Best of Scandinavia

Scandinavia: is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. The term Scandinavia in local usage covers the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The earliest Sami yoik texts written down refer to the world as Skadesi-suolo (north Sami) and Skađsuâl (east Sami), meaning “Skaði’s island”. … city of Porvoo (in the Gulf of Finland) up to the city of Kokkola (in the Bay of Bothnia). It’s easy to fall in love with Scandinavian cities, at once historic and modern, traditional and innovative. Known for its design scene, top-notch cuisine and hip, laid back atmosphere, this Scandinavian capital is certainly not considered a budget destination.

Denmark-is a Scandinavian country comprising the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands. It’s linked to nearby Sweden via the Öresund bridge. Copenhagen, its capital, is home to royal palaces and colorful Nyhavn harbor, plus the Tivoli amusement park and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue. Odense is writer Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, with a medieval core of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

Norway– Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.

Sweden-is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and southwestern Gothenburg and Malmö, are all coastal. Stockholm is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges, as well as the medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums such as open-air Skansen.

Finland-is a Northern European nation bordering Sweden, Norway and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, occupies a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is home to the 18th-century sea fortress Suomenlinna, the fashionable Design District and diverse museums. The Northern Lights can be seen from the country’s Arctic Lapland province, a vast wilderness with national parks and ski resorts.

Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.

Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the Schengen countries. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the respective consulate or through their respective website. When traveling to multiple Schengen countries it is best to apply in the country of the first entry or the country you will stay the most. Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Finland are part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.

Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.

Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.

Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.

Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.

Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.

Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.

Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.

Things do & see:

DENMARK

Copenhagen- Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s linked to Malmo in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Indre By, the city’s historic center, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens and home to the crown jewels.

Aarhus- is a city in Denmark on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast. Den Gamle By is its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Nearby are the greenhouses of the Aarhus Botanical Garden. In the center, the multistory ARoS art museum shows global contemporary works. The underground Viking Museum explores early local history. Nearby, Aarhus Cathedral has restored 14th- to 16th-century frescoes.

Odense-is a place of literary wonder, and it is the main city on the Island of Funen. The cosy city is the birthplace of the world’s most famous writer of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen, and a trip to explore the cobbled streets of his childhood home and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a real step back in time.

Aalborg-the capital of the northernmost region in Denmark, North Jutland, is Aalborg, which is also Denmark’s fourth largest city. In recent years Aalborg has gone through rapid city development, and the city is home to world-famous buildings such as Kunsten Museum of Modern Art (only Alvar Aalto museum building outside Finland) and the Utzon Centre.

Helsingør- also known as Elsinore, is a port city in eastern Denmark. Overlooking the Øresund strait, the 15th-century Kronborg Castle provided the setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Nearby, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark illustrates 600 years of Danish seafaring history. The glass-walled Culture Yard in the old shipyard organizes cultural events. On the pier is “Han,” a polished steel sculpture of a man.

Esbjerg– is a seaport town and seat of Esbjerg Municipality on the west coast of the Jutland peninsula in southwest Denmark. By road, it is 71 kilometres west of Kolding and 164 kilometres southwest of Aarhus.

Roskilde- is a city in Denmark, west of Copenhagen. Next to its harbor, the Viking Ship Museum has 11th-century vessels and an active boatyard. In its center, the Gothic, twin-spired Roskilde Cathedral holds the tombs of many Danish kings and queens. The nearby Museum of Contemporary Art sits in a former royal mansion. West of the city, the huge Land of Legends open-air museum recreates Stone Age and Viking life.

Vejle- is a town in Denmark, in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula at the head of Vejle Fjord, where the Vejle River and Grejs River and their valleys converge. It is the site of the councils of Vejle Municipality and the Region of Southern Denmark.

Ribe– is a Danish town in south-west Jutland. It is the seat of the Diocese of Ribe covering southwestern Jutland. It is now part of the enlarged Esbjerg Municipality in the Region of Southern Denmark

Billund– is a town in central Denmark. It’s known as the birthplace of Lego bricks, featured in the Legoland Billund theme park. Nearby, Lalandia in Billund water park has a tropical aquadome. Sculptures line a path along Grindsted stream in Skulpturpark Billund. Northwest of town, Karensminde Agricultural Museum showcases farm work in the 18th and 19th centuries. Givskud Zoo, northeast, is home to lions and gorillas.

Kolding- is a Danish seaport located at the head of Kolding Fjord in the Region of Southern Denmark. It is a transportation, commercial, and manufacturing centre, and has numerous industrial companies, principally geared towards shipbuilding.

In leafy, residential Frederiksberg- locals relax in the gardens surrounding the Italianate Frederiksberg Palace. Gammel Kongevej is the hub for exclusive clothing and design shopping, while cafes and specialty food stores line charming Værnedamsvej street. Families head to nearby Copenhagen Zoo to visit the elephant house and the Arctic zone, with its polar bears and seals

Randers- is a city in Randers Municipality, Central Denmark Region on the Jutland peninsula. It is Denmark’s sixth-largest city, with a population of 62,482. Randers is the municipality’s main town and the site of its municipal council.

Viborg- a city in central Jutland, Denmark, is the capital of both Viborg municipality and Region Midtjylland. Viborg is also the seat of the Western High Court, the High Court for the Jutland peninsula.

Horsens- is a city on the east coast of Jutland region of Denmark. It is the seat of the Horsens municipality. Horsens is best known for its culture and entertainment events.

Sønderborg- In recent times, Sønderborg is a center for trade, tourism, industry, and education in the region of Southern Denmark. The town is the headquarters for several industrial companies.

Frederikshavn- is a Danish town in Frederikshavn municipality, Region Nordjylland, on the northeast coast of the Jutland peninsula in northern Denmark. Its name translates to “Frederik’s harbor”. It was originally named Fladstrand.

Fredericia- is a town located in Fredericia municipality in the southeastern part of the Jutland peninsula in Denmark. The city is part of the Triangle Region, which includes the neighbouring cities of Kolding and Vejle. It was founded in 1650 by Frederick III, after whom it was named.

Hillerød- is a city in Denmark, north of Copenhagen. The 17th-century Frederiksborg Castle lies on 3 islets and has baroque gardens. Inside the castle, the Museum of National History evokes 500 years of Danish history with portraits and furniture. To the east, Hillerød Town Museum has vintage printing presses and replicas of 19th-century streets. North of the city are the trails of Grib Forest.

Køge- is a seaport on the coast of Køge Bugt 39 km southwest of Copenhagen. It is the principal town and seat of Køge Municipality, Region Sjælland, Denmark. The natural harbour and strategic location have given Køge a long history as a market town.

Leafy, suburban Nørresundby- is home to the Lindholm Høje Museum, one of Denmark’s oldest Viking sites, with hundreds of burial mounds encircled by stone markers and exhibitions on the area’s Vikings. At the waterfront, Strandpark has views over the Limfjord, cycling and jogging paths, and areas to picnic, swim, and play beach volleyball. Nearby, Skanseparken offers sports facilities, a playground, and a rose garden.

Svendborg- is a town on the island of Funen in south-central Denmark, and the seat of Svendborg Municipality. In 2000 Svendborg was declared “Town of the year” in Denmark, and in 2003 it celebrated its 750th anniversary as a market town. Be sure to visit Vlademars Slot, a palace that was constructed by King Christian IV for his son, Vlademar. His son died before ever living in the place, but the palace-turned-manor is still inhabited.

Herning- is a Danish city in Region Midtjylland, on the Jutland peninsula. It is the main town and the administrative seat of Herning Municipality.

Silkeborg- is a Danish town with a population of 46,923. Silkeborg is the seat of Silkeborg City Council. Silkeborg is located in the middle of the Jutlandic peninsula, slightly west of the geographical centre of Denmark.

Holstebro- is the main town in Holstebro Municipality, Denmark. The town, bisected by Storåen, has a population of 36,643.

Skive- is a town in Skive municipality in Region Midtjylland at the base of Salling Peninsula, a part of the larger Jutland peninsula in northwest Denmark. It is the municipality’s main town and the site of its municipal council.

