10 Trips to Scandinavia that You Must Take Right Now (And 2 awesome spots in the Netherlands)!

Sharing is caring!

10 Trips to Scandinavia that are Absolutely Dripping with Charm (oh yeah, and the Netherlands are in here because it’s a super cool country)

Planning trips to Scandinavia is absolutely one of my most favorite things to do…EVER!

Why?

Between the insanely nice people, the charming cities, the exquisite natural landscapes, the delicious food, and the fact that there is like no crime, I always wonder why I come back to the United States at all (even their customs officers are super nice and crack jokes).

Then I Remember:

Oh yeah, I have a job and without it there is no way that I could afford the rather steep prices found throughout much of Scandinavia (Thanks taxes. Way to mess it up for everyone).

But to Really Enjoy Scandinavia:

You kind of sort of have to get away from the crowds and off the beaten path since Scandinavia is most revered for its extraordinarily beautiful, natural landscape, like the insane beauty that you’ll find in the Lofoten Islands in winter. 

Trust Me:

No one wants to get into a street brawl as they desperately search for the Northern Lights or as they try and nab an iconic shot of some hella awesome fjords.

But what do I know about travel in Scandinavia?

Not so much since I’m a New Yorker. Therefore, I ‘ve asked some of my favorite blogging buddies to give me some of their favorite and totally secret Scandinavia travel destinations (and the Netherlands too).

So check them out and only tell me what you think if you like them (kidding, sort of). 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

If you’re booking a trip right now then I IMPLORE you to get travel insurance – even if it’s not from me.

After all, this past year has been a wild ride and I don’t want you to lose money because government regulations have changed. 

Truth be told though, I’ve never traveled without travel insurance and don’t think you should either – especially since I think we’ve all had plans drastically change because of the pandemic. 

Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. You can also read more about which policy is right for you in my full review here.

1. Christiana, Copenhagen, Denmark

By: Amy Chung of Family Globetrotters (Check her out on Instagram)

One of the many things I did while in Copenhagen was visit the infamous Christiania. Also known as Freetown Christiania, it is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood of about 850 residents, covering 34 hectares.

But It Gets Better!

It is a green and car-free zone that was created by a group of hippies who occupied some abandoned military barracks on the site and developed their own set of social rules, completely independent of the Danish government.

So What Should You Expect?.

It is an eclectic mix of art galleries, homemade residential houses, music establishments, workshops, organic cafes and rugged natural landscapes. It is also home to Pusher Street, where ironically enough, illegal hash deals take place.

Crazy right?

I meandered through the streets and sat down for a Fair Trade coffee and spent the afternoon watching a diverse array of people go by. So glad I got to see it and experience Copenhagen in a whole new light! Truly one of the great things to do in Scandinavia!

2. Kasteel de Haar, The Netherlands (The Netherlands is not a part of Scandinavia but belongs to the Low Countries)

By: Gabrielle Grow of Boarding Call Blog (Check her out on Instagram)

When you think of castles in Europe, the Netherlands probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind.

But it should be!

Just 30 km from Amsterdam is Kasteel (Castle) de Haar, a gorgeous castle that you must visit while in the Netherlands. Plus, it’s one of the best day trips from Amsterdam that I know of.

Now:

Kasteel de Haar is a fairly modern castle that was heavily used during the 20th century when Hollywood stars and royals would escape the stresses of the outside world in one of the castle’s 200 rooms.

However:

The castle itself dates back to 1381, but fell into disrepair and was renovated in 1892 by Baron Etienne van Zuylen and his wife Baroness Helene de Rothschild.

At the time of its completion:

Kasteel de Haar was the most opulent castle in the Netherlands; more luxurious and modern than even the royal palaces of the time.

Plus:

This castle can easily be reached using public transportation,  making Kasteel de Haar the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. Plus,

If you go:

Consider visiting nearby Utrecht as well – a charming city that feels a bit like a miniature version of Amsterdam.

3. The West Fjords of Iceland

By: Greta Omoboni of Greta’s Travels (Check her out on Facebook)

Well, the Westfjords are Iceland’s most rural and least visited region, making it a must-visit destination for any and all nature lovers. 

