sweden or denmark to visit

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Sweden vs Denmark: How to choose between Denmark and Sweden

Sweden vs Denmark: Which should you choose? Today, we’re going to help break down some of the differences between Demark and Sweden, so you can make the right choice.

Scandinavia is a pretty big deal these days. Virtually every Nordic country, from Finland to Norway, promises an amazing experience for visitors and expats alike.

Whether you’re keen to party in Sweden with a bucket full of crayfish , or you’re looking to explore the Danish concept of hygge , there’s something for everyone in Scandinavia.

The question is — which location is best?

Choosing between Sweden or Denmark isn’t as easy as it seems.

Both countries have a wide range of benefits to offer, and each could even be the ideal location for someone thinking of moving to a new home.

So, let’s take a closer at Denmark and Sweden…

Sweden vs Denmark: The major differences

Let’s start with the basics.

Denmark is a place brimming with vibrant cities, wonderful nature, and happy people. In fact, Denmark is one of the happiest places in the world, consistently ranked for its great work-life balance and community.

Denmark features the Jutland Peninsula, as well as a wide selection of other islands, and covers around 17,000 square miles in total.

There’s about 5.6 million people currently living in Denmark today. Although the location holds onto its Nordic and Viking roots, it’s also growing increasingly modern, with a wide range of new architecture sprouting up all the time, and high-speed internet.

Sweden is a lot larger than Denmark , coming in at around 174,000 square miles. Despite this, the resident count is still relatively low at around 10.1 million. Whether you visit Sweden or Denmark, you won’t have to worry too much about crowds.

Both Sweden and Denmark have a lot in common — including very similar languages. However, Sweden tends to be a more common choice for outdoor enthusiasts who love exploring wide-open spaces.

Denmark is more likely to appeal to you if you want a unique Scandinavian experience, and a chance to interact with the locals.

Denmark or Sweden: What to expect from Sweden

Sweden sits on the stunning Scandinavian Peninsula .

In recent decades, the country has experienced significant development, making it one of the most modern and opportunistic countries in the world. High quality of life, a wide range of outdoor sights to explore, and a great culture make Sweden a wonderful place to visit.

If you’re looking for beautiful villages, cities, and landscapes, then Sweden has you covered. For history buffs, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn at places like the Sigtuna Viking town, and Abisko National Park.

You can even visit Mount Nuolia for a chance to see the Northern Lights .

If you’re looking for the quintessential Swedish experience , it’s definitely worth taking a trip to Stockholm, where you’ll find beautiful museums, magical markets, hip boutiques and plenty of cafes.

While you’re visiting the region, make sure you check out some of the delicious food and drink, or stop off in a coffee shop for a brief break and “Fika”.

Sweden vs Denmark: What can you do in Sweden?

There’s no shortage of things to discover in Sweden.

Head over to Sodermalm to taste a wide range of famous Swedish meatball flavors or check out Gothenburg for an insight into unforgettable architecture. Malmo is another must-visit destination if you’re looking for an overview of Sweden’s more modern attractions.

Sweden is also home to a huge selection of castles you can visit if you’re looking to see how the royals live. Put some extra time aside if you’re going to visit the Swedish Royal palace so you can explore the small island where it’s located (Gamla stan).

This is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and it’s also a great place to snap some pictures.

You’ll also be able to visit the wonderful Vasa Museum , which is the must visited museum in Scandinavia, and the best-preserved 17 th -century ship in the world.

If you’re looking for something to do outside of the city centers, the best way to spend your time is simply exploring the natural attractions of Sweden. Geologic formations, waterfalls, beaches, national parks, canyons, and hiking trails are absolutely everywhere.

There are tons of activities to consider, including fishing, hiking , rafting, kayaking and cycling.

If you’re planning on visiting Sweden in winter, you’ll have even more ways to explore the natural landscape, with things like snowmobile rides, alpine skiing and more.

Sweden or Denmark: What to expect from Denmark

So, what can you expect from a place like Denmark?

When it comes to choosing between Denmark or Sweden, Denmark is famous for its happy people, thousands of miles of coastline, and wonderful food. There are more than 400 islands making up Denmark, so you’ll have plenty of chances to explore.

For lovers of Viking lore, Denmark is a must-visit destination, with tons of museums and history to discover. Danish people are extremely proud of their Viking roots, and you can even set up a trip on a Viking ship if you feel like it.

Denmark also has beautiful beaches and parks, which are perfect if you’re visiting in the summer. The coastline is considered to be one of the cleanest natural areas for swimming in Europe, and the low number of locals should mean you’re not too overwhelmed by crowds.

You can spend days being inspired by the National Museum of Denmark, checking out the Hans Christian Andersen little mermaid statue, and more. Denmark also has plenty of beautiful and colorful buildings to check out when you’re taking strolls through cities and towns.

If you really want to experience life like a local, we recommend hiring a bike, because cycling is virtually everywhere in this country.

Sweden vs Denmark: What can you do in Denmark?

There are plenty of great things you can do in Denmark, regardless of whether you’re looking for history, or modern experiences.

Copenhagen, the capital city , is often the most-visited destination for travelers, with a multitude of tourist attractions, including the world’s oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens . The carousels and rollercoasters here are truly legendary.

If you’re looking for a taste of Danish life, you can check out some of the local cheeses, or stop by a café for a delicious drink and some pastries, as you soak up the sense of hygge in the region.

Another must-see is the historic waterfront of Nyhavn , which sits next to a 17 th century canal. You can even still spot the old wooden ships.

Discover the Viking roots of Denmark by heading over to Roskilde , where you can check out the Roskilde Cathedral, the final resting place of around 38 former Denmark rules.

Aside from learning about Vikings here, you can also check out the home of legendary F1 driver Kevin Magnussen.

For those who really like soaking up the sunshine during the summer months in Denmark, visit the “Sunshine Island” of Bornholm .

No matter where you go, Denmark will reward you with a treasure trove of modern art, cutting-edge technology, museums, and natural sites. If you’re keen to learn more about a new culture, or you just want to enjoy some new flavors and experiences, then Denmark has plenty to offer.

Sweden vs Denmark: Which is better to visit?

As you can tell at this point, no matter whether you visit Sweden or Denmark, you’re going to get a wonderful experience. Both Denmark and Sweden are amazing locations, primed for any bucket list.

However, they both have their own unique benefits to offer.

Denmark is more densely populated than Sweden, and it’s a lot smaller, making it easier to explore if you don’t have as much time.

Sweden’s capital city is bigger than Copenhagen, and it’s not as easy to get around major attractions in one day. Visiting every site on-foot would be pretty tiring in Sweden, but you can always rely on public transport too.

Denmark is a little easier to cover in a few days when the weather is good . You can hire a bike and cycle around some of the major attractions in no time. Denmark also has an excellent public transportation system, which is pretty easy for non-locals to use.

In terms of attractions, both Sweden and Denmark have a lot to offer. Denmark is more likely to be the place to go if you’re looking for historical attractions like The Little Mermaid, and Tivoli Gardens.

Sweden has destinations like City Hall and the Royal Palace, but you may be more likely to spend your time checking out the natural environment instead.

If you’re just looking for sights to see when you’re strolling through city streets, you’ll get plenty of great architecture from both Sweden and Denmark. Baroque architecture is common in Sweden, while Copenhagen is brimming with Renaissance buildings.

For night life, both countries have similar vibes. Prices of alcohol are higher, and the Swedish government regulates the sale of booze heavily. This means you need to buy your alcohol from specific stores and bars. Most alcohol won’t be available on Sundays.

Denmark doesn’t have the same restrictions as Sweden, and alcohol is available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and various other locations.

For food, both countries have a fair share of delicacies to explore. Sweden loves meatballs, fish, and lots of outdoor eating festivals, while Denmark has a passion for things like cheese.

Denmark does make it a little more expensive to eat out than Sweden, so expect to save some extra cash aside if you’re planning on chowing down in restaurants every night.

Sweden vs Denmark: Which is better to live in?

If your interest in Sweden or Denmark goes beyond simply visiting these destinations, then you’ll have an even more complex decision to make. Both countries are extremely popular as places to live, thanks to the overall high quality of life in Scandinavia.

Whether you’re moving to Sweden or Denmark, you’ll find a warm, welcoming culture waiting for you. Although there are new languages to learn in both locations, most people find Swedish and Danish to be a little easier to grasp than other global tongues.

Both Sweden and Denmark are excellent at delivering fantastic work/life balance. In these countries, you work to live, rather than living to work.

Sweden can be a little easier to move to than Denmark, simply because the larger country means more potential jobs. It’s also worth noting a lot of Danish employers are happy to find local talent from the highly educated country.

The good news is if you can move to Denmark, then you should benefit from one of the best quality of life experiences in the world. Denmark constantly ranks at the top of the global happiness index, for a range of reasons, including high feelings of safety and security in the country.

What is Swedish Fika? A delicious Fika definition

The Danes are extremely friendly people, who trust each other inherently.

In Denmark, you’ll also find a lot of people who already speak English, so when you’re learning how to understand the local tongue, you won’t be completely alone.

Aside from a beautiful location to explore whenever you choose people in Denmark will also have access to a very human-focused environment. The emphasis here is on culture, social development, and education.

Although taxes are a lot higher in Denmark than elsewhere in the world, you can also access things like healthcare and education for free.

Sweden follows the same Nordic structure for taxes as Denmark, with higher costs on living, and higher taxes on your income.

In exchange you get tons of maternity benefits, free education, excellent social care, and so much more. In Sweden, you’ll have care from the country from the moment you’re born until you die.

Living in Sweden vs Denmark

Equality, freedom, and community are all important pillars of life in either Denmark or Sweden. If you’re looking for a place where governments actually care for their people, then you’ll feel right at home in either country.

If you lived in Sweden instead of Denmark, you would:

• Live up to 1.2 years more (life expectancy wise).
• Be 23.1 % less likely to die during infancy.
• Enjoy a wide range of natural scenery.
• Be part of a much larger community.

If you lived in Denmark instead of Sweden, you would:

• See 56% more coastline and enjoy more beach time.
• Be 17.5% less likely to be unemployed.
• Be 11.9% less likely to live below the poverty line.
• Enjoy one of the happiest countries in the world.

Is Denmark more expensive than Sweden?

In terms of taxes, both Denmark and Sweden are a lot more expensive to live in than locations like the UK and US. However, this can even out when you consider the free healthcare, education, and other social benefits of the countries.

In both locations, you can work in high-paying roles, and get a decent income doing a job you love.

However, for budget-conscious individuals, Denmark is up to 46.3% more expensive than Sweden.

When living in Denmark, you’d pay:

• 57% more for food and restaurants.
• 10.8% more for groceries.
• 23.4% more for transportation.
• 52.6% more for home costs.
• 2.6 times more for childcare.
• 5.6% more for entertainment.
• 11.5% more for clothes.

If you’re just visiting Sweden, you can usually get a week of vacation for less than $1000, while a week in Denmark would bring you closer to the $1,500 mark.

You’ll also have to spend more on things like entertainment and food when you’re in Denmark. Remember, there’s a lot of Michelin star restaurants in Denmark too.

Accommodation is also a lot cheaper in Sweden compared to Denmark, and you’ll have a lot of options to choose from, including hostels and guest homes.

Notably, just because Denmark is more expensive than Sweden in a lot of areas, doesn’t mean Sweden is necessarily cheap. If you’re planning on moving to one of these destinations, you should expect to pay more than you would in some other parts of the world.

The Scandinavian region has some of the highest costs of living in the world, largely because of the higher tax requirements.

Sweden and Denmark are quite expensive when it comes to transportation too. While the public transport system is wonderful, you’ll pay a lot to get around regularly, particularly if you’re travelling to and from regions in Denmark and Sweden.

Choosing between Denmark and Sweden

Ultimately, both Denmark and Sweden offer an excellent experience for visitors and expats alike. The decision of whether you should move to or visit one of these countries over the other will come down to your personal preferences.

If you’re just trying to decide on Denmark vs Sweden for an upcoming trip, there’s no need to choose one over the other. The regions are so close, you can easily jump between both countries by travelling over the bridge connecting the two.

Why not divide your vacation into two and explore both countries at the same time?

If you’re planning on moving to one of these countries for life, then you’ll probably be better off considering Denmark for its high quality of life — but only if you have the budget and skills required to get a Danish job.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more affordable living and a wider range of job opportunities, Sweden might be the right choice.

Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.

Now read these: — The pros and cons of living in Iceland — The pros and cons of living in Denmark — The pros and cons of living in Sweden — The pros and cons of living in Finland — The pros and cons of living in Norway — Norway vs Sweden, the key differences — Choosing between Denmark and Norway — Iceland and Greenland, how they differ — What is Denmark famous for ?

Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. Stay tuned and we’ll bring the essence of Scandinavia to you.

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Denmark or Sweden: Where to Visit in Scandinavia?

If you’re trying to decide which Scandinavian country to visit next, you may have to choose between Denmark or Sweden. We love both these countries, so you shouldn’t be disappointed wherever you go. Each has fun and colorful capital cities that attract millions of visitors every year, along with plenty more to do besides…

From the stunning coastline on the Jutland peninsula to the picturesque streets of Copenhagen , there is plenty to see in Denmark. It’s also a getaway into Scandinavia, and not only in geographical terms but also cultural. Then there is Sweden, which extends from the Baltic coast in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north. With no shortage of vast wilderness, it’s a paradise for outdoorsy travelers.

In this guide to Denmark or Sweden, we’ll take a look at the most important aspects of traveling to these destinations. From the ease of travel to costs, the best cities to nature, we’ll help you decide which place is better for you this year.

Table of Contents

Denmark or Sweden for ease of travel?

Denmark spreads across the Jutland peninsula, Zealand, and the Funen islands, as well as many smaller isles across the Baltic and the North seas. Thanks to a large land border with Germany, and bridge connections from the mainland to the major islands, Denmark is the gateway to Scandinavia by road.

If you’re traveling from further afield, flying is the easiest way to get there. The largest international hub is the capital’s Copenhagen Airport, which has direct connections to many European, North American, and even Asian destinations. There are also several direct trains to Copenhagen from Hamburg, Berlin , Stockholm, Malmo, and Gothenburg.

Sweden is a much larger and more isolated country than its southwestern neighbor. Driving the length of the country takes over 20 hours without any stops, so getting around this vast Scandinavian state can be tricky and time-consuming.

The good news is that if you’re planning a trip to one of Sweden’s major cities, you won’t have much trouble getting there by plane. There are four international airports around Stockholm, so it’s no surprise it’s a popular weekend breakaway destination for Europeans. Other international airports include Gothenburg and Malmo. To avoid flying, you will often have to travel through Denmark first.

Winner: Denmark thanks to the road connections.

Denmark or Sweden for cities?

Comparing cities in these parts mainly comes down to Copenhagen vs Stockholm – probably the two coolest Scandinavian capitals of all. Sorry Oslo!

From colorful waterfront townhouses in Nyhavn to the vibrant nightlife in the industrial Meatpacking District, art galleries and hip underground bars in Vesterbro to charming architecture in the Latin quarter, there is no shortage of great neighborhoods in Copenhagen to discover.

The capital is known for lively nightlife and some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in Europe. Even though Copenhagen is by far the most vibrant of Danish cities, it’s not the only place worth a visit. Aarhus is the largest city on the Jutland peninsula, offering charming architecture and a thriving cultural scene. And there are plenty of great museums in Odense – the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.

But the Swedish capital, Stockholm, can easily rival Copenhagen when it comes to the best cities in Scandinavia. From the historical Gamla Stan to the hipster Södermalm are, there are cool districts around Stockholm to match its Danish counterpart. The city is generally known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque archipelago, as well as great cafes, bars, and museums.

Then there is Gothenburg, a vibrant student city with great architecture and lively nightlife. And there’s Malmo, where a strong foreign influence brings international foods and unique historical sights.

Winner: Draw, mainly because it comes down to Copenhagen vs Stockholm and we love them both!

Denmark or Sweden for nature?

Scandinavia is well known for the great outdoors, vast undeveloped landscapes, and rugged coastlines. Sweden has loads of that! Large parts of the country are covered by forests and lakes. In fact, nearly 70% of Sweden’s land is forested and there are nearly 100,000 lakes.

From the icy Arctic Circle in the north to beautiful beaches in the south and vast lakes in the center, Sweden has no shortage of natural beauty. There are 30 national parks across the country, with plenty of picturesque hiking trails for outdoor lovers. Some of the most remarkable parks include mountainous vistas in Sarek and Abisko, and the stunning coastline of the Stenshuvud.

Denmark is much smaller than Sweden and doesn’t stretch anywhere near as far north as the rest of Scandinavia. That is if we talk about metropolitan Denmark – the part that doesn’t include Greenland and Faroe Islands!

But, even though the area of Denmark proper is relatively small, there are five beautiful national parks across the country. From rugged coastlines in Thy National Park to the hilly hiking trails and forests of Mols Bjerge National Park, Denmark can offer something to nature buffs.   

Winner: Sweden.

Denmark or Sweden things to do?

You’re never too far from the sea in Denmark, so if you’re lucky enough to get sunny weather during your visit head to one of the beautiful sandy beaches on the west coast. Lønstrup, Søndervig, and Bisnap are only a few sandy bays on the Jutland peninsula. Hikers will enjoy the picturesque trails in Thy National Park and families with children shouldn’t miss the original Legoland in Billund.

Most people, though, stay or at least pass through the vibrant capital, Copenhagen. That has plenty of attractions within its borders. Enjoy café hopping in the colorful docks of Nyhavn and soak up some culture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum.

Sweden, on the other hand, is a paradise for outdoor lovers with its vast wilderness and picturesque landscapes. In the summer, hike the long-distance King’s Trail (or parts of it if you haven’t got a whole month!). In winter, head to the ski slopes of Åre – the best in the region.

You also get plenty of things to do in the capital, even for those not so keen on outdoor activities. Take a tour around one of the museums such as Skansen or Vasa, enjoy great coffee in one of the cool cafes in Sodermalm, or sample meatballs at the local restaurants.

Winner: Probably Sweden for the outdoors.

Denmark or Sweden for nightlife?

Scandinavia hasn’t got the wildest nightlife scene in Europe. That’s mainly because of the high prices of alcohol and strict restrictions on bar opening times.

That said, the Danish capital, Copenhagen, has it better than most cities across the region. There is no shortage of bars and clubs in the Meatpacking District and in Vesterbro. There are also plenty of places along the docks of Nyhavn, but things tend to be on the pricy side there.

The large student and international crowds living in the capital really keep things going, and bars and clubs are usually packed over the weekends. Alcohol, especially beer is also cheaper here than across the border in Sweden, so it’s not uncommon for people to take a train to Copenhagen if they’re staying in Malmo.

The only place in Scandinavia that can rival Copenhagen for nightlife is Stockholm. There is no shortage of trendy clubs and hipster cafes here, especially around SoFo in Sodermalm and Medborgarplatsen. You will also find plenty of places in Gamla Stan that attract international visitors but they are expensive.

Gothenburg is also a good place to visit for nightlife, too. It’s largely a student city, which means there are term-time parties over there galore. Although Sweden is generally cheaper than Denmark, alcohol is an exception to the rule. That means that whether you go to Stockholm or Gothenburg, drinks will cost you more than in Copenhagen.

Winner: Denmark.

Denmark or Sweden for food?

Swedes love meatballs ( kottbullar ). If you’ve ever been to Ikea, you might have already noticed that. They go especially well with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. But that’s not the only thing that Swedish cuisine is about. The New Nordic cooking movement has influenced the food a lot, which means that you will find minimalistic dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. It’s especially present in the capital of Stockholm. So, if budget allows, try to hit a Michelin-star restaurant there – Ekstedt and Sushi Sho are especially worth a mention.

Meanwhile, traditional northern cooking involves meats such as reindeer, while old southern cuisine revolves around fresh veg. Smoked salmon known as gravlax and pickled herring known as sill are local dishes you should try when visiting the coast.

Traditional Danish cuisine involves a lot of rich meats and fish. The most popular national dishes are smørrebrød , a type of open sandwich, stegt flæsk , a fried pork belly served with potatoes, and Danish pastries (that actually don’t originate from Denmark).

However, since the beginning of the 21st century, cooking has been highly influenced by the New Nordic movement. That’s revolutionized many of Denmark’s restaurants and now Copenhagen is a culinary hotspot where you can eat the work of some of the best Nordic chefs out there. It’s home to some world-famous restaurants such as Noma and Geranium, both holders of three Michelin stars!

Winner: Draw.

Denmark or Sweden for prices?

Denmark is relatively small, and the majority of visitors spend most of their time in and around Copenhagen. The Danish capital is amongst the top ten most expensive cities in the world, so you will need to budget a lot for your trip there , especially if you decide to dine at the fancier restaurants. You won’t find many hostels below $60 a night and the average hotel room for two people costs around $150. The rest of the country isn’t much cheaper, either, with average double rooms costing around $140 a night. A typical traveler should budget around $160 per day, which means that a seven-day trip will cost over $1,100 per person!

Sweden is also a typical Scandinavian country when it comes to prices, but most things will cost you a little less than in Denmark, apart from alcohol. The truth is that Sweden is one of the cheapest places in Scandinavia, but that doesn’t mean that it’s backpacker-friendly at all. You will still need to budget around $130 a day on average, though things do get cheaper the further you go from the capital . The cheapest double accommodation starts at around $30 a night, but the most luxurious stays often cost way beyond the $300 mark.

Denmark or Sweden: The conclusion

If you’re trying to decide between Denmark or Sweden, then it’s a tough choice. Both countries have beautiful nature and fun cities to offer, especially the capitals. A lot comes down to deciding between Copenhagen and Stockholm, the two most tempting cities in Scandinavia. On one hand, Sweden is cheaper and has a bit more to offer in terms of the outdoors. On the other hand, Denmark is easier to access, and the capital city has some of the best nightlife in the region.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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Your Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary (1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks)

As far as European travel destinations go, Scandinavia is easily one of the most captivating. This enchanting region is your gateway to out-of-this-world natural beauty, the northern lights , and an enviable lifestyle that’s considered to be one of the happiest and healthiest on the planet.

I could wax poetic about Scandinavia all day long, but don’t worry — I won’t waffle on. If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve already decided you want to explore this breathtakingly beautiful corner of Northern Europe and you’re looking for some itinerary inspiration. Mapping out a Scandinavia itinerary can be as frustrating as it is fun, so let’s dive right in! 

If you’re not sure what to do with your time in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, here are a few itinerary ideas that’ll give you a taste of the region’s greatest hits.

Travel to: Scandinavia

One-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo

Thinking of visiting Scandinavia and only have one week to spare? Not to worry! You can still get a feel for the region by visiting its effortlessly cool capital cities over the course of seven days. 

The perfect introduction to Denmark , Sweden , and Norway , this route is great if you’re after a mix of stellar historical attractions, bohemian charm, and a dose of hygge for good measure. Get ready to explore everything from opulent palaces to top-notch museums and world-renowned cuisine in these stylish capitals. 

Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are connected by frequent and reliable high-speed trains, so travelling between the cities is a breeze.

Two-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Bergen -> Flåm -> Sognefjord

With two weeks to spend in Scandinavia, you can travel through the contemporary capital cities and explore one of the most spectacular regions in this part of the world: the western coast of Norway .

Immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s superb cafe and culinary scene. Stroll through the cobbled, medieval streets of Stockholm’s Old Town. Learn about Viking history in Oslo. Take in the spectacular vistas on a train ride from Oslo to Bergen. And get ready to be blown away by the spellbinding scenery in Sognefjord. 

See Also: 11 Best Things to do in Stockholm While Travelling Solo

Three-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Gothenburg -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Trondheim -> Bodø -> Lofoten Islands -> Tromsø

Planning to spend three weeks travelling around Scandinavia? Lucky you! This itinerary will take you through the region’s capital cities before heading to Northern Norway for a glimpse of the country’s wild, unspoiled wilderness and (hopefully!) the northern lights.