Slagelse- is a town on Zealand, Denmark. The town is the seat of Slagelse Municipality, and is the biggest town of the municipality. It is located 15 km east of Korsør, 16 km north-east of Skælskør, 33 km south-east of Kalundborg and 14 km west of Sorø.

Næstved– is a town in the municipality of the same name, located on the island of Zealand in Denmark. Næstved has several adult education centers, five elementary schools – and has at least one of each type of the four upper-second-level education centers.

Holbæk- It is located in the northeastern part of Region Sjælland, Denmark. Holbæk is located on Zealand, on the banks of Holbæk Fjord, an inlet of the larger Isefjord.

Sorø- is a town in Sorø municipality in Region Sjælland on the island of Zealand in east Denmark. The municipal council and the regional council are located in Sorø. Sorø was founded in 1161 by Bishop Absalon, later the founder of Copenhagen, and is the site of Sorø Academy.

Nykøbing Falster- is a southern Danish city, seat of the Guldborgsund kommune. The city lies on Falster, connected by the 295-meter-long Frederick IX Bridge over the Guldborgsund waterway to the island of Lolland.

Maribo– is a town in Lolland municipality in Region Sjælland on the island of Lolland in south Denmark. To the north of Maribo is Nørresø and to the south is Søndersø. Søndersø is the largest lake on Lolland. There are more islands in Søndersø than in any other lake in Denmark.

Haderslev-It is the main town and the administrative seat of Haderslev Municipality and is situated in the eastern part of Southern Jutland.

Aabenraa or Åbenrå- is a town in Southern Denmark, at the head of the Aabenraa Fjord, an arm of the Little Belt, 26 kilometres north of the Denmark–Germany border and 32 kilometres north of German town of Flensburg.

Kalundborg- is a Danish city with a population of 16,295, the main town of the municipality of the same name and the site of its municipal council. It is situated on the northwestern coast of the largest Danish island, Zealand, on the opposite, eastern side of which lies the capital Copenhagen, 110 km away.

Ebeltoft- is an old port town on the central east coast of Denmark with a population of 7,167. It is located in Syddjurs municipality in Region Midtjylland on the larger Djursland peninsula of Jutland. Ebeltoft is known for its old town center with cobble-stoned streets and centuries-old half-timbered houses.

Ringsted- is a city located centrally in the Danish island of Zealand. It is the seat of a municipality of the same name. Ringsted is approximately 60 km from Copenhagen. Ringsted Station is the last station before trains bound for Funen and Jutland diverge from trains bound for Lolland-Falster and Puttgarden/Hamburg.

Give- is a small railway town with a population of 4,569 in Denmark near Vejle. As a result of “The Municipal Reform” of 2007 Give Municipality was forced to join Vejle Municipality by the Løkke government. Give has a historical museum about the surrounding area and life in Denmark in general.

Grenaa- is a Danish town and seaport on the east coast of the Jutlandic peninsula. Tourism, education and commerce are important sectors in the economy of Grenaa. It is the only larger town on Djursland.

Hirtshals– is a town and seaport on the coast of Skagerrak on the island of Vendsyssel-Thy at the top of the Jutland peninsula in northern Denmark, Europe. It is located in Hjørring municipality in Region.

National Museum of Denmark – Some impressive runic stones are on display, and the Danish history collection includes a sun chariot (cult object in the form of a cart) that is more than 2,000 years old, Romanesque and Gothic church fittings, Danish porcelain and silver, and collections of antiquities and coins.

The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen – The National Gallery of Denmark displays the largest collection of Danish art from the 1700s to the present day, as well as impressive works from around the world. Highlights include the Danish and Nordic art exhibition, which spans 150 years, as well as paintings by the Dutch Masters, Edvard Munch, and Picasso among others.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn) – On Købmagergade is the Round Tower (Rundetårn), a 36-meter-high structure built as an observatory in 1642. It now also houses a small collection connected with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Strøget Shopping Mile – A stroll of around five minutes from Christiansborg takes you to the bustling shopping area of Strøget where you’ll find a wealth of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Strøget, a nickname from the 1800s, consists of several roads criss-crossing one another, beginning at Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) and ending at Kongens Nytorv.

Rosenborg Palace – Round Tower and now home to some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, the castle was originally built by Christian IV as a pleasure palace. Inhabited by the royal family until 1720 and after that used as a summer retreat, the castle and contents became a museum in 1838.

Kastellet – the former Citadel of Frederikshavn, the oldest parts of which date from 1625. The Citadel buildings are well maintained and well worth exploring.

The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue) – which you’ll see from the shore, is the official emblem of Copenhagen. The bronze sculpture, created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, is based on a theme from one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, which tells the tale of a mermaid who once came up out of the depths of the sea because she’d fallen in love with a prince. Sadly, as the prince didn’t reciprocate, she was forced to leave the human world and return once more to the sea.

Town Hall Square – (Rådhuspladsen) is dominated by Copenhagen Town Hall (built between 1892 and 1905), which is based on a mix of Italian Renaissance and medieval Danish architecture.

Christiania – Starting out as a hippy settlement more than 40 years ago, this unique and controversial area was firstly designated as a social experiment and is now owned by the residents. Christiania is one of Denmark’s most loved tourist attractions, and each year, this “freetown” lures up to a million visitors.

Bakken: The World’s Oldest Amusement Park – Bakken amusement park is a folksy version of the Tivoli, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and fun things to do – especially for younger children.

Copenhagen Zoo – To the west of Copenhagen, a little more than three kilometers from the city center, lies the Zoological Garden (Zoologisk Have), founded in 1859 and one of the oldest and largest zoos in Europe.

Enjoy Roskilde – Known as the ancient city of Denmark, Roskilde was Denmark’s capital from 960 to 1536. This is an amazing city to view the country’s history, whether it be at the various churches, brick building lined streets, or the Viking-influenced museums. This small city is close to Copenhagen so it’s easy to get to. The Roskilde Cathedral is the most famous in the country. It is also host to Europe’s largest music festival every June.

Kronborg Castle – This castle is where Shakespeare set his play, Hamlet, though you don’t need to be a fan of the Bard to enjoy it. Located along the coast in Helsingør, the castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It’s a great place to wander and explore, and it’s only an hour from Copenhagen.

Christiansborg Palace – On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should be top on any visitor’s agenda. Christiansborg boasts more than 800 years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court.

Go wild in Dyrehaven – Known commonly as ‘The Deer Park’, this park is located just outside Copenhagen in a city called Klampenborg. Both locals and tourists enjoy cycling, trekking, and horseback riding throughout the park. Be sure to check out the Bakken Amusement Park also within the park.

Skagen Museum – This is the Skagen artists’ museum, featuring the culmination of the artistic inspiration of the area. Transformed into an artist colony during the 1880s, many paintings from the time are on permanent display here.

Randers – A small town located in the harbor of the Kolding fjord, this is a quaint place to enjoy some time hiking, bird watching, or cycling. The cobbled streets and crooked alleys will charm you and the Clausholm Castle is one of the country’s last remaining castles.

Borreby Castle – The oldest renaissance-style construction in Denmark, this castle is a stunning sight located outside of Zealand. It often appears in fairy-tale movies.

Tivoli Garden – Just adjacent from Copenhagen Central Station, the Tivoli Garden is a beautiful amusement park. It’s tons of fun, even if you aren’t a little kid. (There’s a beer garden here too!) Complete with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, the Peacock Theatre, and a concert hall, this is an awesome place to spend an afternoon.

Hans Christian Anderson Parade – Famous for his fairy-tales, this parade is a performance featuring over 30 characters from Hans C. Anderson’s literary works. Held every day during the summer behind the Anderson Museum in Funen, this is a neat event to check out, especially for children.

Den Japanske Have – This beautiful and sophisticated Japanese garden includes a tea house, shop, café, several sub-gardens, and a Japanese house. It is particularly beautiful during summer and autumn.

