Located near the arctic Scandinavia, which includes the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, boasts some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries in the world? To seamlessly blend history and modernity together through its architecture ensures a unique experience that makes Scandinavia a must go for any budding traveller!?
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However, with a huge range of cities to visit, you may be at loss over which area you should venture first! To help you along, we have listed down the top 10 cities you absolutely must visit on your trip to Scandinavia?
1) Copenhagen, Denmark
Listed as the happiest city in the world, there is something for everyone in this beautiful coastal city from shopaholics, history buffs and to all the nature enthusiasts out there! Take a boat ride down Nyhavn Harbour and relax as you soak in the sights, sounds and bask in the glory of the pristine lake and the pastel coloured buildings that line the harbour?
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If you love shopping, take a trip down to Stroget, Europe's longest pedestrian street, which offers a huge range of shops from budget-friendly chains to top luxury brands. This 1.1km long stretch of shopping heaven is sure to satisfy your shopping needs, be it if you are on a budget or if you are looking to splurge!
If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, Copenhagen also offers a zoo that features Nordic animals uncommon in other parts of the world. It is also home to museums such as the David collection, which showcases a variety of Islamic art that is sure to enrich your travel experience?
2) Stockholm, Sweden
This city truly lives up to its name as the city of entertainment with hundreds of attractions and an endless list of things to do. We'd suggest starting your trip off by just wandering around the old town? With intricately crafted ancient cathedrals and the Royal Palace, a visit to the city square is sure to be a visual treat that you wouldn’t want to miss!
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Take a trip down to Stockholm's famous Vasa museum! Named after its main attraction, a 333 year old warship (the only one of its kind in the world), this museum promises an insight into history you'll never forget?
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With cobbled streets and some really magnificent architecture there is no shortage of picturesque sites or reasons as to why you should visit this city!
3) Tromso, Norway
Two words, Northern Lights. The opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon should be a good enough reason for you to visit this city! Situated 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso provides one of the best places to catch this mesmerising light show?
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If the thought of the Northern Lights and the great outdoors has ignited your spirit of adventure, then you wouldn't want to miss out on the other activities Tromso has to offer! Some of the activities include hiking, kayaking and even whale watching at one of their whale safaris?
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While you're there, you can also attend the International Film Festival and the Northern Lights Festival! This gives you a chance to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture in a different way that will be hard to find in other Scandinavian cities?
4) Bergen, Norway
Norway is famous for its fjords (long, narrow arm of the sea with steep sides, carved by glacial activity) and no city provides a better way to experience them than Bergen! Located between seven mountains, Bergen also comes with its own set of art galleries and museums which offers tourists with a multitude of ways to experience this unique town?
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Though Bergen is a big city it has the charm of a little town. Being a UNESCO city of gastronomy, you will find lots of little coffee houses and local restaurants scattered all over the city that you can visit to have a taste of the local cuisine and culture!
Bergen may seem a little off the beaten track but don’t fret! Transport to Bergen is easy. You can fly into the city, take a boat ride or even get there by car. All the more reason for you to visit this gem of a city on your trip!
5) Oslo, Norway
Surrounded by vast swathes of forests, this city is a balance between the calm nature and the liveliness of a growing metropolis? Explore it's pristine parks in the summer or try skiing in the winter. Whatever you fancy, Oslo is sure to have something for everyone!
Oslo provides no shortage of photo-taking opportunities being home to a few marvels of modern architecture, like the Norwegian Opera!
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On top of that, it also boasts a wide array of world-class museums such as the National Museum of Art where you can appreciate some of the best works from contemporary artists?
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Oslo is easy to navigate on foot or on bike and has a very efficient public transport system which makes exploring this great fun and also a breeze!
6) Malmö, Sweden
For those of you who would like to experience Europe's multiculturalism first-hand, the city of Malmo is for you! Famed for its diversity, one of the best things to do in Malmo is to actually join a local family for a meal. Locals open their homes to a variety of tourists from single travellers to families and usually finish the meal with a stroll around town. Perfect for first time travellers to Scandinavia?
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Malmö is also home to Folkets park which is the oldest public park in the world. Comprised of lush greenery, cafes and a range of snack bars, a trip down to The Peoples' Park will almost guarantee you a truly relaxing and fun day. No wonder it's one of Swedens most visited sites?
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Alternatively, you can also choose to sit back, relax and just people watch at Lilla Torg. Lilla Torg is usually bustling with people but with tons of cafes all around, it's THE best place to relax and just relish in the quaint atmosphere of the town?
7) Billund, Denmark
For most people, one word comes to mind when they think of Scandinavia. Vikings. If you’re one of those people, then you have to visit Billund. Famed for its Kongernes Jelling experience centre, a trip to this establishment will take you on a journey detailing the history of Scandinavias Famed warriors right at the place where they used to call home!
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If you'd like to explore more, head down to Legoland billund, the world’s first Lego Land theme park! From the Statue of Liberty to The Pyramids, you will find the whole world at your fingertips. All scaled down to lego’s 1:20 scale. How cool is that??
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That’s not all of course! Much like other cities, Billund also has its own unique museums and attractions. Additionally, it is also home to Scandinavia's largest water theme park. Need we say more??
8) Geirangerfjord, Møre og Romsdal county
A UNESCO world heritage site, this tourist hotspot promises some of the most unforgettable scenery on Earth. The Geirangerfjord area is filled with National tourist routes, all accompanied by works of art, that enable you to explore the natural wonders of the area on foot in an entirely novel way!
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Geirangerfjord is also a great place to get your adrenaline pumping as it happens to also be the perfect venue for white water rafting. You can also try out canyoning and other activities all geared towards enabling you to engage with nature in the most fun and unforgettable way possible?
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With that said, one of the best ways to experience this beauty is by going on a boat ride. The entire trip will last about 90 minutes and covers the entire 15km stretch of the fjord taking you to all of its famous sites like the Seven Sisters waterfall and more!
9) Gothenburg
This is a city for all you foodies out there! Gothenburg is city lauded for its seafood. One of its most famous attractions Feskekorka (which literally translates to Fish church) features an artisanal fish market and seafood restaurants that serve fresh fish all caught caught within the day. In fact, one of the best things to do there is to simply indulge in some take-away shrimp and unwind by the canal nearby the market!
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Tourists also frequent Liseberg amusement park which is one of Scandinavia’s most popular. Don’t be fooled however, despite its age, the amusement park is filled with thrilling rides and a range of attractions that make it just as good if not better than its more modern counterparts?
The great thing about Gothenburg is you don’t have to travel far to get away from the city. You can easily catch a ferry from the city to take you to the Gothenburg's southern archipelago where you can spend your evening in tranquillity touring its beautiful little islands?
10) Skane, Sweden
If you're seeking for some sort of reprieve from the usual city environment, Skane is the city for you! This city's charm lies in its farming heritage which has produced one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Scandinavia. Its vibrant farmlands filled with flowers and lush greenery gives this little town an otherworldly quality that you absolutely have to see for yourself?
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On top of that, Skane's coasts are also home to some really magnificent chalk-white beaches which makes for a neat little switch of environment from all the cities that you'll be visiting?
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Skane's deep connection to Sweden's history also means that you'll be able to find lots of castles and other picturesque cultural institutions scattered across the city. It's the perfect environment for you to let your wanderlust take over, roam around and explore the city's hidden treasures at your own pace?
So, there you have it! This list is not exhaustive of course and there are tons of other places you can check out but it being Scandinavia, you're guaranteed a great trip no matter which city you pick?