You could follow this itinerary any time of the year, but Northern Norway is especially magical during the winter months — and, of course, it’s also the best time to see the northern lights . 

Speaking of the northern lights, Tromsø — a small city located 350km north of the Arctic Circle — is renowned for being one of the best places in Europe to witness the remarkable phenomenon that is the aurora borealis. If you have your heart set on seeing those otherworldly celestial lights dancing in the night sky, plan to spend at least a few days here to increase your chances of spotting them.

Want more itinerary ideas? Explore our range of Scandinavia tours and trips to find your perfect adventure now.

Can’t-miss sights and experiences in Scandinavia

Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time to start planning the most exciting part of your Scandinavia sojourn: everything you’re going to see and do in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Fuel your wanderlust and get even more amped up about your trip with these can’t-miss attractions and experiences.

• Sail Norway’s fjords. It’s no secret that Norway has some of the most astonishingly beautiful fjords on the planet. There are more than 1,000 fjords dotted around the country’s coastline, but Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord are two of the most famous.
• Visit Copenhagen’s famous landmarks. The colourful facades at Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens are a few musts when you’re sightseeing in Denmark’s laid-back capital.
• Go island-hopping around the Stockholm Archipelago. Made up of roughly 30,000 islands, this is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and go hiking, sea kayaking, or cycling alongside fields of wildflowers and sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.
• Try an open-faced sandwich. Smörgås in Swedish, smørrebrød in Danish, smørbrød in Norwegian — the pronunciation of this traditional Scandinavian sandwich may change depending on which country you’re in, but one thing they all have in common? They’re delicious (and you have to try one while you’re in this part of the world).

• See the stunning landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. You’ve probably seen photos of the Lofoten Islands’ craggy mountains and idyllic fishing villages on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing the rugged beauty of this remote archipelago in person.
• Explore Denmark’s fairy tale castles. Frederiksborg Castle (which can be visited on an easy day trip from Copenhagen) is a highlight for any castle fanatic, but there are plenty of grand palaces scattered throughout the country.
• Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden. Thinking of heading to Scandinavia in June? Try to plan your visit to coincide with Swedish Midsummer, an annual festival that celebrates the start of summer with traditional food, music, and a whole lot of pickled herring and schnapps.
• See the northern lights . Head to Tromsø — Norway’s gateway to the Arctic — for the chance to cross this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your bucket list.

Getting around Scandinavia 

Thanks to an extensive network of train, ferry, and bus services, travelling between Scandinavian countries is both easy and convenient.

Express trains are available between popular destinations (like Copenhagen and Stockholm, for example) and overnight trains are ideal for longer journeys. However, like almost everything else in Scandinavia, train tickets are expensive. Booking ahead and buying an Interrail or Eurail pass will help to keep costs down.

Buses are surprisingly comfortable in Scandinavia, and they offer a viable alternative to the region’s rail network. It’s also worth noting buses are the best transport method of choice when travelling to remote destinations or around the northern reaches of Sweden and Norway.

If you’re short on time — and if you’re planning to travel to the far north — hopping on a flight with a local carrier is your best bet.

Ferries are also an essential part of the Scandinavia travel experience, so don’t forget to pack your motion sickness remedies.

Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to get around the northern part of Sweden and Norway during the winter — especially if you’re planning to rent a car or travel by bus. It’s entirely possible to run into service disruptions or road closures due to inclement weather, so extra planning and preparation is necessary for a Scandinavian holiday in winter. 

What does your dream Scandinavian itinerary look like? Let us know in the comments!

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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• Denmark , Sweden

Denmark vs. Sweden

Table of Contents

Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery? In this exploration, you’ll delve into the unique facets of both Denmark and Sweden. So buckle up, keep reading, and let’s uncover the enchanting mysteries and attractions these countries have to offer!

History & Culture

Let’s plunge into the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Denmark and Sweden. Both Nordic countries have unique stories to tell.

Denmark’s history is a tapestry of Viking tales and royal sagas. The Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. Your journey into the past will reveal how the Danes transitioned from fierce Vikings to peaceful citizens.

Sweden, on the other hand, offers a different historical narrative. Once a mighty military power, Sweden’s history is marked by periods of great expansion and influence. Its legacy is visible in the country’s love for innovation and progress.

The cultural expressions of these two countries are also distinct. Danish culture places a strong emphasis on ‘hygge’, a concept of comfort and coziness. It’s a vital part of Danish life and reflects their love for simplicity and quality.

Swedish culture, however, is rooted in the idea of ‘lagom’, or just the right amount. It’s a balance that permeates Swedish life, from work ethics to social interactions. It reveals their pursuit of harmony and equality.

In a nutshell, Denmark and Sweden offer two contrasting yet equally captivating historical and cultural journeys. The Danish focus on comfort and the Swedish love for balance both contribute to the unique charm of these countries.

Attractions & Activities

Now, let’s discover the attractions and activities Denmark and Sweden have in store for you. Each country is filled with memorable experiences waiting to be uncovered.

In Denmark, the magical Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen offer a blend of beautiful gardens, amusement rides, and concerts. Don’t miss the chance to visit the LEGO House in Billund, an interactive space dedicated to the world’s most beloved building blocks.

Sweden has its share of unique attractions too. Visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm to marvel at an impeccably preserved 17th-century ship. Or take a stroll in Gothenburg’s Universeum, where rainforests, aquariums, and Swedish fauna come together.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Denmark’s national parks, such as Mols Bjerge, with its varied landscape. It’s perfect for hiking and observing wildlife. Biking around Copenhagen is another popular activity, allowing you to explore the city’s sights at your own pace.

In Sweden, the love for nature takes you to the great outdoors. Hiking trails in Abisko National Park offer breathtaking views, while a canoe trip in Dalsland’s lake district is an adventure you’ll never forget.

To wrap it up, both Denmark and Sweden offer a rich array of attractions and activities. Whether you’re drawn to Denmark’s enchanting gardens and bike-friendly streets, or Sweden’s remarkable museums and outdoor pursuits, memorable experiences await.

Time to talk about beach bliss in Denmark and Sweden. Both nations boast beautiful coastlines, each unique and inviting.

Denmark’s coastline stretches over 4545 miles (7314 km), with beaches for every taste. The sandy shores of Skagen are a must-visit. Here, you can see where two seas meet at Grenen, a spectacle not to be missed.

In Sweden, the island of Gotland offers a unique beach experience. It’s home to sandy shores and limestone formations. Visby, the island’s main town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For family fun, Denmark’s Bornholm Island is a winner. Its beaches are safe and kid-friendly, with plenty of space for sandcastles. The water is calm, making it perfect for young swimmers.

Sweden’s West Coast offers a different kind of beach adventure. Its archipelago has rocky beaches perfect for exploring and spotting wildlife. The cold, clear waters are a dare for brave swimmers.

In summary, whether it’s Denmark’s sandy beaches or Sweden’s rocky coasts, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. So, pack your swimsuit and get ready for a Scandinavian beach adventure!

Eating, Drinking & Nightlife

Now let’s delve into the culinary delights and nightlife of Denmark and Sweden. Both countries offer a feast for the senses.

Denmark’s food scene is rich and diverse. Copenhagen’s street food markets offer mouthwatering treats. Traditional dishes like smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich, should top your foodie list.

In Sweden, don’t miss out on meatballs, lingonberries, and crispbread. For seafood lovers, the West Coast is a paradise. Try the fresh shrimp, oysters, and mussels.

Drinking culture in Denmark is centered around beer and snaps, a strong Danish spirit. The craft beer scene is also booming, with microbreweries scattered across the country.

In Sweden, the national spirit is brännvin, often flavored with herbs and spices. Swedish people also love their coffee, and “fika”, a coffee break with a sweet pastry, is a cherished tradition.

The nightlife in both countries varies from city to city. Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm in Sweden are bustling with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Smaller towns offer a more laid-back vibe.

To sum it up, both Denmark and Sweden have plenty to offer when it comes to food, drink, and fun after the sun goes down. Your taste buds and night owl spirit are in for a treat!

Now, let’s go shopping in Denmark and Sweden! Both countries offer unique and exciting retail experiences.

In Denmark, you’ll find a mix of high-street fashion and local boutiques. Strøget in Copenhagen is a shopping paradise. It’s one of the longest pedestrian streets filled with shops of all kinds.

Sweden is known for its sleek design and innovative products. The Drottninggatan Street in Stockholm is a shopping hotspot. It’s home to Swedish brands and international chains.

Looking for unique Danish design? Visit the shops in the trendy district of Vesterbro. Here, you’ll find locally made clothes, ceramics, and jewelry.

Over in Sweden, the district of Södermalm in Stockholm is a haven for vintage and independent shops. It’s the perfect place to find unique Swedish pieces.

Denmark and Sweden also offer great shopping for home decor. Danish design is renowned for its simplicity and functionality. Swedish brands like Ikea have made Swedish design accessible worldwide.

To sum it up, whether you’re looking for the latest fashion or unique designs, both Denmark and Sweden have got you covered.

Accommodation

Next, let’s look at where you might stay in Denmark and Sweden. Both countries offer a range of accommodations to suit all budgets.

In Denmark, you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Copenhagen offers stylish boutique hotels, while the countryside has charming inns.

Sweden offers similar options. Stockholm is home to grand hotels and trendy hostels. If you’re exploring the countryside, consider staying in a traditional Swedish cottage.

If you’re traveling with your family, Denmark’s holiday cottages might be a great fit. They’re spacious, comfortable, and often located near the beach.

Sweden’s family-friendly accommodations include holiday villages. These offer cabins with kitchen facilities, playgrounds, and activities for kids.

In summary, Denmark and Sweden offer a variety of accommodations. From city luxury to countryside charm, you’re sure to find a place that feels like home.

Family-Friendliness & Children’s Activities

Family vacations are a joy in both Denmark and Sweden. Each country offers its own unique blend of kid-friendly attractions and activities.

In Denmark, you’ll find Legoland in Billund. It’s a magical place built from over 60 million Lego bricks. The rides and displays are sure to keep your young ones entertained.

Sweden boasts Skansen, an open-air museum in Stockholm. It’s a fun way to learn about Swedish history. Plus, there’s a zoo with Nordic animals!

Denmark’s National Aquarium, “Den Blå Planet”, is another hit with kids. It’s Northern Europe’s largest aquarium with fascinating creatures from around the world.

Sweden’s Universeum in Gothenburg offers a mix of science center and zoo. Here, your kids can explore rainforests, aquariums, and interactive exhibits.

In conclusion, both Denmark and Sweden excel in family-friendliness. They offer a multitude of children’s activities to keep your little ones excited and engaged.

Getting There & Getting Around

Your journey to Denmark or Sweden is part of the adventure. Let’s see how you can get there and move around.

Flights to Denmark land at Copenhagen Airport. It’s around 5000 miles (8047 kilometers) from New York, with a flight time of about 8 hours.

Sweden’s main airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport. It’s slightly further from New York, about 5200 miles (8369 kilometers) with a flight time of around 8.5 hours.

Once in Denmark, you can get around using the efficient public transport. Trains, buses, and ferries connect cities and towns.

Sweden also boasts an excellent public transport network. Buses and trains are a convenient way to explore the country.

In short, getting to and around Denmark and Sweden is easy and efficient. Both countries offer smooth travel experiences, making your journey enjoyable from start to finish.

Let’s talk about the weather. It’s always a key factor when planning your trip.

In Denmark, summer temperatures average around 68°F (20°C). Danish winters are cold, with average temperatures of 32°F (0°C).

Sweden’s summer temperatures are similar, averaging 68°F (20°C). However, winter temperatures are colder than Denmark’s, averaging 23°F (-5°C).

Rainfall in Denmark is spread throughout the year, but July tends to be the wettest month. So, pack a raincoat if you’re visiting then!

In Sweden, you’ll see more snow than rain in winter. July and August are the wettest months.

In summary, Denmark and Sweden offer similar weather patterns. But, if you prefer colder winters, Sweden might be your pick.

Safety is a priority when you’re traveling. So, let’s take a look at Denmark and Sweden.

Both Denmark and Sweden are safe countries. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings.

Denmark has a high level of road safety. The traffic rules are strict, and they’re enforced rigorously.

In Sweden, you need to be aware of wildlife on the roads, especially in rural areas. Collisions with deer and moose are not uncommon.

All in all, Denmark and Sweden are safe countries to visit. Be cautious, follow the local laws, and you’ll have a great trip.

Budget is a big part of planning your trip. So, let’s see how Denmark and Sweden compare.

Denmark uses Danish Krone (DKK), and Sweden uses Swedish Krona (SEK). In Denmark, expect to pay around 100 DKK ($16) for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. In Sweden, the same meal might cost you 120 SEK ($14).

Public transportation is efficient and widely used in both countries. A one-way ticket in Denmark costs 24 DKK ($4), while in Sweden, it costs 30 SEK ($3).

Accommodation varies, but mid-range hotels in Denmark can be around 900 DKK ($143) per night. In Sweden, it’s about 950 SEK ($111) for a similar hotel.

In conclusion, the cost of living in both countries is similar. But, Sweden is slightly cheaper, especially when it comes to food and transportation.

Which Is Better – Denmark or Sweden?

Deciding between Denmark and Sweden can be a tough call. Both have rich histories, unique cultures, and stunning landscapes.

When it comes to history and culture, Denmark’s Viking heritage and royal history make it a standout. Sweden, on the other hand, has a deep connection with nature reflected in its traditions.

For attractions and activities, both countries offer a plethora of options. Denmark’s theme parks and historic sites are a delight, while Sweden’s outdoor activities and museums will keep you entertained.

When it comes to beaches, Denmark’s sandy expanses are great for relaxing, whereas Sweden’s rugged coastlines offer breathtaking views.

If your focus is on food and nightlife, Denmark’s New Nordic cuisine and vibrant nightlife are enticing. Sweden, on the other hand, has a rich coffee culture and unique cuisine worth exploring.

From a cost perspective, Sweden is a bit cheaper than Denmark, making it more budget-friendly.

Ultimately, the choice between Denmark and Sweden depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Whether it’s history and culture, attractions and activities, beaches, food and nightlife, or cost, both countries have plenty to offer. So, where will your next adventure be?

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Sweden Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

From lush boreal forests to cobblestone streets, this 5 to 7 days in Sweden itinerary will take you off the beaten path and give you a look into what makes this country what it is as well as such a happy place to visit.

Being the largest Nordic and Scandinavian country as well as one of the largest countries in Europe, it can become a daunting task to plan a trip across Sweden. Tourists typically tend to flock directly to the capital city of Stockholm , but in reality, the country has so much more to offer.

With this itinerary, you’ll have a remarkable trip full of delicious food, nature, sleek and classic Swedish cities, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sweden?

While 2 days are probably enough if you’re just hoping to visit a major city such as Stockholm or Gothenburg, you’re just dipping your toes into the country.

For those searching to get a good feel of Sweden and experience nature as well as city life, 5 days in Sweden should suffice at a minimum.

If you’re hoping to take a bit of a slower pace and be in less of a rush, I suggest spending 7 days exploring Sweden.

Any time beyond that will only enrich your experience, as it’s such a vast country and to see most of the regions, it’ll take more time if you want to spend multiple days in various areas.

For example, Swedish Lapland is more popular in the winter months when visitors can view the Northern Lights and due to the distance from Stockholm or other major cities, you’ll want to plan for at least 4 days in Lapland beyond 1-2 days in Stockholm.

In the warmer months, southern Sweden is quite popular and worth visiting and most things are quite close, so it’s more feasible to do a shorter trip. 

Getting To & Around Sweden

This itinerary starts in Stockholm, so the easiest airport to fly into is Stockholm’s Arlanda International Airport, located in Arlanda, a town about an hour away from the Stockholm archipelago.

Another option when looking to plan a Sweden itinerary is to fly into Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport which is conveniently located just a short train ride from the city of Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city. 

As for getting around while spending time in Sweden, the best ways are either by hire car or by Swedish train transportation. Both modes of transport are great and efficient, but the one you’ll ultimately decide to go with depends on your needs during your trip.

As this trip goes to quite a few destinations within Sweden, the cost will likely come out around the same whether you decide to hire a car or strictly travel by train.

If you decide on a Sweden road trip with a hire car, you’ll have more independence and freedom to decide when you’ll travel and exactly where you’ll go but in comparison to train transport, if you’re not super keen on driving throughout a trip, train transport will give you more relaxed journeys.

The time of year will also make a big difference regarding your method of transport. Swedish winters can be quite brutal, snowy, and icy, so if you’re visiting in the winter and are hoping to make it to Lapland, train transport is the best option if you’re not an incredibly experienced driver with the appropriate hire car. 

Whether you decide to travel by car or train, it’s good to keep in mind that the longer you wait to book a car or a train ticket, the higher prices will be — especially if you’re hoping to travel to Sweden during the summer high season. 

For those who think a road trip in Sweden is their best bet, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across several companies. Alternatively, you can book train tickets in advance here.

5 to 7-Day Sweden Itinerary

As a country with such varying landscapes and history, Sweden is truly a joy to visit. One moment you’re surrounded by dense nature; whether it be solemn seas or deep forests, and another moment you’ll find yourself in the high-tech, stylish Scandinavian big brother that it is. 

Day 1 – Stockholm

Day 1 begins in the vibrant capital city of Stockholm. Spending one or two days in the capital city is a great way to acquaint yourself with Sweden in general and you won’t be at a loss for ways to spend your time while in Stockholm.

Stockholm is quite a large city and you could easily spend a number of days wandering around the center and the deeper corners of the city. However, if you’re short on time, one or two days is enough to experience most of the important parts and to explore the capital of Sweden

Make sure to wander around the medieval, cobblestoned, and colourful Gamla Stan (Old Town) neighborhood, check out one of the city’s many fantastic museums (the Vasa Museum is the most loved and appreciated museum in all of Scandinavia), and wander around the Royal Palace of Sweden while also witnessing the changing of the guard.

To maximise what you see during your time in Stockholm, consider taking a walking tour , bike tour or short archipelago cruise. You should also consider a Stockholm Go City Pass if you plan to visit many paid attractions.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Scandic No 53 – This 3-star hotel located close to the top attractions in Stockholm makes for a great base in the Swedish capital. Perfect for mid-range travelers, they have a number of comfortable rooms available and there’s even an on-site bar.

Downtown Camper by Scandic – Luxury visitors to Stockholm will love this plush, 4-star hotel in the centre of the Swedish capital. Perfectly located to see all the city has to offer, they have a number of elegant rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Gamla Stan Apartments – For those who like to have their own flat while traveling, these apartments are an excellent choice. Centrally located for exploring all that Stockholm has to offer, they have a range of flats on offer and they’re all fully furnished with everything you may need.

Castanea Old Town Hostel – This hostel is an excellent choice for those visiting Stockholm solo or on a budget. They have a range of dorms and some private rooms available, great common areas and a location perfect for exploring the Swedish capital.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stockholm hotels!

Day 2 – Sigtuna

One of the great things about Sweden is the proximity of special small towns to major cities. On day 2 of this itinerary, you’ll head about an hour away from Stockholm to Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna.

Sigtuna dates back to 970 CE and as Sweden’s first city, it just shows how far back and rich the history of the country is. Sigtuna is quite a small and quaint city and that makes it the perfect day trip and is one of the best places to visit in the country.

Begin your day on the idyllic Stora Gatan (Sweden’s oldest pedestrian street) meandering through shops, enjoying a Fika with coffee and a Swedish treat and taking in the traditional architecture and homes.

It’s also worth checking out the Runestones of Sigtuna, the oldest known texts in Swedish dating back to the 4th century CE. There’s a large amount of them in the city, so head to the city hall (worth a visit in itself) to obtain a map to direct you to their locations.

Afterwards, head back to Stockholm for your last night in the city.

If you prefer to do this day trip on an organised tour, this full-day tour goes to Sigtuna and Uppsala , focusing on Viking history. Alternatively, this half-day tour focuses primarily on Sigtuna.

Alternatively, if Sigtuna doesn’t suit, consider heading out to visit the grand Drottningholm Palace.

Day 3 – Orebro 

After spending two nights in Stockholm, day 3 will bring you about 2 hours away from Stockholm to the 13th-century town of Orebro located in the central part of Sweden.

While much of this trip to Sweden route, visiting Orebro is a great opportunity to experience a town in central Sweden.

Like most other cities and towns in Sweden, Orebro has a stunning city center, and many will even say that it’s one of the nicest in the country.

During your visit make sure to visit the Orebro Castle, located on a picturesque islet in the city, wander around the city center, and head to the Svamp Water Tower to get incredible Panoramic views of the city.

I suggest staying in Orebro on the third night of this itinerary as it’s a really lovely city to have a break from large-city Swedish life and enjoy a slower pace. 

Where to Stay in Orebro

Livin Station Hotel – This small, 3-star hotel in Orebro is a great accommodation choice for those visiting Sweden on a mid-range budget . They have a range of modern and comfortable rooms on offer and a great location in order to explore all this lovely town has to offer.

Clarion Collection Hotel Borgen – If you’re looking for luxury in Orebro, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of plush rooms available, a fantastic location for exploring the city and a great restaurant on site (along with many other amenities).

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Orebro hotels!

Day 4 – Gothenburg

On the southwest coast of Sweden, you’ll find Gothenburg , Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm.

After enjoying a day in the city of Orebro, you’ll head about three hours away to Gothenburg on day 4. If you’re driving, consider making a detour to visit the charming town of Kalmar on the Baltic Sea and explore the historic center.

While Stockholm is easily the tourist center of Sweden, Gothenburg offers the best of Sweden without tourist crowds as well as tourist prices.

The city itself is full of Dutch-style canals (Gothenburg was mainly built by the Dutch), pure Scandinavian style, classic green boulevards, and a tremendously impressive food scene.

When in Gothenburg, I recommend checking out the 17th-century Domkyrkan (Gothenburg’s Cathedral), the hip and characteristic Haga neighborhood for lunch, and Slottsskogen, the city’s main park.

Gothenburg is full of a mix of sustainable and classically elegant architecture, and even just wandering around the city is a marvel in itself. If you’re looking to try a wide array of foods, head to the Saluhallen Food Hall to enjoy a tasty bite while marvelling at the architecture of the 1800s building. 

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Hotel Royal – This hotel in the centre of Gothenburg is a great option for mid-range travelers. They have a number of great rooms on offer, a fantastic, central location and they also offer a wonderful breakfast each morning.

Hotel Pigalle – If you’re looking for a luxury escape in Gothenburg then you are sure to love this elegant hotel. There are a range of wonderful rooms to choose from, an excellent location for exploring the city and amenities like room service and more available for guests.

Slottskogens Hostel – Those visiting Gothenburg on a budget (or simply looking for a lively social atmosphere) will love this centrally-located hostel. They offer both dorms and private rooms and also have good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gothenburg hotels!

Day 5 – Southern Gothenburg Archipelago

The city of Gothenburg is in a unique location with 20 islands spanning Sweden’s western coast making up the Gothenburg Archipelago. The Gothenburg Archipelago consists of two parts; the northern archipelago, and the southern archipelago.

While both parts are worth the visit, the southern archipelago is better connected to the city and easier to access on a day trip.

Gothenburg’s Archipelago islands are one of the prime spots for Swedish local’s summer getaways and visiting one or two of the archipelago islands is the perfect way to experience what local life is like for Swedes spent by the sea, on the beach and under the sun.

The southern archipelago can easily be reached by Gothenburg’s public transport system in around 30 minutes and due to all of the archipelago islands being car-free, cars aren’t allowed on ferries so keep this in mind if you’re hiring a car during your trip.

Styrso Island is the main hub of the southern islands and is a great spot to head to during your day trip, you’ll find numerous places to swim as well as airy and pleasant cafes/restaurants throughout the island.

If you’re spending 5 days, today will conclude your Sweden travel itinerary. The best options are to continue onward by train if you’d like to see other destinations or make your way to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport or Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport for your return flight.