Den Gamle By (Old Town) – is an open-air museum consisting of more than 75 historic buildings collected from across Denmark, dismantled, and reassembled in Aarhus for preservation. Dating from the 16th to the early 20th century,

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum – The ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, one of the largest art museums in Europe, is housed in an impressive 10-story building that is itself a work of art. The museum’s most remarkable architectural work of art is Your Rainbow panorama, a circular walkway surrounded in glass in a spectrum of colors, created by Danish-Icelandic artist, Olafur Eliasson.

The New Moesgård Museum – Built on the grounds of the Moesgård manor house, where the original museum was housed, this well-designed attraction opened in the autumn of 2014 and offers a comprehensive account of Denmark’s history from the Stone Age to Viking times.

Aarhus Cathedral – The inner city of Aarhus consists of a semi-circle enclosed by a ring road (Ringgade), and at its heart lies the Great Market (Store Torv) in which stands Aarhus Cathedral (Sankt Clemens Kirke), dedicated to St. Clement.

Viking Museum and Festival – (Vikingemuseet) consists of collections based upon the discoveries made by builders when excavating the bank’s foundations in the 1960s. The museum paints a fascinating picture of the Viking community that made Aarhus its home some thousand or more years ago.

Aarhus Botanical Gardens – (Botanisk Have) was founded in 1875 and covers an impressive 53 acres. Highlights are the large hothouses with subtropical plants from around the world, recently renovated with the addition of a large tropical dome.

Tivoli Friheden- a theme park only two kilometers from the center of Aarhus and within walking distance from Marselisborg forest. Its more than 40 attractions include themed rides, games, playgrounds, and a 5D Cinemagic cinema.

Marselisborg Palace and Park – (Marselisborg Slot), built in 1902 as a gift from the Danish people, has since been the summer residence of Danish royalty. While the palace itself isn’t open to the public, the surrounding gardens and parklands are. This 32-acre park are its large lawns with their many sculptures and ponds, as well as flourishing rose and herb gardens.

Aarhus City Hall – (Rådhus), built in 1941 to plans by architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Moller and one of the few such municipal buildings ever built in Denmark.

Kvindemuseet: The Women’s Museum – Founded in 1982, the Women’s Museum (Kvindemuseet) in Aarhus is a unique organization designed to gather and preserve information pertaining to the lives of the country’s women and their role in society and culture.

The Church of Our Lady – Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) was originally part of a Dominican priory and remains one of the largest churches in Denmark. Now a purely Gothic building, it contains many fine frescoes and a magnificent altarpiece dating from 1520.

Attend a music festival – Roskilde is the Danish music festival with the biggest international reputation (more than 80,000 tickets sold at this annual rock music event), but it only offers a taste of the music scene in Denmark. Other big events include the Skanderborg Festival (August – rock music), Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July), Tønder Festival(August – folk and country), and the Skive Festival (Danish music).

Go hiking – Like their Scandinavian counterparts, Danes love the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails all throughout the country, many of which are interconnected.

Relax at one of Denmark’s many beaches- With 7,400km of coastline, Denmark has its fair share of beaches. In the summer months, there is a huge influx of tourists (mostly German) who own summer homes around the country. While the weather can be tricky, a sunny day on the beach in Denmark is a wonderful way to unwind.

North Zealand – Just a train ride away from Copenhagen, North Zealand features an idyllic coastline, the beautiful landscapes, and the Shakespearean setting of Kronborg Castle. If you are looking to get away from the city for a day or maybe more, this is an awesome place to head to and one not often visited by tourists.

Visit the Jelling stones – The Jelling stones are massive runestones dating all the way back to the 10th century. They were declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1994, and are worth checking out if you are in the area. You can reach Jelling by train from Aarhus. The ride takes just over an hour.

NORWAY

Oslo- the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord. It also has a ski museum.

Bergen- is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Bryggen features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. The Edvard Grieg House is where the renowned composer once lived.

Tromsø- a city in northern Norway, is a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle. It’s famed as a viewing point for colorful Northern Lights that sometime light up the nighttime sky. The city’s historic center, on the island of Tromsø, is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline.

Stavanger- is a city in southwestern Norway. In the center of town, Stavanger Cathedral dates back to the city’s 12th-century founding. Stavanger Museum chronicles the city’s history and displays preserved wildlife. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum illuminates the oil industry with submersibles, a large drill bit and an escape chute. The shopping street Øvre Holmegate is known for its colorful houses.

Flåm- is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords. It sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. The dramatic Stegastein viewing platform juts out high above the Aurlandsfjord. South of Flåm Harbor, the 17th-century wooden Flåm Church lies in the valley. The Flåm Railway offers valley and waterfall views as it climbs to a station on the Hardangervidda plateau.

Kirkenes- is a small town in far northeastern Norway, close to the Finnish and Russian borders. It’s known for its views of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The Borderland Museum chronicles the region’s history. The Russian Soldier Monument commemorates the area’s liberation from Nazi occupation by the Red Army in 1944. Each winter the Kirkenes Snowhotel is rebuilt from fresh snow.

Ålesund- is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. There are panoramic views of Ålesund’s architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout.

Kristiansand- is a city in southern Norway. Its old town, Posebyen, features traditional wooden houses. In the center, neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral is near the Sørlandets Museum, which displays Norwegian art from 1800 to today. The southeastern shoreline includes the Bystranda city beach, the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress rotunda and Fiskebrygga quay, lined with fishmongers selling their catch.

Lillehammer- is a ski resort town in southern Norway. Its Maihaugen open-air museum displays buildings from the 1200s to the present. The nearby Norwegian Olympic Museum has exhibits chronicling Lillehammer’s 1994 Winter Olympics and features a biathlon simulator. Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena includes a chairlift with views over the park. North is the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track.

Fredrikstad- is a city and municipality in Viken county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Fredrikstad. The city of Fredrikstad was founded in 1567 by King Frederick II, and established as a municipality on 1 January 1838.

Bodø- is a town in Bodø Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. The town is the administrative centre of Bodø Municipality and of Nordland county. It is located on the Bodø peninsula between the Vestfjorden and the Saltfjorden. Bodø is located just north of the Arctic Circle.

Drammen- is a city and municipality in Viken, Norway. The port and river city of Drammen is centrally located in the eastern and most populated part of Norway. Drammen municipality also includes smaller towns and villages such as Konnerud, Svelvik, Mjøndalen and Skoger.

Haugesund- is a municipality on the North Sea in Rogaland county, Norway. The town of Haugesund is the main population centre and administrative centre of the municipality. The town is also the main commercial and economic centre of the Haugaland region in northern Rogaland and southern Vestland.

Hamar- is a town in Hamar Municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Hedmarken. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Hamar. The municipality of Hamar was separated from Vang as a town and municipality of its own in 1849.

Røros- is the administrative centre of Røros municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. The town is located along the river Hyttelva and along the Rørosbanen railway line, about 10 kilometres south of the village of Glåmos and about the same distance north of the village of Os in neighboring Hedmark county.

Molde- is a city and municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Romsdal. It is located on the Romsdal Peninsula, surrounding the Fannefjord and Moldefjord.

Harstad- is a town in Harstad Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. The town is also the administrative centre of the municipality of Harstad.

Bodø- is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Salten. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Bodø. Some of the notable villages in Bodø include Misvær, Skjerstad, Saltstraumen, Løding, Løpsmarka, Kjerringøy, Sørvær, and Fenes.

Åndalsnes- is a town in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. Åndalsnes is in the administrative center of Rauma Municipality. It is located along the Isfjorden, at the mouth of the Rauma River, at the north end of the Romsdalen valley.

Sarpsborg or, historically Borg- is a city and municipality in Viken county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Sarpsborg. Sarpsborg is part of the fifth largest urban area in Norway when paired with neighbouring Fredrikstad.

Alta- is a town in Alta Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. The town is the administrative centre of the municipality and the major commercial centre in the western part of the county. The town is located on the southern end of Altafjorden at the mouth of the river Altaelva.

Halden- between 1665 and 1928 known as Frederikshald, is both a town and a municipality in Viken county, Norway.