Planning a Visit?

4. Kinderdijk, the Netherlands (Not technically part of Scandinavia but it’s so charming that we’re gonna go with it)

By: Penny Fernandes of Globetrove (Check her out on Facebook)

Truth Be Told:

Almost all of Southwestern Finland is a hidden gem of Scandinavia that must be added to your Scandinavian tour itinerary immediately,

However:

Rauma, in particular, is a special place that you should be at the top of your bucket list.

Why?

Located less than 100 km North of the old Finnish capital of Turku, Rauma makes the perfect day trip destination.

Plus:

Rauma embodies the quiet charm, down-to-earth food, and exquisite natural landscape that everyone loves in Finland.

But It Gers Better!

Rauma’s beautiful wooden houses. are the stuff that Instagram dreams are made of, Even more importantly though, these buildings are also a protected, UNESCO World Heritage Site since they are of tremendous historical significance to the area.

Wait, There’s More! 

Rauma is also known for its production of gorgeous lace; lace that draws thousands of visitors to the famous Rauma lace festival each year.

While at the Festival:

Be sure to experience the Black Lace Night where museums and shops stay open late while citizens roam the streets in black lace dresses. Truly one of the top 10 things to do in Scandinavia.

6. Ribe, Denmark

By: Susanna Kelly of Wandering Chocobo (Check her out on Instagram)

Ribe is a charming Scandinavian town, where every Danish person’s grandma lives, in which you can quietly escape the chaos of bigger and busier cities like Copenhagen, Denmark.

No really!

Every Danish person I talked to while traveling through Denmark said, “Oh, my grandma lives there!”

But Legit:

As soon as you set foot in this historic place, you’ll be low-key looking for a Danish grandma to adopt, so you’ll have an excuse to visit again and again.

Now Believe it or Not:

Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark. Here, you’ll find yourself wandering amidst charming cobblestone streets that are lined with a series of homes that date all the way back to 1500.

Not everything is ancient though.

You’ll begin to detect a hint of modern flare hidden amongst the town’s ancient charms.

Sneaky, Sneaky!

Modernity sneaks its way into town through artisanal chocolate shops as well as a bright new Danish design aesthetic that is seamlessly woven into the town’s iconic infrastructure.

That’s Why:

Ribe truly is one of the most amazing cities to visit in Scandinavia.

7. Hovedøya, Norway

By: Michelle D of Itinerary Shelly (Check her out on Instagram)

8. Stockholm Metro Art, Sweden

By: Christine Emhardt of And the Story Goes (Check her out on Instagram)

Okay, Sure:

Stockholm, Sweden has many great art museums that you can add to your Stockholm, Sweden bucket list. But, the best place to see local artists display their best work is in the underground metro.

And this Art is Everywhere!

Found throughout 90+ underground stations, a diverse array of art pieces are on display from over 150 artists; Some pieces are small, but some pieces cover the metro from floor to ceiling with beautiful murals, three-dimensional objects, and sculptures.

Just Remember That:

Seeing all of these art pieces can take the better half of a day since there are over 110 kilometers of tracks in Stockholm. Plus, some stations get very crowded during commuter times, making it difficult to see many of the art installations.

Now:

If you’re visiting Stockholm between June and August, you can opt for a Summer Art Walk lead by SL (Stockholm’s Public Transport); the tour is free so the only thing you need is a valid fare ticket.

Be Aware That:

The walk is only offered during select days and times and showcases so check the tour schedule and find a time that works for you.

Wanna Tour the Metro By Yourself?

Then be sure to explore some of the most popular stations in Stockholm: Centralen, Akalla, and Vreten (on the blue line); Stadion and Universitetet (on the red line), and Hotorget and Thorlidsplan (on the green line).

9. Geirangerfjord, Norway

By: Greta Omoboni of Greta’s Travels

The Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

That’s Why:

This 15km long fjord in the Sunnmøre region in Norway is protected as a designated, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And You Can Easily See Why:

With its towering cliffs, lush vegetation, countless waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, it’s truly an astonishing and totally unique natural landscape.

