I love the Nordic countries, and I´ve been lucky to visit all of them -except for Finland – various times over the years be it on a solo travel, with friends, on a work trip or with our family campervan. These destinations have so much to offer that I thought it would be a good idea to do a recap of all those trips. In this Nordic countries travel guide you will find the top things to do in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden. At the end of this post, I’ve also included a map so you can easily pinpoint all the locations mentioned here.

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In case you´ll be exploring any of the Nordic countries covered here, I strongly suggest you use this comprehensive Scandinavia travel guidebook by Lonely Planet to plan your stay and make the most out of it.

Nordic countries vs Scandinavia: the land of Vikings

But first things first, let´s start with the basics. What are the Nordic countries? What is Scandinavia? And what´s the difference between both terms?

While Scandinavian countries consist only of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the Nordic countries encompass Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and the autonomous region of Åland. So, in short, the term Nordic is much broader and extends beyond the Scandinavian peninsula.

The Nordic countries are a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe located in the North Atlantic Ocean. This was the land of the brave Vikings, who believed in the fascinating stories about the Norse gods that were part of Scandinavian mythology. A few key mythological figures who were deeply important to the Vikings included Freyr (the god of fertility and prosperity), Loki (the clever trickster), Odin (the wise leader of the gods) or Thor (the mighty protector with his hammer). Vikings believed that brave warriors who died in battle would be welcomed into Valhalla, Odin’s great hall. Nowadays, these myths are still popular, keeping the legendary Nordic tales alive for new generations.

In other news, you may be wondering when is the best time to visit the Nordic countries. I would say that it really depends on what you want to experience, as each season offers something unique. Summer (June to August) is certainly the most popular time, with long daylight hours, warm weather, and vibrant festivals like Midsummer in Sweden or Norway’s Fjord Cruises. It’s ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring nature, but expect larger crowds and higher prices. The fall season (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, along with stunning fall foliage, especially in Finland and Norway. Winter (December to February) transforms the region into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, dog sledding, and viewing the magical Northern Lights, though the cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours can be challenging. Last but not least, spring (March to May) offers a mix of blooming landscapes, moderate weather, and fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore cities like Copenhagen or Stockholm. In sum, each season has its charm, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities.

By the way, here are some of my favorite products when I’m heading to winter destinations:

Should you be looking for some Nordic inspiration to better understand the region before traveling to the Nordic countries, I suggest you check out the following resources:

• Books: Millennium, Pippy Longstocking, Puck.
• Movies & series: Caliphate, Midsommar, Millennium, The Danish Girl, The Northman, Thor, Valhalla, Vikings.
• Music: listen to my Nordic vibes Spotify playlist to feel like you´re literally travelling across these northern European countries!
• Nordic design (clothing, furniture and manufacturing): Acne Studios, Artek, Bang & Olufsen, Ikea, Hay, H&M, Jysk, Lego, Pandora.

Best places to visit: my Nordic countries travel guide

After having visited all the Nordic countries except for Finland, I thought it would be helpful to put together a comprehensive post covering the best things to do in the main cities of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

For your ease of reference, I´ve sorted the information by country. At the end of each section, you can browse the posts regarding that particular Nordic destination.

Are you ready to embark on this travel adventure?

Denmark 🇩🇰

The first Nordic country on our list is Denmark. Bordering with Germany to the south, Sweden to the east, and Norway to the north, this destination might be small but it has quite a potential!

Among many other things, Denmark is famous for its trendy capital (Copenhagen) and the LEGO toys.

Wondering what to do in Denmark? In addition to discovering the Danish capital, I recommend you also consider including the following cities as part of your itinerary.

Aalborg

First in my suggested list of five cities in Denmark worth visiting, comes Aalborg. Located in the northern part of Denmark, this city is known for its Carnival taking place in May every year. I visited back in 2012 while one of my hometown friends was in nearby Horsens during his Erasmus semester and we had a blast!

Aarhus

Aarhus is the second main city in Denmark in terms of population, being home to over 300.000 residents. Located on the eastern shore of the Jutland peninsula, make sure to visit the Aarhus cathedral (also known as Saint Clement’s Church), the surrounding colorful old town (the idyllic Møllestien lane pictured here is a must), the Botanic Garden, Marselisborg Deer Park and various museums (such as Den Gamle By – open air museum-, the Viking Museum or the Contemporary Art Museum – ARoS).