Gjøvik- is a town and a municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Gjøvik. In 1861, the village of Gjøvik in the municipality of Vardal was granted town status and was separated from Vardal to form a separate municipality.

Grimstad- is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It belongs to the geographical region of Sørlandet. The administrative center of the municipality is the town of Grimstad.

Sandefjord- is a city and the most populous municipality in Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway. The administrative center of the municipality is the city of Sandefjord. The municipality of Sandefjord was established on 1 January 1838. The municipality of Sandar was merged into Sandefjord on 1 January 1969.

Larvik- is a town and municipality in Vestfold in Vestfold og Telemark county, Norway. The municipality has a 110 km coastline, only shorter than that of neighbouring Sandefjord.

Porsgrunn- is a city and municipality in Telemark in the county of Vestfold og Telemark in Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Grenland. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Porsgrunn. The municipality of Porsgrunn was established on 1 January 1838.

Hammerfest- is a town that is also the administrative centre of Hammerfest Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Kvaløya, just north of the village of Rypefjord and southwest of the village of Forsøl.

Tønsberg, historically Tunsberg- is a city and municipality in Vestfold in Vestfold og Telemark county, southern Norway, located around 102 kilometres south-southwest of Oslo on the western coast of the Oslofjord near its mouth onto the Skagerrak. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tønsberg.

Skien- is a city and municipality in Vestfold og Telemark county in Norway. In modern times it is regarded as part of the traditional region of Grenland, although historically it belonged to Grenmar/Skiensfjorden, while Grenland referred the Norsjø area and Bø.

Svolvær- is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden.

Flekkefjord- is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Lister. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Flekkefjord. The villages of Sira, Gyland, Rasvåg, Kirkehavn, and Åna-Sira are located in Flekkefjord.

Nordkapp- is a municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. Other settlements in Nordkapp include the villages of Gjesvær, Kåfjord, Kamøyvær, Kjelvik, Nordvågen, Repvåg, Skarsvåg, and Valan.

Egersund- is a town in Eigersund municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. The town is located along the southwestern coast of Norway, about 75 kilometres south of the city of Stavanger. The town is situated along a strait which separates the mainland from the island of Eigerøya.

Rjukan- is a town and the administrative centre of Tinn municipality in Telemark, Norway. It is situated in Vestfjorddalen, between Møsvatn and Lake Tinn, and got its name after Rjukan Falls west of the town.

Leirvik- is a town and the administrative centre of Stord municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The town lies along the southern coast of the large island of Stord, along the Hardangerfjorden. The town gained “town status” in 1997.

Å- is a village in Moskenes Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is located about 2 kilometres southwest of the village of Sørvågen on the island of Moskenesøya, towards the southern end of the Lofoten archipelago. It is connected to the rest of the archipelago by the European route E10 highway, which ends here.

Geiranger- is a village in western Norway, at the head of Geirangerfjord. The Norwegian Fjord Center has multimedia on the history of the region and its inhabitants. Part of the steep Trollstigen mountain road weaves through the village, connecting to Flydalsjuvet lookout, which has views over the fjord. The fjord’s waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters, the Suitor and the Bridal Veil, are visible by boat.

Mo i Rana- is a town and the administrative centre of the municipality of Rana in Nordland county, Norway. It is located in the Helgeland region of Nordland, just south of the Arctic Circle.

Steinkjer- is a municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Innherad region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Steinkjer which is located on the inner part of the Trondheimsfjord. The town is also the administrative centre for Trøndelag county.

Kongsberg-is a town and municipality in Viken county, Norway. Kongsberg is the administration center in Kongsberg municipality. The city is located on the river Numedalslågen at the entrance to the valley of Numedal. The municipality of Kongsberg was established on 1 January 1838.

Fjords – There is much beauty to behold in these narrow, deep sea inlets. Surrounded by high cliffs, the fjords of Norway are world renowned and are sure to exceed your expectations. Consider Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. They are visited by roughly one million people every year.

Akershus Fortress – The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. King Christian IV (1588-1648) had the castle modernised and converted into a Renaisssance castle and royal residence.

Fram Museum – The Polar Ship Fram – Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. At the Fram Museum you can come on board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic. The Fram Museum also has a polar simulator where you can experience the cold and the dangers of polar expeditions more than 100 years ago. Next to the main building is the Gjøa building with exhibitions on the Arctic and the Northwest Passage.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower – The ski museum in Holmenkollen, located underneath the famous ski jump, is the oldest of its kind in the world. The museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artifacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo.

Museum of Science & Technology – The Museum of Science & Technology shows Norway’s national collection of technology, industry, science and medicine. The museum in the Kjelsås district offers exciting experiences and playful learning for the whole family, with over 100 interactive installations and more than 25 exhibitions on themes like technology, science, airplanes, cars and trains.

Natural History Museum – Norway’s largest collection of natural objects is available to the public in the Botanical Garden, the greenhouses and the Zoological Museum, which together make up the Natural History Museum.

Norsk Folkemuseum – Norwegian Museum of Cultural History – The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is one of the world’s oldest and biggest open-air museums. Collected in the museum extensive grounds, there are 160 buildings, an old town centre and the famous Gol stave church, built in the 1200s. 

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet – Oslo’s Opera House is located right at the harbour, with an angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. It invites its visitors to climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord, all year round. The building’s interior is mainly oak, and the main hall is shaped like a horseshoe, reminiscent of classical theatres of the past. The opera is designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta.

The Viking Ship Museum – Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula with the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The adventure film The Vikings Alive is screened throughout the day on the ceilings and wall inside the museum.

TusenFryd Amusement Park- Norway’s largest amusement park, with more than 30 fun attractions, great games, shops and places to eat. The park features attractions for all ages, including lots of rollercoasters, carousels, a log ride and much more. Barnas Fryd and Frydskogen are packed with rides and activities for small kids. In summer you can enjoy BadeFryd, a water park with a swimming pool, a swimming river and a huge waterslide.

Vigeland Sculpture Park – Sculpture park in the Frogner Park with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) in bronze, granite and cast iron, including The Angry Boy (Sinnataggen in Norwegian), The Monolith (Monolitten) and The Wheel of Life (Livshjulet).

Bergen Fish Market – Open daily, this market offers more than just fish. Explore the many stalls, snap some pictures, and check out the waterfront. Just a short walking distance from many museums and galleries.

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf – Colorful Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is one of Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions. Chock full of restaurants, studios, workshops, and boutique shops, its narrow alleyways and old wooden merchant houses simply beg to be explored.

Mount Fløyen (Fløyfjell) – To the northeast of Bergen rises Fløyfjell, a 319-meter peak offering magnificent views of the city and the surrounding area. If walking is not your thing, you can take a funicular to the top. When you’re done with the spectacular views of Bergen, leave the station behind and head to Blåmann – at 551 meters.

Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen) – is famous as the former home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Built in 1885, the well-preserved home is now the site of the Grieg Museum and is dedicated to the life and work of the composer.

Hanseatic Museum – The best preserved of Bryggen’s 18th-century merchant homes, Finnegård has housed the Hanseatic Museum since its opening in 1872. This former counting house provides an excellent insight into the lives of the German merchants from the Hanseatic League. The building, which was constructed in 1704, has its original interior and includes displays of weapons, furnishings, and equipment.

Bergenhus Fortress – The old Bergenhus Fortress has dominated the entrance to Bergen’s harbor since the late 16th Century, and remains one of the most impressive such structures in Scandinavia.

KODE Museums – The KODE consists of four locations in central Bergen, all of which are located along Lille Lungegård (Lake Lungegard). KODE1, previously known as Permanenten, holds several of the museum’s permanent collections, including the Silver Treasure, which features works in silver and gold that were created locally.

Mount Ulriken – Hiking up Bergen’s tallest mountain is one of the most popular for tourists and locals. There are multiple trails, with the most common starting points at either the Ulriken Cable Car station or the Montana Hostel.

