelago when they need some downtime.

Other Nordic territories

Also considered part of the Nordic region and worth considering are two constituent countries within the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. A trip to either place makes most sense to combine with a visit to Denmark itself given the direct flights from Copenhagen.

Consisting of 18 main islands, the remote Faroe Islands are best known for their bird cliffs and unspoiled landscape. Greenland offers the most imposing natural scenery of the region. Its enormous glaciers and iceberg-filled fjords outperform even Norway in the natural beauty stakes.

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Norway vs Sweden: Which Scandinavian country should you visit?

Dreaming of fjords and frolicking through forests?

When you want to go everywhere (*raises hand*), picking your next travel destination isn’t easy. Especially when it’s between Norway and Sweden . Both countries are ridiculously beautiful (like take-your-breath-away kinda beautiful) and are home to some of the world’s happiest people; this is even more impressive considering how long and dark Scandinavian winters are.

In an ideal world you’d jump on Intrepid’s Taste of Scandinavia trip to explore Norway, Sweden  and  Denmark. But if annual leave or budget allows for only one country, which will it be? We’ve broken down the top considerations to help you make the call. 

Oslo is smaller and more compact than Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, but it packs a punch. It boasts a happening waterfront, loads of quirky modern buildings, an eclectic collection of museums, and a burgeoning coffee and temporary art scene — including Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park.  

Norwegians are all about friluftsliv   (outdoor living). The city is built on the end of the Oslo Fjord so you’re never too far from rugged islands, hiking trails, lakes and mountains. In fact, you’ll often see locals carrying their cross-country skis on the metro in winter. You’d probably prefer Oslo if you’re an outdoor lover at heart.

But Oslo is just the start. There’s also Bergen with its rich history (including one of Europe ’s oldest harbours), thriving restaurant scene and incredible views. Not to mention the gorgeous city of Alesund with its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture and quaint waterways set against a backdrop of sea and mountains.

Related: Check out some tips to do Norway on a budget

From the country that gave us ABBA and Spotify, it’s no surprise that its capital oozes cool kid energy. Stockholm is all about culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle, with restaurants, galleries, bars, shops and museums galore. Built on 14 islands (which are part of the vast Stockholm Archipelago), it’s a great city to walk or cycle around; it has even been dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’.

Stockholm has more rustic charm than Oslo, with a mix of sleek modern architecture and well-preserved historic buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. The most famous area is Gamla Stan (old town), an open-air museum where you can get lost in winding laneways, admire the colourful homes of the aristocracy and marvel at one of Europe’s largest palaces, AKA the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Oslo also has an old town, but Gamla Stan has more grandeur.

There’s also Gothenburg with its winding canals, flourishing art scene and lively waterfront. And we can’t forget about Malmo with its multicultural markets, fairytale-like castles and modern seaside promenade.

The term’ natural playground’ is thrown around a lot, but there’s no better way to describe Norway and Sweden. No, really, access to nature is a public right in Scandinavia, meaning you can hike, bike, pitch a tent or forage almost anywhere you want. And it’s just as well, because they’re frequently named among the most beautiful countries in the world.

Norway’s landscapes are as wild and dramatic as it gets. It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Formed over millions of years by glaciers and ice sheets, these deep, narrow waterways give rise to soaring cliffs and provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and kayaking.

Norway’s mountainous interior is just as spectacular. Nestled between the peaks you’ll find vast plateaus and valleys where nature thrives. Norway also has 40 national parks and nature reserves, and arctic tundra in the far north.

Related: 15 photos so beautiful they’ll put Norway on your bucket list

Sweden’s landscapes are more enchanting than dramatic. The southeastern regions are primarily flat with rolling hills, forests, farmland and lakes (all 97,000 of them!). The northwest is more rugged with the Scandinavian Mountains stretching from the north to the south, as well as some of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Europe.

Sweden also has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and one of the world’s largest archipelagos (the Stockholm Archipelago), which comprises over 30,000 islands and islets. There are endless opportunities to explore.

Both countries have a lot to offer. Norway is the place to be if you’re into mountains, glaciers, and fjords. If forests, lakes and islands are more your jam, you may prefer Sweden.

Related: Why consider solo travel in Scandinavia

As neighbouring countries with strong historical ties, there are many similarities between Swedish and Norwegian cuisine. There’s a focus on hearty dishes made with root vegetables, oily fish and meat. They also share a tradition of preserving food using smoking, pickling and fermenting techniques; this was historically a way to ensure families had enough food to survive the harsh winters.

Norwegian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s abundant fjords and coastlines, so it’s more fish-focused. Must-try dishes include gravlax (cured salmon), sursild (pickled herring), torrfisk (dried cod) and Norwegian fish gratin. Other famous dishes include farikal (the national dish of mutton and cabbage), sour cream porridge with cured meat or cinnamon, and brunonst (brown cheese) eaten on a slice of bread or with waffles and jam. You could also try smalahove (sheep’s head) if you’re feeling adventurous.

Swedish cuisine includes more pork, beef and game. It’s famous for meatballs (which you’ll know if you’ve ever been to IKEA), which are typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.

Fish is also popular, particularly salmon, herring and crayfish. In fact, the Swedes even host summer crayfish parties complete with crayfish-themed table decor and hats. Other fish dishes include surstromming (fermented herring) which is known for its pungent smell, and raksmorgas (Swedish shrimp sandwich).

However, one of the best things about Swedish cuisine — and culture — is fika. Fika translates to “a coffee and cake break”, but it’s so much more than that. Fika can be a mini break from work, a way to catch up with a friend, a networking activity… in other words, it’s a social institution.

Some companies even add a clause in employment contracts to entitle staff to fika. A traditional fika spread comprises seven types of cake, cookies and pastries. Needless to say, Sweden’s patisserie game is strong; some would even argue it gives the French a run for their money.

When to visit

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably not looking for guaranteed sun. Spoiler alert: you won’t get that in Scandinavia! Norway and Sweden share a similar climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

Unless you’re into winter sports, summertime (June to August) or the shoulder months of May and September are when these countries shine. The weather is warm, nature comes alive and there are extended daylight hours to explore. If you head north above the Arctic Circle between May and July, you may even experience a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, when the sun remains visible throughout the night.

Summer in Scandinavia is a big deal. In fact, there’s a whole festival called Midsummer dedicated to it; it takes place on the solstice in June. But Sweden has one up on Norway here. Midsummer in Sweden is a national holiday and the celebrations are big. Locals gather to eat lunch in the garden, dance around maypoles wearing flower crowns, and sing folk songs over a glass (or two) of snaps. (Where do I sign up?)

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, you’ll be glad to know you can see them in both countries. They can be seen all over Norway and Sweden, but the further north you go (ideally above the Arctic Circle ), the better your chance. September to March is the best time to see this natural wonder when the night skies are very dark.

The verdict

Norway might be the better choice if you’re looking for epic landscapes and outdoor activities. But if you want a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, Sweden could be the way to go.

Keen for a Scandinavian adventure? Check out Intrepid’s range of trips in Sweden and Norway .

Feeling inspired?

Cliona Elliott

Originally from Jersey (the tiny island in the English Channel), Cliona now lives in Melbourne, Australia. When she's not writing about all things travel for Intrepid, you'll find her chasing flavours, getting lost in local markets or waking up at a ridiculous time to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain.

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• 29+ Walking, Biking, and Boat Tours in Stockholm Sweden
• 29+ Sightseeing Tours in Oslo Norway
• 29 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden
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How to Plan a Trip to Scandinavia – 10 Tips for the Perfect Vacation

As a former travel consultant and Scandinavian product design specialist, I’ve created and booked MANY trips throughout the Nordic countries. Before diving into booking local tours and hotels, there are a few questions that you want to ask yourself. In this, “ how to plan a trip to Scandinavia ” guide, I will walk you through the process. I will also help you get a clear picture of what kind of trip you are looking for, making the planning process fun and easy.

Let’s plan a trip to Scandinavia!

10 Tips Planning Your Scandinavian Vacation

1. should you do the scandinavian trip planning yourself or hire a professional.

I have been on both sides of the fence. If you want to save time and have somebody else take care of the arrangements for you, your best bet is to hire a professional to put together the tour for you.

If you need a professional to help plan your Scandinavian vacation, please feel free to leave a comment below, and I will be happy to make suggestions. (There is a tour operator article in the making, so will post that when done).

But, if you enjoy researching your destinations, and want to make sure that you get what you are looking for,  making your own arrangements is the way to go. Making your own arrangements is also, a way to stay 100% in control of your trip. Another benefit is the enjoyment of how your trip evolves, to find new places to visit, and new things to discover.

Putting together the arrangements with accommodation, local tours, transportation, and other events does not have to be hard. Many online resources can be of great assistance, many of them which we share on this site. Being in charge of your own arrangements will give you flexibility, 100% control, and most likely save you money as well.

2. Group Travel vs. Exploring Scandinavia on Your Own

When you travel, do you want to explore on your own or be part of a group? With escorted group tours, you have set departure dates to choose from, with most arrangements booked for you. You have a daily program to follow, with a tour guide and driver taking care of you.

Depending on the tour you join, the group size usually varies from small groups of 12 people up to a full coach of 50+ passengers. If you enjoy traveling with others and having a set schedule for 10 to 14 days, this could be a good option for you. You will not miss the highlights, but you might miss out on some of the unique, more personal experiences. If escorted tours are for you, view Scandinavian group tours here  (coming soon).

If you enjoy exploring on your own , and like the flexibility to your itinerary, a customized trip, with your wants and needs in mind, will work best for you. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have local tours booked, in fact you should. But, instead of a full pre-booked 10-day program, you might book a castle tour in Copenhagen, a 3-hour walking tour in Stockholm, and a half-day fjord hiking tour in Geiringer Norway. The rest of the time, you might want to leave open to explore on your own.

It is still a good idea to plan out a daily itinerary for your trip, it will be flexible, and your interests will get priority. Last minute changes, depending on the day, might make for some unexpected highlights. The thing is you never know when you run into an intriguing street performer or strike up an interesting conversation with a local. Don’t rush, enjoy the moment.

3. Your Travel Budget

Do you have a set budget for your trip? Maybe this is a once in a lifetime experience where the memories are more important than the cost of things? Either way, it is a good idea to decide how much you are willing to spend on your Scandinavian adventure.

When budgeting for your trip, include the following;

• International airfare
• Transportation – local and between the Scandinavian destinations
• Accommodation
• City passes
• Local tours
• Planned events

You might also want to include a daily budget for meals, souvenirs, and other spending.

4. Destinations to Include in Your Scandinavian Trip 

When planning your trip to Scandinavia, there is a lot to see. The duration of your tour, along with your personal interests, decides what destinations to include. To give you some ideas, I provide some destination suggestions depending on different interests.

Natural Scenic Beauty

• Fjord Norway with the Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord – deep fjords and stunning mountains,
• Mons Klint on the east coast of Denmark – chalk white cliffs along the coast,
• Österlen Skåne Sweden – open landscapes and a light that artists crave,
• Stockholm Archipelago – get lost among the islands,
• Lapland northern Scandinavia – snow, silence, and undiscovered winter beauty.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and boating. In the winter, snowmobiling, husky ride, and snowshoeing will allow for exciting activities.

Natural Phenomenon – Northern Lights

Northern Scandinavia, with destinations like Tromso and Kirkenes in Norway, along with Kiruna and Riksgränsen in Sweden, are great places to see the Northern lights . Looking at the Nordic countries, northern Finland and Iceland, are other great places to see this natural phenomenon.

Weather permitting, the Aurora Borealis, dancing greenish bluish light on the dark sky, is a unique experience. For best chance to view the Northern lights visit northern Scandinavia in September to early April.

Suggested read:

• The Complete Guide for the Best Chances to the See the Northern Lights in Norway
• 29 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland

Natural Phenomenon – Midnight sun

Enjoy the sun visible pretty much all night long, this can be experienced north of the Arctic circle. Great places to see the Midnight sun in Scandinavia is Narvik Norway, or Kiruna Sweden.

In Scandinavia, you are never far from the water, and water activites are easily accessible. Some fun boating suggestions would be;

• Canal tour in Copenhagen,
• Archipelago tour in Stockholm or Gothenburg,
• Ferry ride between Copenhagen and Oslo,
• Ferry ride between Helsingor Denmark and Helsingborg Sweden,
• Fjord tour in Norway from Balestrand to Bergen,
• Cruise tour of Scandinavia.