Billund

If you’re traveling with kids to Denmark (like we did during our campervan trip back in 2003), make sure to include this city as part of your itinerary. At first, it might seem that Billund is just your average kind of Danish town, but you’ll be amazed to find out that this is where the worldwide Lego toys originated from. The main attractions here are of course amusement parks built around this theme: Legoland and Lalandia (Scandinavia’s biggest waterpark). Enjoy!

Copenhagen

If it´s your first time in Denmark, I would suggest that you start exploring the capital of the country: Copenhagen (or København in Danish). After visiting the city various times over the years, these are my top 10 things to do in Copenhagen:

• Buy a piece of trendy Danish design 🪑
• Experience the changing of the Royal Guard 👑
• Get a selfie with the Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️
• Go shopping along Strøget 🛍
• Have fun at Tivoli 🎡
• Ride a bike to explore the city 🚲
• Set yourself 🆓 in Christiania
• Taste the Danish cuisine 🍽
• Visit the Royal Palaces located in Copenhagen 🏰
• Walk around the colorful Nyhavn 🧡

Odense

Coming as the third largest city of the country, Odense is situated on the island of Fyn (spelled as Funen in Danish). This town is famous for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the reputed fairytale writer of beloved characters such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling or Thumbelina.

It comes as no surprise that some of the main attractions in Odense are Andersen’s childhood home and Museum. In addition to those, you may want to stroll around the Old Town and Harbour, visit Egeskov Castle, the Funen open-air village (Den Fynske Landsby) or the zoo.

Browse all my Denmark resources!

Denmark destination page

5 cities in Denmark worth visiting

10 things to do in Copenhagen (+ map)

Finland 🇫🇮

The only Nordic country I still haven´t visited is Finland, but it´s definitely on my travel bucket list. This European nation borders Norway, Russia and Sweden.

Finland is a land of captivating contrasts, offering a wide range of attractions across its cities and natural landscapes for any traveler. Visitors can explore the country during any time of the year, but it seems like the winter season is particularly magical. I can´t wait to explore it soon!

Based on my research, these are some of the best things you can do in Finland:

Finnish Lakeland

This eastern region offers tranquil escapes with lake cruises, fishing, and traditional sauna experiences amidst pristine natural beauty. Swimming in these lakes (in the summer time, of course 🙂 ) must be a dream come true!

Helsinki

The capital of Finland occupies a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include the 18th-century sea fortress Suomenlinna, the fashionable Design District, vibrant market squares and diverse museums, not to mention some iconic religious buildings such as the Helsinki Cathedral, the Temppeliaukio Church or the Uspenski Cathedral.

Rovaniemi

Heading further north from Helsinki, you´ll reach the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Here, travelers can experience the magic of the Santa Claus Village, enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, and marvel at the Northern Lights in this Arctic wonderland boasting vast wilderness in its national parks and ski resorts. 

Tampere

Known for its industrial heritage, this city north of Helsinki charms visitors with cultural attractions such as theaters, museums, and its scenic lakeside setting.

Turku

Lying west of Helsinki, this is Finland’s oldest city. The medieval Turku Castle and the lively riverside area feature among the main highlights.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Finland!

Icebreaker Cruise and Ice floating in the Arctic Sea from Rovaniemi

Magical Taiga Forest Hike in Liesjärvi National Park from Helsinki

Northern Lights Chase via Minivan from Levi

Self-Drive Husky Safari near Urho Kekkonen National Park from Saariselkä

Snowmobiling Excursion with Arctic Animals and Santa’s Village Visit in Rovaniemi

Iceland 🇮🇸

Coming up third on our list of Nordic countries, Iceland lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between northern Europe and North America. This freezing destination full of natural wonders will take your breath away. From imposing waterfalls and glaciers to mythical trolls, Iceland has it all!

My Iceland trip took place in January 2016 with a few friends from Washington DC, when we did a 4-day itinerary across this fascinating land of ice and fire. Keep on reading to learn what to do in Iceland.

Golden Circle

The iconic Golden Circle is an itinerary of approximately 300 kilometers taking you around Iceland’s three most popular natural attractions: Þingvellir National Park (one of the most important historical sites in the country), the Geysir geothermal area (including the biggest one called Strokkur; beware of the stinky sulfur smell though!) and Gullfoss waterfall.