Old Bergen Open-Air Museum (Gamle Bergen) – The old city district of Sandviken is the Open-Air Museum of Old Bergen, a living history museum, which brings tourists back to the early 19th century. The museum opened in 1946 as part of an effort to save Bergen’s historic buildings & preserves 55 original wooden houses, which once stood in the center of town.

Bergen Cathedral – Bergen’s splendid cathedral dates back to 1181, when it began life as a monastic church. It was while being rebuilt after fires in 1623 and 1640 that the cathedral received its present façade, while architect Christian Christie added its Rococo interior during renovations in the 1880s.

National Parks- You will see everything from waterfalls and glaciers to reindeer, lynx, and wolves. You can also enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, from caving and canyoning to rafting. Consider Jostedalsbreen National Park, host to the largest glacier in continental Europe.

Trondheim – Colorful, laidback, and filled with students, Trondheim is a fun place to party and meet new people. Bustling with various restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs!

Preacher’s Pulpit – Preikestolen (Preacher’s Pulpit or Preacher’s Chair) is one of the most famous landmarks in Norway. An unusually flat and wide surface located atop a cliff, Preikestolen is only reachable by hiking a 4km trail.

North Cape – The northernmost tip of Europe, Norway’s North Cape is great for hiking, trekking, driving tours and more. Explore the jagged coastline and Finnmark, which includes six national parks. 

Winter sports – Norway is one of the top ski destinations in the world, so if you’re into it, hit the slopes!  Choose from any number of resorts, for snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross country skiing, or snowboarding. You won’t get many opportunities like this elsewhere! Lift tickets range from 350-450 NOK per adult, for weekdays.

Gamle Stavanger – One of the oldest parts of Stavanger, this area is composed of small, rock streets, lined with old white wooden homes built during the 18^th century. Taking a walk down here is like going back in time. Be sure to take in the history and check out the various paintings, pottery, and more offered by local artists within the area.

Royal Palace – Built during the first half of the 19^th century, the Royal palace is an interesting place to visit. Beyond the architecture, and historical significance, many come to see the changing of the guards. If you make it to Oslo, it is a neat stop to make during your afternoon adventure. The palace is open during the summer for guided tours.

­Ringve Music Museum and Botanical Garden – Located in Trondheim, this a nice switch from your typical museum trip. Check out the awesome collection of musical instruments, walk around the park amidst the farm buildings, and enjoy lunch at the tea house. This is one of the most underrated stops in Norway.

Norwegian Folk Museum – There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is perhaps the most interesting. Cross the Fjord to Bygdoy and immerse yourself in the history. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, dating back to 1200 AD, however, there are many other attractions to see. 

Stavanger Jazz festival – If you are a jazz fan, you will definitely want to catch this!  Held every May, this festival is a weekend-long, fully-packed event, featuring several of the most well-known jazz artists in the world. 

Lofoten – Located far in the north, Lofoten is a picturesque area well worth the effort (and cost) to get there. The stunning landscapes and traditional lifestyle are only made more interesting by the climate. While the Lofoten distract is located within the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures there are actually quite mild, making year-round visits possible.

SWEDEN

Stockholm- the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.

Gothenburg- a major city in Sweden, is situated off the Göta älv river on the country’s west coast. An important seaport, it’s known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards like the Avenyn, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops. Liseberg is a popular amusement park with themed rides, performance venues and a landscaped sculpture garden.

Malmo- is a coastal city in southern Sweden. It lies at the eastern end of the striking Öresund Bridge, a long road and railway bridge–tunnel running to Copenhagen, Denmark. In the city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts. Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress built by King Christian III of Denmark, houses nature, history and art exhibits.

Umea- It’s not hard to understand why Umeå was the European Capital of Culture in 2014. The locals are in love with culture and as a visitor it’s easy to access the rich cultural life. In winter the annual Sami week, a celebration of Sami culture, art, music, culture and language. In summer, thrilling festivals and events like Brännbollsyran and Umeå Live attract both locals and visitors.

Småland-is a region famous for its beautiful countryside, cute red cottages, glass and furniture design and traditional food. Småland is like a Sweden in miniature with something to do for the whole family.

Öland- The island of Oland joined to the Swedish mainland by the 6 km-long road bridge Ölandsbron from the city of Kalmar in the south of the country, is a favourite summer holiday destination for Swedish families who rent cottages or stay at one of the 25 well-run campsites or holiday villages on the island

Uppsala- is a city near Stockholm, in Sweden. It’s known for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century. The original university building, Gustavianum, is now a museum housing the Augsburg Art Cabinet, an elaborate, 17th-century cabinet of curiosities. Nearby, the Carolina Rediviva library displays the 6th-century Silver Bible. Uppsala Cathedral is the burial place of Swedish royals like King Gustav Vasa.

Malmö Municipality- in southern Sweden’s Skåne province, comprises the city of Malmö and its surrounding area. It’s known for its grand Malmöhus Castle, a Renaissance structure built mostly in the 16th-century by the Danes. Inside are nature, history and art exhibits. In the city center, Lilla Torg is a cobblestone square with cafes, half-timbered houses and shops selling local handicrafts.

Kiruna- is a town in the far north of Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the huge LKAB iron ore mine and its underground visitors center with an exhibit on mining. Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, the 19th-century former home of LKAB’s first managing director, is now a museum with a courtyard photography exhibit. Kiruna Church is notable for its bell tower and resemblance to the traditional huts of the indigenous Sámi people.

Luleå- is a coastal city in Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the Gammelstad Church Town, a cluster of well-preserved wooden houses and the stone Nederluleå Church from the 1400s. In the city center, Norrbottens Museum showcases local history, art and culture. Offshore, in the Bay of Bothnia, are more than 1,000 islands with beaches, cottages and seals. Junkön Island has a museum and an 18th-century windmill.

Helsingborg- is a coastal city in southern Sweden, across the Øresund Strait from Denmark, which is to the west. It’s known for its old town, home to the medieval Kärnan tower, the only surviving element of a fortress. Nearby is the Gothic Church of St. Mary, dating from the 1300s. The neo-Gothic Town Hall, with its tall clock tower, features stained-glass windows depicting important episodes in the city’s history.

Karlstad- is a city on the Klarälven River in Värmland County, Sweden. It’s known for neighboring Lake Vänern to the south, dotted with tiny islands. In town, Värmlands Museum has multimedia exhibits on local history since ancient times. Nearby, Karlstad Cathedral has an elaborate chandelier and 2 model ships hanging from its ceiling. The Brigade Museum showcases Swedish civilian and military life during the Cold War.

Karlskrona- is a locality and the seat of Karlskrona Municipality, Blekinge County, Sweden with 66,675 inhabitants in 2018. It is also the capital of Blekinge County. Karlskrona is known as Sweden’s only baroque city and is host to Sweden’s only remaining naval base and the headquarters of the Swedish Coast Guard.

Lund- is a city in the province of Skåne, at the southern tip of Sweden. In the cobblestoned old town, the grand, centuries-old Lund Cathedral was built in the Romanesque style. Nearby, the Kulturen open-air museum features replicas of buildings from medieval times to the 20th century. The Lund University Historical Museum displays archaeological relics from the Stone and Bronze ages, plus a large coin collection.

Sigtuna- is a town north of Stockholm, Sweden. It’s known for the stone ruins of St. Olaf’s, St. Lawrence’s and St. Peter’s medieval churches. St. Mary’s Church, built by Dominican friars, still stands in the center. Stora Gatan, said to be Sweden’s oldest main street, dates back to the time of 10th-century King Erik the Victorious. Today it’s full of shops and restaurants in traditional wooden houses.

Ysta- is a town in Skåne county on Sweden’s southern coast. Its medieval town center features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Klostret i Ystad, a centuries-old Franciscan monastery and museum. Close by, St. Mary’s Church has a silver collection and is known for its night watchman’s horn signal. The town is the setting of author Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander crime series.

