Things to do in Scandinavia
This vast region in Northern Europe includes 5 different countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. From fjords, endless forests and lakes to beautiful cities, Scandinavia surely has a lot to offer to any traveller. Let’s see what there is to experience there.
Visit Stockholm
The Swedish capital is Scandinavia’s largest city and according to many, the most beautiful one. Its neat and colorful houses, elaborate steeples, waterways and charming old district (Gamla Stan) will please the urban tourist. Stockholm is also known as a great clubbing destination.
Drive the Ring road in Iceland
Iceland is highly ranked on most travellers’ bucket list and for a good reason. The land of fire and ice is just stunning. Ok it rains a lot, but it doesn’t matter! For a unique 8-days itinerary, have a look at http://www.
Lofoten Islands
In northwest Norway, these islands are not the easiest to access. But you should definitely spend a few days here (or a few weeks!). Rugged mountain peaks plunging in the ocean, empty beaches of white sand and turquoise water (if it wasn’t so cold you could almost imagine yourself in the Caribbean islands), small fishing villages, flocks of sheep peacefully grazing in the greenest grass you’ve ever seen … that’s what Lofoten Islands are about. Try to visit most of them, all the way to the last village of Å i Lofoten.
Experience new Nordic cuisine
All Scandinavian capital cities have great restaurants to get a taste of new Nordic cuisine, very refined but still totally down-to-earth. If you manage to get a table (it ain’t easy…) go for the best of the best at Noma in Copenhagen. To get a glimpse of what it’s about: http://www.thepickytraveller.
See the fjords in Norway
Like Iceland, the Norwegian fjords are on many travellers’ bucket list and like in Iceland, it rains a lot there… But the fjords are gorgeous and the weather very changing, so you may be even able to actually see some sunlight if you are lucky. The most magnificent fjords are located in a zone roughly stretching out from Stavanger in the south to Trondheim in the north: Lysefjorden (that’s where the famous Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock is), Hardangerfjorden, Nærøyfjorden (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sognefjorden and the ultra-popular Geirangerfjorden.
Visit Finnish Lapland
Welcome to wilderness! Finland’s northernmost part is any nature lover’s paradise. A true winter wonderland from November to April and a special region of the world where the sun doesn’t set at all from May to August. In winter you can put your snowshoes on and hike, ski (both cross-country and downhill), go on unforgettable snowmobile safaris and chase the amazing northern lights. Summertime offers incredible hiking possibilities, surrounded by untouched nature and reindeers.
Also Read: Must-See Places to visit in Scandinavia