From Gothenburg, there are numerous direct train services to each city, and directly to Copenhagen Airport.

Day 6 – Malmo

For those continuing to enjoy Sweden in 7 days, days 6 and 7 of this itinerary will bring you to the city of Malmo. The city of Malmo dates back to the 13th century and is the third largest city in Sweden located about a 3-hour drive or train ride away from Gothenburg.

Malmo is located in a unique location, on the southern tip of Sweden and just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark across the Oresund Strait. The city of Malmo is a unique mix of urban industrial architecture, classic medieval architecture, and sustainable futuristic architecture all creating the center of the city.

Make a point to spend time at the 15th-century Malmo castle (the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in Sweden), stroll down the Sodergatan and maybe even visit the most unique museum you’ll come across, the Disgusting Food Museum . 

Where to Stay in Malmo

Mayfair Hotel Tunneln – This small hotel is located within a stone’s throw from Malmo’s train station and is the perfect base for exploring the city. They have many comfortable rooms to choose from and other amenities including an on-site bar and restaurant for guests to enjoy.

The More Hotel Mazetti – If you’d like to have your own flat in Malmo, then this aparthotel is an excellent option. Centrally located, this combines the convenience of having your own apartment with all of the amenities of a hotel. There are a number of fully-furnished and stylish flats to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Malmo hotels!

Day 7 – Lund

While Malmo is an engaging city to visit in its own right, the city itself is quite small, so this leaves you with the perfect day trip opportunity to the university city of Lund.

Lund is a charming, cobblestoned medieval town known for having one of the best universities in the world and is just a short 15-minute train ride from Malmo Central Station. The city center is quite small but large enough to make a day/half-day trip out of by stepping back in time through the city’s quaint and studious old town.

Lund has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and this itself makes one of Sweden’s oldest cities a great getaway from city life in Malmo. The spectacular Romanesque Cathedral of Lund is one of the most sought-after attractions in all the Nordics , and religious or not, the cathedral is a truly peaceful splendor to walk through.

If you’re looking for a unique experience on your Lund day trip and last day in Sweden, I highly suggest heading to Kulturen, an outdoor open-air museum/experience with replicas from medieval times through the 20th century. 

If you’re trying to sort out the most convenient option for a return flight from Sweden, Malmo is located on train lines with direct connections to Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport in just under half an hour. If it’s not feasible to return from Copenhagen, you’ll also find convenient routes to Stockholm Airport as well as Gothenburg Airport. 

Have More Time?

Perhaps you find yourself with more time beyond the 7 days of this Sweden travel itinerary. In that case, you’re in luck. Sweden is such a large country with plenty more interesting places and things to do, with varying unique options depending on the time of year.

If you’re a winter adventurer and are visiting Sweden in the winter, one of the best ways to enjoy Swedish winter is to head to the northern region of Swedish Lapland.

Witness the dancing, colorful aurora borealis in the arctic after a day of snowy activities and enjoy local Sami culture amongst locals and friendly animals. You can fly into the northern town of Kiruna and also opt to visit the incredible Abisko National Park.

If you’re visiting Sweden in the summer and would like to extend your trip with a unique location, the island of Gotland is a UNESCO Heritage Site located off the east coast of the Swedish mainland and the home of Pippi Longstocking.

Spend time in the city of Visby while wandering through its enchanting streets and corners of this fairytale Swedish island, a magical place without a hoard of tourists. 

You could also opt to spend a few more days in Stockholm and experience the sites and places close to the city.

There are plenty of reasons that Sweden is such a joyful destination that visitors long for and experience when they visit. The country itself is massive, offering a variety of adventures and experiences, the people are generous and kind, it’s one of the most forward-sustainable countries today and the towns bring you back to your childhood fairytale dreams.

After spending one week in Sweden, you’ll likely find yourself looking to come back soon to explore even deeper corners of this especially peaceful haven of a country.

Are you planning a trip to Sweden? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Oslo vs Stockholm: Which City to Visit?

The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Stockholm Itinerary

Is Sweden Expensive? A Sweden Trip Cost Guide

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Love your passion for travel and detailed itineraries.

Thanks so much for this itinerary. We love all of it and will avoid Gothenburg as we will see it as part of our biking trip on the west coast a week later. Is the island of Oland worth visiting as well as Gotland.

Appreciate your input. Have you also done an itinerary for Denmark?

I’m happy that you found this helpful! You can find our Denmark itinerary here 🙂

Greatly helpful article for us who are planning a week long self-driving trip to Sweden in Sep. we will pretty much follow your itineraries, and try to see as many places as possible. We’ve been in Stockholm for a couple times but have not seen anywhere else in Sweden, so we’re excited about the trip!

Yes am planning a trip to Sweden sometime in December and will likely spend my Christmas over there. That will be my first time in Sweden so I would really want to have a swell time while am there.

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Scandinavian Showdown: Sweden vs. Denmark

Actually, it’s more of a friendly competition when it comes to the traveler, as both of these countries offers natural and cultural wonders in spades.

While Denmark and Sweden had plenty of conflicts historically — see: the Dano-Swedish wars of the 15th through 18th centuries — those are long past, and they’re closely linked today. The two countries’ residents are often referred to as “broderfolk” (brother peoples), their languages are mutually intelligible (especially near the border), and a spectacular bridge creates a connection that’s more than just geographical. Many travelers choose to visit both in one trip, but if time or preference limits you to one, here’s a breakdown of what makes each unique.

Differences Between Sweden and Denmark

Comprised of the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands, Denmark is around 44,000 square kilometers (17,000 square miles) in land mass and has 5.6 million residents. Sweden has over 10 times the land mass, at around 450,000 square kilometers (174,000 square miles), but less than double the number of residents (10.1 million). Even though the countries are not dissimilar in many ways (and both have capital cities that each can make for a memorable vacation in themselves), Sweden’s much larger size gives it the edge for outdoor adventurers who love wide open spaces, as well as those who have a little more time to cover attractions that span a larger surface area. Denmark’s smaller size gives more manageable for those who want to do more in less time and still have a quintessentially Scandinavian experience.

What to Do in Sweden

Sweden’s three biggest cities — Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö — all have plenty of activities and attractions to please even the most seasoned traveler. Many choose Stockholm, the largest, as a home base for their Sweden experience, and visits to the Vasa Museum (the world’s best preserved 17th-century ship and the most visited museum in Scandinavia) and the Royal Palace (home of the Swedish monarch) are both a must. And “Gamla stan,” the small island on which the palace is located, is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers — it’s where Stockholm was founded in 1252 — and one of Sweden’s most iconic spots. With its candy-colored 17th- and 18th-century buildings and cobblestone streets, it’s both whimsical and historic. Here, the present and past effortlessly meet: visit the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral and have a drink at an old-school pub, and then experience New Nordic cuisine at one of the island’s ultra-modern bistros.

Outside of the cities (and interspersed with them in many cases), Sweden’s diverse array of natural attractions are world-renowned. Beaches, waterfalls, geologic formations, canyons, national parks, hiking trails, and more offer beauty at every turn — and they offer plenty of activities for the adventure-seeker like hiking, canoeing, fishing, cycling, sailing, windsurfing, rafting, and even bird-watching. And the list grows in winter, with cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobile rides being major draws for travelers. If you’re overwhelmed by planning an itinerary given the sheer amount of choices, see the country by ship — and opt in on any chance for a shore excursion.

What to Do in Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and largest city, is its most frequently visited with good reason: it offers a well-rounded experience for virtually any type of travelers. Arguably the most famous attraction in the city (and the reason why some come in the first place) is Tivoli Gardens, the world’s oldest theme park. The rollercoasters and carousels are legendary (especially the Star Flyer, which takes riders over 250 feet, or 76 meters, high), but even if you’re not into rides, the beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture and decoration here — evocative of a genteel, storied past — is a draw all on its own.

Another must-see is Nyhavn — a historic waterfront area next to a 17th-century canal where centuries-old wooden ships are still moored. Colorful painted houses on both sides of the canal, dating to the 1600s and 1700s, are one of the city’s most defining sights — and a number of them house restaurants , cafes, and bars with outdoor seating, perfectly cut out for relaxing and people-watching.

When it comes to museums, Copenhagen is a treasure trove, with options for everything from modern art to cutting-edge tech. But if you only have time for one, you can’t go wrong with the National Gallery of Denmark (also known as the SMK, or Statens Museum for Kunst), which is the country’s largest art museum. Lose yourself in Nordic, Danish, and European works from masters including Albrecht Dürer, Pablo Picasso, and many more masters. And the building itself is a stately place to relax; sit on a colorful chair by the museum’s pool and reflect for awhile.

Traveling Between Sweden and Denmark

Traveling between the two countries is as simple as crossing a bridge by car or train — and a very cool bridge, at that: The Øresund Bridge, which crosses the Øresund strait between Sweden and Denmark, begins in Malmö, Sweden, turns into a tunnel in the middle of the strait, and emerges above-ground again in the Copenhagen metropolitan area. Opened in 2000, the bridge connects the countries beyond just physically: Malmö and Copenhagen are now considered one joined metropolitan region called the Øresund region.

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When to visit the Nordic countries

This guide gives you the best tips when visiting Scandinavia and the Nordic countries and the best places to see.

There's plenty to discover and explore in the Nordic countries, which are stunning year-round.

Experience unique Nordic nature, beautiful sandy beaches , Norwegian fjords and waterfalls, the Northern Lights , modern cities and much more.

Best time for the Nordic countries

Scandinavia and all Nordic countries have four seasons, where you can participate in many activities, tours, and attractions.  Outdoor activities are part of the Nordic lifestyle, and you find many different kinds of outdoor things in the Nordics.

• Nordic popular outdoor activities
• Scandinavia Travel Guide

Spring is lovely with blooming flowers, and Summer with long sunny days where you can swim and visit one of the many music festivals. Fall is also great for hiking trips, and in Winter, you can visit some of the many ski resorts,  enjoy indoor “hygge” by the fire, and visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen.

But the best time to visit depends on what you wish to see and do. In summer, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, and daylight lasts more than 16 hours.

Summer in the Nordic countries

Summer,   June, July and August are great times to visit the Nordic countries and the high season in the Nordics. You have long days; in summer, the Sun comes up around 4:00 and sets around 22:30 in most Scandinavia.

In the Arctic region, the sun is above the horizon in the summer months, and you can experience the Midnight Sun  where the sun never goes below the horizon.

For travellers, June, July, and August are the most popular months for visiting Nordic countries. Many tourists choose these months because of the pleasant temperatures and the sunny weather.

If you prefer milder weather and less crowded tourist attractions, May  or September's shoulder seasons present an appealing alternative. You can get lucky to have good weather for several days in those months.

In spring, summer and fall, you can enjoy activities such as:

• City breaks in the main Nordic cities
• Visit the many Nordic castles and palaces  
• Discover the fantastic fjords in Norway
• Visit one of the many Nordic attractions for kids
• Swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in Denmark

See also: Weather in Scandinavia  

When to visit Denmark

You can visit  Denmark  in any four seasons, but many tourists visit the country in the spring and the summer.

Especially in May, when the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and there are lots of outdoor activities to do, and all you'll need is a light jacket. If June isn't an option, July, August and September are good alternatives because the weather is still good and not so rainy.

There are lots of outdoor events in Denmark during those months. However, the summer months of July and August are also the time of year in Denmark when you experience the most tourist crowds. The country is also perfect for a  biking holiday  because of the temperatures and the infrastructure. If you want to go to Denmark to avoid the high travel season, May and September can be viable alternatives when to go to Denmark, and the weather is still mild enough for outdoor activities. Before May and after September is the lower travel time of the year in Denmark, and prices of flights to Denmark and local hotels are lower.

• Highlights in Denmark

When to Visit Sweden

Summer runs from June to August, and Spring from March to May.

Travelling to Sweden in June is an excellent idea to experience outdoor events like Midsummer's Eve and other activities. The weather is quite warm,  and you have long hours of daylight. In the northern part of the Nordic region, you find a unique natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, and here the sun is not going down under the horizon.

Also, May and July are great alternatives. It can be rainy in May and June, but July is warmer and drier. July and August can also be slightly more expensive than the earlier summer months, so June is still your best bet for when to go to Sweden.

It is highly recommended in late August and September if you're a budget traveller trying to decide when to go to Sweden. The flights to Sweden will be cheaper than during the high season, along with local hotel prices, and during that time, the weather in Sweden is still mild enough for outdoor attractions, although some sights begin to close during September.

Sweden is a great country to visit in the winter if you want to go skiing and discover the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland.   See more:

• Top highlights in Sweden

When to visit Norway

Most travellers go to Norway in Spring and Summer, especially in June, July and August. That's the time of the Midnight Sun, so you'll get very long days in southern Norway or even sunshine around the clock in northern Norway , and there are many things to do and places to go in Norway. June and July are also the time for Norway's highest tourism levels, so while all sights and attractions will be open, you will see some tourist crowds. So when should you go to Norway to avoid the high travel season? May and September are lovely alternatives to go to Norway and get lower rates - and the weather in Norway will still be mild enough for outdoor activities and sightseeing. For travellers, the cheapest month in Norway is October. The summer is over, but the ski season hasn't started yet. October can be cold, and many outdoor attractions have begun to close.

Highlights in Norway

When to visit finland.

May through September offer the mildest weather and the highest travel volume. Especially early summer - May and June are pleasant in Finland . When you pick when to go to Finland, remember that the Finnish summer holidays are in July, which equals higher prices. After that, August and September have more annual rainfall. In June, the weather in Finland will be warm, outdoor activities and events are commonplace, and you can witness the Midnight Sun. At the other end of the spectrum are the winter travellers. Finland, in the winter months, offers many kinds of activities. If you want to see the Northern Lights, aim for December. It's a pricey time of year, but Christmas in Finland, with all the snow and the local events, is a great experience. Don't forget to visit Rovaniemi , the Santa Claus Village in Lapland . As a winter sports enthusiast, when to go to Finland is not an issue. You will find many flexible choices between January and March, Finland's coldest months.   See more

• Highlights in Finland

  When to visit Iceland

The warmest months, June, July, and August, are the best to visit Iceland. 

The Spring has plenty of unpredictable weather, but spring can be a delightful time to visit Iceland. The country begins to bloom literally, and the emergence of the long winter and brighter, longer days puts locals in an upbeat mood.

Summer in Iceland is peak season. Use Reykjavík as the base for explorations or stay in one of many locations around the countryside. Summer is delightful; the sun barely sets, and enjoy the natural phenomenon of the Midnigh t Sun. You'll have the slightest chance of rain during June, and the weather in Iceland stays mild until late August. Come mid-September, though, almost all of the summer activities will be closed until May of the following year. The colder part of the year is also when flight prices to Iceland fall drastically, and suddenly, the local hotels cut their prices by more than half. Budget travellers wondering when to go to Iceland should aim for February or March. They have more daylight than in the earlier winter months. See more:

• Highlights in Iceland

When to visit Greenland

Greenland falls within the Arctic Circle . In winter, in the Polar darkness, the people there don’t see the sun for three months. This necessarily means no light reaches there in the Arctic region in Greenland . No one enjoys as much sunlight during the summer as Greenland. Even though the summer is precisely hot, per se, it’s enough to give you a good tan on your face. Greenland shares its season cycle with the Arctic.

There are two weather cycles in Greenland, and summer and winter are so different that your experience will vary greatly, in combination with the season when you visit Greenland. The travel season is spread over the summer, winter, and spring. Another important thing is to consider the purposes of your visit. Do you go to Greenland to see the Northern Lights and want to try dog-sledging - October-March is the time to go there.

The high season is between May and September because that’s when the winter ice starts to melt, which gives many exciting options like skiing, boating rides, trips to see the glacier, and some extraordinary polar wildlife like whale watching and experiencing the midnight sun . The amazing Midnight Sun can be explored during the Arctic summertime. Being part of a 24-hour Midnight Sun experience here in the most beautiful natural surroundings in the world is unforgettable.

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Scandinavia ? Made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, this region is a top destination whether you’re looking to experience the northern lights or visit the grand capital cities. 

This useful guide will help you figure out the best times to visit and the best places to see in Scandinavia. Get ready for a bucket-list worthy trip to the land of the Vikings, steep mountains, long fjords and majestic waterfalls.

Best time to visit Scandinavia

With four distinct seasons, Scandinavia has plenty to offer all year long. When is best to visit for you is personal and may depend on your pre-booked holidays, what you want to see and experience, or your preferred season.

Read below for a short-and-sweet guide to the best time to visit Scandinavia.

• During the summer months, you could take on a self-drive trip around Scandinavia or join a small guided tour  with a local guide
• Throughout the year, travel around Scandinavia independently via scenic trains and cruises journeys

1. Best time to visit Scandinavia for weather

Summer in Scandinavia, the months of July and August , is a great time to visit. At this time of year, you’re more likely to have pleasant and stable weather. Nature comes alive and locals and visitors alike can enjoy the great outdoors.

Another bonus of summer is the extended daylight hours. Take advantage of long days with more sightseeing and excursions.

The summer is also a good time for a road trip. Take the wheel, enjoy the warmer weather, go off the beaten track, and find your own corner of paradise.

• Browse these summer Scandinavia packages

2. Best time to visit Scandinavia for quieter travel

Scandinavia is very popular with travellers – for excellent reasons! But do you dream of a quiet holiday, to experience the natural wonders in peaceful reflection? Or to capture the perfect photos without too many distractions?

Travelling during in winter has many benefits that you may enjoy. One of which is experiencing the country at your own relaxed pace.

If you would like to take advantage of the fairer weather and quieter attractions, visit during the shoulder season in May or September .

3. Best time to visit Scandinavia to see the northern lights

While summer may be ideal to visit the Nordic countries , it is not the best time to see the northern lights.

To see the aurora borealis you need a clear, dark sky, which is difficult to find in the Arctic region. This includes Northern Norway, Svalbard, Finnish and Swedish Lapland where the sun doesn't fully set in summer.

For the best chances of dark skies and northern lights spotting, visit Scandinavia and especially its northern reaches between October and March.

• Check out Scandinavian northern lights tours

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Encompassing Denmark, Norway and Sweden, this northern region of Europe has so much to offer. While planning a trip around Scandinavia, the only challenge you’ll have is to narrow down the places you’ll want to see.

Here are some suggestions to add to your Scandinavian itinerary: 

1. Oslo, Norway

Norway's capital, Oslo , is a must-see city blending nature with modern, urban vibes. Chances are you will fly into Oslo to visit Norway, making it a perfect first stop on your itinerary!

Head outdoors to admire the green hills and surrounding mountains of Oslo. Or enjoy the vibrant cultural life, visiting world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Kon-Tiki Museum .

• Book one of these Norway holiday packages

2. Bergen, Norway

Bergen , Norway’s second largest city, is a great place to experience rich cultural and historical attractions, as well as seeing majestic natural wonders.

Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Fjords", you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Norway’s’ longest fjord, Sognefjord , and the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

You can also spend hours walking around the streets of this vibrant city, exploring museums and its old town, the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen .

• Look up city breaks in Scandinavia to explore Bergen as well as the capital cities
• Related: 7 Scandinavian cities you need to visit

3. Lofoten islands, Norway

Discover Norwegian natural beauty at its finest in the Lofoten islands .

As an archipelago within the Arctic Circle, this region boasts plenty of dramatic scenery with mighty mountains, craggy coastal lines, pristine waterways and quaint fishing villages. Svolvær, the main community of Lofoten, is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

This is an excellent place to visit for keen bird watchers in summer, and for those chasing the northern lights  in winter.

• Explore tours to the Lofoten islands

4. Flåm, Norway

The small town of Flåm is an ideal stop to relax during a bustling trip around Norway or Scandinavia.

Nestled at the heart of the western fjords, you’ll find a wealth of natural attractions a stone’s throw from this tiny village. Admire the mighty mountains, stunning fjords, and powerful waterfalls.

From here, you could hop on a fjord cruise, or aboard the famous Flåm Railway , known as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world!

• Experience the comfort of train travel and see the sights from your window with one of these Scandinavian tours by rail

5. Preikestolen, Norway

Conquer your fear of heights at the gravity-defying Preikestolen . Its name means "Pulpit Rock", given because of its odd shape resembling a preacher’s pulpit.

You could admire it from a boat tour along the fjords, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike up Pulpit Rock . It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to make this 8-kilometre (5-mile) round trip.

At the top, enjoy the views over the Lysefjord from the 604-metre (nearly 2,000-feet) high cliff!

• Visit Scandinavia in the summer months, June , July or August , to go hiking, kayaking and more

6. Sognefjord, Norway

Prepare to be amazed by Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Also known as the "King of the Fjords", it's a breathtaking site with towering mountain peaks and tranquil waters.

If you take part in the legendary Norway in a Nutshell© tour , you will pass through Aurlandsfjord , an arm of the Sognefjord. This will allow you to really take in its vastness. Sognefjord itself also extends inland to Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks.

7. Geirangerfjord & Nærøyfjord, Norway

Escape to an area of renowned natural beauty. The UNESCO World Heritage-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are often referred to as the "world’s most stunning fjords" and you're in for a treat.

Spend a day cruising along their peaceful waters, looking up at the steep mountainsides, and spotting wildlife. You could also admire views of powerful waterfalls, such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil .

• Sail along fjords, rugged coastlines and across the Baltic Sea on a cruise of Scandinavia

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Discover Stockholm, the enchanting capital of Sweden. Here you can spend your days discovering Swedish culture and history.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of the 13th-century old town (Gamla Stan). This area is dotted with interesting attractions such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace.

You could also head out to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum, the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Or take a boat trip around the stunning Stockholm archipelago .

• Explore these Sweden holiday packages

9. Gothenburg, Sweden

While making your way through Sweden, don’t forget the western city of Gothenburg. With its chilled-out and trendy vibes, the country's second largest city is one of the best vacation spots in Sweden .

Here, you’ll discover neoclassical architecture along quaint streets and grand canals. You could dine at romantic gastropubs in Haga, ride rollercoasters at the 1920s Liseberg amusement park, and take a cruise along the Gothenburg archipelago.

• Check out these tours of Sweden to explore the country in more depth
• Related: Best group tours in Europe for solo travellers

10. Icehotel, Sweden

Sleep on ice at the legendary ICEHOTEL in Sweden – a quintessential Nordic experience!

During the day, you can try your hand at fun winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. By night, keep warm on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the dancing northern lights in the sky above. 

• Head north to have a  winter getaway in Lapland

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel to the fairytale city of Copenhagen, where you’ll discover royal palaces, nods to writer Hans Christian Andersen, and canals lined with colourful houses.

You could easily fill several days visiting all of Copenhagen’s cultural and historical attractions. But make sure to visit the extravagant Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal family, and Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park.

• Visit Copenhagen as part of a  Scandinavian triangle tour that also includes Stockholm and Oslo

12. Helsinki, Finland

While not technically part of Scandinavia, don’t forget Finland when travelling through the Nordic countries.

Cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki and experience Finnish culture at its finest. Here, you’ll find modern buildings alongside ornamental, Art Nouveau architecture, which makes exploring the city a real treat.

We recommend checking out the Design District, Temppeliaukion (an incredible rock-carved church), and Market Square.

• Take an  independent tour of Scandinavia including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway

13. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Relive childhood fantasies by visiting the official hometown of Santa Claus in the capital of Finnish Lapland.

After you’ve met the jolly old fellow, make sure to visit the Arktikum museum. Or head into the great outdoors to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi is also a good spot to chase the northern lights during the winter months.

• Visit in  December , January , February or March to enjoy the winter wonderland

Planning your trip to Scandinavia

Booking a trip to Scandinavia couldn't be easier with Nordic Visitor. You can take your pick from the large selection of self-drive itineraries , train and cruise packages , and guided group tours .

Choose your favourite itinerary and we'll do the rest for you. We'll book your accommodation, in-country transportation and transfers, and activities. So all you have to do is fly here and enjoy your holiday! 