Kalmar- is a city on the Baltic Sea, in southeast Sweden. It’s known for the Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, with its ornate turrets and drawbridge. The old town has cobbled streets and well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Kalmar Cathedral features a baroque altar and a 17th-century pulpit by sculptor Baltzar Hoppenstedt. Nearby, Kalmar City Park has manicured gardens and exotic trees.

Falun- is a city in central Sweden’s Dalarna County. The city, which was a major copper-producing center for centuries, is known for the huge Falun Mine and its Great Pit. The on-site Mining Museum has interactive exhibits on the mine’s history. In town, Dalarnas Museum displays folk art, furnishings and costumes. In Sundborn village, to the northeast, Carl Larsson-gården is the former home of artist Carl Larsson.

Örebro- is the sixth largest city in Sweden and one of the largest inland hubs of the country. It is located near the lake of Hjälmaren, although a few kilometres inland along the small river Svartån.

Linköping- is a city in southern Sweden, with 161,499 inhabitants as of 2019. It is the 5th largest city in Sweden. It is the seat of Linköping Municipality and the capital of Östergötland County. Linköping is also the episcopal see of the Diocese of Linköping and is well known for its cathedral.

Halmstad- is a port, university, industrial and recreational city at the mouth of the Nissan river, in the province of Halland on the Swedish west coast. Halmstad is the seat of Halmstad Municipality and the capital of Halland County.

Västerås- is a city in central Sweden on the shore of Lake Mälaren in the province of Västmanland, 100 kilometres west of Stockholm. Västerås is the seat of Västerås Municipality, the capital of Västmanland County and an episcopal see.

Visby- is a town on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its well-preserved town wall, a medieval fortification incorporating defensive towers. The town’s many churches include the grand, centuries-old St. Mary’s Cathedral and the medieval ruins of St. Nicolai and St. Karin. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants.

Norrköping- is a city in the province of Östergötland in eastern Sweden and the seat of Norrköping Municipality, Östergötland County, about 160 km southwest of the national capital Stockholm, 40 km east of county seat Linköping and 60 km west of the Södermanland capital of Nyköping.

Gävle- is a city in Sweden, the seat of Gävle Municipality and the capital of Gävleborg County. It is the oldest city in the historical Norrland, having received its charter in 1446 from Christopher of Bavaria.

Jönköping- is a city on the shores of Lake Vättern, in southern Sweden. It’s known for its long lakeside beach, Vätterstranden. In the center is the 19th-century Sofia Church, with its neo-Gothic design and towering spire. Nearby, the Jönköping County Museum is home to artworks by local fairy-tale illustrator John Bauer. On the lake island of Visingsö is the Erstad marsh, home to waterbird colonies.

Växjö- is a town in southern Sweden’s Kronoberg County. The central Smålands Museum displays a wide range of objects including Stone Age relics and a Viking-era sword. In the same complex, the Swedish Glass Museum showcases a vast collection of works spanning ancient times to the present day. Next door, the House of Emigrants is a museum documenting the mass migration of Swedes to the U.S. that began in the mid-1800s.

Södertälje- is a city in Södermanland and Stockholm County, Sweden and seat of Södertälje municipality. Södertälje is located at Mälarens confluence in to the Baltic Sea through the lock in the Södertälje Canal

Östersund- is an urban area in Jämtland in the middle of Sweden. It is the seat of Östersund Municipality and the capital of Jämtland County. Östersund is located at the shores of Sweden’s fifth largest lake, Storsjön, opposite the island Frösön, and is the only city in Jämtland.

Kristianstad- is a city and the seat of Kristianstad Municipality, Skåne County. During the last 15 years, it has gone from a garrison town to a developed commercial city, today attracting visitors in the summertime mainly from Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Skövde- is a locality and urban centre in Skövde Municipality and Västra Götaland County, in the Västergötland in central Southern Sweden. Skövde is situated some 150 km northeast of Gothenburg, between Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern.

Härnösand is a locality and the seat of Härnösand Municipality in Västernorrland County. It is called “the gate to the High Coast” because of the world heritage landscape just a few miles north of Härnösand. Härnösand is the seat of the Diocese of Härnösand.

Uddevalla- is a town and the seat of Uddevalla Municipality in Västra Götaland County, Sweden. In 2010, it had a population of 31,212. It is located at a bay of the south-eastern part of Skagerrak. The beaches of Uddevalla are filled with seashells and Uddevalla has one of the largest shell-banks in the world.

Varberg- is a locality and the seat of Varberg Municipality, Halland County, Sweden with 35,782 inhabitants in 2019. Varberg and all of Halland are well known for their “typical west coast” sandy beaches.

Nynäshamn- is a locality and the seat of Nynäshamn Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden with 13,510 inhabitants in 2010. While interest in the area as a potentially useful port grew from the mid 19th Century, it was only with the opening of the railway to Stockholm in 1901 that Nynäshamn started to develop.

Skanör med Falsterbo- is a statistical locality, situated in Vellinge Municipality, Skåne County. It consists of the two old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo which have grown together and were unified in 1754, but are still regarded as different communities by locals.

Märsta- is a suburb of Metropolitan Stockholm, a locality and the seat of Sigtuna Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden with 27,034 inhabitants in 2015. The town is situated close to Stockholm’s main international airport, Arlanda.

Gamla Stan (Old Town) – Dating from the 1200s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a living-breathing museum in its own right.

Vasa Museum – As one of Sweden’s Wonders of the World, it showcases an amazingly-preserved 17th Century ship, complete with six levels for your viewing. This battle ship was built to demonstrate Sweden’s might, however, it ironically sank upon launch.

Djurgården – A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, the island of Djurgården draws tourists and locals alike, particularly during the summer months of long lazy days and short nights. The park forms part of the Royal National City Park, and it’s a perfect place for a stroll and picnic as well as being home to several of Stockholm’s top museums and other attractions.

Skansen Open-Air Museum – The oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen, on the island of Djurgården. Skansen Aquarium and the Children’s Zoo. More than 150 different buildings and houses were collected from all around the country and reassembled here. On display are distinct town districts, including manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora timber church, and a pottery, all brought to life by costumed staff. At the zoo are moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals. You can visit the aquarium for an extra fee and see more than 200 different animals from around the world, including many species of monkeys. For traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord pay a visit to the Solliden Restaurant.

The Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus) – Located by the water’s edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, this is the official residence of the King of Sweden. The Queen’s residence lies elsewhere, on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Drottningholm (Queen’s island), about a 45-minute ferry ride from Stockholm and an easy day trip.

Fotografiska – is Stockholm’s museum of contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year.

The City Hall (Stadshuset) –Nestled at the water’s edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates Midsummer’s Eve. Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy.

Boat Tours – The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends.

Moderna Museet – At Moderna Museet, you can dip your toes into one of Europe’s foremost collections of art from the 20th century to today, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Dali, Derkert, and Matisse.

Royal National City Park – (allemansrätten) is an indelible part of the Swedish psyche. The Royal National City Park is a six-mile-long, 27 square-kilometer green space surrounding and snaking into Stockholm and encompassing three royal parks: Djurgården, Haga, and Ulriksdal. This, the world’s first national urban park, is where tourists and locals flock to unwind. The forest harbors moose, foxes, deer, and many winged beauties, including rare birds.

Östermalm – is the most exclusive district in the city. Exclusive international labels rub shoulders with high-class Scandinavian design. On Biblioteksgatan, there’s an abundance of flagship shops and designer boutiques, while the neighborhood around Stureplan offers plenty of posh shops – some with sky-high price tags

Brave the cold in Lapland – Located to the far north is the tundra-like landscape in Sweden known as the Lapland. This is where the Sami, Sweden’s indigenous people, continue to make their home in the snowy cold, and where you can see reindeer, do some great skiing, and experience the great Arctic north

Partake in fika – Like “tea time” in the UK, fika  is Sweden’s way of slowing down. Coffee, conversation, and a few baked goods are an important part of the social fabric in Sweden, allowing friends and colleagues to take a break from the day to day and just relax. You don’t invite someone out for coffee in Sweden — you invite them to fika.

