20 Places to Visit in Scandinavia

According to the official definition, Scandinavia consists only of the countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in a peninsular region rich in contrasts, breathtaking landscapes, modern and elegant cities and high quality of life.

The respective capitals of Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen are the epitome of an urban style rich in design, services and green spaces where cultural events, internationally renowned restaurants and open-air activities in close contact with nature such as the exciting spectacle of the Northern Lights are enhanced.

An open and aware society, an ancient culture full of legends and mysteries, and a deep respect for the natural environment characterise the life, traditions and landscapes of these fascinating Nordic countries.

An increasing number of travellers come here from all over the world to explore some of the world's most impressive natural landscapes and immerse themselves in a high quality lifestyle.

A region so extensive and full of attractions and sights that it is difficult to explore in one trip or in a short time, so we have tried to select some of the possible activities and destinations not to be missed when visiting Scandinavia.

20 Places to Visit in Scandinavia

• Stockholm Archipelago

• Stockholm and Djurgården

• Gothenburg

• Kosterhavet

• Gotland

• Copenhagen

• Rbjerg Mile and Rubjerg Knude

• Gudhjem

• Aarhus

• Funen Island

• Billund

• Skagen

• Atlantic Road

• Flåm

• Lofoten Islands

• Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

• Preikestolen

• Oslo

• Bergen

Stockholm archipelago

Sweden's largest archipelago stretches off the coast of Stockholm in the Baltic Sea with tens of thousands of tiny islands that are a popular summer holiday destination.

Sailing on the waters of the archipelago means discovering typical red wooden houses, colonies of seagulls, ancient Viking graves and nature trails for cycling. In addition, the islands are home to numerous farms selling strictly organic local food.

Stockholm and Djurgården

Sweden's vibrant capital is a cosmopolitan, photogenic, stylish, colourful and ultra-modern city with a fascinating mix of ancient history and tradition, modern comforts and picturesque landscapes with countless green spaces to explore on foot or by bicycle.

The city is spread over an archipelago of 14 islands distributed where the blue waters of Lake Mälaren meet those of the Baltic Sea with 57 bridges connecting them. One of the best known and most popular is Djurgarden, dotted with parks such as Galärparken, the Rosendal palace and garden with events and activities that attract a large number of visitors each year and the Vasa museum, the most visited in Scandinavia.

Gothenburg

The country's second largest city offers its visitors glimpses of neoclassical architecture along its picturesque streets and elegant canals. Here you will find a charming industrial harbour and an old town full of tree-lined parks such as Slottsskogen and Kiellers parks, botanical gardens, museums such as the natural history museum, boutiques, street food, renowned saunas, a lively fish market and clubs frequented by university students.

Also not to be missed is a cruise between the islands of the archipelago and a visit to the Liseberg amusement park.

Kosterhavet

From Gothenburg, you can also reach Sweden's first national marine park on the Koster Islands, an ideal place for outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving and seal spotting on pristine beaches illuminated by fascinating natural light that bathes everything in an atmospheric atmosphere.

Gotland

Gotland is Sweden's largest island in the Baltic Sea, reached by a three-hour ferry ride from the mainland. Known as a holiday destination for Swedes for its sandy beaches and dense forests ideal for hiking and cycling, it boasts natural landscapes dotted with crystal-clear lakes, rock formations, spectacular caves and pretty rural or fishing villages.

The largest resort is the village of Visby, a historical UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets, wooden buildings, impressive medieval walls and numerous Viking-era ruins.

Copenhagen

The fairytale city of Copenhagen can only be the first stop on our trip to Denmark. Simply hop on a bike and pedal along the many cycle paths that cover its entire territory to discover the beauty of a capital city rich in culture, top design, royal palaces such as the Amalienborg Palace, pastel-coloured houses and world-famous restaurants.

Copenhagen is a compact and stylish city, with impressive architecture that combines a centuries-old past with an eye on the future. A boat tour of its canals, having fun in the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and photographing the colourful canal-side buildings at Nyhavn are just some of the many activities to enjoy in this fantastic city.

Rbjerg Mile and Rubjerg Knude

The impressive expanse of sand of the Råbjerg Mile is the closest thing to a desert in Scandinavia. It is a vast sandy expanse buffeted by strong winds that stretches 20 metres further every year with dunes reaching considerable heights.

The old lighthouse at Rubjurg Knude is the last bastion that resists the encroachment of sand and provides a striking view.