Icelandic southern coast

When we explored the southern coast of Iceland during our 4-day trip, we stopped in the following locations: Diamond beach (definitely a must thing to do in Iceland!), Fjallsárlón glacier (an imposing iceberg-filled lagoon), Hekla volcano, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (waterfalls with ice all around them), and the city of Vik.

If you travel the same route, expect deserted snowy landscapes with no one in sight, except for the occasional tiny Icelandic horses.

Northern Lights

Iceland is a popular destination when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis. In our experience during the 4-day trip, we were lucky to (kind of) see them thanks to the tour organized by the hotel the first night we arrived.

A lot depends on the weather conditions: since Northern Lights require dark and partly clear skies, make sure to check the trustful weather forecast by the Icelandic Met Office website in advance to ensure ideal conditions for capturing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Winter is typically the best season for aurora viewing given the shortage of daylight and the long dark hours. 

If you’re into photography, pack your camera as you will obtain better quality shots than with a regular phone. I was actually surprised that the Northern Lights were difficult to spot with a naked eye! At least where we were, around the Þingvellir National Park.

Reykjavik

The capital city of Reykjavik, located on the western part of the country, is home to around 120.000 inhabitants (about a third of Iceland’s total population).

You can easily walk around town and sightsee it in half a day. Below is a list with some of the best things to do in Reykjavik:

• Austurvöllur: square in the heart of Reykjavik encompassing many public buildings such as lþingishúsið (the Parliament House) or Dómkirkjan (the city’s oldest church).
• Hallgrímskirkja: this church is worth visiting because of its remarkable architecture. Make sure to head to the tower for stunning views.
• Harbor or old harbour: this was the birthplace of Reykjavik, the city having grown around it over time. In case you’re interested in whale or puffin watching, this is your port of departure. You can stop by the nearby indoor Kolaportið flea market too.
• Harpa: distinctive building housing a concert hall and a conference centre.
• Laugavegur: this is the main commercial street, around which most restaurants and shops concentrate.
• Last but not least, the National Museum of Iceland is a good way to learn about the country’s history and traditions.

The Blue Lagoon

Located a short drive from Keflavik airport and 50 mins away from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Iceland. This natural wonder features geothermal seawater. In a country where the weather is usually freezing cold, enjoying these warm healing waters translates into pure happiness. In addition to the lagoon itself, the facilities include two hotels, various restaurants, a retreat spa and a shop to take your favorite skincare products back home.

Filled with hot springs throughout the country, Iceland is a natural paradise. The Blue Lagoon may be the most popular, but there are many others (Hrunalaug, Reykjadalur or Secret Lagoon). Remember to pack a bathing suit!

Check out all my Iceland posts!

Iceland destination page

What to do in Iceland in 4 days

8 things to do in Iceland

Norway 🇳🇴

Bordering with Sweden to the east and with Denmark to the south, Norway offers a diverse array of attractions across its cities and regions. Whether it’s vibrant city culture or dramatic natural beauty thanks to its imposing fjords, Norway has something for everyone.

During our family road trip throughout some of the Nordic countries in the summer of 2003, we reached our northernmost destination of that campervan adventure: Norway. Back then, we only stopped in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, as well as in nearby Holmenkollen, a ski-jumping hill area that hosted the Nordic skiing competition during the 1952 Winter Olympics and that features panoramic views of the fjord.

I can´t wait to go back to Norway to explore more of what this Nordic country has to offer, including the iconic Lofoten Islands, the remote Svalbard archipelago or the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. In the meantime, below you´ll find some of the best things to do in Norway.

Bergen

Bergen is the gateway to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords and the second largest city in the country after Oslo. When visiting this destination, you can´t miss the picturesque cobblestone streets in the colorful Bryggen wharf, the KODE art museum or the panoramic views from Mount Fløyen.

Oslo

Sitting on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo is the capital of Norway and its main city.

Some of the best things to do in Oslo include the historic Akershus Fortress, the sleek Oslo Opera House, the Royal Palace and various museums such as Munch, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Vigeland Park, or the Viking Ship Museum. Don´t forget to also explore the surrounding fjords if you have time!

Stavanger

Located in the Norwegian southwest, the city of Stavanger is famous for its beautiful port and historic old town known as Gamle Stavanger. Some other highlights in Stavanger include the 12th century Cathedral or various museums such as the Stavanger Museum or the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.

The Instagrammable Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) near Stavanger is another attraction worth mentioning.

