Travel to Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe that is made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The neighbouring countries of Finland and Iceland are technically 'Nordic' rather than 'Scandinavian'. But many people consider them Scandinavian because they share many cultural similarities.

Finland and Iceland are ‘Nordic’ countries and not technically part of Scandinavia. However, due to shared celebrations and cultural norms, both countries are considered Scandinavian.

Imagine looking out to incredible views of endless fjords, visiting chic ‘Scandi-cool’ cities and enjoying the midnight sun by the many charming canals and harbours. Scandinavia is a brilliant destination for it’s balance between urban areas and nature reserves, and you benefit from the best of both with the opportunity to go on pretty hiking trails and sightseeing in the city.

It’s a feast for the senses as well, with colourful UNESCO heritage wharfs, cruises along the Baltic sea and literal Smörgåsbords of delicious food. A long-time favourite of nature lovers, hikers, city breakers and fans of architecture, Scandinavia has activities and points of interest for everyone.

If we’ve whet your appetite and you’re curious about the attractions of Scandinavia, then read our first time visitor guide.

Scandinavia has so many must-see cities and points of interest that it’s hard to list them all. Here are our favourite cultural hotspots and famous sights:

• Geirangerfjord, Norway
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen, Norway
• Bergen, Norway
• Gothenburg, Sweden
• Helsinki, Finland
• Oslo, Norway
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Flåm, Norway
• Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

For more information about visiting Scandinavia, read our handy guide on the best times and places to go.

Scandinavia is stunning all year round and there’s plenty to see and do during each season. Pinpointing the best time for you depends on your preferences when travelling. For pleasant weather and extended hours of daylight, visit Scandinavia during the summer months. Visit in the winter or shoulder seasons for a quieter trip with charming, festive sights. If the northern lights are your must-see, then we’d recommend checking out our Norway and Lapland packages.

For more information and travel ideas read our comprehensive guide on when to visit Scandinavia.

A popular option to travel around Scandinavia is via railway. Highly rated by locals, the trains are usually clean, comfortable and most importantly, prompt. The railway routes pass by stunning scenery making for an extraordinary “commute” and there are opportunities to stretch your legs on board.

Sailing from destination to destination on a cruise is also a great way to see Scandinavia, as each voyage will give you amazing views of coastal attractions such as the Norwegian fjords. For our cruise and train packages, we arrange all of the timings for you and tickets are booked before you arrive for peace of mind.

Another great way to travel around Scandinavia is by guided mini-bus tour. Unlike larger coach tours, our small group tours have a maximum of 16 people. You get to travel with a local guide who will show you their perspective of Scandinavia, and not just repeat what’s written in the guidebooks.

Scandinavia also has some of the best self-drive road trip routes in the world. You could see the countless islands of the Stockholm archipelago here, as well as seaviews from Hardangerfjord Bridge or vistas from the highest mountain passage in Norway, Sognefjell.

For more ideas on how to explore Scandinavia, check out our range of travel packages.

Yes you can choose your ideal arrival dates. We have a wide range of arrival options depending on the package and season. Our tours are all available to book online so once you’ve found your favourite one, you can choose the best dates for you. If you’ve already booked but need to change your dates, get in touch with your travel consultant to rearrange your bookings.

We recommend that you book your package and wait for confirmation before you organise your flights as this ensures that your tour is secured and you have all of the correct timing information. We advise checking flight times and dates beforehand so you can pinpoint your ideal tour dates. Get in touch with your dedicated travel consultant to move your tour dates if your flights change.

You can add extra nights at the start and end of all tours. For some tours, you can ask your consultant to add extra nights at destinations along the way as well. You can do this online when you book, or if you’ve already booked your package, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to update your tour.

By booking one of our packages, you’ll enjoy fantastic accommodation, carefully planned routes and pre-booked activities. As well as this, we can personalise your trip with added nights at the start and end of your journey and depending on package, extra nights on the trip. While we can’t build a tour from scratch, we will try our best to include any special sights or attractions you want to go to.

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe, so the weather can be a little temperamental in most seasons. We advise that you prepare for all outcomes by packing the following:

• Warm jumper or fleece
• Thermal layers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Umbrella
• Small day bag or rucksack
• Binoculars
   

For more information on what to pack and wear, take a look at our handy Norway packing guide.