The Scandinavian countries have preserved their landscapes while developing with the rest of the world. Millions of tourists visit this region annually to enjoy the sights of natural landscapes and history. Even if you are just seeing the Aurelia Borealis, you will find more attractions to occupy your time. Northern lights tours often include visits to different cities across the Scandinavian peninsula. Therefore, you should prepare for the diverse activities during your trip.
See the Northern Lights (Norway)
Tromso in Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The coloured flames can be seen in most countries in the region, but none of the views can beat Norway’s. The best time to view the Aurelia Borealis is during the winter when the nights are clear and long.
Explore Castles (Denmark)
All the Scandinavian countries are besotted with historical and modern-day castles. However, Denmark stands out as the world’s oldest continuous monarchy. Many of the castles the royal families lived in are now open for tourism. Amalienborg is considered the top castle in Denmark, but you should also visit Christian VII and Christian VIII’s palaces.
Go back in Time in Visby (Sweden)
If visiting the castles makes you more interested in Scandinavian history, you should see the famous city of Visby in Sweden. This walled city is a former commercial outpost where you can experience 12th-century history through the well-preserved warehouses and dwellings. The city’s preservation of the past has made it a UNESCO-listed city.
Hike at Koli National Park (Finland)
Many Scandinavia tours do not include Finland in the countries to visit. However, the country is not bereft of attractions for adventure-loving tourists. Therefore, you should visit Finland on your next visit to Scandinavia and take some time to visit the famous Koli National Park. The top activity in the area is hiking the stunning and diverse hike trails that wind around the park. When you return from your hike, you can relax at the park’s spa, Koli Relax Spa.
Watch Whales in (Norway and Iceland)
One of the top activities to take while in Scandinavia is to watch whales. Whale watching is a popular tourist activity in the region and is often the highlight of some tour packages. Norway and Iceland are the best spots to sight regular and rare whales that will blow your breath away. You should read up on the specie to differentiate humpback and blue whales from Minke and sperm whales. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sign up to swim with the whales.
Relax in the Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
The Blue Lagoon is the top attraction in Iceland and one of the best sights in the Scandinavian region. This attraction is a series of naturally-heated thermal pools that are amazing to see and feel. The warm waters of the lagoon are rich in sulfur and silica, with some attributing healing properties to the waters. The Blue Lagoon is always open from morning to evening, so you can spend an entire day relaxing from the stress of your daily life.
Take a Tour of Djurgarden (Sweden)
Sweden is often the centre of many Scandinavian tours, and this is due to the variety of attractions in the country. One of the best activities you can engage in while in the country is to take a walking tour of Djurgarden. The island is famous for its parks and events that keep visitors entertained for however long they visit. There are so many activities here that you need to prioritize those that interest you most.
Sail the Fjords (Norway)
The fjords are one of the sights synonymous with Norway. There are 1,200 fjords in the country, and you should see at least one before leaving the area. The most popular fjord is the beautiful Geirangerfjord, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is nine miles long and almost a mile long. While sailing this beauty, you can have an incredible view of the hiking trails and waterfalls around it.
Walk the Danish Royal Gardens (Denmark)
Another fun thing to do in Denmark is to visit the Royal Gardens. Danish architecture during the Baroque period was strongly influenced by the French, which shows in their elaborate gardens. These gardens are famed for their beautiful flowers that will make you appreciate the beauty of nature. If you cannot visit the hall, make sure you see The King’s Garden in Rosenborg Castle and the Renaissance garden in Frederiksborg Castle.
Spend a Night in Ice Hotel (Sweden)
If you want to gain some unique Scandinavian experiences, you can spend a night in the famous Ice Hotel in Sweden. As you may have anticipated, this hotel is built with ice blocks. The blocks are obtained from a nearby river, and the temperature is usually between 17 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t have to worry much about freezing to death, though. Guests are provided with heavy-duty sleeping bags and blankets from reindeer skin.
Since there is so much to see and do in Scandinavia, you can start with a week’s trip. Then, plan every minute of your trip to ensure optimum use of your time. If this is your first time, starting with a guided tour may be better. Your tour guide will curate the best activities for you to make your trip worthwhile.