Spending the Summer in Scandinavia?
Are you visiting Scandinavia this summer? If so, let us be a part of your trip with a short guide to what there is to see and do in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. From the stunning fjords of Norway to the vibrant streets of Copenhagen, Scandinavia offers plenty of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the region’s natural beauty, rich history, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While we can’t claim to be experts about every Scandi country, we wanted to give you a little overview of what the region has to offer. We hope this post helps you plan your trip, and feel free to leave us a comment with any questions or suggestions you might have!
Explore Major Cities
No matter which country you visit, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Scandinavian cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, visit iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace in Stockholm or Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, and indulge in the local art and music scene. While these cities may not be as large as other capitals around the world, they have plenty to offer when it comes to activities and shopping. Plus, they’re walkable and easy to navigate, meaning you can really get to know the city, even if you’re only visiting for a short time.
Get Out into Nature
Scandinavia is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and summer is the perfect time to explore them. It’s rarely very hot, and take it from a Dane, there’s nothing like a sunny summer day in Scandinavia. Take advantage of the long hours of daylight by going outdoors in the fresh air. Hike through lush forests, kayak along crystal-clear fjords, or embark on a scenic road trip through the Norwegian countryside. Don’t miss iconic sights like Norway’s Geirangerfjord or Sweden’s picturesque Lake Vättern. Embracing nature is a huge part of Scandinavian culture, so you’ll meet plenty of like-minded locals along the way.
Learn Some History
Delve into Scandinavia’s fascinating history by visiting its museums, castles, and historical sites. Learn about the Vikings at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, explore ancient fortresses like Sweden’s Kalmar Castle, or admire Denmark’s Kronborg Castle, otherwise known as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. These kingdoms are ancient, so you’ll find plenty of historic sites and museums along the way. You may even find some random places to learn things too; our hometown in Denmark, for example, is home to a very interesting psychiatric museum and “brainless cemetery.”
Try the Local Food
No trip to Scandinavia is complete without sampling its delicious cuisine. From Swedish meatballs to Danish smørrebrød to Norwegian brunost, each country boasts its own culinary delights. Be sure to visit local markets, cafes, and restaurants to experience what the locals enjoy. Luckily, there’s plenty of variety for picky eaters too, so you won’t be forced to eat anything you don’t like. If you’re a fan of seafood, then this region has the most delicious fresh fish from the North Sea, and you’ll have to try some while you’re there. Save plenty of room for dessert too, as you’ll want to try as many pastries and cakes as you can. And remember – if you ever want to replicate something at home, you can probably find the recipe right here on our blog 😉
What Did We Miss?
While this guide covers some of the highlights of spending the summer in Scandinavia, there’s so much more to discover, including local sports, beaches, hikes, cooking classes, interesting local tours, and way more. Do you think we missed anything essential? Leave us a comment below. For us, summer in Scandinavia means fresh air, sunshine, swimming, eating and drinking, and playing games and enjoying time together with friends and family. As long as you have the basics, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy your holiday!
Emma & Sophie,
I love your blog! Just today I made your delicious coconut macaroons. I didn’t have an orange but I had a lemon, so used the zest and they are delicious!
October 1-10 I will be visiting DK with my 2 daughters and their 2 eldest daughters who are 13 years old. We are so excited as we are making plans for this epic trip. My grandparents immigrated from DK (Sandholts Lyndelse, Fyn) in the early 1900’s. If you have suggestions that you think would be helpful to us, please advise. Yes, we will be visiting family but will find our own housing since we are five people. Perhaps you have some housing suggestions that are safe, clean, cozy and affordable? Thank you so much!
Hi, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the macaroons 🙂 That sounds like a very exciting trip indeed! Where in DK will you be visiting? Lots of people in DK book rental houses through websites like Novasol, Dancenter, Sol og strand, and you can also find them on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com – that’s a good option for a bigger group of people! Otherwise, we would recommend going to the beaches (even though it will be quite chilly in October) and taking in some of Denmark’s natural beauty. And try all the local food and bakeries in particular 🙂 Hope that helps!