Architecture

Scandinavia is filled with history and architecture. Just walking around the cities, you will be surrounded by it.

Here are a few places, with unique architecture, worth a visit in Norway;

• One of the stave churches in Norway,
• The opera house in Oslo ,
• The restaurant Under in Lindesnes.

In Sweden some of the interesting architectural landmarks are;

• Turning torso in Malmo,
• Ice hotel in Jukkasjarvi,
• City hall, the woodland cemetery, and the library in Stockholm.

Some architectural suggestions to visit in Denmark;

• Louisiana Art museum north of Copenhagen,
• The round tower in the capital,
• Moesgaard museum in Arhus.

Viking History

Some suggestions to get a taste of the Viking history:

• Do a guided tour in the footsteps of the Vikings in Roskilde Denmark,
• Discover the Viking history around Stockholm with a guided tour,
• Visit mythical rune stones in Lund, Sweden,
• Visit a Viking ship museum in Oslo.

Scandinavian Design

The capitals offer many designs shops worth visiting, here are a few suggestions;

• Stockholm – Svenskt Tenn, NK Nordiska Kompaniet and Design torget.
• Copenhagen – Georg Jensen, Illums Bolighus and Royal Copenhagen.
• Oslo – Pur Norsk, Glasmagasinet and Norway designs.

If you are interested in crystal, the district “ kingdom of crystal ” in Småland, Sweden, is well worth a visit.

Winter Wonderland Adventures

Lapland, including northern Sweden, Norway, and Finland, offers many fun winter activities.

Reindeer-safari, husky ride, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the many fun winter activities that you can experience up north. Add hunting for the northern lights to your list, and you have an experience of a lifetime.

Kirkenes Norway, Kiruna Sweden, and Rovaniemi Finland are great winter destinations.

Denmark and Sweden will not disappoint when it comes to unique, well-kept, castles. There are many gems that you can visit for the day, some you can even spend the night in.

Denmark castle suggestions;

• Kronborg Castle , also known as the Hamlet castle, located in Helsingor,
• Frederiksborg Castle, in Hillerod, is a unique place with amazing gardens,
• Amalienborg Castle, the home of the royal family in Copenhagen,
• If you want to spend a night in one of them – Kokkedal Castle north of Copenhagen is an excellent choice.

Sweden castle suggestions;

• Drottningholm Castle in Stockholm, one of the many royal palaces and a UNESCO listed site,
• Sofiero Castle, former summer residence of the royal family in Helsingborg,
• Kalmar Castle, is off the beaten path, but a unique one,
• At the Kronovall Castle in southern Sweden, you can spend the night and enjoy a delicious meal and a tour of the wine cellar.

If you are interested in cars, Volvo and Saab have made their marks in Sweden. A thrilling experience is ice driving on a lake, but there are more fun things for car lovers;

• Ice driving in Åre northern Sweden,
• Saab car museum in Trollhättan Sweden,
• Volvo museum in Gothenburg,
• Join a car racing event in Denmark.

Thrilling Adventures

Nordic nature offers many exciting adventures. These are just a few tours to get your adrenalin going;

• Winter activities like snowmobiling or husky rides in Lapland,
• Watch the northern lights from a hot air balloon up north in Sweden,
• White water rafting and glacier hiking in Norway,
• Skydiving and ziplining in Denmark.

Mindfulness, Yoga, Massage, and Meditation

In unique Scandinavian environments, you can enjoy exercise, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. Here are a few relaxing activities to try;

• Take a yoga class in Stockholm,
• Join a yoga and hiking retreat in Molde Norway,
• Enjoy a meditation and spa experience in Copenhagen.

If you have a specific interest, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to give you some tips and ideas on how to experience that in Scandinavia.

5. Get There… Best Ways to Get to Scandinavia

Depending on where in the world you are visiting from, you have a few different alternatives arriving in Scandinavia.

If  flying, start your trip in one of the capitals by flying into Stockholm Arlanda , Copenhagen Kastrup , or Gardermoen Oslo.

Many airlines can get you there. Scandinavia Airlines, SAS, fly many international routes, they are part of the Star Alliance and collaborate with many airlines around the world.

Flying from the USA or Canada:

• SAS Scandinavian Airlines
• Norwegian (budget)
• United Airlines

Flying from Europe:

• British Airway
• Ryan Air (budget)

Flying from Australia or New Zealand:

• Air Singapore

You can also use a service like Expedia to find airline tickets.

From Europe, you can also arrive in Scandinavia via car, train, bus, or ferry.

6. Best Ways to Travel Between Sweden, Denmark, and Norway

Scandinavia is a great place to get around using public transportation like train, ferry, flight, underground, and buses. Transportation well-connected, frequent, and used by pretty much everybody. Locals often use bus or train commuting to work.

Tip: Most places will require you to have a ticket before getting on the bus, underground or train. Ticket stations are located on the platform or station for purchase.

If you want to explore more remote areas, you might want to consider renting a car.

How do you travel between the Scandinavian countries Sweden, Denmark, and Norway?

Flying between different cities in Scandinavia will quickly take you between locations but, there are other maybe more scenic ways to cross the borders.

Sweden – Denmark

Malmö Sweden and Copenhagen Denmark , connected by the Öresund bridge and tunnel, makes it quick and easy to travel either by train or car between the two countries.

The maybe more scenic way is to take the ferry between Helsingborg Sweden and Helsingor Denmark. A 20-minute ride, where you will get a view of the beautiful Hamlet castle arriving on the Danish side.

Sweden – Norway

With a long land border between Sweden and Norway, you can easily cross by car or train.

Denmark – Norway

Traveling between Copenhagen and Oslo can be done with a scenic overnight ferry ride. If you prefer to be moving during the day, enjoy a train or bus ride along Sweden’s west coast. This is a train-ride, that will take you about 8 – 9 hours depending on the day.

Sweden – Finland

Finland might be on your bucket list and added to your itinerary. Taking the ferry from Stockholm Sweden to Helsinki Finland, is a fun way to travel between the two countries.

Travel the Scandinavian Countries

7. Scandinavian Accommodation

When you decide on where to stay. Think of how many people are in your travel party? Are you traveling with kids? How many people do you want in a room? If you are 4 people, for example, do you want a family room or two double rooms?

Another thing to consider is if you are looking for a specific style of accommodation. Do you want convenience, funky, unique, exclusive, or maybe simple?

In Scandinavia, you have many unique options. You can stay in a treehouse, lighthouse, ice hotel, castle, airplane, the smallest hotel in the world, boat hotel, or a plain and simple hotel room. You can make it as fun and crazy as you want it to be.

As far as the room size, in general, rooms are smaller than hotel rooms in the US, for example. If you want more than two people in a room, look for a family room. Some hotels allow for a rollaway bed or fold out couch, when traveling with kids.

No matter the standard of your accommodation, you want to make sure it is in a good location. Making it easy to explore your surroundings.

Read more about hotel options here:

Scandinavian Hotels – The Ultimate Guide

• Copenhagen hotels near Tivoli

8. Local Tours, Excursions and Time to Explore on Your Own

The key to a great vacation is to keep a balance between booked activities and free time. What you can experience in a guided 3-hour city tour, walking or biking, can save you a ton of time in the long run. City tours are usually done in small groups, or as a private tour for you and your travel party.

You will get to see the city highlights, plus you can ask your local guide for tips and ideas of restaurants, events, and other local things going on in the area when you are there.

Here are some tours we suggest:

• 21 Biking, Walking and Canal Tours in Copenhagen Denmark
• 29 Sightseeing Tours in Oslo
• 29+ of the Best Tours in Stockholm
• Norway Northern Lights Tour Packages in Tromso, Lofoten and Alta

Depending on your interests and destinations, you might want to book some more guided tours ahead of traveling. For example, if you plan on going up north to do winter activities like snowmobiling, husky rides, and reindeer safari, you will need to book that ahead of time. Don’t risk that your wanted tour is sold out.

If you want to do the “ Norway in a nutshell ” Oslo to Bergen, for example, including the famous Flam railway and a fjord tour, make sure to book ahead of time.

The key is to plan out your itinerary with a balance of planned activities and free time to explore.

9. Itinerary Suggestion – Sweden, Denmark and Norway in 13 days / 12 nights

Here is a brief overview, itinerary suggestion, for a pretty standard trip of the 3 Scandinavian capitals, including fjord Norway. Depending on your interest, put your touch on the trip, with preferred local tours and accommodations.

Day 1 – Stockholm, Sweden

If you start your trip arriving in Stockholm, flying from overseas, you will most likely land in the morning. It’s always convenient to have made arrangements for a driver to pick you up when you arrive. Take that first day to adjust and get to know the area. In case of delays, don’t book any guided tours this day.

• Spend the night in Stockholm.

Day 2 – Stockholm, Sweden

Guided city tour in the morning.

Explore on your own in the afternoon.

Day 3 – Stockholm, Sweden

Archipelago day tour, or depending on your interests, maybe a Viking tour, or a day on Djurgarden to explore the many museums.

Day 4 – Stockholm, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark

Take the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

Explore Copenhagen on your own when you arrive.

• Spend the night in Copenhagen.

Day 5 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Explore the city on your own in the afternoon.

Visit Tivoli in the evening.

Day 6 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Day excursion – do a castle tour, or take the train to Helsingor and visit the Hamlet castle on your own. Depending on your interests, you might want to visit a museum, shop, or just stroll around. Here are some more tips on what to do in Copenhagen .

Day 7 – Copenhagen, Denmark

In the morning, take a canal tour of Copenhagen.

In the late afternoon board the ferry to Oslo.

• Spend the night on the ferry.

Day 8 – Oslo Norway

You will arrive in Oslo in the morning, make sure to get up early to see the beautiful entrance, arriving in Oslo.

Do a guided afternoon city tour.

• Spend the night in Oslo.

Day 9 – Oslo Norway

Explore the city on your own. Oslo has a great city card that gets you into many of the museums.

Day 10 – Fjord Norway

The first part of your Norway in a Nutshell tour – Take the train from Oslo via Myrdal and Flåm, and experience the famous Flåm Railway. Then take the ferry from Flåm to Balestrand. This quaint little town is well worth a visit and a great place to spend the night.

• Spend the night in Balestrand.

Day 11 – Fjord Norway

Do a RIB boat safari in the morning.

The second part of your Norway in a Nutshell tour – Take a ferry ride from Balestrand to Bergen.

• Spend the night in Bergen.

Day 12 – Bergen Norway

If you like hiking, do a guided hiking tour in the morning and explore on your own in the afternoon. You can take the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, for a beautiful view.

Day 13 – Bergen Norway

After many memories are created, it is time to fly back home from Bergen.

10. Now It’s Your Turn, Plan Your trip to Scandinavia!

Each and every trip to the Scandinavian countries will be unique, depending on your interest, destinations, duration, and personal preferences. My hope with this article is to help you figure out what’s the perfect Scandinavian vacation for you and your travel party. Let’s recap some of the things to consider;

• Will you take care of the arrangements, yourself, or hire a tour operator?
• Will you travel with a group, or will you travel independently?
• What’s your budget?
• Depending on your interests, what destinations do you want to visit?
• How will you get there?
• How will you travel within Scandinavia?
• What type of accommodation are you looking for?
• What do you want to experience? What local tours do you want to include in your trip?

These questions will help you plan out your Scandinavian vacation. When that is done, it is time to start booking your trip.

• Start booking your international flight
• Accommodation (book with free cancelation if available)
• Scandinavian transfers (trains can be booked 90 days prior to traveling)
• Get travel insurance

I would love to hear from you. Have you been to Scandinavia, or maybe you are planning on going? What’s your favorite booking tips? Please share in the comment section below,

Just want to let you know;   some of my posts might contain affiliate links.  If you buy something through those links, it will not cost you  a penny more, but I might earn a commission.  That will allow for this site to  keep going.  Thanks!

Written by  Veronica

Born and raised in Sweden, now living in the US, Veronica has a passion for Scandinavian travel. As a former product design specialist with a Scandinavian tour operator, she has extensive knowledge of tour planning and the Scandinavian countries.

17 thoughts on “ How to Plan a Trip to Scandinavia – 10 Tips for the Perfect Vacation ”

As a parent, one of the most stressful things to do for me is planning trips. We have to put into consideration each and every member of the family and interest is really important when it comes to trips. I so much love how you’ve listed and explained the facts to consider, it’s very important to know if you can plan it yourself, or hire someone to do it.