When you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian getaway, get in touch with our travel consultants who can arrange it all for you. They can even customise your itinerary should you have any particular needs and interests.  We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Scandinavia!

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

SCANDINAVIAN ROAD TRIP

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A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Denmark vs. Sweden

Should you visit denmark or sweden, which country is cheaper, sweden or denmark.

Should I visit Denmark or Sweden? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Sweden can cost you about $991 (per person), while a week in Denmark may cost you around $1,359. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days , two weeks , or even one month of travel to Sweden or Denmark can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in Sweden compared to Denmark ($70 vs. $88). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hotel prices here: Denmark Hotel Prices and Sweden Hotel Prices .

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Sweden and Denmark to find the cheapest accommodation here: Sweden hostels and Denmark hostels .

When comparing food in Denmark vs. Sweden they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Denmark ($55) are often cheaper than Sweden ($33).

• Denmark Prices Sweden Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Denmark $ 194 Sweden $ 142
• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Denmark $ 88 Sweden $ 70
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Denmark $ 176 Sweden $ 139
• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Denmark $ 35 Sweden $ 19
• Food Meals for one day Denmark $ 55 Sweden $ 33
• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Denmark $ 44 Sweden $ 22
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Denmark $ 19 Sweden $ 25
• Water Bottled water for one day Denmark $ 9.63 Sweden $ 2.41

How much are flights to Denmark and Sweden?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.

Find a Hostel in Denmark or Sweden

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.

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The Best Time to Visit Sweden

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Sweden is a Scandinavian country with incredible geographic diversity and tons to see and do. Ranging from boreal forests to glaciers and the buzzing metropolis of Stockholm to rural fishing villages, there's no bad time to visit Sweden.

While Sweden has much to offer visitors any time of year, generally the best time to visit is May through September, especially if you're seeking warm weather. During these months, the days are long and the country's natural beauty is at its peak. If you're on a budget, you may want to avoid the summer high season. If you like winter sports, skiing and dogsled riding are huge attractions. 

It's up to the individual traveler to decide what appeals to them, but Sweden has weather, events, and things to do no matter the season.

The Weather in Sweden

Sweden's climate  is mostly temperate, despite its northern latitude. While Stockholm is warmer and milder, the mountains of northern Sweden are sub-Arctic. There is an important weather divergence between northern and southern Sweden: The north has a long, harsh winter of more than seven months, while the south has winter weather for only two months and a summer of more than four months.

On average, Sweden receives between 20 and 30 inches of precipitation per year, making it drier than many other countries.   Most rainfall occurs in late summer, while snow falls, predictably, in winter. Parts of the north have snow on the ground for more than half of the year.

During the summer months, the entire country experiences pleasant temperatures that usually hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, during winter, there's much more variation, with temperatures ranging from freezing all the way down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit near the Finnish border.

Peak Season in Sweden

The most popular time of year to visit Sweden, at least as far as tourist activity goes, is mid-to-late summer. The weather is warm and pleasant and there are plenty of outdoor events and activities, including swimming at some of Sweden's beautiful beaches. This includes many clothing-optional beaches if you're feeling a little Bohemian.

During the month of June, you can avoid the late-summer crowds and still experience outdoor events (like Midsummer's Eve ) and activities, warm weather, and the long hours of daylight known as the Midnight Sun .

May and July are also good options for the visitor who likes outdoor recreation. Be advised that Sweden typically sees more rain in May than in June, and while July is warmer, it also has larger tourist crowds. July and August can also be slightly more expensive than the earlier summer months. This is considered peak tourist season in Sweden and much of Scandinavia.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis,  also called the Northern Lights, occurs when electrons stream toward the Earth along its magnetic field and collide with air particles. The air then lights up, providing a spectacular visual display.   

While Norway is typically the best place to view the Northern Lights, they are generally visible from most points in Sweden—provided that it's not cloudy. Northern Lights season typically lasts from the end of September through April. From April through August, the sun barely sets at all, diminishing any chances of seeing the phenomenon.

The further north you go, the better the view of the Northern Lights. Typically, the region between Jokkmokk stretching upward toward Norway is usually considered the best viewing area. Sometimes, during times of high solar activity, the Northern Lights can be seen from as far south as Stockholm and Gothenburg. 

Traveling to Sweden on a Budget

Like much of Scandinavia, Sweden can be an expensive country to visit—but it doesn't have to be. If you're a budget traveler trying to decide when to go to Sweden, late August and September are your best bets. Flights to Sweden will be cheaper than during the high season, as will local hotel prices. And the weather in Sweden is still mild enough for outdoor attractions at this point in the year.

If you want to further save money on your trip to Sweden, look for flights from low-cost carriers, like EasyJet or RyanAir. Once you know when you're visiting, you can also save money by booking your rail tickets early (the best fares are typically seen 90 days out) and choosing budget-friendly accommodations, like a hostel. Outside of the city, camping is a great choice—the country has incredibly friendly laws that allow you to pitch your tent anywhere that's uninhabited.  

Any month between November and March will be cold and snowy in Sweden. There are times when the winter sports areas are busier than others, however. The most popular times to visit  Swedish ski resorts are late February, March, and December. There are nearly 200 ski resorts in the country of Sweden, with the most popular downhill ski slopes at Åre, in central Sweden. Resorts in Dalarna, Härjedalen, Jämtland, and Swedish Lapland are also popular with visitors and local skiers. 

Events to check out:

• Vinterfest, one of Sweden's biggest classical music festivals, takes place each February in Dalarna.
• Stockholm Design Week is held in early February, drawing in crowds of designers and retailers.
• The Nobel Prize-giving ceremony is held every year in early December in Oslo. The invite-only ceremony draws members of the Royal Family as well as other esteemed academics from around the world.

Spring is a great time to visit Sweden: It is still off-season, with low travel prices, and with warmer weather arriving, you can expect to find spring flowers and green landscapes. While the climate is still somewhat unpredictable, days are generally warmer, with flowers beginning to bloom. You'll experience 13 hours of daylight or so throughout the spring. 

• Walpurgis Eve ( Valborgsmässoafton ) is held on April 30. It's typically celebrated throughout the city with bonfires.
• Stockholm Culture Night occurs in late April. More than 300 free cultural events take place throughout the city.

Summers in the north are short and cool, but the rest of the country is generally very comfortable and quite warm. Swedes love celebrating the long summer days by flocking to the coast and inland lakes. For visitors, summer is among the best season to visit, with countless outdoor events and attractions. Crowds are common, but worth it thanks to the beautiful weather.

• The whole country celebrates Midsummer Eve in June. Accordion-playing and dances around the maypole are the most typical celebrations.
• The International Festival of Folk Dance and Music, or Rättviksdansen , takes place biennially in Rättvik. The event draws more than 1,000 folk dancers and musicians from all over the world.

Fall in Sweden can often be quite rainy, as wet air masses blow in from the Atlantic Ocean. Fog is common as well. In the Northern regions, snow and frost will begin by mid-October. September, in particular, can be a nice time to visit, as temperatures are typically still above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The Göteborg Book Fair takes place every September in Göteborg. It started in 1985 as a trade fair but is now the largest literary event in Scandinavia. The fair brings in around 800 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors to Göteborg.
• The Stockholm Jazz Festival, established in 1980, draws jazz and blues fans to the city each year. The festival takes place in mid-October at the Skeppsholmen, which is set against the city's harbor.

The best time to visit Sweden is May through September when the days are warm and long and the country's natural beauty is at its peak.

Sweden is, indeed, an expensive country to travel to. Travelers spend, on average, $140 dollars a day per person while vacationing in Sweden, minus lodging and airfare.

February is historically Sweden's coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 26 degrees F ( -3 degrees C) for the average daily high to -7 degrees F (-22 degrees C) for the average low.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Stockholm, Sweden, Year Round." Retrieved February 19, 2021.

Tromsø Geophysical Observatory - University of Tromsø. "The Northern Lights - where, when and what." Retrieved February 19, 2021.

Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. "Camping - tents." Retrieved February 19, 2021.

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Best Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days + Nordic (Norway Sweden Denmark Finland)

Read about detailed and day-wise Scandinavia itinerary 15 days + Nordic (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland Itinerary) with things to do, places to visit with distance and how to commute in-between places, overnight stay with hotel names, adventure activities, and boat tours.

ALSO READ : Best Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days (Norway, Sweden, Denmark Itinerary)

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Scandinavia is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, Northern lights, and high-quality lifestyle. Therefore read Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland itinerary for 15 days with things to do. 

Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark

• Arrive in Copenhagen and check into your hotel .
• Explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Nyhavn Harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Christiansborg Palace.
• Visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with beautiful gardens and thrilling rides.
• Enjoy Danish cuisine at local restaurants.

Day 2: Copenhagen

• Take a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective.

• Explore the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, known for its vibrant atmosphere and street art.
• Experience the lively nightlife in the Vesterbro district.
• Overnight in Copenhagen.

Day 3: Stockholm, Sweden

• Travel to Stockholm by train or flight.

• Visit the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and explore its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
• ALSO READ : Best Sweden Itinerary 7 Days (Things To Do + Hotels + Vegan Food)
• Explore the Vasa Museum , which houses a 17th-century warship that sank and was salvaged after 333 years.
• Stroll along Djurgården Island and visit attractions like the Skansen open-air museum and Gröna Lund amusement park.
• Overnight in Stockholm. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Hellsten.

Day 4: Stockholm

• Explore the modern part of Stockholm, including the trendy district of Södermalm.
• Visit the ABBA Museum and learn about the iconic Swedish band.

• Explore the art galleries and boutiques in the trendy neighborhood of Östermalm.
• Overnight in Stockholm.

Day 5: Oslo, Norway

• Travel to Oslo by train or flight.
• Check into your hotel and start exploring the city.
• Visit the Viking Ship Museum and see well-preserved Viking ships.

• Visit the Oslo Opera House and enjoy its stunning architecture.
• Overnight in Oslo. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Thon Hotel Terminus.

Day 6: Oslo

• Explore Oslo’s historical and cultural sites, such as the Royal Palace and the Akershus Fortress.
• Visit the Nobel Peace Center and learn about the Nobel Prizes and laureates.
• Stroll along Aker Brygge, a waterfront area with restaurants and shops.
• Explore the museums on Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum.
• Overnight in Oslo.

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Day 7: Bergen, Norway

• Travel to Bergen by train or flight.

• Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, known for its colorful wooden buildings.
• Visit the Bergenhus Fortress and the Hanseatic Museum to learn about Bergen’s history.
• Overnight in Bergen. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Scandic Byparken.

Day 8: Bergen

• Visit Troldhaugen, the former home of the renowned composer Edvard Grieg.
• Explore the picturesque neighborhoods of Bergen, such as Nordnes and Sandviken.
• Overnight in Bergen.

Day 9: Gothenburg, Sweden

• Travel to Gothenburg by train or flight.

• Explore the Haga district, known for its charming wooden houses and cozy cafés.
• Visit the Universeum, a science center with interactive exhibits.
• Overnight in Gothenburg. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Flora.

Day 10: Gothenburg

• Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago and take a boat tour to visit some islands.
• Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art and admire its extensive Nordic and international art collections.
• Walk along Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main boulevard, and visit the Trädgårdsföreningen Park.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the city’s many seafood restaurants.
• Overnight in Gothenburg.

Day 11: Helsinki, Finland

• Travel to Helsinki by ferry or flight.

• Explore the Market Square and try local delicacies like Finnish pastries and smoked salmon.
• Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, carved into solid rock.
• Overnight in Helsinki. Recommended mid-budget hotel: Hotel Arthur.

Day 12: Helsinki

• Explore the Design District and visit the Design Museum to learn about Finnish design.
• Take a stroll along the Esplanade Park and enjoy the street performances.
• Visit the Ateneum Art Museum and admire its Finnish and international art collections.
• Explore the unique architecture of the Kamppi Chapel of Silence.
• Overnight in Helsinki.

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Day 13: Copenhagen, Denmark

• Return to Copenhagen by ferry or flight.

• Visit the National Gallery of Denmark and admire its collection of European art.
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Latin Quarter.
• Overnight in Copenhagen .

Day 14: Copenhagen

• Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and learn about the history of the famous Danish beer.
• Explore the Frederiksberg Gardens, a beautiful park with a palace and a zoo.
• Take a bike tour around the city to explore further.
• Enjoy a Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) for lunch.

Day 15: Departure

• Check out of your hotel and depart from Copenhagen, marking the end of your Scandinavian adventure. 

15 Days Scandinavia Itinerary Useful Resources 

Read some helpful information about the Scandinavia tour before planning the Scandinavia itinerary 15 days.

Distances between Cities – Scandinavia 15 days Itinerary

Approximate distances between the major cities in Scandinavia and the estimated travel times by train:

Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden :

• Distance: Approximately 650 km (400 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 5-6 hours by train

Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway:

• Distance: Approximately 530 km (330 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 6-7 hours by train

Oslo, Norway to Bergen, Norway:

• Distance: Approximately 400 km (250 miles)

Bergen, Norway to Gothenburg, Sweden:

• Distance: Approximately 320 km (200 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3-4 hours by train

Gothenburg, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland:

• Distance: Approximately 600 km (370 miles) by flight
• Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by flight (direct flights available)

Helsinki, Finland to Copenhagen, Denmark:

• Distance: Approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) by ferry
• Travel Time: Around 16-18 hours by ferry (overnight trip)

How To Commute Internally – Norway Sweden Denmark Finland Itinerary Planning

• Train Operators:  The leading train operators in Scandinavia are DSB in Denmark, SJ in Sweden, and NSB in Norway. These operators offer regular train services connecting major cities and towns within each country.
• Ticket Types:  Train tickets in Scandinavia come in different types, including single-use tickets, round-trip tickets, and flexible tickets. Single-use tickets are valid for a specific journey, while round-trip tickets cover a return journey between two destinations. Flexible tickets offer more flexibility in terms of travel dates and times.
• Booking Tickets:  Train tickets in Scandinavia can be booked online in advance through the respective train operator’s website or third-party websites offering train ticket bookings. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred travel times and get the best fares.
• Seat Reservations:  Some trains in Scandinavia require seat reservations, especially for long-distance and high-speed trains. Seat reservations ensure that you have a designated seat for your journey. When booking your train ticket, check if a seat reservation is included or needs to be purchased separately.
• Train Passes:  If you plan to travel extensively by train in Scandinavia, consider purchasing a rail pass. The Interrail Pass and Eurail Pass are popular options that offer flexible travel within multiple countries. These passes allow unlimited train travel within a specified period, providing excellent value for frequent train journeys.
• Boarding the Train:  Arrive at the train station early to locate your platform and boarding area. Trains in Scandinavia are generally punctual, so make sure to be on time. Look for the carriage number on your ticket and board the appropriate train carriage.
• Onboard Facilities:  Trains in Scandinavia typically offer comfortable seating, luggage storage, and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and food and beverage services. Some trains also provide scenic views, especially when traveling through the countryside or along the coast.
• Commuting Within Cities:  Trains are also a convenient mode of transportation for getting around cities. Each city has a local train or metro system, such as the Copenhagen S-train in Denmark, Stockholm Metro in Sweden, and Oslo Metro in Norway. These systems are efficient and connect various neighborhoods and attractions within the cities.

Vegetarian food options – Scandinavia 15 days itinerary

Copenhagen, Denmark:

• Copenhagen offers a good variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Look out for places like Plant Power Food, which specializes in plant-based comfort food. The organic restaurant Souls serves a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Additionally, you can find vegetarian options in many international cuisines, such as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Italian.

Stockholm, Sweden:

• Stockholm has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene. Check out Hermans, a vegetarian buffet restaurant with a stunning city view. Chutney offers delicious Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes. Other notable options include Veganbar and Veggie by Paul’s.

Oslo, Norway:

• Oslo has a decent selection of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Mathallen Food Hall is a great place to explore various food stalls with vegetarian options. For vegetarian sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, try Happolati. Nordvegan is a popular vegan spot in the city, offering tasty plant-based dishes.

Bergen, Norway:

• Bergen may have fewer vegetarian-focused restaurants, but you can still find suitable options. Legal Food is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of dishes. Pingvinen is a traditional pub with vegetarian options available. For vegan and vegetarian sandwiches and wraps, check out Fresko.

In addition to dedicated vegetarian restaurants, most places in Scandinavia will have vegetarian options on their menus. Look for terms like “vegetarian” (vegetarian) or “vegans” (vegan) when ordering vegetarian Food in your Scandinavian countries.

Must Do Tours in Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

Here’s a list of must-do tours in the mentioned cities:

• Canal Tour: Take a boat tour along Copenhagen’s picturesque canals to see the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective.
• Tivoli Gardens: Explore the historic amusement park, known for its beautiful gardens, thrilling rides, and live entertainment.
• Christiansborg Palace: Join a guided tour of the palace, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Royal Stables, and the Royal Kitchen.
• Food Tour: Embark on a food tour to sample Danish specialties like smørrebrød, Danish pastries, and craft beers.
• 7 Days In Denmark (Best Denmark Itinerary + Hotels + Ultimate Things To Do)
• Archipelago Boat Tour: Take a boat tour through Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, visiting some islands and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
• Gamla Stan Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old Town) to explore its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and historic sites.
• ABBA Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of ABBA with a tour of this interactive museum featuring memorabilia, costumes, and music.
• Royal Palace: Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace to see the opulent Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Chapel.
• Viking Ship Museum : Explore the museum and see the well-preserved ships, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing Viking history.
• Oslo Fjord Cruise : Take a leisurely boat cruise along Oslo Fjord, passing scenic landscapes, islands, and iconic landmarks.
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump : Visit the ski jump area and take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding area.
• Oslo Opera House : Take a guided tour of the striking Oslo Opera House, known for its modern architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop.
• Fløibanen Funicular: Ride up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords.
• Bryggen Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour of Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about its history and architecture.
• Fjord Cruise: Take a boat tour through the majestic Norwegian fjords, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty.
• Troldhaugen: Visit the former home of composer Edvard Grieg and enjoy a guided tour of the museum, his cabin, and the beautiful gardens.

Gothenburg, Sweden:

• Liseberg Amusement Park: Enjoy thrilling rides, live performances, and beautiful gardens at this renowned amusement park.
• Gothenburg Archipelago Tour: Join a boat tour to explore the picturesque islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with opportunities for swimming and nature walks.
• Universeum: Visit this interactive science center, featuring exhibits on everything from animals and space to the human body.
• Haga Walking Tour: Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Haga, known for its cozy cafés, boutiques, and historic wooden houses.

Helsinki, Finland:

• Suomenlinna Fortress Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed sea fortress on a guided tour, learning about its history and enjoying the scenic views.
• Helsinki Design District Tour: Discover Finnish design with a guided tour of the Design District, including visits to boutiques, galleries, and design studios.
• Market Square Food Tour: Sample Finnish delicacies at Helsinki’s lively Market Square, including fresh seafood, reindeer meat, and Finnish pastries.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: Visit this unique museum, featuring historic Finnish buildings and structures, and learn about traditional Finnish culture.

These tours offer a great way to experience each city’s highlights and unique attractions. Remember to check availability and book beforehand, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently asked questions Scandinavia itinerary 15 Days 

What is the best time to visit Scandinavia for a 10-day itinerary?

• The summer months (June to August) are generally the best time to visit Scandinavia as the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy longer daylight hours. However, each season has its charm, and you can plan your visit based on your preferences.

Is English widely spoken in Scandinavia?

• English is widely spoken in Scandinavia, especially in major cities and tourist areas. You’ll be fine communicating with locals and seeking assistance if needed.

What is the currency in Scandinavia?

• Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), and Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Carrying some local currency for small expenses is advisable, although credit cards are widely accepted.

How do I get around Scandinavia between cities?

• Scandinavia has an efficient transportation system. You can travel between cities by train, bus, or domestic flights. Trains are a popular choice, offering comfort, scenic views, and convenient connections. Buses are a cost-effective option, especially for shorter distances. Domestic flights can be faster for longer distances.

How do I book train tickets in Scandinavia?

• Book Train tickets online through national railway websites, such as DSB for Denmark, SJ for Sweden, and Vy for Norway. Better to book in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your preferred schedule and seating.

Are there vegetarian food options available in Scandinavia?

• Yes, vegetarian food options are widely available in Scandinavia. Most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian dishes, and you’ll find vegetarian-friendly options in major cities. It’s also helpful to inform the staff about your dietary preferences to ensure suitable meals.

What should I pack for my Scandinavia trip?

• Pack layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions. Include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Remember essentials like a power adapter, sunscreen, and any necessary medications.

Are there any cultural customs or etiquette I should be aware of?

• Scandinavians value personal space and privacy, so respecting their boundaries is polite. Tipping is not mandatory when dining out, as the bill usually includes service charges. However, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.

Are there any safety concerns in Scandinavia?

• Scandinavia is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take standard safety precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and following local guidelines or warnings.

Now you can plan the best Nordic countries with this 15 days Scandinavia itinerary. So enjoy your Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland trip with this detailed Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland itinerary (Scandinavia itinerary 15 days). 

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Travel Scandinavia: 15-Day Itinerary For Denmark, Sweden, & Norway

Scandinavia is a vast region of Europe, but it's possible to hit the highlights in 15 days on this epic road route.

Read update

Travel Scandinavia: 15-Day Itinerary For Denmark, Sweden, & Norway

• Start your Scandinavian adventure in Copenhagen, Denmark. Take a walking tour, try traditional Danish dishes, and explore iconic landmarks like Rosenborg Castle.
• Head to Malmö, Sweden, and experience the charm of its Old Town and historic sites. Don't miss the Disgusting Food Museum or a stroll through Kungsparken.
• Travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, and enjoy the city's museums, botanical gardens, and delicious seafood at the fish market. Take a day trip to the stunning Fløyen mountain in Bergen, Norway, for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

Scandinavia is an appealing region in Northern Europe that attracts tourists for its progressive policies, clean streets, vegan food options, stunning scenery, and reputation for happiness. Exploring the trifecta of Scandinavia is possible in just 15 days for travelers willing to move quickly, cruising from Denmark to Sweden to Norway and seeing the highlights that these Scandinavian countries offer. Rent a car and drive this route, or book train tickets to travel between cities.

Note: This article suggests accommodations in these Scandinavian countries based on extensive research. We selected hotels with a user rating of 7.0 or higher competitive rates, positive reviews, as well as their attractive amenities.

UPDATE: 2023/09/25 13:38 EST BY MARIAM ADAMA

Scandinavia is one of the most fascinating regions in Europe and the world. This list has been updated to include even more tours and adventures for travelers to explore on their Norway, Sweden, and Denmark itineraries.

15 Day One: Arrive In Copenhagen

Travelers can plan to start their journey through Scandinavia in Copenhagen, the incredible capital city of Denmark. This is accessible from major North American airports and by train from Western Europe, particularly from Hamburg, Germany. After arriving in Copenhagen, spend the rest of the day recovering from jet lag and exploring the city on foot. Some important landmarks to walk to include Rosenborg Castle , Amalienborg, and The Round Tower. For dinner, try the national dish, Stegt Flæsk Med Persillesovs (Fried Pork Belly With Potatoes and Parsley Sauce).

• Dining Tip: Restaurant Klubben is one of the top spots to try this nationally renowned meal
• Tour Suggestion: Copenhagen Highlights Express 2-Hour Walking Tour
• Where to stay: Absalon Hotel
• Address: Helgolandsgade 15, Copenhagen 1653 Denmark
• Amenities: Free WiFi, Bicycle Rental, Bar/Lounge

14 Day Two: Nyhavn And Tivoli Gardens

On the first full day in Copenhagen, start the morning in Nyhavn, the 17th Century waterfront and entertainment district. This cobbled street has colorful homes facing the water and boasts lots of cafés. For lunch, try smørrebrød, a delicious meal consisting of a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich made with rye bread.