To Visit:

Just hop on a cruise to Geirangerfjord; a truly amazing experience as you sail along, surrounded by the exquisite cliffs and waterfalls of the majestic fjords.

At the end of the fjord:

There is a small town called Geiranger, from which you can catch a bus that will take you all around the fjord so that you can enjoy some of the stunning views from above.

Now:

While Geirangerfjord is a popular attraction because of its shape and location, it is still not nearly as busy as many other parts of Scandinavia (also check out these Norway travel tips before you visit).

10. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

By Me!!

Tucked away, above the Arctic Circle in Sweden, is the teen,y tiny town of Jukkasjärvi (say that ten times fast).

But Why Would You Ever Want to Travel Here and Freeze Your Butt Off?

Well, beneath the vibrant glow of the Northern Lights and hidden among the snowy, reindeer dotted landscape, lies the largest ice hotel in the entire world.

Yup!

With over 65 rooms to choose from, the ICEHOTEL of Sweden looks like something plucked right out of Disney’s Frozen, minus the talking snowman (Come on Elsa, you ready to Let it Go yet?).

Within this Hotel:

Each room is meticulously, hand-carved out of ice, to create an exquisite set of ice sculptures that are unique to every room and that captures the true natural beauty and artistry of this magical place (we had jelly fish floating through my room and it was really cool).

But it Gets Better!

This hotel even has a fully functional ice bar where drinks are served in glasses that are made entirely of ice.

So:

Feel free to grab a drink, relax, and look out over the majestic, frozen river where sled dogs impatiently wait to take you, across the ice, on the ride of your life.

11. Flam, Norway

The Flam Railway is located in the Aurlandsfjord’s interior, in the small, charming settlement of Flam.

The Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the 204-km long and up to 1308 meter deep Sognefjord, is where Flam is located. The popular Flam Railway’s terminus is located in Flam, and it is a stop on numerous of our well-liked round excursions.

Active in Flåm

There are plenty thrilling activities to select from whilst in Flam. Here, you may take a quick RIB tour of the Naeryfjorden, a site of international significance, or visit the cheese town of Undredal to sample the distinctive flavors of locally produced cheese.

A kayak excursion in the fjord with a guide is ideal for those who want a tranquil experience. Paddling on the vast fjord surrounded by steep mountains and deep valleys will bring you closer to the fjord than any other way.

Are you ready for an amazing adventure? The longest Zipline in Northern Europe’s Flamsdalen provides a certain adrenaline rush.

The Navvies` Road 

The most stunning and thrilling riding journey Norway has to offer is along this track between Haugastl and Flam, which was utilized by Rallarane when building the Bergen Railway.

You travel through breathtaking and dramatic scenery on this journey, passing by steep hills, magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and several rest stops.

The “after-bike” in Flam is a well-liked gathering spot for weary bodies at the conclusion of the course. This little community has its own brewery, and beer fans must make the trip to Ægir.

The Flåm Railway 

One of the most picturesque train excursions in the whole world, the Flamsbana, should absolutely be experienced by visitors to Flam. Our Norway in a Nutshell® tour includes Flamsbana, which is full of breathtaking natural scenery.

Did you realize that the classic Disney films Frozen were inspired by Flam and Naeryfjorden? Discover why by traveling to Flam in the winter.

In Flam, boredom is unimaginable.

There You Have It Homie! Let’s Start Touring Scandinavia! Woot (You Can Add in some Cruises in Scandinavia or Tours in Scandinavia too)!

Look:

This post about amazing trips to all the countries in Scandinavia may not tickle your fancy, but it’s got me reevaluating all my future travel plans.

I mean:

I had no idea that some of these places even existed let alone that I should be expertly touring Scandinavia by checking out all these secret places in Scandinavia, and beyond.

So Don’t Be Like Me.

Learn from my insane level of ignorance and start touring Scandinavia like a boss.

Additional Resources You’ll Love

Travel Mistakes in Pompeii

Unusual Rome Attractions

Tour Edinburgh Scotland in 4 days