If you decide to hire somebody to plan your trip or do it yourself, depends on what you are looking for. There’s really not a right or wrong answer. What you do want to take in to considoration is your travel party, in your case your family, and your interests. Have a good balance of planned activities and free time to explore. Also, consider to break up into smaller groups for a couple of hours if you want to do different things. Scandinavia is very family friendly and there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family.

These are some very good tips to know to travel to the Scandinavian places and I really like it too because I haven’t ever thought that this is really neccessary. I like the way this works and I think maybe after the pandemic, it would make a whole lot of sense for me to go down to maybe Norway.

Norway is a beautiful place. I will be happy to help you out with destination ideas and suggestions of things to do while there. Just let me know 🙂

Thank you for your comprehensive article on planning a trip to Scandinavia.  I am well traveled but I have yet to see the Northern Lights.  I have always chosen to instate the help of a professional planner when traveling.  I feel it translates to a certain confidence when I am actually on my trip.  Trip insurance enhances that confidence for me.  The peace of mind is worth every penny.  Thanks again for the great article.

The Northern Lights are amazingly beautiful, and it is absolutely worth the trip to go see them. Scandinavia, Iceland or somewhere else, the Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon. Always weather permitting though so you will have to give yourself some time when you do go hunt for it. To use a travel professional to help you with your trip, like you say, can give that extra confidence. It’s great to have that contact person if there are ever any issues that come up. Thanks for your feedback, and if you ever decide to go hunt for the Northern Lights, get in touch and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Nice comprehensive list of things to do in Scandinavia! Although we’ve been to Norway, we’ve never done a fjord cruise and that is something that we’re quite interested in. But we wouldn’t want to go on a large cruise ship. Are there any smaller vessels that do multi-day cruises of the fjords? More like the size of a river cruise or one of those smaller expedition type ships?

Exploring the fjords from the water is an amazing experience. Norway offers everything from RIB boat tours, to larger ships with Hurtigruten going up the coast of western Norway, and everything in between. The Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour , will take you from Oslo to Bergen on a combined train and fjord cruise tour. On a tour like this, you will discover small gems like the town of Balestrand. From here you can discover more of the fjords on a RIB boat, a small boat that will get you close to the wildlife and deeper into the fjords. Hurtigruten offers different expedition cruises along the coast of Norway, where they also cruise many of the fjords. Perfect if you want to maximize your trip and have a little bit more time to explore.

Hi Veronica, My husband and I are from Australia and are in the early stages of planning a trip to the UK, Iceland and Scandinavia during August/September/October in 2023, including hopefully seeing the Northern Lights and tick off a bucket list item. I have found this webpage a great starting point, thank you very much, and still have plenty more reading and research to do obviously.

We want to plan our itinerary and trip, but should we go through a tour company to organise the Northern Lights part, and which country would give us the best chance to see them please?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated too. Thank you in advance.

I suggest that you read this article https://explorenordic.com/best-northern-lights-tours-in-iceland-norway-finland-and-sweden/ it has a ton of information about the Northern Lights. Tour suggestions if you want to book it yourself as well. If you have any question, let me know I will be happy to help, Veronica

Hi there, I need urgent help for planning a 3-week trip in Denmark/Norway/Sweden. We’re traveling by car and because of other issues the vacation-planning has slid down into the “lowest priority” category. I am feeling the stress (it’s my doing, of course!) and need help to salvage this! We are four people, I’m the mom. Let me know if it’s possible for you to help me snap this into focus. I have a vague idea where we want to go and what we want to do. Thanks in advance!

V good and in-depth information. Covered almost all points/ aspects with tips . Thank you so much

Glad you liked it! If you have anything else you would like me to add please let me know.

Very detailed and informative. Thanks for sharing your insight. Had few questions : we are vegetarian ( Not even seafood) are there enough options for vegetarians? Secondly, we prefer airbnb so that dinner wis can Donot our choice. Are there options or good airbnb in Norway. And Denmark. Lastly , can we stay at one place in Norway and cover everything or need to move around along with our luggage Thanks in advance

Hi Raj, Scandinavia offer a verity of Vegetarian food. There is also a sustainable thinking and a lot of restaurants use local organic produce. There are plenty of Airbnb options in the larger cities like Oslo and Copenhagen. When you get out of the bigger cities I would suggest that you stay at a bed and breakfast or hotel if Airbnb is not available. When it comes to cover things in Norway, if you share with me the things you would like to see and explore I will be happy to give you some more information. How much time do you have? If you want to explore some of the fjords and have some what limited time, I would suggest that you do Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo to Bergen. You can read more about that here https://explorenordic.com/norway-in-a-nutshell-tour-oslo-bergen/ . I do suggest getting out of Oslo to explore more of the countryside that’s where you fill find amazing nature and stunning scenery. Will be happy to help if you have more questions,

We are planning a trip to Scandinavia August 2023. I’m afraid I waited too long to get tours I really wanted but I have family in Norway who have a hytte for us to stay in. One thing I am curious about is the visa process. Are there any resources you can recommend

Hi Kristina,

Where are you from? Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement. The Visa rules depends on where you are from. Here are some helpful links about Visa to Norway, hope that helps.

https://www.norway.no/en/usa/services-info/visitors-visa-res-permit/visitors-visa/ https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/persons-who-do-not-need-a-visa-to-visit-norway-/

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Best Nordic Countries & Places to Visit

Imagine yourself gazing at epic natural landscapes, exploring ultra-hip cities, and witnessing natural phenomena like the northern lights or midnight sun. Visit the Nordics, and you could experience all of this in one trip.

The countries that make up this region are: Iceland , Norway , Denmark , Sweden and Finland along with their territories.

With so much to see and do in this part of Northern Europe, you might find yourself asking: “which is the best Nordic country to visit?”

Read on to discover why this part of the world holds so much allure for travellers. You’ll learn the best time to visit, the top places to go, and how long you need to explore. 

• Get inspired by these top Nordic vacations

Reasons to visit the Nordics

The Nordics are full of hip cities and epic natural landscapes. But here are some things you might not realise about this region:

• The Nordic countries are world leaders in sustainable living.
• It's easy to explore multiple countries on one trip.
• The low crime rate makes these destinations great for solo travellers and families.
• You can experience thrilling activities in otherworldly scenery.
• English is widely spoken, so it's easy to connect with the locals and learn about culture.

The best Nordic places to visit

Read on to learn the best places to visit in the Nordic countries and why.

Iceland earned the nickname “The Land of Fire and Ice” thanks to its combination of glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs. When you visit, you’ll notice wide expanses of unspoilt nature, with picture-perfect scenes appearing around every corner.

So what does Iceland have in store for you?

Mind-blowing nature

Icelandic nature is impressive, to say the least.

Venture here to see glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, hot springs and even active volcanoes. It’s also a sparsely populated island, so you get more of the remote scenery to yourself.

What’s more, on a winter trip to Iceland , you’ll get the chance to see one of nature’s greatest marvels, the aurora borealis.

Iceland is actually one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights. This is thanks to its location near the Arctic Circle, where aurora activity is strongest. Plus, the country’s remote landscapes have little light pollution, meaning it’s easier to make out the colours of the aurora.

• Chase the aurora on a  northern lights tour in Iceland
• Related: Best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland

Relaxing in Iceland

If you’re looking to unwind, Iceland is the perfect place to take some time for yourself. With a range of spas, hot springs, and geothermal pools , you’re as likely to find opportunities to relax as you are thrilling day tours.

You could pair a day in the countryside with a dip in a hot spring. Or treat yourself to a well-deserved soak in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík . You could also unwind at Hvammsvík spa, an oceanside spring with pools of different temperatures.

• Relax, restore and pamper yourself on a spa break in Iceland

Easy to reach

If you’re based in Europe or North America, Iceland is a convenient place to travel to. There are many direct flights to the capital, Reykjavík, and the journey time is shorter than you might imagine.

This is because Iceland sits between the 2 continents in the North Atlantic Ocean. It would take you between 5–6 hours to fly here from New York, or roughly 3 hours from London.

• To learn more, read this travel guide about  getting to Iceland

Don’t miss…

The cultural delights of Reykjavík, the capital city. Think cool museums, a tempting foodie scene, and friendly locals – who speak fluent English, by the way.

You could hop aboard a boat and go on a whale-watching tour not far from the capital. You could also explore Iceland's "icy" side by walking on a glacier or exploring ice caves.

Also, be sure to travel the famous Golden Circle route. This loop introduces you to some of the top sights in South Iceland, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir , and Þingvellir National Park .

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could snorkel in a fissure between two tectonic plates. This is just one of the many extraordinary things to do in Iceland .

Another Nordic spot that has it all: sustainable travel, exciting excursions, dramatic landscapes and captivating history. 

If you haven’t already added Norway to your wish list, now is the time. This land of jewel-toned fjords, jagged peaks and Viking heritage beckons you to come and immerse yourself in its wonders.

Sustainable travel in Bergen

Another Nordic spot that has it all: sustainability credentials, exciting excursions, jaw-dropping landscapes and captivating history.

If you haven’t already added Norway to your wish list, now’s the time. This land of jewel-toned fjords, jagged peaks, and Viking heritage invites you to immerse yourself in its wonders.

One of the best Nordic cities to visit is Bergen , Norway . It’s leading the way to becoming a greener city. In fact, Country Living named it among the world’s most sustainable travel destinations .

Here you can expect environmentally friendly public transport, excellent air quality, and plenty of people and businesses working hard to be more eco-friendly.

What’s more? You won’t skimp on the scenery here. Located at the mouth of the fjords, Bergen is a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most beautiful sights.

Take a cruise to experience Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord , UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bergen is also surrounded by 7 mountains, so you can hike or hop on a funicular to admire the views from the top. 

• Related:  The best Norway vacation spots

Taking a scenic rail journey and fjord cruise on the unmissable Norway in a Nutshell® route, which will whisk you from Oslo to Bergen. You’ll see mountains, waterfalls and fjords on this unforgettable passage.

Norway’s world-class scenery will have you feeling deeply connected to nature. Plus, it’s one of the best spots in Scandinavia for outdoor activities.

Go one step further and hike to one of the iconic Norwegian peaks like Pulpit Rock .

• Take your pick from these tours of the Norwegian fjords by cruise and train
• Related:  Cool things about Norway

Along with Sweden and Norway, Denmark is one of the 3 Scandinavian countries. Don’t miss Copenhagen , the capital and largest city in Denmark.

One of the finest Nordic cities

According to Travel + Leisure , Copenhagen is a top spot for “big city thrills”. When you visit, you’ll soon see why. It’s home to one of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods in the world , Vesterbro, where you can expect a bustling atmosphere, vibrant street art, and strong community spirit.

Copenhagen’s cool vibes don’t stop there, though. Across the city, you’ll discover colourful old buildings, cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques, and a beautiful waterfront. You’ll also want to act like the locals and dine al fresco, soaking up your surroundings.

In fact, Copenhagen is the official UNESCO World Capital of Architecture. So a walk around the city to admire the surroundings is a must.

• Visit Copenhagen on a multi-country tour of Scandinavia
• Related: 10 Cool facts about Denmark

Safest city

As if being cool wasn’t enough, Copenhagen is also high in the rankings for the world’s safest cities. A low crime rate and eco-friendly initiatives all add to this reputation. If you’re travelling solo, Copenhagen’s safety is a particular draw.

Denmark, as a whole, is considered one of the safest countries in the world . And it’s one of the happiest nations too!

• Related:  Why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travel

The Nyhvan district in Copenhagen, where boats bob in the harbour and brightly coloured buildings line the waterfront promenade. Be sure to pay a visit to the Tivoli Gardens , one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

A great way to explore Copenhagen's waterways is on a boat tour. Spot the Christiansborg Royal Palace , Royal Danish Opera House and Christianshavn Canal.

Why not combine your visit to Denmark with a trip to Norway and Sweden? You could go on a road trip or train tour between the 3 Scandinavian countries for an immersive experience.

• Discover Scandinavia on a self-drive road trip , an independent tour or a small guided group getaway

4. Sweden & Finland

IIf you’re looking for sustainable travel destinations, add Sweden and Finland to your wish list. These Nordic nations have some of the world’s most impressive eco-credentials, with plenty of cultural highlights and adventures in store for you as well.

Sustainable appeal

Since more than 80% of Finland is covered in forests, you know it’s going to be one of the best places to breathe clean, fresh air.