In the afternoon or evening, have some fun at Tivoli Gardens. This amusement park is one of the oldest in the world and offers rides for adults, rides for kids, souvenir shops, and relaxing green garden spaces.

• More Amusements: Theater and ballet performances take place at Tivoli
• Admission: $145 DKK/ $20 USD general entrance. Tickets for all entertainment are available online
• Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 AM to 10 PM
• Where to stay: 71 Nyhavn Hotel
• Address: Nyhavn 71, 1051 Copenhagen, Capital Region
• Amenities: Restaurant, Free WiFi, Business Center

Dining Tip: Schønnemann is one of the top places in the city to try smørrebrød

Related: A Travel Guide To Denmark: Tourists Should Plan Their Trip Around These 10 Things

13 Day Three: Explore Malmö

Leave Denmark and cross the Öresund Bridge - the world's longest cable-tied road bridge - into Sweden in the morning. Travelers can rent a car to cross the bridge, or it's also possible to take a 30-minute train ride into Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city, instead. Once in Malmö, get settled and head out to explore the quaint town on foot or by bicycle.

Start off enjoying Sweden by exploring Malmö's Old Town historic district and the picturesque Malmöhus Castle. View the futuristic Turning Torso tower, then step back in time at the 14th-century gothic marvel that is St. Peter’s Church, and take in the inventiveness of Swedish art and design at Malmö Konsthall . Travelers who aren’t interested in art and architecture might have more fun at the Disgusting Food Museum or walking through peaceful Kungsparken, a famous city park.

• Dining Suggestion: For dinner, try authentic Swedish meatballs at Två Krögare Bullen
• Tour Suggestion: Malmö & Lund Tour, Crossing the Øresund Bridge to Sweden
• Where to stay: Mayfair Hotel Tunneln
• Address: 4 Adelgatan, Malmö 211 22 Sweden
• Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Concierge

12 Day Four: Experience Fika In Lund

The next morning, depart Malmö and travel north to Lund, a charming, historical town in the south of Sweden. Lund dates back to the 10th century and is one of the oldest cities in the country - as is its awe-striking Lund Cathedral. Travelers can have their first Swedish Fika experience mid-morning at one of the many coffee shops and bakeries lining the streets. In the afternoon, it's a great idea to stroll around the Lund Botanical Gardens, or the fantastic open-air museum Kulturen Museum , which features historic buildings and beautiful gardens.

• Fika is a Swedish custom of having a coffee break with something sweet and in good company
• Dining Suggestion: Top Fika spots in Lund include Ebbas Skafferi, Love Coffee, and Coffee Break
• Tour Suggestion: Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University
• Where to stay: Scandic Hotel Star Lund
• Address: 5 Glimmervaegen, Lund 224 78 Sweden
• Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Pool

11 Day Five: Gardens And Museums In Gothenburg

On day five, depart Lund and drive (or take the train) to the picturesque city of Gothenburg. This idyllic Swedish destination deserves more than a day of exploration, so check into a hotel or Airbnb and prepare to spend some time here. Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art , the science center Universeum, and the Volvo Museum. Then, head to the Gothenburg Botanical Garden and stroll amongst the greenery before sitting back and enjoying a nice dinner.

• Dining Suggestion: Zamenhof offers all-day dining in Gothenburg, and wine on tap
• Tour Suggestion: City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Where to stay: Hotel Scandic Rubinen
• Address: Kungsportsavenyn 24, Gothenburg 400 14 Sweden
• Amenities: Great option, with reasonable prices and great comfort, excellently located in the midst of the exciting neighborhood of Avenyn

Related: Skane, Sweden: Why It's The Perfect Stockholm Alternative

10 Day Six: Fish Market And Magasinsgatan

Spend another day in Gothenburg, waking up early to visit the fish market, Feskekôrka. For seafood lovers, this market is paradise. The vast building contains stalls selling fresh local fish and other seafood items, plus there are restaurants inside where travelers can sit down to try the fish in a prepared dish.

In the afternoon, go shopping at Magasinsgatan , a stylish district with shops, courtyards, and cafés. Enjoy one last Swedish Fika experience here before driving to Oslo for the night.

• Dining Suggestion: Restaurant Gabriel is a must-try restaurant at Feskekôrka, with inventive and amazing seafood
• Tour Suggestion: Make Your Own Tour - Guided Walking Tour
• Where to stay: Amerikalinjen
• Address: Jernbanetorget 2, Oslo 0154, Norway
• Amenities: Free WiFi, Fitness Center, Free Breakfast

9 Day Seven: Explore Oslo

The seventh day is the time to make the most of one full day in Norway’s capital city, the beautiful Oslo. The history of Oslo dates back to the 1000s, during the Viking Age, yet it is one of the most vibrant, modern, and fast-growing cities in Europe. Start the day off well in the Norwegian capital by rising early and getting breakfast at Erlik Kaffe in downtown Oslo.

Then, go to Vigeland Sculpture Park, where plenty of unique sculptures by iconic Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland are displayed in the city's green space. Make a stop at the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Later in the day, travelers can go to the waterfront and get out on a boat for a different view of the city, cruising around the edges of the Oslofjord.

• Tour Suggestion: Guided Oslo Fjord Cruise by Silent Electric Catamaran
• Where to stay: Hotel Bristol
• Address: Kristian IVs Gate 7, Oslo 0164 Norway

Related: 11 Things To Do In Stockholm: Complete Guide To This Vibrant Swedish City

8 Day Eight: Arrive In Bergen

Depart from Oslo and embark on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Oslo-Bergen train ride. Crossing Norway by train in the Bergen Line is a bucket list event, as the journey takes travelers through some of the most breathtaking views of Scandinavia, across mighty fjords, and atop the Hardangervidda Plateau. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to return a rental car to Oslo and purchase a train ticket to Bergen on the high-speed train.

• Travel Time: The ride takes anywhere from 6.5-7 hours
• Train Schedule: There are departures in the morning, afternoon, and evening daily
• Tickets: One-way ticket prices start at $105 USD

By departing from Oslo on a morning train, travelers will have a chance to explore Bergen in the evening. Walk around Bryggen, a colorful neighborhood on the wharf.

• Dining Suggestion: Pingvinen or Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant are both great choices for dinner
• Tour Suggestions: Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum
• Where to stay: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen
• Address: Rosenkrantzgaten 7, Bergen 5003 Norway

7 Day Nine: View The Bergen Peninsula From Fløyen

Another full day in Bergen means a chance to get outside the city center and appreciate the incredible natural landscapes of Norway. Go hiking to Fløyen mountain for beautiful views of Bergen and its surroundings. The popular hiking route is a 5.8 km out-and-back trail , open year-round. Dogs are welcome to join their owners if they are on a leash.

• Distance: 3.2 km
• Elevation: 297 m
• Hiking Time: Avg. 1h 20
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to stay: Fløien Apartments
• Amenities: Kitchen, Washing Machine, Heating
• Alternative Activities: Private day trip to the Vorings Waterfall— Norway's most visited

Related: A Travel Guide To Stockholm: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

6 Day Ten: Departure Flight (Optional Stop In Stockholm)

Start the last day of this Scandinavian adventure with a quick breakfast before heading to the airport to catch a flight home.

Depending on travelers’ timeline, they may choose to book a flight to Stockholm, Sweden, from Bergen and depart for North America from there since Stockholm is a bigger travel hub than Bergen. This also offers a chance for a final look at Sweden and some time to explore its capital.

• Dining Suggestion: Lovetann Café & Bistro is a great breakfast spot; the popular Chèvre toast is sure to be a delicious goodbye to Norway.
• Tour suggestion: Old Town Tour of Stockholm
• Where to stay: Bank Hotel
• Address: Arsenalsgatan 6, Stockholm 111 47 Sweden
• Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Fitness Center

5 Optional Side Trip - Day Eleven: Trip First Day To The Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a remote self-governing territory of Denmark and are worth a visit. Most flights leave from Copenhagen, so it would be better to put this side trip at the start of one's itinerary (there are also flights from Paris, Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Oslo, and Bergen). These islands only have a population of 54,000 and are one of the most interesting places to visit.

Fly out to the Faroe Islands and stay in Tórshavn. Tórshavn is the main settlement, with a population of 14,000.

• Tour Suggestions: Faroe Islands Highlights Tour
• Where to stay: Havgrim Seaside Hotel
• Address: 14 Yviri við Strond, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands
• Amenities: Boutique Hotel, Centrally Located, Great Views

4 Optional Side Trip - Day Twelfth: Trip Second Day In The Faroe Islands

Unfortunately, less than three days are not enough to see much of the many islands of the Faroe Islands. But it is enough time to see some of the main highlights and some of the natural wonders on the island group . Explore more of the rugged subpolar oceanic climate. Hopefully, one will have had enough time to have explored the main town on the first day.

On the second day, spend the night in the fjords of the Faroe Islands. Consider staying in a stunning cottage like Fjord Cottage tucked away in the pristine fjords.

• Tour Suggestions: Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm And Stegastein - Viewpoint Cruise
• Where to stay: Fjord Cottage
• Address: Gerdisvegur 15, Søldafjørdur 660, Faroe Islands
• Amenities: Views Of Fjords, Peaceful, Rural Retreat

3 Optional Side Trip - Day Thirteenth: Return From The Faroe Islands

Hopefully, one will be able to get an evening flight on the third day in the Faroe Islands. One may be regretting one will be leaving so soon. But at least one saw them. Take the time to explore more of the island with its lakes, dramatic seaside cliffs, and forgotten fjords. In the evening, flies back to Copenhagen and stays at the Absalon Hotel for the start of the mainland Scandinavia trip. Alternatively, if one is seeing the Faroe Islands at the end of the tour on the mainland, then consider flying to Scotland or Iceland.

• Tour Suggestion: Flam: The Famous Viking Village Experience

2 Day Fourteen: One More Adventure in Copenhagen

As travelers return to Copenhagen, they are presented with the perfect opportunity to explore all the wonders they may have missed during their initial visit. Travelers must take a day or two to fully immerse themselves in the city's charm and discover why Copenhagen has been named one of Europe's most livable cities. For those who prefer guided tours, there are several highly rated bus tours available that showcase the city's rich history and culture. Art enthusiasts will also find Copenhagen to be a haven of creativity and inspiration. A visit to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of the city's most revered museums, is an absolute must. Here, visitors can marvel at a vast collection of Mediterranean antiques and 19th-century art. The exhibitions at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek are diverse and fascinating, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by Van Gogh, sculptures from Greece, and works of art from Denmark and France.

• Tour Suggestion: 3h walking tour
• Where to stay: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
• Address: H. C. Andersens Boulevard 12, 1553 Copenhagen, Capital Region
• Amenities: Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-FiBusiness center

Related: Top 10 Hidden Gems In Copenhagen, Denmark That You Can't Miss

1 Day Fifteen: A Delightful Culinary Adventure Before Departing Copenhagen

Food is an exciting part of traveling. After stopping by several restaurants and dinners spread across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, what better way to top off the itinerary than by experiencing a delightful food tour? Food lovers and curious travelers can savor some of Denmark's cuisine, from street food to snacks and pastries. Travelers can hop from eating spots to markets and restaurants, or they can also join one of many food tours in Scandinavia.

• Tour Suggestion: The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour
• Where to stay: Scandic Norreport
• Address: Frederiksborggade 18, 1360 Copenhagen, Capital RegionRegion
• Amenities: Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi available in all areas

The Perfect Road Trip to Denmark and Sweden

A few trips are as exciting and invigorating as a road trip to Scandinavia. The impressive landscapes, the idyllic villages, and the enchanting nature are just a few of the reasons that make such a trip unique. But a road trip through the whole of Scandinavia takes time. Only a few days are not enough to get to know this beautiful place in depth. That’s why a road trip to Denmark and Sweden is the ideal choice for anyone looking to experience Scandinavia in just a few days.

One week is enough for a Denmark and Sweden road trip! Not to see everything you want, but certainly, enough to get a good taste of these two beautiful Scandinavian countries. It mainly requires a passion for adventure, good planning, and some tips. So let’s get started!

Things to prepare before your road trip to Denmark and Sweden

The ideal starting point for a road trip to Denmark and Sweden is Copenhagen. With that in mind, you’ll need to take care of the following:

Rent your car

There are numerous car rental companies in Copenhagen. All are reliable and surprisingly offer quite low prices. You can pick up the car of your choice, either from the airport or from the city center. The road network of Denmark and Sweden is among the best in Europe. Therefore, choose your rental car based on the number of people who will accompany you on your trip.

Pack your luggage

Do not overpack! Take only the essentials with you. You will definitely need some comfortable clothes for driving. Also, don’t forget to pack some warm clothes, even if you’re planning a summer road trip. One of the destinations is Swedish Lapland, where the temperature can drop to 0 degrees in the summer months!

Prepare some car-friendly activities

You will need to spend more than 50 hours in the car for a road trip to Denmark and Sweden. The view will compensate you, but there will definitely come times when you will feel tired or bored. So make sure you spend your time pleasantly and productively. Think of some games you can play in the car and download your favorite audiobooks.

Check the weather

The weather will not affect your route, but you will definitely need to check it before forming your program, in the beginning, and during the road trip. You can avoid some stops or choose others, depending on whether it’s raining or shining.

Your one-week road trip to Denmark and Sweden Itinerary

Based on our experience, the ideal road trip follows a circular route so you can enjoy the most out of Scandinavia in one week. Unfortunately, time is enough for just a taste of Denmark, but a much larger trip through Sweden.

Day One: Copenhagen

The first day of the road trip involves little to no driving! You can spend it exploring the capital of Denmark. Copenhagen is a relatively small city that you can walk around in a day.

There are many things to do in Copenhagen for free or at a small cost. You can drink your coffee in the most beautiful area of the city, Nyhavn. Then walk to Kastellet Park and see the famous statue of the Little Mermaid, next to the park. Then you can visit the magnificent Christiansborg Palace and the Copenhagen Cathedral .

There is enough time to visit the National Museum of Denmark or one of Copenhagen’s many free museums . You should definitely try the famous Danish pastries and have a drink in one of the picturesque bars of the city. But don’t stay up all night because the next day will be much more tiring!

Day Two: Helsingør, Helsingborg, Sodertalje

The next morning, starting from Copenhagen and crossing the east coast of Denmark, you will reach Helsingør in less than an hour. You can spend a couple of hours exploring this cute little seaside town. The most popular tourist destination is Kronborg Castle , the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet!

From Helsingør, the ferry will take you to Helsingborg, Sweden, in less than 30 minutes! There are routes every 20 minutes, and you don’t need to book your ticket in advance. It’s a pleasant little trip with great views of the Danish and Swedish coasts. The price is €33 for the car and €12 for each adult.

Helsingborg is a lovely small town, and it is perfect for a stop for lunch and sightseeing. Park your car in the free parking lot outside the port and spend a few hours seeing the Sofiero Palace and Gardens, the Kärnan Tower, and having a seaside lunch with a view. Everything is in the city center, so you won’t have to wander around for too long.

The rest of the day involves a lot of driving! You will need to drive for 5.5 hours to arrive in Sodertalje, a small quiet town, just outside Stockholm. The highway is safe and easy to drive on. So you can cover this part of your road trip when it gets dark. Choose one of the comfy hotels in Sodertalje to rest after a full and exhausting day.

Day Three: Stockholm

After having breakfast in Sodertalje and admiring the city in the daylight, head to Stockholm. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes. Check into your hotel and then start exploring the capital of Sweden. Spend a leisurely day, with no driving at all, but with plenty of walking.

Stockholm is bigger than Copenhagen, but you can see its main attractions in one day. Start with a walk through the picturesque alleys of Gamla Stan (Old Town). Gamla Stan is the best-preserved medieval area in Scandinavia. Apart from its unique architecture, you will also love its cute little shops and traditional cafes.

Then visit the historical buildings in the city center next to Gamla Stan. The most important are the House of Nobility, the Royal Palace, and the Stockholm Cathedral. You can also choose one of Stockholm’s many free museums to visit. If you have some time, take the ferry and head to the small island of Djurgarden. Djurgarden is full of modern museums and amusement parks, including the Viking Museum of Stockholm .

Finally, don’t forget to try traditional Swedish food in one of Stockholm’s numerous quality restaurants. If you haven’t made a reservation, don’t be disappointed! In most restaurants in the city, you will find a table if you wait patiently in line for a while.

Day 4: From Uppsala to Lycksele (Swedish Lapland)

The 4th day of your road trip includes several hours of driving to Swedish Lapland. But this driving experience might be one of the most enjoyable you’ve had so far. Crossing the country’s northeastern side, you will encounter green meadows, beautiful beaches, dense forests, and clear blue lakes. You will have the opportunity to make many small stops to admire the landscapes you will find on your way. Start your journey as early as possible, so you can see as much as you can.

The first stop is Uppsala, a small town north of Stockholm, known for its university , which was founded in the 15th century. After driving for a few hours, you will leave the main highway and follow a route that combines green landscapes, picturesque towns, and countless small lakes. Make as many stops as you wish, either for food or to enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of places to park your car, even ready-made wooden facilities to sit and enjoy the view and rest from the journey.

Late at night, you will notice a change in scenery and temperature. You have just entered Swedish Lapland. The first town you come across is Lycksele, split in two by a large river. It is the ideal location to spend the night and rest from your long journey.

Day 5: Northern Lights at Jokkmokk

Swedish Lapland consists of small towns and wonderful nature. We recommend as your next destination Jokkmokk, a scenic Swedish town that has been a meeting place for the Sami people for hundreds of years. The distance from Lyksele is approximately 3.5 hours by car, and the route offers views of the magnificent landscapes of Swedish Lapland.

In the area around Jokkmokk, you can find Sweden’s most beautiful national parks. Unfortunately, there is no car access to most of them. Except one! Stora Sjöfallet is the closest national park to Jokkmokk and is a perfect sample of Lapland’s unique natural environment. So, it will definitely be one of the highlights of your road trip through Sweden.

Finally, there is no better place to see the Northern Lights than Jokkmokk and the area surrounding it. The lake next to Jokkmokk is the perfect place to relax in the evening, and observe this magical natural phenomenon. There are benches, shelters, and even campfire stones, all free for visitors.

Day 6: From Jokkmokk to Västerås

Day 6 of your Denmark and Sweden road trip is mostly driving as the return journey begins. Wake up as early as possible and head to Lycksele and then to Västerås and the province of Västmanland. After leaving Lapland, you take a slightly different route from the one you came. It also includes beautiful landscapes and a dramatic change of scenery.

We suggest that after making the necessary short stops at whichever points appeal to you the most, you take a break in the small cute town of Västerås. Built on the shore of Lake Mälaren, Västerås is small enough to see it in a couple of hours and offers plenty of options for good Swedish food.

The province of Västmanland is a beautiful quiet rural area with awesome scenery and lovely traditional houses. There are many cheap options for staying in one of them. Therefore, we strongly recommend you choose one of these houses to spend the night and have a strong Swedish experience!

Day 7: Malmö, Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen

The last day of your road trip begins with a 6-hour drive to Malmö, one of Sweden’s largest cities. You can go shopping in the city’s pedestrian shopping district and sit in the central square for a coffee or a meal. Malmö is 20 minutes from Copenhagen, so it’s the final destination of your exciting one-week road trip to Denmark and Sweden.

To reach the point from where you started, this time you will cross the famous Øresund Bridge. The Øresund Bridge is 16 km long and connects Denmark with Sweden. Crossing it is an experience that could not be missing from such a road trip. The cost of the tolls is 65 EUR for a regular car. Once you pass the bridge, you will be 5 minutes from the airport and the center of Copenhagen.

Some useful tips

If you don’t have much experience with demanding road trips, or if you are visiting these 2 Scandinavian countries for the first time, you will definitely face some challenges. So here are some tips to perfectly organize your road trip in Denmark and Sweden:

• Drivers : You will need to drive an average of 6-8 hours daily. Therefore, it will make your life a lot easier if you split the driving time between two drivers instead of one.
• Cost : Apart from the Øresund Bridge, you won’t have to pay for tolls anywhere else in Denmark and Sweden. Your largest expense will be fuel. So lighten your expenses considerably by renting a diesel car.
• Parking : You will have no issues finding where to park in rural areas and small towns. However, you will need to familiarize yourself with the automated parking system in larger cities such as Stockholm and Copenhagen.
• Closing hours : Danes and Swedes go to bed early! So make sure you plan your food stops and your arrival at your destinations before 9 pm. Also, always check the times you can check in at your hotel.
• Google Maps : The Google Maps app is the perfect tool to find any destination in Scandinavia and arrange your arrival time. Make sure you have enough data on your mobile phone. For any long driving distance, add at least 20-30% extra time, because of the stops you will take.

Final thoughts

Every road trip must have one key element to be successful. Spontaneity! The same rule applies to your road trip to Denmark and Sweden, as Scandinavia is a place that offers endless options even to the most demanding traveler. So even if you’re the type of traveler who wants to organize everything perfectly, leave some room for spontaneity. Our guide to the perfect road trip is indicative of how much there is to see and do, even if you don’t have all the time you need. So just adjust our road trip proposal to your own needs and desires, for a unique outdoor Scandinavian experience.

1 thought on “The Perfect Road Trip to Denmark and Sweden”

That’s great info. Can you tell me if there are any apps or good websites for finding accommodation in country town and rural areas. Thank you Jenny

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Norway vs Sweden: Which Scandinavian country should you visit?

Dreaming of fjords and frolicking through forests?

When you want to go everywhere (*raises hand*), picking your next travel destination isn’t easy. Especially when it’s between Norway and Sweden . Both countries are ridiculously beautiful (like take-your-breath-away kinda beautiful) and are home to some of the world’s happiest people; this is even more impressive considering how long and dark Scandinavian winters are.

In an ideal world you’d jump on Intrepid’s Taste of Scandinavia trip to explore Norway, Sweden  and  Denmark. But if annual leave or budget allows for only one country, which will it be? We’ve broken down the top considerations to help you make the call. 

Oslo is smaller and more compact than Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, but it packs a punch. It boasts a happening waterfront, loads of quirky modern buildings, an eclectic collection of museums, and a burgeoning coffee and temporary art scene — including Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park.  

Norwegians are all about friluftsliv   (outdoor living). The city is built on the end of the Oslo Fjord so you’re never too far from rugged islands, hiking trails, lakes and mountains. In fact, you’ll often see locals carrying their cross-country skis on the metro in winter. You’d probably prefer Oslo if you’re an outdoor lover at heart.

But Oslo is just the start. There’s also Bergen with its rich history (including one of Europe ’s oldest harbours), thriving restaurant scene and incredible views. Not to mention the gorgeous city of Alesund with its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture and quaint waterways set against a backdrop of sea and mountains.

Related: Check out some tips to do Norway on a budget

From the country that gave us ABBA and Spotify, it’s no surprise that its capital oozes cool kid energy. Stockholm is all about culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle, with restaurants, galleries, bars, shops and museums galore. Built on 14 islands (which are part of the vast Stockholm Archipelago), it’s a great city to walk or cycle around; it has even been dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’.

Stockholm has more rustic charm than Oslo, with a mix of sleek modern architecture and well-preserved historic buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. The most famous area is Gamla Stan (old town), an open-air museum where you can get lost in winding laneways, admire the colourful homes of the aristocracy and marvel at one of Europe’s largest palaces, AKA the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Oslo also has an old town, but Gamla Stan has more grandeur.

There’s also Gothenburg with its winding canals, flourishing art scene and lively waterfront. And we can’t forget about Malmo with its multicultural markets, fairytale-like castles and modern seaside promenade.

The term’ natural playground’ is thrown around a lot, but there’s no better way to describe Norway and Sweden. No, really, access to nature is a public right in Scandinavia, meaning you can hike, bike, pitch a tent or forage almost anywhere you want. And it’s just as well, because they’re frequently named among the most beautiful countries in the world.

Norway’s landscapes are as wild and dramatic as it gets. It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Formed over millions of years by glaciers and ice sheets, these deep, narrow waterways give rise to soaring cliffs and provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and kayaking.

