When Europe is mentioned, most people think of France, Italy, and Germany. Although Scandinavia goes unseen, it’s an amazing destination with a plethora of places to visit.
In fact, it consists of three different countries! Although they might seem similar at first, the differences between their cultures are drastic. Are you ready to explore the vast Scandinavian community?
Denmark
Denmark is a relatively small country, and you can tour it in under a week. Renting a car and going on a road trip is a great way to see all the landscapes and landmarks there. First, visit the iconic capital – Copenhagen – and take photos of the stunning architecture. Watch it mix with extensive history and eco-friendly culture. Nyhavn, Christiania, and Amalie Garden are must-see.
You probably read Hans Christian Andersen’s incredible fairytales as a kid. Now, it’s time to see where the genius was born. Odense is a small Danish city that boasts cozy old streets, outstanding museums, and countless paths for avid cyclists.
If you’re looking for a little patch of Berlin in Scandinavia, Aarhus will be up your alley. The central part of the city is a social hub for the young and free, with residents sporting experimental fashion styles and starting small businesses on-site. Head out to the old city once you need a little rest. Then, travel to Skagen and watch the Skagerrak and Kattegt sea meet.
Norway
Norway is a huge country, unlike Denmark. So, you might want to take your time exploring it or opt to fly from destination to destination. Oslo is one of the richest in terms of history and culture. MUNCH and the National Museum, two of the biggest museums in Europe, are located here. Additionally, art and history lovers should take a look at:
- Maritime Museum,
- Viking Museum,
- The Royal Palace,
- Akershus Fortress.
Tromsø is truly unique. You can experience the midnight sun during the summer – it’s never fully dark there! That’s an excellent chance to walk around 24/7. You can also see the Northern Lights at the Floya Mountain. Don’t skip on the Arctic Cathedral and Southern Beach.
When in Svalbard, go to Longyearbyen. Here, you will find a list of comfortable hotels, a local brewery, and a ton of restaurants with delicious food. Wine lovers will enjoy exploring a huge wine cellar. Svalbard Museum, Pyramiden, and Barentsburg are worth seeing.
Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city. Yet it has charm and a list of loving nicknames, such as “the heart of the fjords.” Bergen’s tourist destinations include the Bergenhus Fortress, Bergen Art Museum, and Nordnes Park.
Sweden
Swedish culture has historically endured some push and pull but has resurfaced once more in the last few years. You can experience a mix of European influence and true Swedish traditions by traveling across the country. For example, Gothenburg will welcome you with Dutch-style canals, modern music festivals, and a gorgeous Kosterhavets National Park.
Stockholm, on the other hand, will have you diving into the country’s history with its art and culture museums scattered across the city. Visit Uppsala, Drottninggatan and Klarabergsgatan, too.
If you’re looking for some iconic Arctic sights, go to Lapland and watch the Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, or Polar Night from the comfort of your porch. Then, get a ride to Malmø – a perfect mix of a cosmopolitan city and an old town. Sit down at the local restaurant and grab a bite, whether it’s a Swedish dish or a simple pizza.
Additional Traveling Tips
Mobile Connection
When going to Scandinavia, make sure you still have a good mobile connection. Tourists who want to go trekking and hiking should always invest in a reliable mobile plan in case of an emergency. Thankfully, days of looking for a SIM card in the airport are long gone. Now, you can research your variants and find an eSIM from platforms like esimgeek right before your trip. An eSIM is quick to install, has a better connection, and will be convenient during any adventure.
Transportation
Planning to see the rural Scandinavia first? Rent a car for maximum convenience, especially during a Denmark trip. It’s not an issue if you can’t drive, though. Scandinavian public transport is extremely progressive and dependable. Trains and buses arrive on time and will take you anywhere in the countries mentioned above. For faster and more straightforward options, book a flight.
Packing
Scandinavian countries are known for being cold, so packing will always include a warm sweater – yes, even in summer. Everything else depends on your plans and timing. Want to go hiking? Grab a pair of high-quality hiking boots with good traction since most paths are slippery. Any other gear, like skis and suits, can be rented on-site.
Safety
Scandinavia is constantly praised for being one of the safest tourist destinations on the planet. Most tourists won’t have any problems as they move through their itinerary. Still, some things should be mentioned.
- First of all, you should take care of your online safety regardless of the destination. Criminals can easily steal your banking information, addresses, and family members’ names and hack into your personal accounts online. Use a VPN any time you connect to a public Wi-Fi network to protect your sensitive information from thieves. As a bonus, you can even get cheaper flight tickets with a VPN.
- Secondly, make sure you’re exploring Scandinavian nature safely. Check the forecast before going trekking, camping, or skiing. Not all tourists understand how severe the weather could get in Scandinavia! So, don’t embark on a journey thinking you can take anything coming your way.
Pick trails that are suitable for your level, and never go alone. Better yet, find a reputable guide to lead you, especially if you’re new to the destination. If needed, call the search and rescue lines for help. Invest in good travel insurance that can cover the emergency costs, too.
- Even if you’re traveling in company, let someone at home know your whole itinerary. Share your location in real-time if needed, and send them updates every few hours. Let them know that they should contact the authorities if you go offline. That way, your safety will be secured.
Scandinavia is like heaven on Earth. It’s full of naturalistic wonders, impeccable art, outstanding architecture, small-town coziness, and cosmopolitan fun—all in one package. Enjoy your travel!