What’s more, Forbes recommends Finland as one of the most sustainable countries to visit. They also mention Sweden, along with its Nordic neighbours, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, as “eco-energy superheroes”.

Gothenburg , Sweden ranks highly on the Global Destination Sustainability Index .

Around the country, roughly 97% of public transport is powered by renewable energy.

Make the most of the country’s efficient rail network with a train tour of Sweden . You could explore the trendy cities of Stockholm and Malmö , travelling between them by train.

Northern lights

In the far north of Sweden and Finland, you’ll find a stunning region called Lapland . As well as being the place to meet Santa Claus, Finnish and Swedish Lapland are among the world’s best spots to see the northern lights .

What better way to reconnect with the environment than with spellbinding outings? Hunt for the aurora and let Mother Nature captivate you.

Seeing the magical colours of the aurora borealis light up the sky above you is an experience you’ll never forget.

• Check out these  northern lights tours in Lapland

TThe medieval old town in Stockholm, Gamla Stan , or the hip art galleries of Helsinki . Plus, both the Swedish and Finnish capital cities are nestled beside the Baltic Sea, so you could take boat trips to nearby islands. Imagine sailing through the pretty Stockholm archipelago , where you can go hiking and try watersports in summer.

If you visit Lapland, you’ll want to have fun in the snow with winter activities. Think dog sledding , snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. And be sure to chase the northern lights on an aurora safari – winter is the best time of year to catch sight of them.

You might even like to stay in a Nordic ice hotel or glass igloo . Lapland is home to quite a few of them!

• Experience the pristine Arctic Circle with these  Lapland winter tours

5. Greenland

Greenland is an island nation that’s part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but it sits much closer to North America geographically. Here, you can expect an unspoilt landscape with frozen tundra, floating icebergs, and wide horizons.

One of Greenland’s treasures is its people. Don’t forget to meet the locals and learn about the Inuit heritage. You can book excursions and tours where you’ll get to connect with Greenlanders and learn more about their culture.

Midnight sun

Between June and August, you’ll experience a phenomenon called the “midnight sun” when the sun doesn’t fully set. This is thanks to Greenland’s northerly latitude and location in the Arctic Circle.

That means that during the summer you’ll benefit from endless daylight for sightseeing.

Combine Iceland & Greenland

One of the ways to fly to Greenland is via Iceland. So why not combine both destinations for a memorable Nordic getaway?

We recommend travelling to Reykjavík first, Iceland’s capital, before flying to Ilulissat, a small town on the west coast of Greenland. After a few days immersed in the outstanding nature here, you’ll fly back to Iceland. Pick up your rental car and take a road trip around the famous Ring Road .

This is a great way to experience the different cultures and flavours of the Nordics. Visit a top travel destination, Iceland, and go off the beaten path in Greenland. You’ll definitely have bragging rights for exploring this part of the world.

• Check out these Greenland packages  for the Nordic trip of a lifetime
• Related: Iceland vs Greenland – Where should you go?

Visit the happiest and safest countries in the world

Every year since 2012, the United Nations has released a World Happiness Report . In this survey, 156 countries are ranked after evaluating six cornerstones of wellbeing. These are income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.

All 5 of the Nordic countries – Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway – are often in the top 10 happiest nations in the world. Clearly, the Nordic region is doing something right!

• Learn from a local guide on these small group tours of the Nordics

What you need to know about the Nordics

Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions about the Nordic countries.

What is the difference between Scandinavian and Nordic?

Scandinavia is made up of 3 countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. So the term “Scandinavia” refers to these nations, which are located on the Scandinavian peninsula.

On the other hand, the term Nordic includes the 3 counties above, plus Finland and Iceland, which aren’t found on the peninsula.

Which are the Nordic countries?

The Nordic countries are Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The Nordic region also encompasses these countries' overseas territories, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Why are they called Nordic countries?

These countries are called Nordic simply because they are located in the north. The word originates from the French “nordique”, which was coined at the turn of the 19th century to describe people from Northern Europe.

• Travel at your own pace on a Nordic self-drive tour package
• Related: The Nordic countries – Your ultimate travel guide

Which is the most beautiful Nordic country?

Trust us – all the Nordic countries are beautiful! They each have their own spectacular landscapes that are all worth exploring.

In Iceland, you’ll encounter dramatic natural formations like glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls. In Norway, meanwhile, the fjords are considered some of the most breathtaking scenes in Europe, thanks to green mountains that plunge into glassy blue waters.

Additionally, Sweden and Finland are both carpeted in vast forests and have sweeping Baltic coastlines. While Denmark is the smallest of the Nordics, its sandy beaches, white cliffs and ancient woodlands make it a delight to discover.

Plus, visit Iceland, Lapland or Northern Norway in winter, and you’ll have the chance to see the northern lights dance across the night sky. This is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring, naturally occurring events in the world.

• Explore these Nordic northern lights tour packages
• Related: A little something about the aurora borealis

What is the largest Nordic country?

Sweden is the largest Nordic country at around 447,000 square kilometres (175,00 square miles). In order, the next largest are:

• Norway – 385,000 square kilometres (150,000 square miles)
• Finland – 338,000 square kilometres (130,000 square miles)
• Iceland – 103,000 square kilometres (40,000 square miles)
• Denmark (excluding overseas territories) – 43,000 square kilometres (16,000 square miles)

What are the Nordic countries known for?

There are so many things that characterise the Nordic destinations.

Firstly, they are all known for being some of the safest countries in the world and tend to rank among the happiest too. This is generally because of the good quality of life here, with a focus on work-life balance and community spirit.

The Nordic region is also famous for stunning natural scenery, such as the fjords of Norway, the enchanting forests of Lapland, and the volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland.

There are some truly incredible landscapes to discover, whether visiting in winter for outdoor activities in the snow or during the summer for longer days.

• Related: Cool facts about Norway and Iceland

When is the best time to visit the Nordic countries?

In general, Northern Europe has a cool, temperate climate, but the further north you go, the colder it becomes. Lapland, Svalbard and Greenland never really get warm, but the more southerly destinations like Stockholm and Denmark can enjoy many sunny days.

Across the Nordics, the weather is milder between May and September. These are also the months with the longest daylight hours – the summer solstice (or midnight sun ) takes place on or around 21 June.

But, in winter, you can walk into a festive wonderland scene. Whether that’s in a city with Christmas markets or immersed in nature among frosty mountains.

Plus, you’ll have a much better chance of seeing the northern lights at this time of year.

• Explore as part of a small group on a guided tour of Scandinavia
• Related: How to celebrate the summer solstice in the Nordics

Which is the best Nordic country to visit in winter?

Most of the Nordic region is transformed into a wonderland during winter, with a glistening blanket of snow coating the most northern parts.

Although each country is worth visiting in winter, it’s good to remember that the further north you go, the more wintry it will get. This means cooler temperatures, more snow, and a higher chance of spotting the northern lights.

To try out some snowy activities, we recommend visiting Northern Norway, or Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Here, you could go dog sledding, spend the night in an ice hotel, and even meet some reindeer.

That said, you’ll have a memorable and magical experience visiting any Nordic country in winter.

• Experience Nordic magic with these Europe winter tours
• Related: Finland in winter – What to do and where to go

Which is the best Nordic country to visit in summer?

From around May, the Nordics come alive with green landscapes, flowering meadows and atmospheric cities. Not to mention, there’s more daylight, with the sun not fully setting in some regions at the height of summer.

Take advantage of the mild weather and venture out in search of thundering waterfalls, craggy mountains and blue fjords.

Ultimately, any Nordic country is sure to charm you during summer. For example, you could drive around Iceland’s Ring Road, ride the iconic Flåm railway in Norway, or visit colourful capital cities.

• Find your adventure with these nordic summer tour packages

How long do you need to travel in the Nordics?

The length of your stay in the Nodics depends on how in-depth you want to explore the region and which countries you want to go to. To see a range of destinations and highlights without feeling too rushed, we recommend spending at least 10 days.

Of course, the more time you have, the more places you’ll be able to discover. These Scandinavia tours offer a range of durations and travel styles, with some trips allowing you to explore the complete Nordic region. This includes not just Scandinavia but Iceland and Finland too!

• Prepare for your trip with these packing lists for Iceland , Norway and Lapland

Discover the Nordics for yourself

Which of these Nordic destinations would you like to visit? Our travel experts will help you decide where to go depending on your interests. They’ll plan an unforgettable Nordic getaway for you using their insider knowledge and local connections.

As part of your travel package, you’ll get accommodation, daily breakfast and local transport arrangements. What’s more, during your trip you have access to our 24/7 helpline. This means we are only ever a call away at any time of day.

Get in touch with us to start planning your Nordic adventure or to find out more from our regional travel experts.

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

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

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Best Times & Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe

Greenland travel: top 10 things to do, 7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors.

Best places to see the Northern Lights around the world – and when to visit

O ne of the world’s most famous natural sights, the Northern Lights attract people to areas around the Arctic in hopes of seeing the rare display.

Caused by the redirection of particles from the sun that hit the Earth’s atmosphere, the stunning atmospheric phenomenon is seen as the Holy Grail of skywatching and mostly occurs in areas around Norway , Finland , Sweden and Greenland.

The lights can be seen in other parts of the world; the UK has even had sightings in Scotland, Merseyside and Wales this winter during a period of heightened geomagnetic activity.

Unfortunately, such sightings are rare and most people wanting to see the aurora borealis (the scientific name for the phenomenon, coined by Galileo Galilei) will have to travel further north.

To help you in your quest to see the spectacular light show, we’ve put together a list of the best places for seeing the Northern Lights and when to go to maximise your chances.

Read more on travel inspiration :

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• Barcelona for Valencia and other holiday swaps to make to avoid the crowds

Tromso, Norway

Tromso sits at the centre of the Northern Lights’ oval, meaning that the lights can be visible even when activity is low. According to the tourism website, Tromso is “one of the places in the world with the highest probability of seeing the lights”, and there is “always a good chance of seeing” them between September and April.

Temperatures are moderated by the Norwegian Sea and westerly winds, meaning that they are much milder than usual for the latitude, with averages of between 2C and -1C during peak viewing times (compared to Svalbard, where the average January high is -13C).

When to visit Tromso

Your best chance of seeing the lights in Tromso is between September and April, when the skies are dark enough for them to be visible.

Svalbard, Norway

This Norwegian archipelago is home to more polar bears than people and experiences harsh winters, with the sun not properly rising over the horizon between mid-November and mid-January.

While the islands do not experience total darkness (and therefore you aren’t guaranteed to see the lights), the main island, Spitsbergen, hosts several different types of expedition to give you the best chance of catching the phenomenon. If you’re lucky, you may even see some polar wildlife such as reindeer, Arctic foxes and walruses too.

When to visit Svalbard

The lights season here is slightly shorter than in Tromso, running from September until the middle of March. The best time of day to try and see the lights is between 6pm and midnight.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi markets itself as the ‘Official Home of Santa Claus’ and contains a Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. The Northern Lights are visible here on “around 150 nights a year” from August, and the tourism websites provides ideas for nearby locations to view them.

Among its suggestions are the Arctic Garden (a 10-minute walk away) and the top of Ounasvaara fell (a longer, 45-minute walk from the town). Among other snow-based activities – such as sledding – you can join snowmobile trips and ice floating tours as special ways to enjoy the lights.

When to visit Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is one destination where the lights season is exceptionally long, running from late August to early April. However, the best time to visit is during the Polar Night period, from mid-November to mid-January.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is located roughly 65 degrees north, making the country an excellent option for those trying to see the Northern Lights. They can be viewed in several locations, such as Thingvellir National Park or Kirkjufell Mountain, but the best place to stay when visiting has to be Reykjavik . The Icelandic capital is a typical Nordic city in style and acts as an excellent base for seeing the natural sights of the country in the day before going on a guided trip to see the lights by night.

When to visit Reykjavik

Iceland has a fairly typical length to its lights season, running from September to April.

Abisko, Sweden

Situated in Swedish Lapland, right at the heart of the aurora oval, Abisko National Park receives no light pollution and has one of the lowest rainfall climates in the Nordic area. With many surrounding mountains to keep the skies clear, Abisko also offers the chance to try out several activities such as snowmobiling, fishing and hiking.

The Aurora Sky Station markets itself as “the best place on Earth to experience Northern Lights”, but it seems that this confidence isn’t unfounded: if you were to stay for three nights in Abisko, you’d have an 88 per cent chance of seeing the lights, while the government website also claims that the area sometimes receives “more than two weeks of consecutive northern lights nights”.