Norway’s mountainous interior is just as spectacular. Nestled between the peaks you’ll find vast plateaus and valleys where nature thrives. Norway also has 40 national parks and nature reserves, and arctic tundra in the far north.

Related: 15 photos so beautiful they’ll put Norway on your bucket list

Sweden’s landscapes are more enchanting than dramatic. The southeastern regions are primarily flat with rolling hills, forests, farmland and lakes (all 97,000 of them!). The northwest is more rugged with the Scandinavian Mountains stretching from the north to the south, as well as some of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Europe.

Sweden also has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and one of the world’s largest archipelagos (the Stockholm Archipelago), which comprises over 30,000 islands and islets. There are endless opportunities to explore.

Both countries have a lot to offer. Norway is the place to be if you’re into mountains, glaciers, and fjords. If forests, lakes and islands are more your jam, you may prefer Sweden.

Related: Why consider solo travel in Scandinavia

As neighbouring countries with strong historical ties, there are many similarities between Swedish and Norwegian cuisine. There’s a focus on hearty dishes made with root vegetables, oily fish and meat. They also share a tradition of preserving food using smoking, pickling and fermenting techniques; this was historically a way to ensure families had enough food to survive the harsh winters.

Norwegian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s abundant fjords and coastlines, so it’s more fish-focused. Must-try dishes include gravlax (cured salmon), sursild (pickled herring), torrfisk (dried cod) and Norwegian fish gratin. Other famous dishes include farikal (the national dish of mutton and cabbage), sour cream porridge with cured meat or cinnamon, and brunonst (brown cheese) eaten on a slice of bread or with waffles and jam. You could also try smalahove (sheep’s head) if you’re feeling adventurous.

Swedish cuisine includes more pork, beef and game. It’s famous for meatballs (which you’ll know if you’ve ever been to IKEA), which are typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.

Fish is also popular, particularly salmon, herring and crayfish. In fact, the Swedes even host summer crayfish parties complete with crayfish-themed table decor and hats. Other fish dishes include surstromming (fermented herring) which is known for its pungent smell, and raksmorgas (Swedish shrimp sandwich).

However, one of the best things about Swedish cuisine — and culture — is fika. Fika translates to “a coffee and cake break”, but it’s so much more than that. Fika can be a mini break from work, a way to catch up with a friend, a networking activity… in other words, it’s a social institution.

Some companies even add a clause in employment contracts to entitle staff to fika. A traditional fika spread comprises seven types of cake, cookies and pastries. Needless to say, Sweden’s patisserie game is strong; some would even argue it gives the French a run for their money.

When to visit

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably not looking for guaranteed sun. Spoiler alert: you won’t get that in Scandinavia! Norway and Sweden share a similar climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

Unless you’re into winter sports, summertime (June to August) or the shoulder months of May and September are when these countries shine. The weather is warm, nature comes alive and there are extended daylight hours to explore. If you head north above the Arctic Circle between May and July, you may even experience a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, when the sun remains visible throughout the night.

Summer in Scandinavia is a big deal. In fact, there’s a whole festival called Midsummer dedicated to it; it takes place on the solstice in June. But Sweden has one up on Norway here. Midsummer in Sweden is a national holiday and the celebrations are big. Locals gather to eat lunch in the garden, dance around maypoles wearing flower crowns, and sing folk songs over a glass (or two) of snaps. (Where do I sign up?)

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, you’ll be glad to know you can see them in both countries. They can be seen all over Norway and Sweden, but the further north you go (ideally above the Arctic Circle ), the better your chance. September to March is the best time to see this natural wonder when the night skies are very dark.

The verdict

Norway might be the better choice if you’re looking for epic landscapes and outdoor activities. But if you want a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, Sweden could be the way to go.

Keen for a Scandinavian adventure? Check out Intrepid’s range of trips in Sweden and Norway .

Feeling inspired?

Cliona Elliott

Originally from Jersey (the tiny island in the English Channel), Cliona now lives in Melbourne, Australia. When she's not writing about all things travel for Intrepid, you'll find her chasing flavours, getting lost in local markets or waking up at a ridiculous time to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Denmark? Seasons, Temperatures & More

When is the Best time to visit Denmark? The best time to visit Denmark depends on your preferences and interests. Denmark has a temperate climate with mild summers and cold winters. The weather and activities may influence your decision. 

Overall, I would say that the best time to visit Denmark is during the summer, but if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can also be excellent times to visit. Let’s dive a little deeper into this topic.

The 4 Seasons in Denmark

Winter & activities to enjoy in denmark.

Winter (December to February) in Denmark is the best time to experience the country’s cozy hygge culture by enjoying lots of indoor activities. Other fun winter activities include visiting Christmas markets, trying hot cocoa, and relaxing in a sauna. However, the weather can be cold and dark, with only about 7 hours of daylight in December.

Denmark is not like the other Scandinavian countries with winters piled with snow. Although, they will get some snow in the winter. If you are looking for activities like reindeer safari, husky rides, and northern lights hunts you are better off going further north in Scandinavia.

While Denmark’s winters can be cold and dark, there are still plenty of reasons why you should consider visiting during this season. Here are some reasons to visit Denmark in the winter:

• Christmas markets: Denmark is known for its beautiful Christmas markets, where you can shop for handmade gifts, taste traditional holiday treats, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens puts on a fun Christmas Market well worth a visit.
• Hygge: As mentioned earlier, hygge is a Danish concept of coziness, and it’s especially pronounced during the winter months. You can experience hygge by lighting candles, sitting by a fire, and enjoying hot drinks and comfort food.
• Cultural events: Denmark hosts many cultural events during the winter. The Copenhagen Light Festival, which takes place in February, is a must-see event, with stunning light installations throughout the city.
• Fewer tourists: The winter is the off-season in Denmark, which means you can enjoy the country’s sights and attractions without the summer crowds. You can also take advantage of lower hotel rates during the off-season.

Overall, visiting Denmark in the winter offers a chance to experience the country’s festive holiday spirit, cultural events, and cozy atmosphere.

Spring When Denmark Starts to Blossom

Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit Denmark. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer, making it a great time to explore the country’s cultural sites and museums. 

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Denmark. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Denmark in the spring:

• Cherry blossoms: In April and May, Denmark’s parks and gardens burst into life with cherry blossoms. Copenhagen’s Langelinie Park is one of the best places to see these beautiful pink and white flowers.
• Mild weather: The weather in Denmark is milder in the spring, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. This makes it a great time to explore the cities and countryside without the summer crowds.
• Outdoor activities: In the spring, the countryside of Denmark comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it an excellent time to go hiking, cycling , and exploring nature.
• Cultural events: Denmark hosts many cultural events in the spring, including festivals, theater performances, and food fairs. For example, the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival takes place in May, featuring local culinary delights.
• Fewer tourists: Spring is considered the shoulder season in Denmark, which means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation rates compared to the summer months.

Overall, visiting Denmark in the spring offers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural events, and outdoor activities without the peak tourist crowds.

Summer – Best Time to Visit Denmark?

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Denmark, and it’s the best time to enjoy the beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, and the days are long with up to 18 hours of daylight, making it perfect for exploring the countryside and the cities.

Denmark in the summer is a great time to visit for many reasons. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Denmark in the summer:

• Pleasant weather: The summer weather in Denmark is mild, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. The days are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight, giving you more time to explore the country.
• Beaches: Denmark has many beautiful beaches, and the summer is the perfect time to enjoy them. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a variety of water sports.
• Outdoor activities: In the summer, Denmark’s countryside comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery, making it an excellent time to go hiking, cycling, and exploring nature.
• Festivals: Denmark hosts many festivals in the summer, including the Roskilde Festival, Northside Festival, and Copenhagen Jazz Festival. You can enjoy live music, food, and other cultural events.
• Summerhouses: Many Danes have summerhouses, and renting one is a great way to experience the Danish lifestyle. You can relax, cook your own meals, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, visiting Denmark in the summer offers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, festivals, and beach culture.

Fall in Denmark

Denmark in the fall is a wonderful time to visit. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Denmark in the fall:

• Foliage: Denmark’s forests and countryside are ablaze with color during the fall season. The changing leaves are a stunning sight to see, and you can explore the great outdoors in the cooler weather.
• Harvest festivals: Denmark celebrates its rich agricultural heritage with numerous harvest festivals in the fall. You can find food and drink events, farmers’ markets, and other festivities throughout the country.
• Cultural events: Denmark hosts many cultural events in the fall, including music festivals, film festivals, and other performances. For example, the Aarhus Festival takes place in September and features contemporary art, music, and performances.
• Fewer crowds: The fall is considered the shoulder season in Denmark, which means you can enjoy the country’s sights and attractions without the summer crowds.

Overall, visiting Denmark in the fall offers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural events, and cozy atmosphere, without the peak tourist crowds.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and is located on the eastern coast of the country. It’s known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, innovative design, and world-class food scene. Some of the top attractions in Copenhagen include the Little Mermaid statue, the colorful Nyhavn waterfront, Tivoli Gardens amusement park, and the Royal Palace.

When to visit Copenhagen depends on what you want to experience. The summer months of June to August are the most popular time to visit, as the weather is usually warm and sunny, and many outdoor festivals and events take place during this time. The city is bustling with activity, and visitors can enjoy the long days exploring the city’s many parks, beaches, canal tours and cultural attractions.

Spring in Copenhagen

Spring, from April to May, is also a beautiful time to visit Copenhagen. The weather is generally mild, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. Visitors can enjoy the colorful flowers blooming and the days getting longer. It’s a great time to explore the city’s many parks and gardens, and to take part in outdoor activities like biking and hiking.

Copenhagen Winter

Winter, from December to February, can be cold and dark in Copenhagen, but it’s also a magical time with many Christmas markets and festivals taking place throughout the country. Visitors can experience the cozy and festive atmosphere of the city, and enjoy traditional Danish foods like gløgg (mulled wine) and æbleskiver (apple pancakes).

Shoulder Season

Finally, the shoulder seasons of March, October, and November can be a great time to visit Copenhagen. The weather is usually mild, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. Visitors can enjoy the city’s many museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, and take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodations. Overall, Copenhagen is a great destination to visit year-round, depending on your interests and preferences.

Danish Cities & Best Time to Visit?

Denmark is a small country with many charming and picturesque destinations outside of Copenhagen that is worth visiting. Here are a few places to consider:

• Aarhus: Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city, located on the east coast of Jutland. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the ARoS Art Museum and the Dokk1 library . Aarhus also has beautiful beaches, charming neighborhoods, and many great restaurants and cafes.
• Skagen: Skagen is a picturesque seaside town located on the northernmost tip of Jutland. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive yellow houses, and lively art scene. Skagen is also home to the Grenen sandbar, where you can stand with one foot in the Skagerrak Sea and the other in the Kattegat Sea.
• Odense: Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark, located on the island of Funen. It is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, and you can visit his childhood home and museum. The city is also known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and lively street markets.
• Ribe: Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town, located on the west coast of Jutland. It is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, including the Ribe Cathedral and the Ribe VikingeCenter. Ribe is also a great place to sample local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Danish dishes.
• Bornholm: Bornholm is a small island located in the Baltic Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic cycling routes, and picturesque fishing villages. The island also has a rich history, with many ancient ruins and medieval churches to explore.

Overall, Denmark has many charming destinations outside of Copenhagen that offer a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty, history, and culture.

Best Time to Visit Denmark – Weather

Denmark has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures and changeable weather patterns. The weather in Denmark can vary greatly depending on the season and location within the country.

In general, the summer months (June to August) are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F) and up to 18 hours of daylight. However, rain showers can be frequent. It’s a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

The fall months (September to November) are generally cooler and wetter, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). The fall foliage in Denmark is beautiful, and it’s a great time to go hiking and enjoy outdoor activities.

The winter months (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures ranging from 0-5°C (32-41°F). Snowfall is common, especially in the northern regions of the country. The days are short, with only 6-8 hours of daylight, and it can be quite dark and gloomy.

The spring months (March to May) are milder than winter, with average temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and windy conditions.

Copenhagen Weather

Source: Google.com

Copenhagen has a temperate oceanic climate similar to the rest of Denmark, but due to its location on the east coast of Denmark, it can be slightly milder and drier than other parts of the country.

In the summer months (June to August), Copenhagen is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20-22°C (68-72°F) and up to 17 hours of daylight. However, there can be occasional rain showers.

In the fall months (September to November), Copenhagen is cooler and wetter, with average temperatures ranging from 9-13°C (48-55°F). The fall foliage in Copenhagen is beautiful, and it’s a great time to go for a walk or bike ride.

In the winter months (December to February), Copenhagen is cold, with average temperatures ranging from 0-4°C (32-39°F). Snowfall is common, and the days are short, with only 7-8 hours of daylight.

In the spring months (March to May), Copenhagen is milder than winter, with average temperatures ranging from 4-12°C (39-54°F). The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and windy conditions.

Overall, Copenhagen has a relatively mild climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in the winter and rarely rising above 25°C (77°F) in the summer. 

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before traveling and pack accordingly, especially during the winter months when cold temperatures and snowfall can occur. Layers are always a good idea, as the weather can change quickly. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella, regardless of the season.

Overall, if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to avoid the peak summer months and visit Copenhagen during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, or during the winter months.

Some Unique Things to Try When You are Visiting Denmark

Denmark has a rich culture and many unique things for visitors to try. Here are some experiences that are worth trying when visiting Denmark:

• Smørrebrød: Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, typically made with rye bread and a variety of toppings, including herring, eggs, and meat. It is a delicious and uniquely Danish food to try.
• Biking: Denmark is a cycling-friendly country, with many dedicated bike lanes and scenic routes. Visitors can rent bikes and explore the country’s countryside and cities on two wheels.
• Danish design: Denmark is known for its sleek and functional design, from furniture to fashion. Visitors can check out the Danish Design Museum or visit shops and markets to purchase unique design pieces.
• Danish pastries: Denmark is also known for its delicious pastries, including the iconic cinnamon bun and the flaky buttery croissant. Visitors can try these treats at local bakeries or cafes.
• Viking history: Denmark has a rich Viking history, and visitors can explore this history at museums and historic sites, such as the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and the Ribe VikingeCenter in Ribe.

Overall, Denmark offers many unique experiences that visitors should try, from trying traditional food to exploring the country’s Viking history.

5 Great Hotels Near Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen Denmark

Just want to let you know;   some of my posts might contain affiliate links.  If you buy something through those links, it will not cost you  a penny more, but I might earn a commission.  That will allow for this site to  keep going.  Thanks!

Written by  Veronica

Born and raised in Sweden, now living in the US, Veronica has a passion for Scandinavian travel. As a former product design specialist with a Scandinavian tour operator, she has extensive knowledge of tour planning and the Scandinavian countries.

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Sweden vs Norway: which Scandinavian country beckons for you?

Jul 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Go north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, or stick to the seaside in Sweden’s Bohuslän? © iStock

With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. Yet if you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?

To help you make up your mind, we asked two expert writers to expound on two of the region’s best-known countries, Sweden and Norway. Good luck as you consider your options up north.

Select sensational Sweden 

Paula Hotti’s first trip abroad was a family holiday to Stockholm in her early teens. Later, she road-tripped around the country and lived for a year in Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg – only to fall in love with the charms of Sweden’s west coast.

Norway might have its Arctic archipelagos, meandering mountain roads and cascading waterfalls, true. But in Sweden , you can let your soul drift in seaside paradises, on epic hikes or under the magic of the aurora borealis.  

If you venture to Sweden for the first time, start in the capital,  Stockholm . Built on 14 islands, the city’s oldest quarter is Gamla Stan (Old Town), its centerpiece the Royal Palace . While the area dates back to the 13th century, and the majority of its buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, Gamla Stan isn’t covered with cobwebs: it’s a vibrant neighborhood whose cobbled streets brim with cafes and boutiques that beg to be explored. 

From Stockholm, it’s easy to jump onto a ferry and head to the archipelago that radiates from the capital. In 20 minutes, you’ll glide from trendy city streets to a calmer place, its pace of life set by the ripples of the Baltic Sea.

Although I adore Stockholm, my heart belongs to Bohuslän on the west coast . Bohuslän lies between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border, and its thousands of islands and cute coastal towns like Smögen and Fjällbacka make the area a summer haven – think hiking, biking and eating all fresh seafood you can manage. In winter, a light dusting of snow blankets the coastal cliffs. As the sea freezes, the summer idyll turns into a serene winter wonderland, with lighthouses and red huts dotting the white seascape. This is a place to stare out at the horizon and let your mind rest.

For the adventurous, Swedish Lappland is unbeatable. Among an abundance of hiking treks to choose from, the Kungsleden, or King’s Path, reigns supreme. Running for about 450km (280 miles) from Hemavan to Abisko, the trail is easily divided into shorter stints. The most regal scenery and highest elevations are at the end and the beginning of the trail. Abisko is also reputedly the world’s finest spot to see the aurora borealis – and I believe it, as this is where I witnessed the celestial phenomenon for the first time in my life.

For cities, there’s no real competition between Sweden and Norway. Stockholm exudes unbeatable Scandi-cool vibes, and you cannot even speak of the second cities Gothenburg and Bergen in the same breath. (Unless you love rain, that is: Bergen gets an average of two to three times more rain than Gothenburg per month.)

Designed by the Dutch in 1621, Gothenburg has canals, cuteness and character in spades. The city is also regularly hailed for its sustainability , only adding to its livable allure. In addition to its parks and leafy avenues, you will also find quaint neighborhoods tucked between Rosenlundskanalen (where a few restaurant boats moor) and the slow-flowing Göta River. Perhaps the most appealing is the formerly working-class suburb Haga , an epicenter of fabulous boutiques, restaurants and cafes, all in pastel-colored wooden houses.

Haga may be the best place in the country to enjoy fika , a dedicated time for coffee and cakes. There’s nothing cozier than snuggling up in one of Haga’s coffee shops, such as Café Husaren , which bakes Sweden’s arguably biggest cinnamon buns. 

To sum it up, a sojourn in Sweden soothes your spirits. Life just tastes sweeter here.

Norway: nature in overdrive 

A lover of cold, mountainous places, Lonely Planet author Kerry Walker was immediately smitten with Norway – and has made it her mission to travel the length and breadth of this ravishing country over the past decade.  

My first visit to  Norway threw me in at the Arctic deep end – and I’ve been obsessed with Scandinavia’s most gorgeous country ever since. What snow! What ethereal blues! What crazy witch hat–shaped mountains leaping out of jewel-like seas! Norway’s beauty is off the charts.

On that trip, I used  Bodø as a springboard to explore the neverland of the high north. I crossed the Arctic Circle on foot in the frozen hush of night. I gazed up to the wizard-wand flashes of the northern lights. I heard the howl of huskies as I mushed over pearl-white slopes, feeling as if my sled would take flight any second. I hauled in skrei (Arctic cod) on an old clipper and cooked it over a campfire on a snowy beach. I huddled in a Sami lavvu tent, with reindeer gathered around outside. I bounced on a rigid inflatable boat past the whirlpools and rapids of Saltstraumen , the world’s most powerful maelstrom, as sea eagles screeched overhead. I will carry these memories with me forever. 

Sweden is pretty, no doubt – but it can never match Norway for mind-blowing wilderness, with glaciers, thundering falls and pointy mountains that look like the figment of a child’s imagination. (It’s no wonder Norway inspired Disney’s  Frozen .) This is an elfin fantasy land. A land touched by magic and sprinkled with fairy dust.

In a country that prizes friluftsliv (outdoor living) over all else, culture nods to nature here, too. In  Oslo , you’ll be drawn to Edvard Munch’s paintings of swirling Nordic light and mysterious fjords (see his surreal work at the architecturally striking  Munchmuseet , plus the view that inspired The Scream at  Ekebergparken ). The sea-faring, battle-hungry Vikings left their mark on medieval stave churches, none lovelier than the Unesco World Heritage one in  Urnes on the shores of Lustrafjorden. And up in the Arctic, Alta wows with prehistoric rock art depicting hunter-gatherer life at the  Alta Museum and the aurora-framing  Northern Lights Cathedral .

But what about the food? Surely Sweden wins there? Nope. Norway is riding high on the culinary front, with chefs putting creative riffs on brilliantly fresh ingredients plucked from fjord, forest, field and mountain. The country now has restaurants right up there on the podium with Europe’s best, from two-Michelin-starred  Renaa in Stavanger, where the food sings joyously of the seasons and foraged finds, to the Valentine Warner–hosted Kitchen on the Edge of the World at Holmen on the thrillingly wild Lofoten Islands . And now everyone is raving about Michelin-starred  Under in Lindesnes, a restaurant dropped deep into the sea on Norway’s storm-smashed  south coast .

But more than anything it’s the outdoors that pulls me back. Here, you can give civilization the slip hiking in  Jotunheimen  (“Home of the Giants”), a glacier-topped, mountain-rippled treat of a national park. Here, you can kayak and cruise in wonder across  fjords of turquoise and sapphire blue, gawping up at rainbow-kissed waterfalls nosediving over cliffs and great fang-like mountains. Here, you can go on a summer musk-ox safari in the bleakly beautiful highlands of  Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park and stomp past mainland Europe’s largest ice cap, the Jostedal Glacier, in  Jostedalsbreen National Park . Here, you can strike out from the fjord-side city of  Stavanger to literal rock stars like knife-edge  Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) and  Kjeragbolten , a mad boulder wedged between two heart-stoppingly sheer cliffs.

Wherever you go, there’s something exhilarating about knowing that no matter how many fjords you cruise, helter-skelter roads you drive and insanely steep mountains you climb, Norway has more to keep you coming back for a lifetime.

And you will, I promise you. 

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The 15 Most Beautiful Scandinavian Cities to Visit

T he Nordic countries of Northern Europe are often known for their majestic landscapes. In fact, the Scandinavian Peninsula, in particular, is home to majestic fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and other breathtaking natural wonders. But the Scandinavian cities are equally lovely and worthy of inclusion on any Scandinavia itinerary .

So, if you are looking for the best Scandinavian cities to visit, we’ve compiled a list of the most enchanting cities in the region.

Most Scandinavian urban areas are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. With first-rate public transportation, abundant green spaces, and museums that celebrate the region’s unique culture and history, one could argue that the metropolitan areas in Scandinavia are as fascinating as its geography.

All the beautiful cities in Scandinavia are also defined by a standard of cleanliness and sustainability that is unparalleled in Europe or elsewhere.

This guide to the best Scandinavian cities highlights the unique aspects and most popular things to do in each of the popular urban areas in Scandinavia.

What countries make up Scandinavia?

The Nordic region known as Scandinavia is made up of the countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. While many people believe Finland , the Faroe Islands, and Iceland are also part of Scandinavia, this is not actually the case. 

Although the northern European countries share some similarities and common heritage, only the countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway are on the Scandinavian Peninsula.

While Finland shares a similar geologic makeup and Iceland and the Faroe Islands share a similar language, they are not considered part of Scandinavia.

Don’t worry – at the bottom of the post, we’ve included a couple of the best Nordic cities to visit, as well, although they are not actually in Scandinavia.

The most beautiful cities in Scandinavia to visit

From large capital cities to smaller urban areas that offer both charm and urban variety, here are the best Scandinavian cities to include on a vacation or holiday. 

We have mapped out the Nordic delights that we consider the jewel cities in Scandinavia to visit to give you an idea of the region and where each city is in relation to each other.

The best Scandinavian cities in Denmark

Denmark is the smallest of the Scandinavian countries. But with a portion of Denmark connected to mainland Europe, it is one of the easiest Scandinavian countries to visit. 

Copenhagen is the heart of Denmark. With colorful canals, an historic amusement park, grand palaces, and perfectly manicured gardens, Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia. 

Situated on the islands of Zeeland and Amager, the capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen – or København in Danish – is also known to be extremely environmentally friendly. In fact, you’ll likely find more bicycles and pedestrians than cars on the streets, which adds to Copenhagen’s relaxed vibe. 