The Ice Hotel – Located up north, the Ice Hotel is a hotel built during the winter months out of (you guessed it) ice. You stay in an essentially giant igloo. There’s an ice bar, ice dining room, and an ice bed (with big fur blankets!).

Gotland – This island is a popular place to visit when the weather is nice and it’s where most Swedes spend their summer. Week 29 (out of the 52 week year) is the most popular and crowded week when all the kids come down to party up a storm (so if you’re looking to avoid that, skip that week!). The main town, Visby, is a medieval walled city that is incredibly beautiful. It’s like walking through the 1400s. The island is home to numerous Viking relics, and there’s a cool hostel in an old prison too!

Midsummer Festival – Swedes celebrate the summer solstice with a giant party. It’s not warm and light often here and they make the most of it by dancing around a maypole, eating, drinking, and enjoying nature. Every municipality around the country will organize events, so be sure to find some Swedes who can show you around.

Christmas & Lucia-is one of our best loved traditions and it takes place on 13 December every year. If you visit Sweden on, or before December 13th you can see how the 400-year old tradition of St. Lucia is celebrated.

Bohuslän Coast – This beautiful coast has been smoothed and carved out by glaciers. Taking a boat trip here is a great way to see Scandinavian fjords without having to visit Sweden’s expensive neighbor, Norway. There is also a UNESCO rock-carving site over in Tanumshede too.

Ski – Scandinavians love their winter sports, understandably so because it’s cold most of the year! One of the most popular ski resorts in the region is Åre, which lies 80 km from of Östersund. The highest peak at the resort is over 1400 meters. Daily trains run to the area from Stockholm.

Kick back in Uppsala – This university town is one of the most popular study-abroad locations in Northern Europe, and it’s got a great student life. The city also features a castle, museums, and numerous gardens. This is also one of the most budget-friendly places in the country thanks to all the students there!

Celebrate Valborg Day – Held on April 30th, this annual Swedish festival serves to welcome spring. It’s characterized by huge bonfires, and even bigger parties, and is a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Municipalities will often organize events — including the massive bonfires — though many locals will also host their own parties.

Wallander’s Ystad – If you’ve read the writing of Henning Mankell or seen the popular adaptation, the Wallander TV series, you’re already familiar with Ystad. This small town is picturesque and full of history. If you’re a big fan of Wallandar, you can arrange a tour at the tourist office, but even if you’re not, the town itself has a lot of character and is worth exploring. It’s only one hour from Malmö.

Kosterhavet – This is a marine park located on the Koster Islands, around two hours from Gothenburg. The park contains Sweden’s only coral reef, and the villages on the islands are quaint. The whole natural area is very beautiful, and it’s worth renting some bikes to explore the islands.

Hike The Kings Trail – This 440km trail stretches along some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the country. While it takes over one month to hike the entire trail, it is very easy to carve out shorter hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. There are numerous huts along the route where hikers can sleep, stock up on goods, and get rides back into nearby towns.

Skara Sommarland – If you happen to be in Sweden during the fleeting summer months, consider heading out to one of Sweden’s only water parks. The family-friendly park is host to a campground, and also offers cabins for rent.

FINLAND

Helsinki- Finland’s southern capital, sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Its central avenue, Mannerheimintie, is flanked by institutions including the National Museum, tracing Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present. Also on Mannerheimintie are the imposing Parliament House and Kiasma, a contemporary art museum. Ornate red-brick Uspenski Cathedral overlooks a harbor.

Lapland- is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its vast subarctic wilderness, ski resorts and natural phenomena including the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. Capital Rovaniemi is the gateway to the region. The homeland of the indigenous Sami people, which extends into neighboring countries, centers on the far north.

Rovaniemi- is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the “official” home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It’s home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests.

Kemi- is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It’s known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. At Kemi’s harbor is the SnowCastle, a seasonal carved-ice complex. Kemi Lutheran Church is a Gothic Revival structure with an ornate, red-brick exterior. To the north, Bothnian Bay National Park has old fishing huts, rare plants and abundant birds, including Arctic terns.

Ivalo- is a village on the Ivalo River in Lapland, in northern Finland. It’s known as a gateway to Saariselkä, an arctic resort area to the south. To the southeast, Urho Kekkonen National Park is home to pine forests and reindeer. It has trails and seasonal views of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Overlooking the park is the ear-shaped mountain Korvatunturi, which is also the folkloric home of Santa Claus.

Saariselkä- is a resort village in northern Finland. It’s a gateway to the trails and ski areas of mountainous Urho Kekkonen National Park. The village’s Destination Northernmost Europe exhibition has a panorama theater with films on the region’s plant and animal life, including reindeer. To the north, the lakefront Sámi Cultural Center Sajos includes a craft shop and a library devoted to the indigenous Sami people.

Turku- a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it’s known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum.

Tampere- is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Näsijärvi Lake and Pyhäjärvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. The Vapriikki Museum Center houses several museums, including the Natural History Museum and an exhibition about the 1918 civil war. Tampere Cathedral is known for its macabre frescoes. Kaleva Church, with its striking concrete architecture, is designed to look like a fish from above.

Oulu- is a city in central Finland, where the Oulujoki River meets the Bay of Bothnia. Its waterfront square, Kauppatori, is home to food stalls and the Toripolliisi, a squat policeman statue. The Tietomaa Science Centre offers interactive exhibits and a large cinema screen for 3D films. Nearby, the Oulu Museum Of Art showcases regional works. The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum chronicles the city’s cultural history.

Kotka- is a city in the southern part of the Kymenlaakso province on the Gulf of Finland. Kotka is a major port and industrial city and also a diverse school and cultural city, which was formerly part of the old Kymi parish. The neighboring municipalities of Kotka are Hamina, Kouvola and Pyhtää.

Espoo- It is part of the Finnish Capital Region, along with the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Kauniainen. Most of its population lives in the inner urban core of the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Vantaa- It is part of the inner core of the Finnish Capital Region along with Helsinki, Espoo, and Kauniainen. Vantaa is the fourth most populated city in Finland. Its administrative center is the Tikkurila district.

Porvoo- situated on the southern coast of Finland about 35 km east of the city border of Helsinki and approximately 50 km of the city centre. It is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from the 14th century.

Vaasa- It received its charter in 1606, during the reign of Charles IX of Sweden and is named after the Royal House of Vasa. Vaasa has a population of 66,960, and is the regional capital of Ostrobothnia.

Savonlinna- is the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region.

Lahti- The capital of the region of Päijänne Tavastia and its growing region is one of the main economic hubs of Finland. Lahti is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi about 100 km north-east of the capital Helsinki.

Joensuu- is a city and municipality in North Karelia, Finland. It was founded in 1848. The economic region of Joensuu. The nearest major city, Kuopio in North Savonia, is located 136 km to the west.

Tornio- is a city and municipality in Lapland, Finland. The city forms a cross-border twin city together with Haparanda on the Swedish side. The municipality covers an area of 1,348.83 sq. km, of which 161.59 km² is water.

Imatra- is a town and municipality in eastern Finland. Imatra is dominated by Lake Saimaa, the Vuoksi River and the border with Russia. On the other side of the border, 7km away from the centre of Imatra, lies the Russian town of Svetogorsk.

Raahe- Founded by Swedish statesman and Governor General of Finland Count Per Brahe the Younger in 1649, it is one of 10 historic wooden towns remaining in Finland. Examples of other Finnish historic wooden towns are Kaskinen, Old Rauma, Porvoo, Jakobstad, and Vaasa.

Kouvola- It is located on the Kymijoki River in the region of Kymenlaakso and 134 km northeast of the capital, Helsinki. With Kotka, Kouvola is one of the capital centers and is the largest city in the Kymenlaakso region.

Riihimäki- In the south of Finland, about 69 km north of Helsinki and 109 km southeast of Tampere. An important railway junction is located in Riihimäki, railway tracks go to Helsinki, Tampere and Lahti from there.

Jyväskylä- is a city and municipality in Finland in the western part of the Finnish Lakeland. It is located about 150 km north-east from Tampere, the third largest city in Finland; and about 270 km north from Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Lappeenranta- situated on the shore of the lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland, about 30 km from the Russian border. It belongs to the region of South Karelia.