When to visit Abisko

Maximise your chances of catching the lights by visiting between mid-September and early March.

Yukon, Canada

With a land area of 483,450sqkm, the Yukon is a vast region which is almost as large as the entirety of Spain. Roughly 80 per cent of the territory is wilderness; it’s home to the longest river in Canada , the second tallest peak in North America (Mount Logan, at 5,959m high), the smallest desert in the world (Carcross, at 1.6sqkm) and dozens of animal species, from moose to brown bears.

With this in mind, while exploring on your own may be tempting, when it comes to viewing the lights you’re best off booking a tour. It’s a good idea to base yourself in Whitehorse (the capital, with a population of just over 28,000), where guided tours will take you to nearby spots to give you the best chance of seeing the light show.

When to visit Yukon

Another place with a lights season lasting nearly eight months, Yukon’s most active time for light displays is between October and mid-November.

Ilulissat, Greenland

The most sparsely populated country in the world, Greenland offers the chance to see the lights with uninterrupted calm and tranquility. With a population of just under 5,000 people, Ilulissat is “rich in Inuit history” and is home to “millions of icebergs”. Low levels of light pollution and many clear nights will offer a good chance of seeing the lights during your stay.

With a population of just over 500, locations such as Kangerlussuaq also offer good opportunities to see the lights but may be too remote for some.

With three new airports coming to the island , access will soon be easier than ever.

When to visit Ilulissat

Along with the rest of Greenland, Ilulissat has a fairly typical season, lasting from September to March.

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Home to “some of the darkest skies in the UK”, some of the islands in the Outer Hebrides sit on the same latitude as parts of Norway and Alaska . The aurora has been seen as far south as Edinburgh , but the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra are your best chance for seeing the lights in the UK .

More accessible than most of the other locations on this list, the islands are also generally an excellent spot for seeing different astronomical sights, such as the Orion Nebula, the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy.

When to visit the Outer Hebrides

Lights season in these islands runs from September to April, although the best time to see the lights is during the Equinox and Solstice, so between March and April and September and October respectively.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

The second largest city (by population) in Alaska, Fairbanks is situated near the centre of the state and is home to just over 32,000 people. Located on a similar latitude to Iceland, conditions here are perfect for viewing the lights: dark skies, dry conditions and a lack of light pollution.

One of the main benefits of Fairbanks (versus some other locations on the list) is the fact that you don’t even have to leave the city to see the lights, and as a major settlement, all the necessary amenities are available alongside the many tours on offer.

When to visit Fairbanks

The season here lasts slightly longer than usual, stretching from late August to April.

Finnish Lapland

While Rovaniemi has already been mentioned on this list, there are so many worthy destinations in Finnish Lapland that the entire area has to be recommended. Levi is the largest ski resort in Finland but is less crowded than other European resorts, and offers the chance to see the lights on snowmobiles or on reindeer-drawn sleighs. Harriniva is another resort that offers similar activities, with the Muonio River adding another scenic touch. Saariselka offers a different, village setting with excellent spots for viewing the lights only half a kilometre away.

When to visit Finnish Lapland

The official Finnish tourism website states that the best times to see the lights are in autumn and spring, at the beginning and the end of the season, with the season itself running from mid-August until early April.

Seeking a digital detox? Here’s how to go phone-free in Finland

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Where to See the Northern Lights in February

For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in February, you’ll need an optimum combination of location, darkness, and a cloud-free night.

If you hope to see the Northern Lights in February, you’re in luck. February is an optimum time to see the Northern Lights because, typically, the skies are clearer in the deep winter, and the nights are long and dark—all essential conditions for optimal Northern Lights viewing. 

While seeing the Northern Lights in particular places in the Northern Hemisphere isn’t uncommon, it can be unpredictable. After all, you’re relying on the collision of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere to create the dazzling display of colors. And just like anything that depends on Mother Nature, a sighting can’t be guaranteed.

The countries at the best latitude to view the Northern Lights (around 60 and 75 degrees) include the Scandinavian region, the northern reaches of the USA, and Canada . Each destination offers a distinct experience, whether unusual accommodations, exciting winter activities, or the chance to spot arctic wildlife. This guide explores some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in February and what else to expect when you take an Aurora Borealis adventure.

You’ll want to be near the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden . Look for adventures that visit Luleå, the largest city in Swedish Lapland, to use as a springboard for wintery adventures in this frozen region, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. A five-hour drive north lies Abisko, a small mountain village home to the Aurora Sky Station, perfectly positioned in an area renowned for its cloud-free skies and fresh, clean air. Here, you can take a chairlift up Mount Nuolja, where a lookout tower positions you perfectly to see the Northern Lights erupting. There’s also a restaurant serving Nordic cuisine as you gaze outwards and hope the Aurora will appear.

Jukkasjävi is where you’ll find the famous and fantastic ICEHOTEL, built from colossal ice blocks from a nearby river. It welcomes travelers for memorable nights surrounded by ice every winter, and then the hotel melts away every spring. At night in the deepest winter, you can venture out to the nearby wilderness in search of the aurora, learning how to photograph the Northern Lights to capture the full intensity of the Northern Lights colors that the human eye can’t always witness. 

See Also: How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Smartphone or Camera

If you’re wondering where to see the Northern Lights in Norway , you’ll need to head to the northern reaches. The Lofoten Islands are well known for vivid displays of dancing lights, and the Svalbard archipelago that sits halfway between Norway and the North Pole is a fragile and barren landscape perfectly positioned on the globe to see the Aurora—and maybe a few polar bears, too. 

Many travelers searching for the Northern Lights in Norway use the northern city of Tromsø as the gateway to their wintertime adventures. After all, spotting the Northern Lights isn’t the only thing waiting for you in the far reaches of Norway. You can learn more about the indigenous people, the Sami, and listen to their ancient songs, or head out onto the icy waters of the Barents Sea to fish for migrating Atlantic cod. You’ll often find seafood on the menu in northern Norway’s restaurants, which typically champion deliciously fresh, simple, and local food.

Not only is Finland an incredible place to see the Northern Lights because of its dark and clear skies, but it also boasts a selection of one-of-a-kind places to stay while you’re there. At the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, travelers can stay in nest-like abodes in the treetops and, when night falls, witness the aurora directly from the suites. If you’re looking for a truly exceptional experience on your adventure, look out for Aurora Bubbles, domes, glass cabins, and snow igloos dotted across the landscape in magical Lapland, designed for viewing the Northern Lights from bed. Perhaps you’ll see the commonly sighted emerald swathes, or you might be lucky and spot a rare red aurora—all it takes is a little more nitrogen in the thermosphere. Whatever colors the sky treats you to, typically, the Northern Lights appear every other clear night in Finnish Lapland between September and March, so you’re in with an excellent chance of spotting the Northern Lights in Lapland in February. 

Iceland is among the best destinations to see the Northern Lights in February. But seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is often a welcome bonus on a trip that focuses on other Icelandic highlights, such as the Golden Circle—a collection of famous landmarks on a scenic route through Iceland. The Golden Circle comprises the active Geysir geyser, Thingvellir National Park (where tectonic plates drift apart), and the thundering Gullfoss glacial waterfall. Many Northern Lights adventures in Iceland incorporate the Golden Circle.  Another wonderful experience to combine with spotting the Northern Lights in Iceland in February is a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Travelers submerge themselves in geothermal seawater enriched with silica, algae, and mineral salt. Then, at night, you can choose to be roused by a special Northern Lights alarm, which sounds when there’s a sighting. Around the Blue Lagoon, there is little light pollution to dampen the display, so when the aurora appears, it’s typically a magnificent show.

See Also: Iceland Off-Season: Your Complete Guide

You don’t have to venture to northern Europe to see the Northern Lights in February. There are some fantastic locations to watch the display in North America. While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights across the whole of Canada in winter, heading north increases your chances of a truly great sighting. In the Northwest Territories , the Northern Lights can be seen for around 240 nights a year, and with February bringing optimal viewing conditions, you’re unlikely to be disappointed if you want to witness a dazzling display. There’s an atmospheric teepee village outside Yellowknife designed primarily for viewing the Northern Lights, where you can lie back on heated, sleigh-style seats that swivel 360 degrees. 

While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights as far south as the USA-Canada border, Fairbanks and Denali National Park in Alaska are two of the best-known and most reliable places to spot the Northern Lights in February in the USA . Fairbanks sits at 65-degree latitude in an area known as the ‘aurora oval,’ what NASA describes as the footprint in the atmosphere of the boundary between the highly stretched field lines of the polar cap. Essentially, it’s a loop around the North Pole known for frequent appearances by the Northern Lights. Because it’s an area almost entirely free of light pollution, the stargazing is also fantastic, even if the Aurora Borealis doesn’t appear. 

See Also: The Best Spots for Stargazing in Europe

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Resurgam festival, a massive yard sale and more things to do this weekend

Comedian Dave Attell is in town, Zephyr Ice is serving up cool treats and food trucks are out in force (there's an app that will tell you where).

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We’re not entirely sure how the weekend weather is going to shake out, but either way there’s a whole lot going on, so let’s get to it.

Maine Roller Derby skaters competing at Happy Wheels Skate Center in Westbrook. Photo by Jim Vernier

On Saturday and Sunday, Maine Roller Derby’s first international tournament happens at Happy Wheels Skate Center in Westbrook. There will be several exciting flat-track bouts, and if you’re a Mainer, tickets are half off.

Get a discount on tickets to Maine Roller Derby’s international tournament

Max Abraham runs through Moon Tide Park while performing with the band Corpus Chicanery at last year’s Resurgam festival. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

The Resurgam Music and Arts Festival is Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean Gateway marine terminal and surrounding areas. The list of performers is about 17 miles long and includes Oshima Brothers Band and professional hula hoop and circus artist Nettie Loops.

Resurgam festival returns this weekend with music, arts and more

Local musician Toby McAllister, pictured here at The Press Room in Portsmouth, would of course play at a local venue on his perfect day. Photo by Corey Fitzgerald and courtesy of Toby McAllister

Another musician you can see at Resurgam is Toby McAllister from Sparks The Rescue. McAllister unpacked his perfect Maine day for us, and it includes a hike in Grafton Notch and a stop at Puzzle Mountain Bakery in Newry for cookies.

My Perfect Day: Hiking Old Speck, eating tacos and sweets, playing a show – for musician Toby McAllister, it all strikes a chord

Comic Dave Attell plays the State Theatre in Portland, June 8. Photo courtesy of the State Theatre

There’s plenty else cooking this weekend , including Yoga in the Park on Saturday and the Walk the Working Waterfront tour. Both are in Portland. Or you can shop till you drop at Maine’s Ultimate Spring Yard Sale Saturday at Cumberland Fairgrounds. Need a few laughs? Grab a ticket to see comic Dave Attell at the State Theatre Saturday.

Waterfront tour, giant yard sale, comic Dave Attell

Zephyr proudly tells its customers that everything is made in house with real fruit and no dyes. Photo by Megan Gray

Satisfy your sweet tooth with something a little different this weekend. Zephyr Ice in Portland serves shaved ice atop a scoop of regular or vegan ice cream. Choose from a variety of syrup flavors, all made in-house with real fruit.

For cool, customizable treats, breeze on in to Zephyr Ice

Mainely Burgers food truck. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Should you fancy a food truck fix, check out our massive, always growing food truck guide and get busy chowing down.

A guide to 87 food trucks rolling through Maine

A Foodtruckalico Instagram post featuring the Ugly Dumpling food truck. Photo by Justin Velgos

For even more food truck fodder, we suggest heading to Food Truckalico on Instagram . A couple of times a week, the account shares details about where and when you can find trucks in the Portland area.

Follow the food trucks with Food Truckalico on Instagram

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If the weather does indeed relegate you to the indoors, curl up on the couch and fire up the new web series “Tracking the Comegato” about a beastly human-weasel hybrid that may or may not exist.

Could this human-weasel hybrid from Maine join the ranks of Bigfoot?

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Get the full lowdown on the 24 teams competing for glory in Germany.

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How they qualified, top scorers, pedigree, key players and the coach – all you need to know about the 24 teams competing for glory at UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany.