If visiting Copenhagen with kids , a visit to Tivoli Gardens is a must. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful amusement parks, but there are a lot of fun rides for toddlers in Tivoli Gardens all the way up to adults.

While you could spend an entire day at Tivoli Gardens, you’ll want to make time for some sightseeing, as well. Venture to see the Little Mermaid , one of the most famous statues in Europe , which is located on the water’s edge near the Langelinie Pier. 

Additionally, as a constitutional monarchy, Denmark’s capital boasts several notable European palaces. Both Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Palace are worth visiting when in Copenhagen. 

Also, be sure to watch the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace at noon, before heading to Copenhagen’s most photographed street for a patio lunch. 

With brightly colored buildings and large sailboats lining a picturesque canal, Nyhavn is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon in Copenhagen. Take a canal cruise or simply stroll along the street and enjoy the view and the atmosphere. 

The city is also home to the Carlsberg Brewery . Founded in 1847, Carlsberg is one of the leading beer producers in Europe. Although geared more for adults, kids will also enjoy touring the brewery and visiting the Carlsberg horse stables. 

The Copenhagen Card includes admission to many of these attractions, so we strongly recommend getting if visiting the popular Scandinavian city. 

Copenhagen at a glance

• Capital of Denmark
• Population: 602,481
• Metro area population: 2,057,142

Even though Copenhagen is usually considered the cool and vibrant city in Denmark, Aarhus is a true gem. Aarhus is not only beautiful but also offers a lot to do. It is the second largest city in Denmark after Copenhagen and can be found in the region Jutland.

In Aarhus you can dive into both the old and into the new.

Start your day with a visit to Den Gamle By . This open air museum has collected houses and other buildings in Denmark from different periods in time. It teaches you Denmark’s history by literally showing you parts of it. It contains over 75 buildings and is interesting for both children and adults.

But the history can also be seen in the city center, for example by visiting the beautiful cathedral of Aarhus.

Done with the old? Discover the new by visiting Aarhus’ modern museum ARoS . The building is iconic because of the art installation, Your rainbow panorama, on top. But the inside is also worth it: from the Golden Ages to very modern art, the different floors show you art through the ages.

More interested in modern architecture? The former docklands in Aarhus have been transformed into a new, modern area. This district is called Aarhus Ø and is known for the buildings called The Iceberg .

In between your visits to the highlights you can enjoy a nice city walk or try the delicious Danish food in Aarhus, all of which will make Aarhus one of the most memorable Scandinavian cities to visit.

Manouk from Groetjes uit Verweggistan

Aarhus at a glance

• Second largest city in Denmark
• Population: 336,411
• Metro area population: 952,824

As the gateway to Scandinavia, Helsingor is a great place for travelers who are looking for an authentic European city.

It’s situated less than 46 kilometers from Copenhagen , and it’s home to some interesting sights worth seeing such as the popular Kronborg Castle (home of Hamlet).

The town of Helsingor is very walkable and there are two main shopping streets (Axeltorv & Stengade) with plenty of shops and cafes where you can stop for a coffee or something sweet. 

Axeltorv is the bustling hub of Helsingor that boasts a memorial fountain by Einar Utzon-Frank in memory of King Eric the Pomeranian who granted Helsingor its original charter.

Markets are held at Axeltorv on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from May to October, there’s also an antique market each Friday. 

Just a couple of minutes’ walk away in this medieval part of town is the popular street of Stengade with plenty of places to eat and shop.

As Shakespeare’s inspiration for Hamlet, Kronborg Castle is a must-see in Helsingor. Tourists flock to the towering castle on Øresund , (the ground on which Helsingor sits), northeast of town. 

The Castle Chapel is found in the south wing of the building; the north wing contains Denmark’s longest ballroom or knights hall.

The National Maritime Museum is an excellent place to explore Denmark’s seafaring legacy. Set underground in the old dry docks, it was formerly a shipyard and is conveniently situated next to Kronborg Castle.

The city has plenty of history and culture to explore, so if you’re planning on visiting Denmark, don’t miss out on this beautiful Scandinavian destination.

Casandra from Karpiak Caravan

Helsingor at a glance

• Home to Kronborg Castle
• Population: 63,399
• 2.5 miles from (4 km) from Sweden’s coast

If you’re ever in Denmark it’s worth your time to venture to Roskilde . It is right outside of Copenhagen and is historic and picturesque. 

It’s most well known for the Roskilde Festival which is the largest music festival in Northern Europe. The festival draws hippies and mirrors the famous Woodstock festival of 1969. The festival draws more than 130,000 people each year. It’s a don’t miss festival if you’re in town. 

The main cathedral in this fun Scandinavian city is also striking. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the earliest Scandinavian Gothic Brick cathedrals, built in the 12th century.

Its mustard yellow coloring is something you’ll take with you forever, it is just so unique. Many of the Danish Royals are buried there dating all the way back to 1448. 

If you’re looking for a good Danish brunch you might also stop by Cafe Korn , a cute little downtown cafe that is famous for its buffet. 

Peruse the cobblestone streets in the area, and take in the fresh Danish air. On the main strip you’ll find lots of cute local Danish shops with fresh chocolate and flowers, don’t forget to grab yourself a Danish Flødeboller. 

Time permitting you might also consider the Museum of Contemporary Arts , which sits in a former royal mansion.

Lindley from Lindley Loraine

Roskilde at a glance

• One of the oldest cities in Denmark
• Population: 51,916
• Metro population: 80,687

The best Scandinavian cities in Norway

Norway is perhaps the most famous of the Scandinavian countries. When you imagine Scandinavia you likely envision the Norwegian fjords. Many of those fjords are accessible from some of Norway’s most beautiful cities.

Oslo is Norway’s capital, and one of the best cities in Scandinavia to visit. The city sits at the head of the Oslofjord, but its main claims to fame are its museums and meticulously kept green spaces and parks. 

Oslo is home to the Nobel Peace Center and the National Museum , which contains one of the world’s most famous paintings “ The Scream” . 

While both are worth a visit, if visiting Oslo with kids , you’ll find The Fram Museum and Frogner Park particularly enjoyable. The latter spans 45 acres and contains the world’s largest sculpture park installation made by a single artist.

The permanent sculpture installation, Vigeland , is open year-round and free to visit. With more than 200 sculptures all created by Gustav Vigeland, the park welcomes millions of visitors each year.

The Fram Museum is one of the most fascinating museums in the Scandinavian city. Dedicated to Norway’s early polar exploration, the museum contains the original ship which sailed out on the first polar expedition.

You can climb aboard to tour the ship and learn about how the explorers lived on board in the dangerous sub-freezing temperatures. 

The world-class museum is located on the Bygdøy peninsula, within walking distance to many of Oslo’s other popular museums, including the Kon-Tiki Museum , the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History , and the Viking Ship Museum .

If visiting multiple museums or attractions in Oslo, the Oslo Pass is worth purchasing, as it covers admission for the majority of the popular tourist sites.

Oslo at a glance

• Capital of Norway
• Population: 707,531
• Metro area population: 1,710,000

One of the more popular tourist cities in Scandinavia, Bergen, Norway is known as the gateway to the fjords. The Bryggen neighborhood of Bergen looks like a setting from a Disney movie with its colorful row of wooden houses built along the harbor.

If spending 2-3 days in Bergen , take the Ulriken cable car ride or take a funicular up Mount Fløyen .

For a great adventure, you can hike between Ulriken and Mount Fløyen. The hike offers picturesque views of the harbor and the city’s surrounding peaks. 

Despite being the second largest city in Norway, the main highlights of Bergen are within a short walk or a quick train ride from each other. 

If time permits, take a 30-minute train ride to the Fantoft Stave Church . The 800-year-old church was entirely reconstructed after it was devastated by a fire in 1992. 

As a coastal town, enjoy at least one meal at the Bergen Fish Market , where your meal may have been freshly caught hours earlier, or dine at one of the many restaurants along the harbor. 

Bergen also makes a great town to base yourself if you want to do some of the nearby hikes, like Trolltunga , or if you want to take a day trip to the small town of Flåm , in the heart of the Norwegian fjords.

Bergen at a glance

• Second largest city in Norway
• Population: 285,900
• Known as the gateway to the fjords

Stavanger, located in the southwest of Norway, is one of the oldest cities in this Scandinavian country. And indeed its old town Gamle Stavanger will charm you with restored colorful wooden houses dating back to the 18th & 19th centuries.

A very important building in the city is the 12th century cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Norway, still being used.

If you seek to learn more about Stavanger’s history, there are several museums to choose from.  Norwegian Canning Museum – fun way to learn about the importance of the canning industry, you will never look at the fish in a tin the same way.

Visit in the Viking House gives you a chance to hear sagas about Harald Fairhair, Norway’s first king and the famous battle of Hafrsfhord in 872 AD.

What also attracts many visitors to Stavanger is the nearby Lysefjord , one of the most beautiful and iconic fjords in Norway! There are many ways to admire and explore the fjord, such as taking a cruise, boat tour or going hiking. 

Two famous hikes can be done, if you choose Stavanger as your base. Easier of them and suitable for most people is a hike to Preikestolen (or Pulpit Rock ) , the other one- Kjeragbolten is rather demanding and suitable for more experienced walkers.

The list of attractions mentioned above is not exhaustive and there is so much more to do during your stay in this charming city. Make sure to book enough days for your stay, to admire the city and its natural wonders.

Ela & Beata from Stunning Outdoors

Stavanger at a glance

• Oil capital of Norway
• Population: 146,011
• One of Norway’s oldest cities

Tromso is the biggest city in Northern Norway, about 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle . It is a perfect place to visit every season.

During the long summer months, the sun never sets – a similar and fascinating phenomenon you can experience in Iceland .  You can admire the midnight sun above the hills over the fjord. Tromso is one of the best places to see the magical northern lights dance in the dark in the fall and autumn sky.

One of the city’s main attractions on the eastern side of the town is the modern Arctic Cathedral , under another famous attraction, Mount Floya . You can have a spectacular view over the city from the cable car leading to Mount Floya.

The upper station, Fjellstua , is situated at an altitude of 421 meters above sea level and a perfect spot for an easy hike. If you like nature, you can browse among numerous hikes around Tromso . 

The Tromso Museum is a perfect place to get to know the north. You can get to know the local Sami culture, history, and region’s art. The Polar Museum gives you an insight into the expeditions to the Arctic.

If you have more time, make sure you take a look at the northernmost university of the world or have a walk in the northernmost botanical garden.

Katalin from Amazing Lapland

Tromso at a glance

• Second-most populated city north of the Arctic Circle
• Population: 77,544
• Sits on an island roughly the size of Manhattan

Founded by a Viking king in 997 AD, Trondheim is a popular “port” town that is considered Norway’s capital of knowledge.

That’s because it is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , the country’s biggest university, as well as the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and many other technological institutions.

However, this charming city also has plenty of medieval charms, rich history and scenic islets.

The “Old Bridge” has to be one of its prettiest spots, which is the entryway into the fascinating old town. This red bridge commands a gorgeous view of the colorful lines of houses on the riverbank.

Then, go on and explore the cobbled streets and antique shops in the old town.

Make the most out of the preserved folk history in Trondheim as you visit the Archbishop’s Residence, which is the oldest Scandinavian secular structure that dates back to the 12th century.

If you visit in the summer, stop by the Folk Museum and witness the over 80 historic buildings in this complex!

You can visit Trondheim whenever you like, although the winter months can feel especially magical, thanks to the thick snow and abundance of Christmas markets.

The easiest way to get here is to make a stop in your Norway road trip, or simply fly into Trondheim.

Cazzy from Dream Big, Travel Far

Trondheim at a glance

• Known as Norway’s capital of knowledge due to having the largest university in the country
• Population: 205,332
• Student population: 36,000

The best Scandinavian cities in Sweden

Sweden is the third country that makes up Scandinavia. It is the largest country in Scandinavia, and has a lot in common with its neighbor, Norway.

Like Norway, portions of Sweden are located within the Arctic Circle. The country is also known for its beautiful nature. 

In Sweden’s top cities, you’ll find unique street art, museums honoring the country’s heritage, and lots of great activities that encourage people to get outdoors.

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is situated on the eastern edge of the country. Along with a distinct island situated in the middle of the city, named Gamla Stan , or “Old Town,” the city is its own archipelago.

The Stockholm archipelago is made up of 30,000 islands, many of which can be visited on one of the many ferries waiting on the beautiful water of the city. 

Take the ferry, located off of the picturesque Kungsträdgården park and downtown residential area to visit islands such as Vaxholm . Take the day to swim or kayak in the Scandinavian waters, or eat local dishes in the relaxing environment. 

Don’t miss out on seeing the uniqueness of Stockholm, as there are many activities for couples, singles, and families. 

For a leisurely stroll, visit Gamla Stan, the medieval old town with cobbled streets, which also houses the Royal Palace , or shop on the famous Drottninggatan.

For families with small children it’s a wonderful trip to visit Djurgården , Stockholm’s national park, Skansen , the largest open air museum in the world, or Grönalund , a beautiful amusement park overlooking the water. 

Another popular visit is the Vasa Museum , home of the sunken 17th century warship.

You won’t run out of options visiting Stockholm as it is also a great time to just watch people in the parks or in the square of Gamla Stan while drinking local coffee and munching on local pastries.

Sandrine from Sandrine Nestenius

Stockholm at a glance

• Capital of Sweden
• Population: 980,000
• Metro area population: 2,391,990

Gothenburg is the largest and most popular city along the Sweden west coast .

An important seaport, the city is noted for its Dutch-style canals and pedestrian boulevards lined with shops and cafes which are perfect for partaking in the Swedish custom of a fika, or coffee break.

With a friendly, welcoming vibe, Gothenburg is an easy city to explore on foot. 

To start your visit to Gothenburg, take a walking tour of Haga , the city’s oldest neighborhood. The mid-17th century old district is known for its well-preserved wooden houses and charming cobblestone streets. 

Other things to see and do in Gothenburg including a visit to Feskekôrka, or the fish church. The former church building along the river now houses a fresh fish and seafood market. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or just to browse the interesting fish selection native to Sweden’s west coast. 

Gothenburg is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Northern Europe. The lovely 40-acre garden is great for an evening stroll or a relaxing afternoon on a nice day.

Gothenburg at a glance

• Second largest city in Sweden
• Population: 631,000
• Metro area population: 1,000,000

Luleå is one of the largest cities in northern Sweden. It’s the capital of Norrbotten county, an area that covers almost a quarter of the country and that includes Swedish Lapland . 

Due to the Luleå University of Technology it is an academic center in the region and an inspiring student city that has lots to offer.

Luleå’s main attraction is its scenic location in the Bothnian Bay . The relatively small city is surrounded by endless forests and incredible nature. 

The Lulea archipelago that lies just off shore from the city has more than 1300 picturesque islands. Some have nothing but nature, others have old fishing villages with traditional wooden cabins. 

What to do in Lulea depends a lot on the season you visit. In winter Lulea is a magical winter wonderland . It is far enough north to see the northern lights and to be guaranteed a thick blanket of snow.

The most popular thing to do in winter is the isbanan , a 6-kilometer ice track around the city center that is used for ice skating, kicksledding, walking or jogging. Other winter activities include ice breaker cruises, dog sledding and snowmobiling.

In summer, Lulea is a great city for those that love the outdoors. You can spend days kayaking through the Lulea archipelago while exploring different islands or hiking one of the many trails in the forests around Lulea.

On a warm and sunny day you can even spend your day on one of the sandy beaches on the shore of the Bothnian Sea . Come in June and you can also experience the midnight sun.

Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Lulea at a glance

• Largest city in the Swedish Lapland
• Population: 48,728
• Metro area population: 77,832

Lund is an ancient and historical city in the region Skåne, the south of Sweden. It dates back to the year 1020 and today it’s a real university city. When visiting the region, it is highly recommended to stop in Lund to learn more about the history of this town and Sweden in general!

Lund is very easy to reach by train. If you fly into Copenhagen , you can take a direct train from the airport to Lund (and other Swedish cities, as well). ‘

The best way to start your visit to Lund is by walking around the historical center and enjoying the view of the ancient buildings.

The absolute highlight of Lund is Museum Kulturen . Here you’ll get to know more about the history of Sweden and Lund with exhibitions inside as well as outside. They even managed to transport medieval buildings from all over the country to exhibit in the museum’s garden!

This way you can experience yourself how people used to live centuries ago. Impressive right?

You should also consider visiting the main church ( Lunds domkyrka ) and read about the legend that is portrayed in the crypts below. Plus, the botanical gardens of Lund are worth a visit as well! 

Other great places to visit include Lund University , Drotten Church ruins , Stadsparken and the Museum of Sketches for Public Art .

Emma from Emma’s Roadmap

Lund at a glance

• Sweden’s second oldest town
• Population: 91,940
• Student population: 44,000

Malmo is one of the easiest cities in Sweden to visit. It’s only a short ride over the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen, making a quick 35 minute trip. There are plenty of things to do in this southeastern city where you can easily spend a great weekend.

Being a coastal city, one of the best things to do is walk around the port and visit the beach. Malmo Castle houses a few museums, so it’s easy to spend part of the day taking in some history and culture. 

The Ribersborg Beach is only three kilometers from the center of the city. The sand was imported, but it still creates a wonderful respite from all your sightseeing. On one end, you can visit a bathhouse and pier with restaurants and cafes.

Other sights to see in Malmo include the Turning Torso tower, and taking leisurely strolls around Lille Torg and Stortorget, the small and large squares where you can meander through the shops and stop and have a coffee and watch the world go by.

There’s plenty of great food to eat in Malmo. One favorite is located in the Malmo train station where you can find Salt and Sill , a great place to get some pickled and breaded herring, a local especially.

Another great stop is a small bakery, called Hollandia , where you can try some cookies and coffee for a real Swedish fika (coffee break).

For a relaxing break, some good food, and a lot to see, don’t pass up a chance to visit Malmo.

Corinne Vail from Reflections Enroute

Malmo at a glance

• Third largest city in Sweden
• Population: 357,377
• Located across the Öresund strait from Copenhagen

Västerås is located an hour northwest of Stockholm, making it an easy day trip by road or by train. Established in 990 AD, Västerås is one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe.

There are many things to do in Västerås and most of the attractions are within walking distance or an easy ride by bus or bicycle.

Within the city centre, you will find cobblestone streets and green spaces filled with beautiful gardens such as Botaniksa Tadgarden (Botanical Gardens) and Djäkneberget Park . 

Take a stroll through Kyrkbacken , the old town, where you will see traditional houses and cottages restored to their former glory.

Västerås Cathedral is also not to be missed. It has been awarded three stars by Guide Michelin. Vallby Open Air Museum is a short walk from the city and features 50 traditional original buildings from throughout Västmanland County.

The city of Västerås lies on the banks of Lake Mälaren and one of the best ways to see and enjoy the surrounding archipelago is by taking a ride on the Elba Ferry .

This is a great way to enjoy a morning or afternoon, and there are many beautiful restaurants and cafes at the harbor where you can enjoy a meal overlooking Lake Mälaren.

If you have a car and want to learn more about the history of the Nordic Viking Age, Anundshög , Sweden’s largest burial mound, is a must see.  Other recommended places to visit are the Sala Silver Mine, Skultuna Brassworks, and Strömsholm Palace.

Peta and Jonas from Exit45 Travels

Vasteras at a glance

• Population: 127,799
• Metro population: 154,049
• Home to the world’s first H&M store which opened in 1947

Which Scandinavian cities are the best?

Determining which cities in Scandinavia are best really depends on what part of the Nordic region you plan to visit.

For example, if visiting the northern Lapland region of Sweden, visiting a city like Luleå makes strategic sense. However, Luleå doesn’t make sense if you plan to stick to Sweden’s west coast and the archipelago. 

While many people stick mainly to the capital cities of each country, the smaller Scandinavian cities have so much to offer, as well! Regardless of which area of Scandinavia you plan to visit, be sure to add some of these beautiful Scandinavian cities to your itinerary. 

Need an itinerary to follow that includes some of these Scandinavian cities? Check out our Scandinavia itinerary to start planning your trip!

Best Nordic cities to visit (that aren’t in Scandinavia)

Although Scandinavia technically only includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, there are other Nordic countries and great Nordic cities worth visiting.

Here are a couple more of the best Nordic cities to visit that, while not in Scandinavia, are often included on a Scandinavian itinerary.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is one of the best destinations in the Nordic region, offering a captivating blend of modern innovation and cultural heritage.

This vibrant city effortlessly combines picturesque natural landscapes with cutting-edge architecture, creating a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere. 

Visitors to the Finland capital are greeted by the Helsinki Cathedral , one of the most famous churches in Europe , which towers proudly over Senate Square. 

The city also boasts world-class museums, such as the iconic Ateneum and the contemporary Kiasma .

From strolling through the charming streets of the historic district to enjoying the tranquility of its numerous parks, Helsinki offers a delightful escape for nature enthusiasts as well. 

And with a thriving food and drink scene, you can savor the flavors of local delicacies like reindeer and freshly caught seafood. So, although not in Scandinavia, if you want a broader Nordic itinerary, consider adding Helsinki to your travel plans. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a captivating destination, as is the entire Nordic island nation.

Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, Reykjavik is the gateway for those who want to begin an Iceland itinerary . The city has a dynamic liberal arts and music scene, trendy boutiques, and stylish cafes. 

Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Hallgrímskirkja Church , with its striking architecture or delve into Icelandic history at the National Museum of Iceland.

 If you rent a car in Iceland , you can find many of Iceland’s otherworldly natural wonders just outside the city, including the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon , the geothermal marvels of the Golden Circle, and many of Iceland’s famous waterfalls . 

Whether visiting Iceland in summer or winter, if flying to Scandinavia from the United States, you can use Reykjavik as a stopping point, with a long layover in Iceland , or even an extended stopover.

Have a question or comment about the best Scandinavian cities to visit? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts (or your favorite cities in Scandinavia) in the comments below.

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More From Forbes

Try these 10 foods on your next trip to scandinavia.

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Waffles served with Norwegian brown cheese and jam, a traditional weekend snack in Norway.

While culinary tours are typically synonymous with Southern Europe, Scandinavia presents a curious dining experience for visitors.

Scandinavian cuisine is marked by its straightforward yet inventive use of ingredients, intertwined with the region's cultural identity and natural environment.

From the distinctively tangy Norwegian brown cheese to the hearty satisfaction found in simple comfort foods, Scandinavian cuisine demonstrates an ability to elevate basic ingredients into tasty meals.

If you’re planning a trip to Scandinavia, here are 10 foods to keep an eye out for. These selections, readily available in both food markets and restaurants, promise a true taste of the Scandinavian kitchen.

Norwegian Brown Cheese

Due to its easy availability, unique flavor, and iconic status, trying Norwegian brown cheese ( brunost ) is an absolute must when visiting Norway. This culinary curiosity isn’t actually cheese, rather it’s a by-product of the cheese-making process.

Brunost boasts a distinctive caramel-like sweetness, a result of the slow simmering process that caramelizes the sugars in the cow’s or goat's milk whey. This process not only imparts a rich, sweet flavor but also gives the cheese its characteristic brown color and fudge-like texture.

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Brown cheese is always available on hotel breakfast buffets and usually in cafes in a sandwich or with a waffle. If you buy some yourself in a grocery store, slice it very thinly and eat on bread, crispbread, or with a waffle.

Cinnamon Buns

Discover the joys of Swedish fika by ordering a cinnamon bun, Scandinavian style. These soft, sweet pastries are swirled with a generous helping of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a comforting treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee.

Cinnamon buns in Scandinavia are sprinkled with pearl sugar.

Each country has its twist on the bun, but each version is fluffier than its American counterpart. They also tend to be topped with crunchy pearl sugar rather than drizzled in sweet icing.

