Scandinavia
Where are the best places in Scandinavia?
Click each for more information.
Stockholm
Urban beauty, archipelago, vibrant culture.
Norwegian Fjords
Spectacular cliffs, whales, majestic beauty.
Lofoten Islands
Dramatic scenery, fishing villages, aurora views.
Copenhagen
Charming canals, colorful city, hygge spirit.
Bergen & West
Historic port, gateway to fjords, picturesque.
Lapland
Arctic wild, Sami culture, northern lights.
Southern Sweden
Rolling countryside, historic towns, coastal charm.
Oslo
Modern art, green spaces, fjord backdrop.
Nordic Splendors & Urban Charms
Embark on a journey through Scandinavia, a region famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant city life. In Stockholm, discover a city where modern urbanity meets rich history on the shores of the Baltic Sea. LuxeAway guides you through the majestic Norwegian Fjords and the dramatic landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, epitomes of Nordic wilderness. Experience the cultural heartbeat of Copenhagen and Oslo, cities renowned for their design, gastronomy, and livability. The western regions of Bergen offer a gateway to fjord adventures, while Southern Sweden captivates with its lush forests and coastal charm. With LuxeAway, enjoy a harmonious blend of luxury and adventure, meticulously planning each detail ensuring your journey through Scandinavia is as enchanting as the lands themselves.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden's capital, spread across 14 islands, known for its colorful old town (Gamla Stan), innovative design, and vibrant waterfront ambience.
Unique Activity: Exploring the historic Gamla Stan and enjoying a boat tour through the archipelago.
Ideal for: Urban explorers, history buffs, and design enthusiasts.
Local Delicacy: Swedish meatballs, herring, and cinnamon buns.
Norwegian Fjords
A natural wonder of deep blue waters, steep cliffs, and picturesque villages, offering some of the most stunning landscapes in Scandinavia.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
Unique Activity: Cruising through fjords like Sognefjord, hiking for panoramic views, and visiting fjord-side villages.
Note: The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
A group of islands in the Norwegian Sea, known for their dramatic peaks, sheltered bays, and traditional fishing villages.
Ideal for: Adventure travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Unique Activity: Exploring the traditional fishing villages, kayaking, and experiencing the midnight sun / northern lights.
Note: The Lofoten Islands offer a unique Arctic lifestyle and culture, with stunning natural beauty.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark's capital, characterized by its colorful harbor, cycling culture, innovative design, and high quality of life.
Ideal for: Urban explorers, design lovers, and foodies.
Unique Activity: Biking around the city, visiting Tivoli Gardens, exploring the design museums.
Local Delicacy: Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and Danish pastries.
Bergen & Western Norway
Known for its stunning fjords, mountains, and coastal beauty, Bergen is a historic city surrounded by nature’s spectacular scenery.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, hikers, and history buffs.
Unique Activity: Exploring Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, taking fjord cruises, and hiking trails like Mount Fløyen.
Note: The region's weather is notoriously unpredictable, so be prepared for rain.
Lapland
Spanning across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, Lapland is famed for its Arctic landscapes, Sami culture, and Northern Lights.
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photographers, and those interested in indigenous cultures.
Unique Activity: Experiencing the Northern Lights, reindeer sledding, and visiting Sami villages.
Note: Winter (December to March) is the best time for snow activities and aurora viewing.
Southern Sweden
A region known for its lush forests, picturesque coastlines, and rich cultural history, including the vibrant city of Malmö.
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, culture and history lovers, and family travelers.
Unique Activity: Exploring the Österlen region, visiting the historic city of Lund, and enjoying the beaches of Skåne.
Note: Southern Sweden is more temperate than the north and offers diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
Oslo, Norway
Norway's capital, set on the Oslofjord, known for its green spaces, museums, and burgeoning art scene.
Ideal for: Urban explorers, art and history enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Unique Activity: Visiting the Viking Ship Museum, exploring Frogner Park, and enjoying the vibrant waterfront area.
Local Delicacy: Try the Norwegian waffles and seafood.
Special times and unique experiences in Scandinavia
Northern Lights
Sept. - April
Witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis in Tromsø and Abisko's dark winter skies, a stunning spectacle.
Dog Sledding
Embark on an authentic dog sledding adventure, experiencing the Sami culture and Arctic wilderness.
Dec. - March
Bergen & Flåm Railway
May - Sept.
Journey along the Bergen and Flåm Railways, showcasing Norway’s dramatic fjords and majestic landscapes.
Nigardsbreen Glacier Hike
June - Sept.
Hike the striking Nigardsbreen Glacier, a part of the Jostedalsbreen glacier, for a surreal adventure.
Svalbard Polar Bears
June - Sept.
Embark on an Arctic adventure to Svalbard to observe majestic polar bears in their natural habitat.
Visit Santa's Village
Winter
Explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi for a magical Arctic experience with Santa and reindeer.
Thermal Sauna
Dec. - Feb.
Relish the warmth and wellness of traditional Scandinavian saunas, set in serene and snowy landscapes.
Midnight Sun
July - August
Bask in the endless daylight during summer in Scandinavia, perfect for extended exploration and activities.
Useful Information for Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Scandinavia?
The best time to visit Scandinavia is from June to August when the weather is warm and days are long, ideal for outdoor activities and experiencing the midnight sun. Winter, from December to March, is perfect for snow sports and viewing the Northern Lights. Spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer tourists, suitable for those seeking a quieter visit.
Which Scandinavian airports have direct flights from the US?
Several Scandinavian airports offer direct flights from the United States. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark serves as a major hub with connections from cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) in Sweden also provides direct flights from New York, Chicago, and Newark. Oslo Airport (OSL) in Norway features regular direct flights from New York and seasonal services from other U.S. cities. These airports make accessing Scandinavia relatively straightforward for travelers from the US.
Do I need a visa to visit the countries in Scandinavia?
US citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the countries within Scandinavia, up to 90 days. However, a valid starting sometime in 2025, an ETIAS authorization will be necessary for Americans visiting the Schengen Area, including Iceland. We're happy to help with this. More info here.
How many days should I spend on vacation in Scandinavia?
A good length would be around 10 to 14 days. This allows you to explore a few key cities and attractions in each country in two or three of the countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) without feeling rushed. If you're focusing on just one or two countries, you might adjust this duration accordingly.
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