Tromsø

If you´re visiting Norway to witness the magical Northern Lights, see whales in their natural habitat or experience midnight sun hikes, head to Tromsø in the Arctic Circle. You won´t be disappointed!

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Norway!

Fjord and Whale Watching Safari from Tromsø

Fjord Cruise to Trollfjord in Lofoten from Svolvær

Glamping under the Northern Lights and Dog Sledding in Kvaløya from Tromsø

Intermediate Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion from Tromsø

Northern Lights Hunt by Minivan in Tromsø

Trondheim

Once the historic Viking capital, Trondheim is nowadays Norway’s third-largest city. Make sure to visit the imposing Nidaros Cathedral and wander around the cobbled streets in the charming old quarter of Bakklandet while admiring the cozy wooden buildings.

Trondheim is also known for its thriving food scene and the nearby, scenic islets of Trondheimsfjord.

Browse all my Norway resources!

Norway destination page

Sweden 🇸🇪

Last but not least on this Nordic countries travel guide is my beloved Sweden. This Nordic country is famous for its astounding natural beauty and slow way of life (in addition to ABBA, Ikea and H&M of course 🙂 ).

I’ve had the chance to travel to various Swedish destinations over the years and, in my opinion, these are some of the best cities in Sweden.

Gothenburg

The Swedish city of Gothenburg (also known as Göteborg) is the second largest in the country. Located on the west coast of Sweden, I visited Gothenburg in 2009 when one of my hometown friends from Irún was spending his Erasmus semester here. Back in 2003, I had also traveled here with my family during one of our legendary summer road trips with our campervan.

Among Göteborg’s main attractions feature walking down the main boulevard (Avenyn), enjoying the city view from Skansen Kronan, exploring the Botanical Garden or checking out the Liseberg amusement park.

Malmö

During my traineeship at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels back in 2012, my colleagues and I got the chance to visit Copenhagen and the Swedish city of Malmö for a project on interregional cooperation.

Malmö is actually the third biggest city in Sweden and is famous for its remarkable architecture, including the imposing tower Turning Torso or the Öresund bridge connecting the Nordic countries of Denmark and Sweden. Other attractions include the Malmö Castle, the Sankt Petri Church or the square of Lilla Torg. You may also want to walk around the Marina of this Swedish coastal city.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and also one of the trendiest Nordic cities. If you’re looking for cool vibes, plenty of sightseeing spots and lush nature, you came to the right place.

The best things to do in Stockholm include Gamla Stan (the charming Old Town), the imposing Stadshuset (City Hall) on the island of Kungsholmen, the trendy Södermalm neighborhood and the breathtaking views from Monteliusvägen or the vast Djurgården area filled with parks and museums.

In case you´re visiting Stockholm and your schedule allows, make sure to explore the Stockholm archipelago too. A good starting point to do so is Vaxholm although with endless islands to choose from, the options are certainly plentiful! Located just 35 kms away from the capital of Sweden, the small town of Vaxholm delivers on picturesque scenery, be it summer or winter time: think colorful cabins by the water and lots of Nordic coziness. Some of the attractions in Vaxholm include a fortress (Kastellet) or taking it easy at the welcoming Vaxholms Hotell.

Uppsala

As Sweden’s fourth-largest city, Uppsala is a historic destination near the capital of Stockholm. It offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, such as Old Uppsala, which held immense significance as a religious center during the Viking Age, the Uppsala Cathedral, or the Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century.

Read all my Sweden articles!

A day in the Stockholm archipelago: Vaxholm

Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map)

Sweden destination page

Travel guide to the 4 largest cities in Sweden

10 series & films to travel while binge-watching

What to eat and where to try the Nordic traditional food

What to eat in the Nordic countries (beyond salmon)

While you’re visiting any of the Nordic countries mentioned above, this might be your chance to be introduced to the New Nordic cuisine, a culinary movement that has developed in Scandinavian countries since the 2000s, putting emphasis on fresh products and reviving ancient techniques with a modern touch. I love trying the local food wherever I travel!