Group A fixtures vs Scotland (Munich, 14 June, 21:00) vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 19 June, 18:00) vs Switzerland (Frankfurt, 23 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Qualified automatically as hosts

Pedigree EURO best: Winners 1972, 1980 (both as West Germany), 1996 EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 2-0 to England

Coach: Julian Nagelsmann Nagelsmann has been on something of a roller-coaster ride since succeeding Hansi Flick in September 2023, but friendly wins against France and Netherlands in March seem to have sparked optimism and belief. The tactically astute 36-year-old selects players based on form, and convincing Toni Kroos to return from international retirement could turn out to be his best move yet.

Key player: İlkay Gündoğan It will be up to the likes of Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz to provide the attacking spark, but Gündoğan will be the man charged with instilling balance. Nagelsmann sees Gündoğan as a No10 who can make the players around him shine, and although the experienced captain may sometimes keep a low profile on the pitch, his team-mates benefit greatly from his intelligence and vision.

One to watch: Maximilian Mittelstädt Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the Bundesliga in 2023/24, the 27-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise since being relegated with Hertha Berlin last term. Now at Stuttgart, Mittelstädt is set to enhance Germany's options in the full-back position with his high work-rate and selfless attitude.

Did you know? Germany are appearing at a record 14th EURO. They did not qualify for the first three editions (1960, 1964 and 1968) but have not missed a finals since.

Group A fixtures vs Germany (Munich, 14 June, 21:00) vs Switzerland (Cologne, 19 June, 21:00) vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 23 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group A runners-up: P8 W5 D2 L1 F17 A8 Qualifying top scorer: Scott McTominay (7)

Pedigree EURO best: Group stage (1992, 1996, 2020) EURO 2020: Group stage

Coach: Steve Clarke Scotland have reached back-to-back European Championships under Clarke, the first Scotland manager to achieve that, and have qualified directly for a major finals for the first time since 1998. If they can reproduce their fine qualifying form, the next target for Clarke and company will be to make further history by becoming the first Scotland squad to progress beyond the group stage at a finals tournament.

Key player: Scott McTominay With seven goals in qualifying, look no further than McTominay. At a time when he wasn't a regular starter at Man United, Scotland became McTominay's 'happy place' with Clarke urging him to play "with a smile on his face". His memorable double in the 2-0 Hampden win over Spain certainly had all of Scotland smiling, and the Tartan Army will be hoping McTominay can reproduce his goalscoring form come mid-June.

One to watch: Tommy Conway With previous wildcard Ben Doak withdrawn from the provisional squad through injury, attention now turns to his replacement, Bristol City striker Tommy Conway. The 21-year-old scored ten Championship goals for his club last season and has found the back of the net three times in seven games at Under-21 level. A strong runner and good finisher, Conway could be a key player off the bench.

Did you know? This is the second time Scotland have qualified for back-to-back European Championships.

Group A fixtures vs Switzerland (Cologne, 15 June, 15:00) vs Germany (Stuttgart, 9 June, 18:00) vs Scotland (Stuttgart, 23 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group G winners: P8 W5 D3 L0 F16 A7 Qualifying top scorer: Barnabás Varga, Dominik Szoboszlai (4)

Pedigree EURO best: Third place (1964) EURO 2020: Group stage

Coach: Marco Rossi Having led Hungary from Nations League C to A, come agonisingly close to progressing from a EURO 2020 group containing Germany, France and Portugal, and now, unbeaten, reached EURO 2024, Rossi's popularity is sky high among players and fans alike. The Italian appears equally smitten, taking Hungarian citizenship. The togetherness, discipline and belief he has instilled among his squad is remarkable, with Hungary looking increasingly capable of springing a surprise or two.

Key player: Dominik Szoboszlai Parallel to the meteoric rise of Hungary under Rossi has been that of Szoboszlai. Still only 23, Hungary's midfield maestro is fast approaching 50 international appearances. Always a game changer, he and Hungary are thriving under his captaincy. A dead-ball specialist and box-to-box midfielder who offers athleticism, intensity, work-rate, pace, vision, creativity, goals, assists and a steely sense of purpose, Szoboszlai has taken his game to another level as on-field leader of this tightly knit Hungary side.

One to watch: Milos Kerkez Twenty-year-old Kerkez came through the Rapid Wien and Milan academies before a breakthrough campaign at AZ and a transfer to the Premier League, where he's had a fine first season with Bournemouth. At international level, Kerkez has quickly established himself as Hungary's first-choice left wing-back since debuting against Germany in September 2022. Tough and reliable defensively, Kerkez possesses great technique and vision, and is also a tireless attacking threat on the overlap.

Did you know? Hungary's 14-match unbeaten run in the lead-up to the finals was their longest sequence since Ferenc Puskás and the Mighty Magyars – 18 games between July 1954 and February 1956 – under Gusztáv Sebes.

Group A fixtures vs Hungary (Cologne, 15 June, 15:00) vs Scotland (Cologne, 19 June, 21:00) vs Germany (Frankfurt, 23 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group I runners-up: P10 W4 D5 L1 F22 A11 Qualifying top scorer: Zeki Amdouni (6)

Pedigree EURO best: Quarter-finals (2020) EURO 2020: Quarter-finals, lost 3-1 on penalties to Spain (1-1 aet)

Coach: Murat Yakin The 49-year-old has been at the 'Nati' helm since summer 2021. He oversaw Switzerland's run to the last 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the knockout phase for a fifth straight major tournament. After a low-key end to their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign, Yakin will want his team to regain their famed consistency as they bid to extend that impressive run.

Key player: Granit Xhaka Switzerland's most-capped player will head into this tournament with confidence sky-high, having been a key part of Leverkusen's astonishing season. The captain and midfield stalwart not only brings leadership qualities and a steely mentality, he also possesses excellent vision and a superb passing range. His position at the heart of midfield helps his team-mates tick in perfect rhythm.

One to watch: Ruben Vargas The 25-year-old has evolved into a key player for Switzerland, scoring two typically crucial headers in qualifying draws against Israel and Kosovo to seal their finals spot. This will be the third major tournament for the winger, who is known for his skill on the ball, ability in one-v-ones, and goal threat.

Did you know? EURO '96 was Switzerland's first European Championship finals; this year marks their sixth finals appearance in the last eight editions.

Group B fixtures vs Croatia (Berlin, 15 June, 18:00) vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, 20 June, 21:00) vs Albania (Düsseldorf, 24 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group A winners: P8 W7 D0 L1 F25 A5 Qualifying top scorers: Joselu, Álvaro Morata (4)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (1964, 2008, 2012) EURO 2020: Semi-finals, lost 4-2 on penalties to Italy (1-1 aet)

Coach: Luis de la Fuente A likeable Basque who won the Spanish Liga as a full-back with Athletic Club, the Spain boss has the winning habit. His side beat Group B rivals Italy and Croatia as they won the UEFA Nations League last summer, and he previously led national teams to EURO glory at under-age levels – the U19s in 2015 and the U21s in 2019. The levels he can summon from his big players after brilliant club seasons will dictate Spain's trajectory.

Key player: Rodri Midfielders tend not to get the garlands they deserve, but Rodri is possibly the best player in the world right now. Naturally gifted, athletic and competitive, he is at peak age and has the necessary knowledge. Used to winning trophies at Man City, he is inspirational in word and deed.

One to watch: Lamine Yamal A magical, mercurial talent, Yamal is huge fun whether you support La Roja or not. He turns 17 the day before the EURO final but comes into the tournament with six caps, two goals and two assists for Spain. He has played over 50 times for club and country, and home-town team Barcelona rate him as a massive prospect. Left-footed, he is usually deployed as an inverted winger. Pedri lit up EURO 2020; Lamine could be the wonderkid this time.

Did you know? Spain are the only national team to have won three continental and world titles in a row: EURO 2008, the 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012.

Group B fixtures vs Spain (Berlin, 15 June, 18:00) vs Albania (Hamburg, 19 June, 15:00) vs Italy (Leipzig, 24 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group D runners-up: P8 W5 D1 L2 F13 A4 Qualifying top scorer: Andrej Kramarić (4)

Pedigree EURO best: Quarter-finals (1996, 2008) EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 5-3 aet to Spain

Coach: Zlatko Dalić Since taking over in 2017, Dalić has guided Croatia to astonishing achievements, including back-to-back World Cup medals by reaching the final in 2018 and securing third place in 2022. Defeats in the EURO 2020 round of 16 and 2023 Nations League final, both by Spain, have set up a highly anticipated rematch in their opening game here.

Key player: Luka Modrić The question of whether Modrić is approaching his swansong seems to occur at every major tournament, but Croatia hope his magic continues to endure. The midfield maestro remains essential to their success, with his ability to control the pace of the game and his vision undiminished. His charisma, passion and leadership not only underline his talent but affirm his status as Croatia's greatest player and captain.

One to watch: Joško Gvardiol Gvardiol has quickly blossomed into one of Europe's top defenders. Known for his solid defensive ability at both centre-back and left-back, Gvardiol's tactical acumen and physical prowess are expected to develop further under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Man City. Though only 22, he should play a pivotal role in Croatia’s campaign.

Did you know? Croatia have qualified for seven out of eight EURO final tournaments as an independent nation, and have proceeded to the knockout stage in four of their six appearances to date.

Group B fixtures vs Albania (Dortmund, 15 June, 21:00) vs Spain (Gelsenkirchen, 20 June, 21:00) vs Croatia (Leipzig, 24 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group C runners-up: P8 W4 D2 L2 F16 A9 Qualifying top scorer: Davide Frattesi (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (1968, 2020) EURO 2020: Winners

Coach:   Luciano Spalletti The much-travelled Tuscan took over from Roberto Mancini in August, just after leading Napoli to a historic Scudetto title. He wasted little time in conveying his football philosophy to the Azzurri squad, helping them reach the finals in Germany and starting to rebuild the national team by mixing veterans of the EURO 2020 triumph with a new generation of players.

Key player: Nicolò Barella The Sardinian was already a key member of the Italy midfield trio that helped the Azzurri win the trophy in 2021, but the 27-year-old is now at a career peak after reaching the UEFA Champions League final with Inter in 2023 and winning the Scudetto with the Nerazzurri this season. With boundless energy, technique, creativity and leadership, Barella is a valuable asset in several respects.

One to watch: Alessandro Buongiorno Replacing old lions like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci was never going to be easy, but Italy are discovering new names to marshal their defence and Buongiorno is one of them. The Torino captain made his Italy debut in the Nations League finals last June, with his second cap coming in November's crucial 0-0 draw with Ukraine. Rock solid and elegant in defence, the young man with the cheerful surname has a degree in Business Administration, just like Chiellini.

Did you know? The Ukraine stalemate which confirmed Italy's place in Germany was then 24-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's 60th appearance for the Azzurri. His predecessor, Gianluigi Buffon, reached the same milestone as a 28-year-old in another goalless draw with Ukraine, ending his career with a record 176 caps.

Group B fixtures vs Italy (Dortmund, 15 June, 21:00) vs Croatia (Hamburg, 19 June, 15:00) vs Spain (Düsseldorf, 24 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group E winners: P8 W4 D3 L1 F12 A4 Qualifying top scorers: Jasir Asani, Nedim Bajrami (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Group stage (2016) EURO 2020: did not qualify

Coach: Sylvinho Sylvinho's appointment in January 2023 heralded a new era for the Albanian national team. With his background in elite football, the Brazilian has succeeded in rejuvenating the side's playing style and instilling a winning mentality. His leadership has brought unity and cohesion, creating a team capable of surprising their opponents at EURO 2024.

Key player: Berat Djimshiti The imposing Atalanta centre-back adds defensive solidity and leadership, with his aerial prowess, tactical intelligence and strength in the tackle making Djimshiti a commander at the back. His top-level experience in Serie A is also an asset, inspiring confidence among team-mates. Indeed, Djimshiti's presence brings a composure which could prove vital for Sylvinho's squad.

One to watch: Ernest Muçi Despite having played only nine times for Albania by May, Muçi inspires great expectations given his skillset and versatility. Renowned for his pace, technical prowess and ability to create goalscoring chances, the Beşiktaş forward is a dynamic force. With his knack for producing decisive moments in front of goal, Muçi could prove a key performer in Germany.

Did you know? Under Sylvinho, Albania have never lost a game after taking the lead – a sequence of six matches into the Brazilian's tenure.

Group C fixtures vs Denmark (Stuttgart, 16 June, 18:00) vs Serbia (Munich, 20 June, 15:00) vs England (Cologne, 25 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group H runner-up: P10 W7 D1 L2 F20 A9 Qualifying top scorer: Benjamin Šeško (5)

Pedigree EURO best: Group stage (2000) EURO 2020: did not qualify

Coach: Matjaž Kek Back for a second finals after steering Slovenia to the 2010 World Cup, the former centre-back resumed command in November 2018, leading his country to promotion from Nations League League C before overseeing a successful EURO qualifying campaign. The 62-year-old is confident his side can give their Group C rivals a run for their money.