Savonlinna- is a town and a municipality of 32,872 inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region.

Lahti- It is the capital of the region of Päijänne Tavastia and its growing region is one of the main economic hubs of Finland. Lahti is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi about 100 km. north-east Helsinki.

Hämeenlinna- is in the heart of the historical province of Tavastia in the south of Finland. Hämeenlinna is the oldest inland city of Finland and was one of the most important Finnish cities until the 19th century.

Kajaani –It is the center and capital of the Kainuu region. It is located southeast of Oulujärvi, which drains to the Gulf of Bothnia along the Oulujoki.

Seinäjoki- is a city located in South Ostrobothnia, Finland; 80 km east of Vaasa, 178 km north of Tampere, 193 kilometres west of Jyväskylä and 324 kilometres southwest of Oulu. Seinäjoki originated around the Östermyra bruk iron and gunpowder factories founded in 1798.

Mikkeli- It is located in what used to be the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the Etelä-Savo region.

Pargas – is an the Archipelago Sea. The big limestone mine in Pargas is the base of the main industry and except for the central parts, the municipality is still mostly rural. Pargas is located in Åboland in the province of Western Finland.

Varkaus- is a Middle-Savonian industrial town and municipality of Finland. It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the Northern Savonia region, between city of Kuopio and town of Savonlinna.

Kauhava- is a town and municipality of Finland. It is part of the Southern Ostrobothnia region, 400 km northwest of Helsinki and by the main railway from Helsinki to Oulu.

Suomenlinna – The fortified islands of Suomenlinna are a part of Helsinki. The fortress of Sveaborg (Swedish Castle) dominates the island. It was built in the mid 18th century to bar Russian access to the Baltic. During the Swedish-Russian war of 1808-09, it fell to the Russians, who thereafter enlarged and strengthened it. In 1918, it passed into Finnish hands and was given the Finnish name of Suomenlinna (Finnish Castle).

Market Square – is the main planned and paved square in central Helsinki, and is one of the best-known outdoor markets in northern Europe. Bordering the Baltic Sea, at the eastern end of the Esplanadi, it is full of stands selling Finnish foods, flowers, and tourist souvenirs, and there are often fishing boats lined up in the water selling seafood directly from the boat.

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) – North of the Hietaniemi area along Fredrikinkatu is Helsinki’s Rock Church, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the late 1960s. The underground interior of the church was carved out of and built directly into the ancient solid rock of the Helsinki peninsula.

Seurasaari – East of the city center is the island of Seurasaari, linked with the mainland by a footbridge. It has an interesting open-air museum with old houses, farmsteads, a manor house, a church from Kiruna (1686), and other timber buildings that have been brought here for all parts of Finland.

Sibelius Monument and Park- Designed by Eila Hiltunen, the monument to the great Finnish composer was unveiled in 1967 and raised immediate controversy and not a little criticism.

Uspensky Cathedral- One of two imposing churches that dominate the skyline above Helsinki’s harbor, Uspensky Russian Orthodox Cathedral is an eye-catcher, a brick building whose multiple towers and spires are topped by 13 gold cupolas.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park- To the east of Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, beyond the railroad line, is the Linnanmäki amusement park, with a water tower, a switchback, and a giant wheel.

Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma)- In a land renowned for its cutting-edge native architects, it’s ironic that the building considered one of Finland’s landmarks of modern architecture was designed by the American architect Steven Holl.

Helsinki Railway Station- Original Art Nouveau railway station was designed by Eliel Saarinen and is especially notable for American tourists because its 48-meter-high clock tower was the first of several designs that finally resulted in Saarinen’s 1922 Chicago Tribune Tower – America’s first skyscraper.

Ateneum (Finnish National Museum of Art)- On the south side of Helsinki’s Station Square is the National Museum of Art, usually known as the Ateneum after the name of the impressive Neoclassical building it occupies.

Finlandia Hall- North of the Municipal Museum in Helsinki, on the shores of Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti), is the Finlandia Hall, a concert and convention hall designed by Alvar Aalto and built in 1971 with a white facade of Carrara marble.

Korkeasaari Zoo- Founded in the 1880s, Korkeasaari Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, and holds a foremost place for its exceptional breeding programs for endangered species. They have been especially successful with breeding snow leopards and other big cats, such as the Amur and Siberian tiger.

Finnish National Museum (Kansallismuseo)- The National Museum was built in 1912 in a National Romantic style, Finland’s own take on the Art Nouveau movement that was popular in Europe at the time.

Helsinki Olympic Stadium- To the north of the Finlandia Hall, at the top of the Töölönlahti lake is the old Trade Fair Hall, and beyond this the Olympic Stadium (1938), with a 72-meter-high tower from which there is a magnificent view of the city and an elevator. Finland was awarded the Olympics prior to the advent of World War II and the Soviet invasion of the country.

Northern lights safari with snowmobiles- Take a snowmobile safari in Yllas to see the Northern lights and explore the area. This is hands-down one of the most incredible sights in Europe.

Ice climbing- Finland is known for its impressive ice formations. There are several companies who will outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing.

Icefall at Tajukangas- If you’re not afraid of heights and a bit of a thrill seeker. Rappelling at Tajukangas to see what it’s about. The best place to head is Pyhä with the team at Bliss Adventure.

Visit Pakasaivo, the “Hell of Lapland”-This lake is 60m at its deepest, and the steep cliff walls surrounding the lake reach up another 60m above water level. It is a Sámi holy place and a scenic place to hike or snowmobile.

Salla Reindeer Park – This park gives you a comprehensive overview of the old forests and the encounters reindeer had with predators.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi – Here, you will find year-round Christmas cheer. Snowshoe safaris that run both day and night.

Cycle The King’s Road to the East- This route is an old postal route connecting Sweden and Russia. The 330km trail dates back to the 15th century, making for a great scenic trip for anyone looking to explore the country by bike!

Pyhä-Luosto Mine – Pyhä-Luosto means Amethyst in Finnish. During the mine tour, you actually learn how to mine this precious mineral. If you’re visiting during the winter, the experience is even more incredible because you can ski, snowshoe or walk the last stretch of the 2.5 kilometer trek before you head through Santa Claus Village.

Ranua Wildlife Park – While you’re in Finland, learn about the indigenous arctic animals in their natural habitats at the Northernmost zoo in the world.

The Old Church – This is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689, commissioned by Charles XI, who granted 900 copper dollars to the building. Entry is free.

Sodankylä Museum of Local History and Culture – Built in 1906, the main building of the Sodankylä Local Heritage Museum is a Kuukkeli house from the village of Riesto, but it was moved to the museum site by voluntary labor in the 1960s. The museum also includes numerous other buildings from traditional Sodankylä industry, such as a workshop, an arctic house, a calving hut, a summer house, barns, and part of a reindeer fence. The museum is closed in the winter.

Suvanto village – Situated near Pelkosenniemi, Suvanto is one of the rare villages in Lapland that wasn’t burned down by the Germans in the Lapland War (a spin-off conflict from WWII). When visiting Suvanto, you should check out the cafe-art gallery Säpikäs because it is housed in the yard of an idyllic 1930s country house and renovated barn.

The Ethnographic Museum- Tells the story of peasant lifestyles at the turn of the twentieth century. The main building has a farmhouse living quarter, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room. In addition to the house, the grounds accommodate a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable. A memorial to the founder of the Finnish Co-Operative Movement, Hannes Gebhard, is nearby at his birthplace.

Sleep in an ice hotel- A very seasonal and very cool place to stay (pun intended). Everything in Snow Hotel is made of ice including your bed!

Cruise around the Harbor Islands- If you don’t spend a whole day hanging out and lounging around Suomenlinna, take a tour around some of the other islands in the harbor to get an idea about how important the harbor was to local lifestyle in the past.

Air Guitar World Championship – Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke but has evolved into a major event.

Commune with nature – There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. To get off the beaten path be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north!