Gudhjem and Aarhus

Perched on rocks above the Baltic Sea, the town of Gudhjem is considered Denmark's only mountain town because it is in the Bokul mountain range. Sights to see here include beautiful white cliffs, lush forests and pristine beaches on its slopes, rooftop views and the city harbour, as well as a characteristic windmill.

Denmark's second largest city Aarhus, on the other hand, lies on the Jutland peninsula, close to the coast and close to stunning fjords and green forests.

Here you can stroll through the pretty old town with its traditional Danish architecture and spoil a meal in one of its renowned starred restaurants.

Funen Island

The birthplace of one of Denmark's best-known and best-loved authors, Hans Christian Andersen, the island of Funen is the second largest in the country and boasts rolling hills, orchards and hedgerows, and half-timbered or thatched houses.

The old cobbled town of Odense, where the famous author was born, houses the museum dedicated to him, part of which is located in the house where he was born.

Castles of Denmark

Denmark also boasts an incredible variety of ancient castles. Copenhagen's Amalienborg in classic rococo style is the winter residence of royalty, while the spectacular Gekov Castle on the island of Funen is set in a picturesque park with many other attractions and is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe.

Billund

A must for anyone visiting Denmark with children in tow is the popular city of Billund also known as Legoland because of its famous theme park where everything is designed and built with thousands of colourful bricks. A true paradise of fun for young and old.

Skagen

Skagen is located at the northernmost tip of Denmark and offers the unique opportunity to travel to the point where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet to enjoy the spectacle from its white sandy beaches. Characteristic yellow houses with red roofs, several art galleries, harbour restaurants, ice cream parlours and museums characterise the urban area. Also not to be missed are the sand dunes of Råbjerg Mile, the sand-covered church and the Skagen lighthouse

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Atlantic Road

We begin our journey of discovery of Norway's most beautiful destinations by taking the scenic Atlantic Highway, which runs along an archipelago of islands on the country's west coast.

The road connects the islands with a series of hairpin bends, eight bridges and several viaducts that cut through natural landscapes between sea and land with views of rare beauty that allow you to enjoy the wonders of local nature on the road.

Flåm

The small, quaint village of Flåm lies in the heart of the West Fjords, between majestic mountains and impressive waterfalls such as Brekkkefossen. This location is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area with a fjord cruise or by boarding the famous Flåm Railway, considered to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world thanks to a route that winds through spectacular fjords and mountains, waterfalls and rushing rivers that cross ravines, spiral tunnels and steep ascents for an adventurous and unforgettable journey.

Lofoten Islands

Not easy to reach but well worth a visit are the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago within the Arctic Circle that boasts astonishing natural landscapes with imposing mountains, craggy coastlines, pristine waterways and picturesque, colourful fishing villages illuminated by the Arctic light during the day or the Northern Lights at night, which cloak everything in a unique atmosphere.

Here you can visit the main port village of Svolvær, go birdwatching, sail the icy waters off Unstad, or take a midnight kayak trip with the sun as a backdrop.

The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are considered among the most beautiful fjords in Norway and the world, so much so that they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides, the Geirangerfjord is adorned with impressive waterfalls and some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world.

Here you can spend a day cruising on calm waters, gazing at the sheer mountain ridges and admiring powerful waterfalls, such as the iconic Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil.

Preikestolen

Its name translated literally means rock pulpit and it is undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations in Norway. Preikestolen is an impressive rock formation and Norway's most famous vantage point with a sheer cliff 600 metres above sea level.

To admire it, you can take a boat trip along the fjords that surround it or climb to the summit on a hike of about four to five hours round trip.

The reward is the unique view from its flat top that looms over the blue glacial waters of the Lysefjord.

Oslo and Bergen

Besides such scenic beauty, travelling in Norway also means visiting its fascinating cities, starting with the capital Oslo. Here, nature blends with urban structures with hills and mountains framing a metropolitan fabric full of vibrant cultural life with world-famous museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Viking Ship Museum. Oslo is also the embarkation point for cruises along the fjords, between islands and coastlines dotted with colourful houses and the medieval castle of Akershus.

Bergen, the country's second largest city is a place of cultural, historical and natural wonders. Nicknamed the 'Gateway to the Fjords', it is positioned on the south coast as a fishing village with colourful wooden houses, restaurants and fashionable shops lining the quays of Bryggen, an old pier that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its lively fish market, scenic funicular railway up Mount Fløyen and spectacular Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord make it one of Norway's most attractive destinations.

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