Enjoyed across the region but particularly savored in Denmark, the once humble open-faced sandwich ( smørrebrød ) has become a culinary masterpiece in recent years.

Although homemade versions remain relatively simple, order one in a cafe and you’ll enjoy something increasingly complex.

Dense, dark rye bread is buttered then adorned with a vast range of toppings, from pickled herring and shrimps to cured meats and beetroot, resulting in an explosion of Nordic flavors.

Venture above the Arctic Circle where the waters are cold to find Arctic cod, known for its delicate, flaky texture and pristine taste. A staple in Scandinavian seafood cuisine, Arctic cod is often served poached, with a simple accompaniment of boiled potatoes and melted butter.

The best variety, skrei , is a seasonal dish available only between January and April when the fish swim from the Barents Sea to the Norwegian coast.

Award-winning Norwegian chef Roy Magne Berglund explained that the cold, clear waters makes an “easily recognizable difference” to the firmness and flavor of the fish.

Beloved by IKEA regulars throughout the world, Swedish meatballs are Sweden's contribution to the world of comfort food.

The small meatballs—typically made of mixed pork and beef, and lightly spiced—are served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a rich gravy.

In Norway, you’ll find the larger version known as kjøttkaker , which literally translates as ‘meat cakes’. Smaller than burger patties but larger than meatballs, they are served and enjoyed in a similar way to Swedish meatballs.

Cured Salmon

Sampling cured salmon ( gravlax ) helps you understand the history of Scandinavian resourcefulness. This method of preservation, dating back to the Middle Ages , enhances the salmon's natural richness while infusing it with the subtle taste of dill.

Gravlax (cured salmon) is often available at breakfast buffets in Scandinavian hotels.

Enjoyed on its own, atop dark rye bread, or as part of a festive smörgåsbord, gravlax is a true taste of Scandinavia. It can often be found on breakfast buffet selections in hotels across the region, or in most grocery stores.

The Scandinavian hot dog (pølse) is the street food of choice across the region. Served in a soft, freshly baked bread or in a flat, pancake-like lompe , the pølse provides a quick and inexpensive way to sample the local cuisine.

Although simple ketchup and mustard toppings are common, the joy of the pølse is discovering the various toppings favored in Scandinavia. These include remoulade, crispy fried onions, pickles, and even shrimp salad.

Herring ( sild ) holds a place of honor in Scandinavian kitchens, especially in Sweden and Denmark, where it’s pickled, smoked, or cured and served as a key component of any traditional feast.

Each country boasts its own variations, from the sweet and sour pickled herring of Sweden to Denmark's curried herring salad. In grocery stores, you’ll find pickled herring ( sursild ) in jars.

Rich in flavor, herring is also a strong link to the region's past while still a modern staple that continues to inspire modern chefs.

Cloudberries

In the northern reaches of Scandinavia, the elusive cloudberry ( multe ) grows in the wild, ripening under the midnight sun. These amber-hued berries are both tart and sweet, and often turned into jams and desserts.

Cloudberries are a popular dessert or accompaniment to desserts in Scandinavia.

Treasured for their scarcity and distinctive flavor, cloudberries are a luxurious taste of the Scandinavian Arctic wilderness.

Find them on restaurant menus (’cloudberry cream’ is a popular dessert) or in grocery stores. They are sold in tubs—fresh or frozen depending on the season—and as cloudberry jam.

Salty Licorice

For a palate seasoned with the sweetness of American red licorice, the bold, bracing world of Scandinavian salty licorice is an unexpected shock to the system.

This traditional Nordic treat, known as salmiakki , veers far from the sugary cherry or strawberry flavors familiar in the U.S.

Instead, it’s made from the licorice root itself and flavored with a sharp, salty bitterness that Scandinavians find surprisingly addictive.

Sold in grocery stores near to the candy, Scandinavian salty licorice comes in various shapes, from small diamonds to fish, and its texture ranges from soft and chewy to hard and gritty.

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IIHF women's world championship updates: Canada sets up unbeaten showdown with US

🏒🏒🏒 The United States has an off day on Day 5 of the IIHF Women's World Championship , following a 5-3 victory over Finland on Saturday night at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica.

Observer-Dispatch and Times Telegram journalists Jon Rathbun and Daniel DeLoach are there for all the action and will be keeping you up to date throughout the tournament. Reporters Amy Neff Roth, Laura Sitterly and Ellen Mintzer will also be bringing you news and updates during the tournament.

Keep checking back here all day as we update on the games and more as Team USA pursues its 11th tournament championship .

Read the story: Canada shuts out Czechia, sets up US showdown at IIHF Women's World Championship

Canada wins 5-0; unbeaten showdown with USA set for Monday

The final buzzer sounds on a 5-0 Canada victory over Czechia and the stage is set for the game to which many IIHF Women's World Championship spectators have been looking forward: unbeaten Canada vs. unbeaten USA Monday evening in the final pool play contest for both squads.

Canada or the United States has won each gold medal awarded in the previous 22 tournaments with Canada leading 12-10 after the United States won last year in Brampton, Ontario. Since the tournament went to its current format in 2012, Canada's 2017 loss to Finland is the only pool play loss for either national against anyone else; Finland beat Canada again in a 2019 semifinal.

On Sunday, Canada got a goal and two assists from Kristin O'Neill, two assists from Sarah Nurse, goals from Danielle Serdachny, Laura Stacey and Renata Fast, and 13 saves from Ann-Renee Desbiens who earned the shutout, her first and the team's second of the tournament. Canada has allowed one goal while outscoring Czechia, Finland and Switzerland 12-1 in three victories.

Klara Peslarova made 37 saves for Czechia which is now 1-2 with a pool play game remaining Tuesday against Switzerland.

Pool play wraps up Tuesday. Wednesday is an off day before all four knockout round quarterfinals are played Thursday.

Canada vs. the United States is the final game of Monday's tripleheader. The puck is scheduled for a 7 p.m. drop.

Canada 4-0 at second intermission; Colgate star gets scoring started

Colgate Raider Danielle Serdachny got the scoring started for Canada Sunday and the Canadians led Czechia 3-0 after one period and 4-0 after two.

Serdachny, playing in her second World Women's Championship, scored 2:07 into the Pool contest. Kristin O'Neill assisted and later scored Canada's second and third goals.

Renata Fast got in on the scoring with a goal in the second period assisted by Jamie Lee Rattray and Sarah Nurse who had earlier assisted on O'Neill's first goal.

Canada outshot Czechia 18-2 in the first period and 11-6 in the second.

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Denmark beats China in shootout for first win

China pushed another game to overtime and, eventually, a shootout Sunday but Denmark left the Adirondack Bank Center with a 2-1 victory this time.

With time running down in the third period, China avoided a shutout and tied the score at 1 with a Kong Minghui goal at 18:09. Minghui was in position near the right post and scored with a putback on a shot taken by Fang Xin coming in on the left side. Yu Baiwei also assisted.

Neither team could break the deadlock in five minutes of sudden death three-on-three play, and the game went to a shootout, the format under which China had earned an earlier victory over Japan.

Two of the first three Denmark shooters scored - Frederikke Foss and Nicoline Jensen - while China went 0-for-4, ending the shootout before completing the first round of five.

China had beaten Japan with a single successful attempt while Japan went 0-for-5.

Denmark had taken a 1-0 lead in the second period with a goal scored by Amanda Refsgaard, assisted by Jensen and Frida Kielstrup.

Denmark outshot China 35-24 and got 23 saves from Emma-Sofie Nordstrom in its first win of the tournament. Zhan Jiahui made 33 saves for China.

Sweden first with three wins

Thea Johansson , Sara Hjalmarsson and Josefin Bouveng added goals to the Sweden total during the third period and Sweden is the first team with three wins at this year's World Women's Championship at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Sweden has won each of its first three games in Pool B play and finishes with a game Monday morning with a game against Germany which is also undefeated with two games to play. Sweden has outscored Japan, Denmark and China 17-4.

Bouveng tallied two goals and one assist, and Hjalmarsson had one and one. Bouveng has four goals in the tournament and has scored in each of her team's games.

Sweden wound up outshooting Japan 43-18, and goalie Emma Soderberg was credited with 16 saves. Riko Kawaguchi stopped 37 shots for winless Japan.

Japan falls to 0-2-0-1 with a game against Denmark in the final pool play contest Tuesday evening.

The five teams in Pool B are competing for three spots in Thursday's quarterfinal knockout round. All five Pool A teams - the United States, Canada, Czechia, Finland and Switzerland - are assured of spots in the eight-team knockout round.

Japan pulls even - briefly; Sweden leads 3-2 at second intermission

Japan tied Sunday's morning game with one power-play goal and Sweden untied it 24 seconds later with another late in a second period that ended with Sweden leading 3-2.

Unbeaten Sweden had led 2-0 after the first period. Haruka Toko scored first Japan, and Makoto Ito tied the score with her goal at 18:12. Ito was sent to the penalty box for hooking 16 seconds later, and Sweden regained the lead eight seconds after the ensuing faceoff when Hilda Svensson scored a goal assisted by Maja Nylen Persson and Hanna Olsson.

Josefin Bouveng and Ebba Hedqvist had scored goals two minutes apart in the first period for Sweden. Hedqvist scored on a power play.

Sweden has a 34-9 shot advantage after two periods. Japan made up a two-goal deficit in the second period with only four shots.

Japan vs. Sweden, 11 a.m.

Day 5 of the 2024 World Women's Championship gets started with Sweden (2-0-0-0) and Japan (0-1-0-1) in Pool B on Sunday. Follow Jon Rathbun's X feed here:

Are tickets available for today's games?

Yes, as of noon Sunday, tickets were still available for the Canada vs. Czechia game at 3 p.m. and the China vs. Denmark game at 7 p.m. Go to 2024.womensworlds.hockey/tickets or the Adirondack Bank Center box office for tickets.

Follow Jon Rathbun's X feed during Saturday's Team USA victory over Finland

Photo gallery from germany's 4-1 victory over japan, iihf women's world championship schedule on sunday, april 7.

At Adirondack Bank Center

11 a.m. — Sweden vs. Japan

3 p.m. — Canada vs. Czechia

7 p.m. — China vs. Denmark

IIHF Women's World Championship schedule on Monday, April 8

11 a.m. — Germany vs. Sweden

3 p.m. — Switzerland vs. Finland

7 p.m. — USA vs. Canada

IIHF Women's World Championship schedule on Tuesday, April 9

11 a.m. — Germany vs. China

3 p.m. — Czechia vs. Switzerland

7 p.m. — Japan vs. Denmark

IIHF Women's World Championship schedule on Thursday, April 11

10 a.m. — Quarterfinal

1:30 p.m. — Quarterfinal

5 p.m. — Quarterfinal

8:30 p.m. — Quarterfinal

IIHF Women's World Championship schedule on Saturday, April 13

11 a.m. — Fifth-place game

3 p.m. — Semifinal

7 p.m. — Semifinal

IIHF Women's World Championship schedule on Sunday, April 14

1 p.m. — Third-place game

5 p.m. — Championship

➤ Here is the full IIHF Women's World Champioship schedule.

More: Players to watch at the IIHF world championship tournament

How to get tickets

Tickets for most of the IIHF Women’s World Championship games are still available and can be purchased by visiting 2024.womensworlds.hockey/tickets or stopping by the Adirondack Bank Center box office.

The marquee pool-play game of the tournament, between USA and Canada at 7 p.m. April 8, is also sold out, as is the gold-medal game, scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14.

How to watch the games at home

In the United States, all games will be broadcast on NHL Network , including its streaming service. For international viewers, fans can catch the games on the following networks/streams:

• TSN/RDS (Canada)
• SVT (Sweden)
• Discovery (Finland)
• Czech TV (Czechia)
• Magenta (Germany)
• TBS (Japan)
• Swiss TV (Switzerlan)

Sweden expels a Chinese journalist, calling her a threat to national security, report says

The Associated Press

April 8, 2024, 6:13 AM

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Sweden has expelled a Chinese journalist, saying the reporter was a threat to national security, Swedish media reported on Monday.

The journalist, an unnamed, 57-year-old woman, was arrested by the Swedish security service in October and expelled by the government in Stockholm last week, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported. She is banned from returning.

The woman arrived in the Scandinavian country some 20 years ago. She held a residence permit and was married to a Swedish man, with whom she has children, according to the broadcaster.

The woman has had contacts with the Chinese Embassy and with people in Sweden who are connected to the Chinese government, SVT said.

Her lawyer, Leutrim Kadriu, told SVT the woman doesn’t believe she poses a threat to Sweden.

”It is difficult for me to go into exact details given that much is shrouded in secrecy, as this is a national security matter,” Kadriu told the broadcaster.

In neighboring Norway, broadcaster NRK said the journalist had also reported from there, and from other Nordic countries including Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

Relations between Stockholm and Beijing have been tense for years.

In 2020, a court in eastern China sentenced Chinese-born Swedish national Gui Minhai to 10 years in prison for selling books that were critical of the ruling Communist Party. He was charged with “illegally providing intelligence overseas.”

China has rebuked Sweden’s demands for Gui’s release.

He first disappeared in 2015, when he was believed to have been abducted by Chinese agents from his seaside home in Thailand.

The case led to an investigation of Sweden’s ambassador to China over a meeting she arranged between Gui’s daughter and two Chinese businessmen whom the daughter said threatened her father. The ambassador, Anna Lindstedt, was eventually cleared.

In 2018, a Swedish court found a man guilty of spying for China by gathering information on Tibetans who had fled to Sweden. Dorjee Gyantsan, a Tibetan who worked for a pro-Tibetan radio station, was found guilty of “gross illegal intelligence activity” and sentenced to 22 months in jail.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Denmark pays students to go to college. But free education does have a price.

Borrowers in the US and the UK rack up the highest debt in the world. In Denmark, tuition is free and students are given grants to pay for things like food and housing. Hardly anyone takes out loans, but free education comes with a price.

• By Joshua Coe

Students walk through the University Park in Aarhus, Denmark, on June 20, 2023. Public universities in Denmark like the one in Aarhus are free for Danes, permanent residents in the country and students from the EU.

Hannah Hirschsprung Lange, who is finishing her fourth and final semester studying bioengineering at Aarhus University in Jutland, Denmark, receives about $800 each month in financial support from the Danish government.

“It means I don’t have to work too much besides school,” Hirschsprung Lange said. “It helps with paying the rent and food, and then, you don’t have to think too much about it.”

And like most Danes, she will graduate owing nothing. That’s because in Denmark — as in at least a dozen European countries — tuition at public universities and most colleges is free, and students are paid to go to school as if it’s a job.

The Danish grant system, known as the Statens Uddannelsesstøtte, or SU for short , is available for students for up to six years. The amount of money a student receives depends on how much they earn working on the side. In the case of illness or pregnancy, students can apply for extra financial help.

With student debt repayments back on the horizon for college graduates in the US , Hirschsrpung Lange said that the American higher education system seems broken because of “the fact that you have to go into so much student debt.”

Still, many Danish students like Hirschsprung Lange work part time to earn extra spending money for things like vacations and clothes. And some students do take out government loans, but they aren’t always used for school.

For Astrid Skifter Madsen, a first-year chemical engineering master’s student at Aarhus University, a loan enabled her to go to Asia recently.

“I needed a long summer holiday to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia,” she explained. “So, I needed some money to cover that.”

Madsen said that she’s not worried about being able to finish her studies and paying back the loan.

The Danish government subsidizes student loans with a low interest rate, and she’ll have up to 15 years to pay it off.

Many Danes say that the generous subsidies and the free tuition is money well-spent.

“I mean, in the end, in a sense, you pay it back later,” said physics student Tobias Washeim, 22, who’s finished his third year of his bachelor’s degree at Aarhus University. “And I think it takes the stress off being a student.”

Danes do end up paying for the free education and the SU system through the country’s steep taxes that can carve out over 50% of one’s income. (It’s a progressive tax system , so the more you earn, the more you pay.) But polling in the country has shown satisfaction with the high taxes, which not only contribute to free education, but also free health care and pensions.

“You might pay less taxes and you get a higher income in the US, but I don’t really mind paying [those] high taxes,” Washeim added.

The SU system came about 50 years ago  at a time when the country of just 6 million decided to prioritize a well-educated population, explained Philipp Schröder, who teaches economics and business at Aarhus University.

“It’s a small open economy [that] has virtually no raw materials here apart from brains,” Schröder said. “And so, that is a political agenda that has always been baked-in for changing governments [in Denmark]. So, education is for free.”

The idea was, in part, to make higher education an option for anyone in Denmark, regardless of their socioeconomic status, explained Fane Groes, an associate professor at Copenhagen Business School.

Before that, the SU system saw many students stuck with heavy loan burdens and high interest rates. But despite the goal of leveling the playing field for all Danes, Groes said, it hasn’t exactly worked out that way: “We know that it is the more-educated children and the richer children who actually go to college or university.”

A 2021 study showed that for Danes born in 1987, the social heritage of education attainment is at the same level as in the US . And while the SU costs Denmark a little more than 1% of the gross national product , there are grumblings inside and outside of the government about the system. For one, because Denmark is part of the European Union, it has to offer SU grants to students from other EU countries.

Politicians have argued that this mandate has seen little returns, with a minority of internationals staying in Denmark after graduating . And, they say that too many students take too long to get through school and don’t go into fields that the country needs.

“If you allocate resources and talent mass sensibly in an economy, you don’t want that to happen — that people train for something that no one in the job market wants,” said Schröder, who sat on a government commission tasked with suggesting higher education reforms. “Then, they have to settle for lower-skilled jobs where they can’t use the investments they have taken.”

Earlier this summer, the government made some of the biggest reforms to higher education, controversially shortening or restructuring the length of a third of the country’s 500 master’s programs from two-year degrees to one year and three months .

The government said it will reallocate the funds to training for nursing, teaching and social work — fields that have recently experienced staff shortages in Denmark . But there was no government proposal to get rid of free tuition for undergraduates. Nor did they touch payments that go to students.

The move is expected to mainly impact master’s degrees in the humanities and social sciences .

Sigrid Strunge Vetter, who recently completed a psychology degree at Aarhus, said she couldn’t imagine jamming two years of study into one year and three months.

“I have a two-year master’s degree, and I still feel like I’m having massive gaps and there’s lots of knowledge I haven’t gathered,” she said. “So, how they want to be able to cut that down to half, I simply can’t fathom.”

Overall, Strunge Vetter said that she is not against reforms, though. She said it’s good for the state to regulate higher education to correspond with market needs to keep unemployment rates down.

But she doesn’t want the government to chip away at the right of every Dane to get a higher education.

“It ensures that everybody, independently of their financial and socio-economic background can attend whatever studies they want to attend,” which she hopes will be the case for generations of Danes to come.

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Trump, at Fund-Raiser, Says He Wants Immigrants From ‘Nice’ Countries

At rallies, Donald Trump frequently laments migrants from a list of countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East as he stokes fears around the surge at the border.

• Share full article

By Maggie Haberman and Michael Gold

Maggie Haberman reported from New York, and Michael Gold from Palm Beach, Fla.

• April 7, 2024

Former President Donald J. Trump, speaking at a multimillion-dollar fund-raiser on Saturday night, lamented that people were not immigrating to the United States from “nice” countries “like Denmark” and suggested that his well-heeled dinner companions were temporarily safe from undocumented immigrants nearby, according to an attendee.

Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, made the comments during a roughly 45-minute presentation at a dinner at a mansion owned by the billionaire financier John Paulson in Palm Beach, Fla., a rarefied island community.

Guests were seated outdoors at white-clothed tables under a white tent, looking out on the waterway that divides the moneyed town from the more diverse West Palm Beach, a mainland city, according to the attendee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the private event but provided an extensive readout of Mr. Trump’s remarks.

Dozens of wealthy donors helped write checks that the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee claim totaled more than $50 million, an amount that would set a record but had not been verified. Campaign finance reports encompassing the date of the event won’t be available for months.

Some of Mr. Trump’s comments were standard fare from his stump speeches, while other parts of the speech were tailored to his wealthy audience.

About midway through his remarks, the attendee said, Mr. Trump began an extensive rant about migrants entering the United States, at a time when President Biden has been struggling with an intensified crisis at the Southern border.

“These are people coming in from prisons and jails. They’re coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster,” Mr. Trump told his guests, according to the attendee. The former president has made a similar claim the heart of his campaign speeches.

He then appeared to refer to an episode during his presidency when he drew significant criticism after an Oval Office meeting with federal lawmakers about immigration during which he described Haiti and some nations in Africa as “shithole countries,” compared with places like Norway.

“And when I said, you know, Why can’t we allow people to come in from nice countries, I’m trying to be nice,” Mr. Trump said at the dinner, to chuckles from the crowd. “Nice countries, you know like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?”

He continued, “And you know, they took that as a very terrible comment, but I felt it was fine.”

Mr. Trump went on to say that there were people coming from Yemen, “where they’re blowing each other up all over the place.”

During his rallies, Mr. Trump frequently laments migrants from a list of countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East as he stokes fears around the surge at the border, which he blames for a spike in crime, blame that has not been supported by available data.

At the dinner, Mr. Trump also lamented the surge of migrants, particularly from Latin America, saying that gang members “make the Hells Angels look like extremely nice people.”

“They’ve been shipped in, brought in, deposited in our country, and they’re with us tonight,” Mr. Trump said.

“In fact, I don’t think they’re on this island, but I know they’re on that island right there. That’s West Palm,” Mr. Trump said, gesturing across the water, according to the attendee. “Congratulations over there. But they’ll be here. Eventually, they’ll be here.”

Asked to comment, a Trump campaign official pointed to an official readout of the former president’s event, including that he had discussed the border crisis and the tax cuts that he enacted while in office. The official did not address the specific quotes and did not respond to a question about whether the campaign was disputing them.

Mr. Paulson’s estate sits along the waterway that separates the town of Palm Beach — a wealthy community on a barrier island that, according to the Census Bureau, is 93.8 percent white — from West Palm Beach, where nearly a third of residents are Black and a quarter are Hispanic.

Mr. Trump blamed his successor, Mr. Biden, for the influx of migrants and mocked him and aides for what Mr. Trump said were bad decisions made around the Resolute Desk, which has been used by two dozen presidents.

“The Resolute Desk is beautiful,” Mr. Trump said. “Ronald Reagan used it, others used it.”

He then denigrated Mr. Biden, sounding disgusted, according to the attendee: “And he’s using it. I might not use it the next time. It’s been soiled. And I mean that literally, which is sad.”

The attendee who witnessed the moment said that dinner guests laughed and that Mr. Trump’s remark was interpreted as the former president saying that Mr. Biden had defecated on the desk.

Mr. Trump also sought to point to parts of his record that could appeal to the wealthy donors in attendance. He highlighted the tax cuts under his administration and asked attendees about whether they had a preference for that measure or his regulations that allowed them to take advantage of specific write-offs, according to the attendee.

“The most successful people in the whole country are in this room,” Mr. Trump said.

He ended his remarks with a grave assessment of America’s future that has characterized his campaigns for the presidency, but with a more apocalyptic tenor in 2024.

“This could very well be the last election this country ever has,” Mr. Trump said, using a line that has become standard at his rallies. “July 4 is not as important as this as far as I’m concerned.”

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman

Michael Gold is a political correspondent for The Times covering the campaigns of Donald J. Trump and other candidates in the 2024 presidential elections. More about Michael Gold

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Days after saying that abortion policies should be left to the states , Donald Trump criticized an Arizona court ruling for upholding an 1864 law that banned nearly all abortions and said that he would not sign a national ban if elected .

A closely watched measure of inflation remained stronger than expected in March , dealing a political blow to President Biden , who has been banking on cooling inflation to lift his re-election prospects.

Trump once again criticized Jews who back Democratic candidates , saying that “any Jewish person that votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.”

Trump’s penchant for bending the truth has been well documented, but a close study of how he does so reveals a kind of technique to his dishonesty .

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