Key player: Jan Oblak Rated one of the planet's premier shot-stoppers, the Slovenia captain has made over 300 appearances for Atlético de Madrid and boasts considerable Champions League experience. Nicknamed 'The Octopus of Škofja Loka', the 31-year-old can expect a busy tournament, so should be pivotal to Slovenia's success.

One to watch: Benjamin Šeško The lofty Leipzig forward was not even born when Slovenia played at their last EURO in 2000, but it was his penalty against Kazakhstan – his tenth goal for his country – that secured his side’s passage to these finals. Šeško moved to Salzburg aged 16, scoring regularly for the Austrian club before switching to Germany last summer.

Did you know? Slovenia met England at the 2010 World Cup, Jermain Defoe scoring the only goal in a narrow defeat which cost Kek's men a last-16 place. They face the Three Lions in their final Group C game in Germany.

Group C fixtures vs Slovenia (Stuttgart, 16 June, 18:00) vs England (Frankfurt, 20 June, 18:00) vs Serbia (Munich, 25 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group H winners: P10 W7 D1 L2 F19 A10 Qualifying top scorer: Rasmus Højlund (7)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (1992) EURO 2020: Semi-final, lost 2-1 aet to England

Coach: Kasper Hjulmand Hjulmand led Denmark to the semi-finals at EURO 2020 – their best result since winning the tournament in 1992. The coach played an important role as the nation came together after Christian Eriksen's on-field cardiac arrest, and following a disappointing World Cup the former Lyngby, Nordsjælland and Mainz boss will aim to give Denmark fans another summer to remember.

Key player: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg Other players may catch the eye more than Højbjerg, but a good performance from the 28-year-old midfielder tends to be central to Danish success. The Tottenham man binds together defence and midfield, always stepping up when he pulls on the red shirt. When Højbjerg is at his best, he lifts the whole team.

One to watch: Rasmus Højlund Højlund has been Hjulmand's go-to man for goals, scoring seven in qualifying – including a hat-trick on his first Denmark start against Finland in March 2023. In his first season at Man United, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.

Did you know? To date, Denmark have taken part in eight EUROs since the introduction of the group stage, advancing to the knockout phase on four of those occasions.

Group C fixtures vs England (Gelsenkirchen, 16 June, 21:00) vs Slovenia (Munich, 20 June, 15:00) vs Denmark (Munich, 25 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group G runners-up: P8 W4 D2 L2 F15 A9 Qualifying top scorer: Aleksandar Mitrović (5)

Pedigree EURO best: Runners-up (as Yugoslavia, 1960, 1968) EURO 2020: Did not qualify Coach: Dragan Stojković Having played at EURO '84 with Yugoslavia and at the 2000 finals with Serbia and Montenegro, 'Piksi' has steered his nation to their first EURO in 24 years – and their first as Serbia. One of the best midfielders in Serbian history, he took charge of the national team on his 56th birthday in 2021. His charisma and desire have propelled the Eagles to the 2022 World Cup and now EURO 2024.

Key player: Aleksandar Mitrović 'Mitrogol' has had a great season with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The powerful striker from Smederevo is Serbia's all-time top international scorer and something of a national hero for his persistence, ability to score from near-impossible situations and will to fight until the end. Don't be surprised if you hear supporters singing the "Mitro's on fire" song in Germany.

One to watch: Strahinja Pavlović Serbia have good forwards and great goalkeepers, but 23-year-old defender Pavlović can go under the radar. A tireless worker who has been making a name for himself with Salzburg in the Champions League, he made his Serbia debut in 2020 and comes into the finals with over 30 caps. Impressive at the 2022 World Cup; he may be even better in Germany.

Did you know? Yugoslavia were runners-up at the first-ever EURO in 1960; the Soviet Union denied them the title with an extra-time winner in Paris.

Group C fixtures vs Serbia (Gelsenkirchen, 16 June, 21:00) vs Denmark (Frankfurt, 20 June, 18:00) vs Slovenia (Cologne, 25 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group C winners: P8 W6 D2 L0 F22 A4 Qualifying top scorer: Harry Kane (8)

Pedigree EURO best: Runners-up (2020) EURO 2020: Runners-up, lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy (1-1 aet)

Coach: Gareth Southgate After reaching a EURO final as well as a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final in his three major tournaments in charge, Southgate will be desperate for this to be fourth time lucky. The former Three Lions centre-back, a hugely popular figure with his players, will seek to get the best out of the vast amount of talent at his disposal in Germany.

Key player: Harry Kane England may have a glut of attacking options but it is their captain and talisman who makes them tick. His country's all-time leading scorer, Kane has enjoyed a highly impressive first term at Bayern and will attempt to take his fine form in Germany onto the international stage. With lethal finishing, incredible vision and strong link-up play, Kane can pose a headache for any defence in the world.

One to watch: Cole Palmer The attacking midfielder has been Chelsea's best player this season, providing a consistent supply of goals and creativity. His unflappable demeanour and composure on the ball have earned him the nickname 'Cold Palmer'; it really does seem nothing fazes him. If Southgate can find a spot for him in the front three behind Kane, he could take the tournament by storm.

Did you know? England have lost just once in their last 65 European Championship and World Cup qualifiers: a 2-1 defeat to Czechia in the EURO 2020 preliminaries.

Group D fixtures vs Poland (Hamburg, 16 June, 15:00) vs France (Leipzig, 21 June, 21:00) vs Austria (Berlin, 25 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group B runners-up: P8 W6 D0 L2 F17 A7 Qualifying top scorers: Cody Gakpo, Calvin Stengs, Wout Weghorst (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (1988) EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 2-0 to Czechia

Coach: Ronald Koeman Koeman had a stuttering start to his second spell in charge of the Oranje, losing three of his first four matches – against France, Croatia and Italy. However, he steadied the ship, with the Dutch winning all their group qualification games bar those against the French. A EURO winner as a player in 1988, the 61-year-old would achieve immortality in the Netherlands if he repeated the feat as coach.

Key player: Memphis Depay The Atlético de Madrid ace has had a frustrating run of injuries in recent seasons, but when fit he's the undisputed spearhead of the Dutch attack. Only six goals short of Robin van Persie's all-time record of 50, Depay averages a goal every two matches for the national team – and supplies plenty of assists too.

One to watch: Jeremie Frimpong Frimpong hasn't featured much in an orange shirt yet but he's knocking on the door after a spectacular season with Leverkusen. The 23-year-old was the most productive defender in Europe's top five leagues in 2023/24, having been involved in 18 Bundesliga goals at the time of writing. An attack-minded right-back with boundless energy, Frimpong's ability to round off his forward surges with a decisive pass or telling finish could be invaluable.

Did you know? Wim Kieft's fortuitous effort against the Republic of Ireland during Oranje's victorious EURO ‘88 campaign was the Netherlands' first headed goal at a major finals. It was also the only one of the eight Dutch strikes in West Germany that was not finished or created by Marco van Basten.

Group D fixtures vs Austria (Düsseldorf, 17 June, 21:00) vs Netherlands (Leipzig, 21 June, 21:00) vs Poland (Dortmund, 25 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group B winners: P8 W7 D1 L0 F29 A3 Qualifying top scorer: Kylian Mbappé (9)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (1984, 2000) EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 5-4 on penalties to Switzerland (3-3 aet)

Coach: Didier Deschamps One of the most decorated figures in world football, Deschamps will be eager to get his hands on the one trophy that has evaded his clutches as a coach. He came agonisingly close in 2016, and that heartbreak should stoke the fire within this fierce competitor. A cool character and a measured communicator, the World Cup winner looks well placed to lead his side to glory.

Key player: Kylian Mbappé France boast an embarrassment of riches up front but the mercurial Parisian is a cut above the rest. At just 25, there's not much left for him to achieve in the game yet a EURO trophy is certainly one of those objectives. Destructive, powerful, omnipotent... the mere mention of Mbappé's name strikes fear into opponents. Since taking the armband following Hugo Lloris's retirement, the former Monaco youth has grown in stature and assumed responsibilities with aplomb. Expect him to challenge for both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament.

One to watch: Warren Zaïre-Emery A revelatory figure for Paris this season, Zaïre-Emery became, at 17, the youngest player to appear and score for France since 1914 when fielded against Gibraltar in November. Possessing physicality, professionalism and tactical maturity beyond his years, the Parisian could use this tournament as a springboard and become a fixture at the heart of the French midfield.

Did you know? France's Antoine Griezmann holds the record for most consecutive appearances in international football history, after featuring in 84 games between August 2017 and November 2023.

Group D fixtures vs Netherlands (Hamburg, 16 June, 15:00) vs Austria (Berlin, 21 June, 18:00) vs France (Dortmund, 25 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group E third place: P8 W3 D2 L3 F10 A10. Qualified via play-offs after beating Estonia and Wales Qualifying top scorer: Robert Lewandowski (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Quarter-finals (2016) EURO 2020: Group stage

Coach: Michał Probierz Probierz replaced Fernando Santos in September and steered his nation through the play-offs to ensure participation in his first major international tournament. Probierz spent his playing days in Poland and Germany, while his best coaching achievement in club football has been winning the Polish Cup with Jagiellonia Białystok and Cracovia.

Key player: Robert Lewandowski The captain, the player with the most caps and the all-time leading scorer by some distance, Lewandowski is Poland's talisman. One of the best strikers in world football of the past decade, the veteran will play his fourth EURO finals in familiar surroundings, following spells at Dortmund and Bayern.

One to watch: Jakub Piotrowski This has been the best season of Piotrowski's career. The 26-year-old has scored goals aplenty from defensive midfield, not only in the Bulgarian league for Ludogorets but in their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign. Blessed with a powerful long-range shot, Piotrowski has also delivered for Poland, scoring against Czechia in qualifying and against Estonia in the play-off semis.

Did you know? Poland have regularly appeared at World Cup finals yet did not qualify for their first EURO until 2008. Since then they have not missed a single edition of the tournament.

Group D fixtures vs France (Düsseldorf, 17 June, 21:00) vs Poland (Berlin, 21 June, 18:00) vs Netherlands (Berlin, 25 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group F runners-up: P8 W6 D1 L1 F17 A7 Qualifying top scorer: Marcel Sabitzer (4)

Pedigree EURO best: Round of 16 (2020) EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 2-1 aet to Italy

Coach: Ralf Rangnick Known as one of the godfathers of 'gegenpressing', Rangnick has left an indelible mark on modern football and Austria's current crop of players. No longer a side inhibited by a defensive mindset, Rangnick's charges have produced some eye-catching attacking performances. Belief is growing that Austria can make the knockout stage, like they did in 2021.

Key player: Marcel Sabitzer A devastating ACL injury to talismanic captain David Alaba means his contemporaries will have to shoulder more responsibility this summer. Chief among them is midfielder Sabitzer who, fresh from playing a key role in helping Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final, will hope to enjoy a similar fairy-tale run in Germany. Boasting tenacity, vision and an eye for goal from distance, Sabitzer is a vital cog in Rangnick's engine room.

One to watch: Nicolas Seiwald Praised by Rangnick for his qualities on and off the ball, EURO 2024 could be a breakout tournament for Seiwald, the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2022/23, who has been in and out of the Leipzig team this term. The knee injury suffered by Xaver Schlager was bittersweet for Seiwald, giving the 23-year-old more game time with Leipzig but costing him his partner-in-crime in the Austrian midfield.

Did you know? Christoph Baumgartner grabbed international headlines in March when he scored the fastest international goal of all time after just SIX seconds against Slovakia.

Group E fixtures vs Romania (Munich, 17 June, 15:00) vs Slovakia (Düsseldorf, 21 June, 15:00) vs Belgium (Stuttgart, 26 June, 18:00) Qualifying Group C third place: P8 W4 D2 L2 F11 A8. Qualified via play-offs after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland Qualifying top scorer: Viktor Tsygankov (3) Pedigree EURO best: Quarter-finals (2020) EURO 2020: Quarter-finals, lost 4-0 to England Coach: Serhiy Rebrov One of Ukraine's best-ever forwards, Rebrov formed a formidable partnership with Andriy Shevchenko in the late 1990s. He started his coaching journey at Dynamo Kyiv in 2014, winning the league and the Ukrainian Cup twice before taking charge of the national team during EURO 2024 qualifying, following successful spells in Saudi Arabia, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates. His side narrowly missed out on second place in Group C but got to Germany via the play-offs.