In most of these nations, fish (mainly herring and salmon), bread and vegetables are staple foodstuffs. And delicious pastries also feature prominently in the gastronomy of these Nordic countries. Let´s discover some traditional dishes sorted by country:

• Denmark: frikadeller (pork meatballs), smørrebrød (a toast, typically of rye bread, with cold meat or fish on top of it), stegt flæsk (crispy pork served with potatoes and parsley sauce). You might also have come across the worldwide famous and delicious Danish cookies known as vaniljekranse made with vanilla and almonds.
• Finland: Finnish food is built around fresh, natural ingredients gathered straight from the water, land and forests. A few traditional Finnish dishes include hernekeitto (pea soup), kalakukko (fish pie), karjalanpiirakka (karelian pie), korvapuusti (cinnamon bun), lihapullat (meatballs) or ruisleipä (rye bread).
• Iceland: any kind of fish (be it dried fish – bitafiskur-, puffin, salmon, shark, trout or whale), Icelandic chocolate, lava salt or skyr (a strained yogurt with much milder flavor). If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try the Viking lager beer or Brennivin, a distilled liquor made of fermented potatoes and flavored with caraway seeds. Heads up, since Iceland is a remote island, food here is extremely expensive and Icelanders very much rely on imported goods.
• Norway: fårikål (a hearty sheep and cabbage stew often regarded as the national dish), kjøttkaker (Norwegian meatballs made from minced meat, commonly served with potatoes and gravy), lutefisk (prepared from dried whitefish, typically cod), rakfisk (fermented fish typically made from trout, usually enjoyed during the Christmas season), røkelaks (smoked salmon), smalahove (featuring a steamed or boiled sheep’s head, it is traditionally enjoyed during the winter months).
• Sweden: some of the most traditional Swedish dishes include ärtsoppa (yellow pea soup), gravad lax (cured salmon), knäckebröd (crispy bread), köttbullar (meatballs served with mashed potatoes, gravy, pickled cucumber and lingonberries) or surströmming (fermented herring). If you have a sweet tooth, you´ll love Sweden! Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns perfect for a moment of fika) or semla (almond-filled buns) are among the most beloved desserts in the country. During Christmas, you may also enjoy a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine) with a pepparkakor (gingerbread cookie).  

Have you tried any of these traditional Nordic dishes? Let me know in the comments below!

Where to eat Nordic traditional food

Trying the Nordic cuisine is certainly one of the top experiences when visiting any of these countries.

Below you will find a list of the restaurants, cafes and bistros in the Nordic destinations that I tried myself during my trips there or that came recommended:

• Copenhagen: the city offers endless options, from acclaimed restaurants to more relaxed cafes and bistros. Feel free to check out the following: Bistro Boheme, Bistro Royal, Geranium (three Michelin stars), Lumskebugten, noma (three Michelin stars), Restaurant & Cafe Nytorv.
• Reykjavik: the capital city is a great starting point to taste the Icelandic cuisine. These are my personal recommendations of bars, cafes and restaurants in Reykjavik: American Bar, Den danske kro, Dill (one Michelin star), hot dog truck in downtown Reykjavik, Islenski barinn, Kaldi Bar, Kol, Kopar, Lebowski bar, Meze, Old Iceland (this was hands-down our all-time favorite of our 4-day trip to Iceland; we actually dined here twice!), Reykjavik Fish, Rosenberg Cafe, Sushi Social, The English Pub.
• Stockholm: here´s a selection of the restaurants and cafés I tried during my most recent trip to the Swedish capital, including a few that came recommended but I didn´t have enough time to try. Babette, Café Saturnus, Copine, Farang (Thai cuisine), Grillska Huset, Himlen (rooftop bar), Mathias Dahlgreen Matbaren, Newt, Nystekt strömming (fast food including herring), Östermalms Saluhall, Pelikan, Portal, Rosendals Trädgårdskafé (my personal favorite in the capital of Sweden), Stenugnsbageri Fabrique, Storstad, Strandvägen 1 (brunch), Tak (rooftop bar), Tårtan Café, Tranan, Under Kastanjen.
• Vaxholm: I spent a day on this island in the Stockholm archipelago when I last visited the capital of Sweden. Some places worth mentioning in Vaxholm include Boulangerie, Hembyrgårdscafe or the historic Matsalen restaurant housed within the Vaxholms Hotell.

Map to navigate the Nordic countries

For your ease of reference, below you will find a map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post about the Nordic countries, including the top cities to visit in each country and a few recommended places to eat. Use it to plan your next trip!

For extra peace of mind when exploring the Nordic countries, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below.

How did you like this Nordic countries travel guide? Have you visited any of them, or are you planning to do so soon? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.

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✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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