Few destinations blend old and new as seamlessly as Scandinavia. Visitors on a Northern Europe vacation quickly discover why Norway, Sweden, and Denmark - the three countries that make up Scandinavia - lead the world in innovation, sustainability, and happiness. Celebrating their rich past even as they focus on the future, Scandinavia’s capital cities, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, are ideal spots for a cultural holiday, either linked together, or on their own. These three countries, as well as Finland (which technically is not part of the Scandinavia group of countries), are some of the most picturesque and beautiful in Europe. They are easily accessible from North America, and make great and affordable add-ons to journeys from main land Europe. It’s no coincidence that these fabulous destinations consistently rank among the world’s happiest nations. All three countries can be connected by air, rail, road, and sea networks, and offer a journey into Viking history, as well as rich and vibrant histories from the Middle Ages to modern times. The contrast is clear in Scandinavia’s capitals, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. These cities. which can all be explored over one exciting trip, are among the most tourist-friendly destinations you'll find on your Europe vacation. Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes are all known for their English proficiency!
Whether island-hopping in Stockholm’s enchanting archipelago, stepping into Viking heritage in Oslo at the Viking Ship Museum, or experiencing the trendy Vesterbro neighbourhood on two-wheels in Copenhagen, Scandinavia makes for an unbeatable Europe vacation. Scandinavia’s past is guaranteed to stir anyone’s imagination, from prolific rock paintings to sunken Viking ships. Forward-thinking, sleek minimalist décor and revolutionary environmental practices also allow a peek into the future. Modern architecture sits alongside historical castles and palaces. As the old kingdoms were based on trade via the surrounding seas, the capitals are all harbour cities and are some of the most stunningly beautiful in the world.
Getting to Scandinavia has never been easier. Iceland Air offers a comprehensive network of flights from Canada and the US, via Reykjavik, with a free stopover, so adding Iceland to a Scandinavia itinerary on your Europe vacation is easy! Scandinavian Airlines also has on offer many non-stop flights from the US, with departures from New York/Newark, Chicago, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Miami.
Born in Australia and raised in Canada and Papua New Guinea, Don took his first solo trip to Bali – aged just 13. Since then, Don’s travels have taken him to every continent. He’s been a backpacker in Asia, Europe and Egypt, an overland adventurer in East and Southern Africa, and an overland driver in South and Central America. He is especially fond of Peru, Patagonia and Namibia, though his longest adventure to date has been a London to Kathmandu run via the Middle East.
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