Key player: Illia Zabarnyi It may seem unusual to highlight a central defender in a team featuring La Liga's top scorer Artem Dovbyk and a slew of other talented attackers, but 21-year-old Zabarnyi anchors the side with his excellent anticipation and precise passing. Having gained Champions League experience at Dynamo Kyiv, he has enjoyed an outstanding 2023/24 in England with Bournemouth.

One to watch: Volodymyr Brazhko Not as well known as fellow youngsters Zabarnyi, Georgiy Sudakov and Mykhailo Mudryk, 22-year-old Brazhko has huge potential. The defensive midfielder reached double figures for goals and assists in the Ukrainian league with Dynamo Kyiv, and he proved his worth to the national team in the play-offs. Many expect the Under-21 captain to cement a starting place in Germany. Did you know? Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion in Ukraine, the national team played all of their nominal home matches abroad in qualifying: two in Poland and one each in Slovakia, Czechia and Germany.

Group E fixtures vs Belgium (Frankfurt, 17 June, 18:00) vs Ukraine (Düsseldorf, 21 June, 15:00) vs Romania (Frankfurt, 26 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group J runners-up: P10 W7 D1 L2 F17 A8 Qualifying top scorer: Lukáš Haraslín (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (as Czechoslovakia, 1976), round of 16 (as Slovakia, 2016) EURO 2020: Group stage

Coach: Francesco Calzona Calzona took the reins in August 2022, replacing Pavel Hapal. He started with a home stalemate against Luxembourg in EURO qualifying but has not looked back since, guiding Slovakia to victories in all their remaining games other than those against table-topping Portugal. Since February, he has combined the national team job with the head coach position at Napoli.

Key player: Milan Škriniar A strong-tackling centre-back and born leader on and off the pitch, Škriniar took the captain's armband following Marek Hamšík's retirement in 2022. An ankle injury forced him to miss the first three months of this year, but he returned for Paris Saint-Germain in April, well rested and champing at the bit. It was a welcome sight for Calzona – it's hard to imagine the Slovakia defence without Škriniar this summer.

One to watch: Leo Sauer A winger who scored on his Feyenoord debut aged 17 last August, Sauer became Slovakia's youngest-ever player in March when deployed off the bench in a friendly against Norway. Bratislava-born Sauer is one of the most promising players to emerge from Slovakia in recent times, a precocious talent already with big-tournament experience – as his nation's youngest player, naturally, at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

Did you know? EURO 2016 was Slovakia's first European Championship finals since the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Ján Kozák's team reached the round of 16, being eliminated by Germany.

Group E fixtures vs Slovakia (Frankfurt am Main, 17 June, 18:00) vs Romania (Cologne, 22 June, 21:00) vs Ukraine (Stuttgart, 26 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group F winners: P8 W6 D2 L0 F22 A4 Qualifying top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (14)

Pedigree EURO best: Final (1980) EURO 2020: Quarter-final, lost 2-1 to Italy

Coach: Domenico Tedesco Born in southern Italy, Tedesco played in the German lower divisions before moving into coaching. In 2017, as a 31-year-old, he took charge of German second-tier club Erzgebirge Aue, helping them avoid relegation. He later managed Schalke and Spartak Moscow before winning the German Cup and reaching the Europa League semi-finals with Leipzig. Now ready to take on his biggest challenge yet.

Key player: Kevin De Bruyne Blessed with extraordinary vision, laser-precise passing and goalscoring ability, De Bruyne is the creative linchpin of the Man City team that have dominated English football of late. Despite missing games through injury this term, De Bruyne nonetheless moved second in the list of Premier League assist providers both this season and all time. He is also among Belgium's top ten goalscorers historically, having represented his country at five major tournaments, including the last two EUROs.

One to watch: Johan Bakayoko Rated one of the best dribblers in Europe, the 21-year-old Bakayoko has been PSV Eindhoven's shining light in an astonishing Eredivisie-winning campaign. For Belgium, he has one goal and two assists, not to mention rising expectations from supporters who have seen Eden Hazard depart and are looking for that dynamic winger to drive them to glory.

Did you know? Since replacing Roberto Martínez, coach Tedesco is unbeaten in his first year directing the national team.

Group E fixtures vs Ukraine (Munich, 17 June, 15:00) vs Belgium (Cologne, 22 June, 21:00) vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, 26 June, 18:00)

Qualifying Group I winners: P10 W6 D4 L0 F16 A5 Qualifying top scorers: Nicolae Stanciu, Valentin Mihăilă, Denis Alibec (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Quarter-finals (2000) EURO 2020: Did not qualify

Coach: Edward Iordănescu Son of Anghel Iordănescu, Iordănescu Jr's Romania side came through qualifying unscathed to book their place at this EURO following an eight-year absence. Synonymous with a modern and meticulous approach to match preparation, Iordănescu's goal is to build an exciting new generation for the national team. He will strive to get the most out of his players in Germany and give the travelling Romania fans plenty to cheer about.

Key player: Nicolae Stanciu Stanciu is Romania's captain and one of just two players in the current squad with previous experience of a major international tournament. The 31-year-old is considered the talisman of the team and has the ability to be a real difference maker. Hugely popular among his team-mates, he will endeavour to lead his side through these finals with courage and confidence.

One to watch: Radu Drăgușin Drăgușin is Romania's leading light, having joined English Premier League club Tottenham in January. A totemic figure at the back despite being one of the younger players in the set-up, the 22-year-old is one of the country’s surest hopes of boasting a long-term superstar; EURO 2024 presents the ideal platform.

Did you know? Edward Iordănescu's father Anghel coached the team to the World Cup quarter-finals in 1994 – their best performance at a major championship.

Group F fixtures vs Czechia (Leipzig, 18 June, 21:00) vs Türkiye (Dortmund, 22 June, 18:00) vs Georgia (Gelsenkirchen, 26 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group J winners: P10 W10 D0 L0 F36 A2 Qualifying top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (10)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (2016) EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost 1-0 to Belgium

Coach: Roberto Martínez Fernando Santos's replacement has made an impressive start as Portugal boss, overseeing a perfect qualifying campaign for the EURO 2016 winners. The Spaniard has also won over fans and players by learning to communicate in excellent Portuguese. He has built a group that will form the core of his squad in Germany, while also introducing new tactical ideas in the hope of extracting the max from the preternaturally talented players at his disposal.

Key player: Bruno Fernandes Portugal, in truth, have two key players: Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. The Man United man registered six goals and eight assists in qualifying, and Martínez seems to know how to make him tick – mainly through his partnership with Silva. They are the team’s maestros, cleverly combining, setting the tempo and bringing the best out of the players around them.

One to watch: João Neves The 19-year-old is widely regarded as Portugal's latest wonderkid. According to Martínez, the teenager took just two days to earn the respect of the Portugal dressing room, something he had "never seen before" in his career. Neves is a complete midfielder who can pass, press and dictate the pace, displaying maturity and character that have not gone unnoticed by Portugal's more experienced stars.

Did you know? Cristiano Ronaldo is in line for his sixth EURO finals appearance. The 39-year-old holds the record for most goals (14) and appearances (25) at the tournament. João Neves was not even born when Ronaldo started to shine for the Seleção at EURO 2004.

Group F fixtures vs Portugal (Leipzig, 18 June, 21:00) vs Georgia (Hamburg, 22 June, 15:00) vs Türkiye (Hamburg, 26 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group E runners-up: P8 W4 D3 L1 F12 A6 Qualifying top scorers: Tomáš Souček, Václav Černý (3)

Pedigree EURO best: Winners (as Czechoslovakia, 1976), runners-up (as Czechia, 1996) EURO 2020: Quarter-finals, lost 2-1 to Denmark

Coach: Ivan Hašek A former central midfielder who captained Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup, Hašek won 56 caps, scoring five goals. He also lifted six league titles with Sparta Praha, later playing in France and Japan. His coaching career includes spells at Sparta as well as clubs in France, Japan and the Gulf States, along with the Gabon and Lebanon national teams. The 60-year-old wants his charges to play positive attacking football.

Key player: Patrik Schick Joint-top scorer at the last EURO, Schick is capable of scoring with either foot and with his head, and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He has plenty of experience and confidence, as demonstrated by his incredible long-distance strike against Scotland, which was voted Goal of the Tournament at EURO 2020. Schick will look to carry the momentum from his fantastic season with Bayer Leverkusen into these finals.

One to watch: Pavel Šulc The 23-year-old midfielder only made his senior international debut in March but is a hugely promising prospect. An agile and creative playmaker, he has scored regularly in the Czech league and was one of the key players in Viktoria Plzeň's run to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals. Hašek has labelled Šulc one of the future stars of his side.

Did you know? Czechia have won all three EURO penalty shoot-outs they have been involved in (including as Czechoslovakia). They have also converted all 20 spot kicks taken in those shoot-outs.

Group F fixtures vs Türkiye (Dortmund, 18 June, 18:00) vs Czechia (Hamburg, 22 June, 15:00) vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, 26 June, 21:00)

Qualifying 4th place in a Group A: P8 W2 D2 L4 F12 A18. Qualified via play-offs after beating Luxembourg and Greece Qualifying top scorer: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (4)

Pedigree EURO best: Debut

Coach:   Willy Sagnol   A multi-decorated player at club and international level, Sagnol takes a major step forward as a coach at this tournament. Using his enormous big-match experience, he found the right words to motivate his team for their qualifying play-offs. The 47-year-old has an air of authority and will give Georgia the confidence to travel to this EURO with a sense of ambition beyond merely being there.

Key player: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia The winger's acclaimed first season with 2022/23 Scudetto winners Napoli made Kvaratskhelia a role model for all his country's players. He reached double figures for goals in his second campaign too, at the vanguard of a group of Georgian players operating in top-five European leagues. One of the best dribblers in modern football, he plays as a left attacker for Napoli, but for Georgia often starts as a second striker with freedom to roam.

One to watch: Georges Mikautadze Georgia are far from being a one-man team. Alongside Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Sagnol can count on creative midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze from Watford and Karlsruher striker Budu Zivzivadze. But there is an extra sprinkling of stardust provided by French-born forward Mikautadze, who finished the season on loan at Metz from Ajax.

Did you know?   Georgia have qualified for the first time as an independent country, although three representatives of the nation won this competition's inaugural edition in 1960. That USSR team included Givi Chokheli, Mikhei Meskhi and Slava Metreveli, with Zaur Kaloev an unused substitute. Metreveli equalised in the final against Yugoslavia, also setting up the clinching goal. Overall, 11 Georgians have played at EUROs, including Murtaz Khurtsilava, Revaz Dzodzuashvili and Givi Nodia, runners-up in 1972, and Tengiz Sulakvelidze, likewise in 1988.

Group F fixtures vs Georgia (Dortmund, 18 June, 18:00) vs Portugal (Dortmund, 22 June, 18:00) vs Czechia (Hamburg, 26 June, 21:00)

Qualifying Group D winners: P8 W5 D2 L1 F14 A7 Qualifying top scorers: Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Cenk Tosun (2)

Pedigree EURO best: Semi-finals (2008) EURO 2020: Group stage Coach: Vincenzo Montella After two successful seasons in charge of Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super League, Montella was named national team coach with three EURO 2024 qualifying matches still to play, leading Türkiye to the finals with victories over Croatia and Latvia and a draw against Wales. Having helped Italy reach the EURO 2000 final as a player, Montella will make his first appearance as a coach at the European Championship.

Key player: Hakan Çalhanoğlu Türkiye captain and one of the squad’s most experienced players, Hakan helped Inter win Serie A in 2023/24 after losing out to Man City in the 2023 Champions League final. The midfielder is preparing for his third EURO and could play a key role with his set-piece expertise, strong link-up play and fighting spirit.

One to watch: Arda Güler A precociously talented graduate of Fenerbahçe's youth academy, Güler joined Spanish giants Real Madrid at the beginning of the 2023/24 season. Born in 2005, the tournament debutant is poised to become one of EURO 2024's most exciting players thanks to his creativity, exquisite dribbling, vision and eye for goal.

Did you know? Türkiye were in the same group as Portugal and Czechia at EURO 2008. They defeated the latter in their final group matches in both 2008 and 2016, triumphing 3-2 and 2-0 respectively.

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