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The Ultimate Nordics Guide: Discover the Magic of Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden

7 min read
Published on Sep 11, 2024
Globetrotting
Sael Forster
By Sael ForsterCopywriter & Web Coordinator

Picture yourself in a realm where nature's magnificence and human creativity and innovation collide. Where each discovery along your journey is a celebration of open, creative, and sustainable travel. A place where unspoiled landscapes seamlessly blend with modern cities, ancient castles, and thrilling adventures. This is the Nordics.

The Nordics is a globetrotter's playground catering to all travel styles. Whether exploring frozen winter wonderlands with your family, basking under the midnight sun on summer nights with friends, or immersing yourself in the Nordic lifestyle on a solo expedition, the Nordics are ready to host your next unforgettable trip under its holistic, sustainable approach to life and travel.

Discover your next trip to the Nordics 

Denmark

traditional buildings lining a canal in the streets of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark
Copenhagen is famous for its canals, which run along the harbourfront.

To fully understand Denmark, one must embrace hygge. The essence of hygge, a concept of cozy and comfortable living with good company, is best characterized by a warm blanket on a cold winter day, enveloping you in a constant atmosphere of welcoming relaxation, happiness, and well-being. Beautiful beaches, mouthwatering pastries, a world-renowned culinary scene, and picturesque cities and towns showcasing famous Danish architecture are just a few hallmarks of any trip to Denmark.

Winter is the most hygge time of year in Denmark, with ample opportunity to enjoy the cold weather and long winter nights in cozy cabins, sipping on warm gløgg (mulled wine) with friends. The historic Tivoli Gardens come to life during Christmas, with glimmering lights decorating over 1,000 snow-covered trees and a bustling Christmas market offering festive treats and experiences.

Denmark's cities and scenic landscapes flourish with energetic outdoor experiences, lively festivals, and Danish island-hopping in the warmer months. In Copenhagen, you'll discover a city brimming with cafes, top-tier restaurants, scenic canals, and some of the world’s best cycling. Aarhus is a cultural hotspot amongst beautiful beaches and forests, highlighted by the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, where international artists imagine and inspire the future through art.

Denmark also boasts a rich fairytale charm and Viking legacy, offering a treasure trove of unique cultural experiences in Odense and Aalborg. Odense's quaint neighbourhood streets, fairytale castles, and Hans Christian Andersen Museum immerse you in a magical atmosphere of exploration. The once-ancient Viking city showcases some of the country's best street art and modern architecture, including the works of Jørn Utzon, designer of the Sydney Opera House. 

Finland

point of view of a sled pulled by a group of husky dogs in the snowy northern forests of Finnish Lapland in Finland
A Finnish Lapland vacation brings with it the opportunity to go dog-sledding through the snowy landscape.

Consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world, Finland offers a serene escape amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes. Breathe in the crisp and clean Finnish air as you journey across the country's five UNESCO Global Geoparks, sleep under the northern lights in glass huts, unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, or marvel at the enchanting glow of summer's midnight sun. Finland's diverse landscapes, including the world's largest archipelago of over 50,000 islands, 40 national parks, and several notable cities, promise endless exploration for every globetrotter.

Finland's beauty shines year-round, from sunny summers to crisp, colourful autumns, frosty winters, and bloom-covered springs. Discover the magic of the Arctic in the Lapland with husky-sledding, ice fishing, reindeer safaris, ice-skating, and camping under the Northern Lights. Paddle along Europe's largest lake district in Lakeland, where you'll find endless tranquil waterways, lakeside saunas, and forest hikes to keep you busy for days. The Helsinki Region offers the perfect combination of urban and outdoor living, where nature trails surround the capital city and small local towns with unique Nordic architecture, excellent food, and relaxing sauna experiences. Explore easy-going island life along the coast and archipelago, where you'll find fascinating maritime museums, imposing coastal cliffs and countless hidden gems.

Norway

the traditional buildings of Bryggen in the midst of wintertime with a backdrop of buildings up the hillside
The Hanseatic bulidings of Bryggen in the city of Bergen are among Norway's most famous landmarks.

The Royal Kingdom of Norway is more than just a tourist stop; it is a place where travellers and globetrotters alike can escape to meaningful experiences, prioritizing sustainability and authentic connections with others and nature. Norway entices explorers with unparalleled nature-centric adventures amidst awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed fjords, lush forests, rolling countryside, and a rugged coastline long enough to circle the earth twice.

The country's iconic fjords are a playground for nature enthusiasts and active explorers, bursting to life in the spring with vibrant blooms and spectacular waterfalls swelled by the snowmelt, a perfect time for hiking, cycling, and cruises during the shoulder season. Summer is the busiest time to visit the fjords, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and sightseeing either by boat or car. Autumn and winter are each beautiful seasons in their own right, with the stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow foliage draping the fjords are replaced by a serene, snow-covered winter wonderland, paving the way for unforgettable skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and northern lights watching.

The country's unique beauty and charm extend beyond its fjords. The nearby Bergen offers a unique coastal experience in Norway's second-largest city, with a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title and a UNESCO-listed medieval harbour dawned with colourful wooden houses. Oslo, the capital in southern Norway, is proudly considered one of the most walkable capitals in the world, with an abundance of museums showcasing Norway's Viking past, artistic accomplishments, the history of the Nobel Peace Prize, and more. Venture to Tromso, the capital of the North, for a wide range of unique restaurants, wooden Norwegian houses, exciting festivals, and several museums. The perfect gateway to the Arctic Wilderness and nearby Svalbard Islands. 

Sweden

an aerial view of a church in the Ostermalm district of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden
Ostermalm is one of the many popular neighbourhoods in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

Sweden is where timeless natural beauty, innovation, and slow-burn experiences await in the heart of the Nordics. A connection with nature and a commitment to sustainability is evident throughout Sweden, from its delicious gastronomy to the heart-stopping adventures across the country. Embrace Sweden's unique spirit as you venture from its vibrant cities, where modern design and architecture meet centuries-old history, to lakeside saunas and the vast Arctic wilderness, each promising a mindful and unforgettable experience.

Settle into Stockholm, Scandinavia's largest city and iconic capital spread across 14 islands in central Sweden. Explore the city seamlessly by foot, bike, or public transport and discover one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval city centres, a diverse collection of historical and cultural museums, and a wide range of gastronomic delights from Michelin-starred restaurants to sustainability-focused food trucks.

Venture north to the Swedish Lapland for endless discovery and adventure. Like in the Finnish Lapland, you'll enjoy the midnight sun and northern lights here, but the vast size and distinct experiences set it apart. Spend a night or two at the world-renowned ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, where a team of artists uses snow and ice blocks from local rivers to create the hotel each winter. Marvel at the intricate design made entirely from ice and snow as you enjoy engaging ice sculpting classes, guided northern lights tours, and delicious dining on ice plates.

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Denmark
Finland
Norway
Sweden
Europe
Sael Forster
Sael Forster
Goway - Copywriter & Web Coordinator

Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.

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