Made up of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, the Scandinavian region of Europe is a dynamic destination that every millennial and young traveler should aspire to visit at some point in their lives. (Hopefully sooner than later!)
A combination of beautiful architecture, modern design, incredible natural landscapes and remote fjords all make this an unforgettable travel destination.
If you've never visited Scandinavia, you're definitely going to want to after skimming our top picks for the best of Scandinavia. (Already interested? Browse dates for FTLO's upcoming excursions to Scandinavia.)
Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens
Oslo, Norway
The fjords
Stockholm, Sweden
Vasa Museum in Stockholm
The Castles
1. Bike through Copenhagen, Denmark
No trip to the Scandinavia region is complete without a stop in Copenhagen – Denmark's capital. This colorful, seaside city, sprinkled with trendy cafes and foodie-favorites, is by far one of the best places to visit in Scandinavia. Explore the cobbled cycling capital on a bike by day and wander into world-class bars and restaurants at night to devour some seriously amazing farm-to-table, Nordic cuisine. With a number of museums, and historical sites, and beautiful architecture around every corner, you'll never run out of activities.
2. Stroll the Tivoli Gardens - Amusement park
The beautiful Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park located in Copenhagen (if you're visiting the capital of Denmark, you definitely want to make a stop here). Tivoli first opened its doors in 1843, making it one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the entire world. The outdoor space has restaurants, gardens, and rides. It also hosts concerts throughout the year. Enjoy a drink, grab some food, and wander through the beautiful gardens in the evening.
3. Wander through Oslo, Norway
Surrounded by mountains and water, the Norwegian capital of Oslo is home to a great vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy beautiful modern architecture and wander through impressive museums for some local history and culture, check out the Fram Museum, or explore the natural Oslofjord.
4. Take a dip in the fjords
From taking a boat through dark waters to hiking along staggering mountainsides, there are numerous ways to experience the magical fjords of Scandinavia. The most adventurous out there can even dive in for themselves; we're just letting you know ahead of time, it's not warm!
5. Explore Stockholm, Sweden
A must-see city, Stockholm is a great place to visit if you're looking to explore world-class museums, amazing architecture, royal palaces, or really want a unique and lively experience in the Scandinavian region. This city has it all from delicious, cutting-edge cuisine, to lovely shops and markets, and picturesque port side views. Built on 14 islands, Stockholm is an absolute wonder to explore.
6. Admire the Great Vasa Museum in Stockholm
Photo Credit: Vasamuseet.se
The Vasa Museum has been named one of the world's best and is definitely one of the most visited institutions in the region, with more than 1 million visitors per year. It's a clear favorite for one of the best places to visit in Scandinavia. The museum features the historical warship Vasa from the 1600s with wooden sculptures that will blow your mind. Part of the Swedish National Maritime Museums, the enthralling center sheds light on the region's rich maritime history.
7. Experience Castles and Royalty in Scandinavia
Experience royalty and the elegant history of Scandinavia by visiting any of its hundreds of preserved castles and palaces. You might even want to spend the night in one? You'll have the chance to admire the incredible architecture, learn about the region's history, and view galleries of royal artifacts. No matter which castles you choose to visit (many of which are accessible from the main cities), you're sure to have a unique and memorable experience that will punctuate your visit to one of the oldest and most well-preserved regions of the world.
A combination of modern and historical, man-made and natural, Scandinavia is a getaway destination unlike any other in the world. Spend a few days in the cities trying world-class cuisines and visiting some of the most popular museums in the world, or get away for several days to explore the incredible landscapes and take in the fresh air of the remote northern region.
Convinced? Check out FTLO's upcoming trip dates and join a new group of friends to explore the best of Scandinavia on the adventure of a lifetime!