Scandinavia has a wealth of hidden gems for travelers seeking remote adventures. This enchanting region, once home to the Vikings, encompasses Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes with over 1,150 miles of coastline, majestic mountains, woodlands, and numerous national parks.
While these three countries share some similarities, each has its own distinctive character and attractions. And though there is much to see and do within the main cities of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, visitors truly experience the heart and soul of each when they venture off the beaten path.
Small, picturesque towns and villages dot the horizon, and you can choose from over 80 national parks throughout the region, creating access to a wide range of ecological and cultural adventures. With untouched wilderness, glaciers, dense forests, lakes, and marshlands, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
NORWAY
Some of Norway’s national parks, like Jotunheimen, showcase the country’s rugged mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, the clear waters of the fjords, and majestic waterfalls. Kayaking is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike and is a great way to visit some of the tiny towns that line the shoreline.
For those who enjoy viewing wildlife, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella park is the perfect place to view herds of wild reindeer, foxes, and musk deer. Bjørneparken, in the Flå region, is home to bears, lynx, and moose and during winter is a cross-country skier’s paradise.
Lovers of the sea can island hop along Norway’s western shores where there’s something for everyone. On Hidra, south of the mainland, you can learn about the history of the island dating from the stone age, visit the wreckage of two World War II airplanes, as well as explore underwater shipwrecks. The island of Vågsøy has Norway’s oldest monastery ruins and lighthouses that offer accommodations. From Rogaland in the southwest to Lofoten in the north, surfers can find excellent conditions for surfing.
The Lofoten archipelago is made up of several islands with small fishing villages overshadowed by towering cliffs. During the summer months, you can take advantage of the cycling routes throughout the islands that pass through interesting towns like Henningsvær, with its colorful buildings. These islands are also a great place to see the northern lights from January through late March.
Norway has a wide range of glamping spots throughout the country, giving you the option of a luxury hotel with the freedom of camping out. Guests can choose from snow hotels, glass domes, yurts, and even hanging cocoons in the treetops.
SWEDEN
With vast, dense forests, thousands of lakes, and over 24,000 islands, Sweden’s tradition of right to public access allows everyone the chance to explore all of its natural wonders.
Sápmi, or Lappland, the most northern province in Sweden is home to Europe’s only indigenous people, the Sami. A visit to Abisko National Park in this region during the summer months is ideal for boating and hiking, as well as experiencing the confusion of the midnight sun.
The lake island of Visingsö, on Lake Vättern, (Sweden’s second-largest lake) is accessible via ferry from Gränna on the mainland. Bikers can ride the trails on this long, narrow island, filled with interesting historical sites and ruins, including Viking burial grounds.
The coastal towns and road access islands north of Gothenburg are beautiful, and worth visiting and exploring. The island of Gotland can be reached via a ferry and is a favorite vacation destination for Swedes. Visby, the biggest town on the island, has cobblestone streets and a wellpreserved medieval city wall. Hiking along the shoreline, visitors will discover some of the most interesting rock formations. At the very northern tip of Gotland, the smaller island of Fårö is a very popular summer resort with beautiful beaches.
Guests can stay in a treehouse at the Tree Hotel, with great views of the northern lights. The Arctic Bath, a floating circular log-built hotel, provides guests with Nordic spa treatments.
DENMARK
Denmark’s park system focuses on the preservation of the cultural and natural beauty of the territory. Unlike its neighbors, Denmark is mostly flat and comprises of the Jutland peninsula and over four hundred islands.
Thy National Park is Denmark’s oldest and wildest national park. Here you can traverse miles of coastal marshes, sandy beaches, and forests. The park is home to migratory birds, while red deer roam the park freely, and seals are often seen relaxing on the beaches. Møns Klint, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Scandinavia’s first Dark Sky Park, is a stretch of white limestone and chalk cliffs along the eastern coast of the island of Møn. This is one of the best places to enjoy the night sky.
About a tenth of Denmark is covered by forests, with Staksrode Forest being one of the most impressive. Situated along Vejle Fjord, the forest has beautiful views of the coastline, and opportunities to see wildlife from hiking trails. The yellow trail will carry hikers over a small bridge, crossing the old ramparts, to the ruins of the medieval castle, Stagsvold.
There are an impressive number of freshwater lakes in Denmark. Many of the lakes in the lake district are so clean you can drink the water, and with great facilities guests can also enjoy fishing, cycling, and hiking. Lake Almindsø, one of the country’s deepest lakes, is popular for swimming, having two large and a few smaller pools. This beautiful area is surrounded with fabulous scenery and has 20 species of underwater plants and hundreds of aquatic animals.
While in Denmark, take advantage of the stunning night skies and breathtaking views by staying at one of the unique private retreats. Choose from a cabin converted from a lighthouse atop the white cliffs of Møn or the luxurious Glass Hut nestled in Lolland’s picturesque countryside.
