Nordic countries Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to the Nordic countries with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries consist of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. This region is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique customs. Nordic countries are a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year.

List of Places to Visit in Nordic Countries

There are many places to visit in Nordic countries, ranging from bustling cities to serene countryside. Some of the must-visit places in Nordic countries are:

  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Stockholm, Sweden

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Nordic countries are rich in history and culture, and there are many museums and historical places to explore. Some of the best ones are:

  • The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
  • The National Museum of Finland in Helsinki, Finland
  • The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik, Iceland
  • The Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden
  • The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, Denmark

Natural Attractions of Nordic Countries: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nordic countries are known for their natural beauty, and there is no shortage of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the best natural attractions are:

  • The Northern Lights in Iceland
  • The Fjords in Norway
  • The Archipelago Sea in Finland
  • The Lapland wilderness in Sweden
  • The Faroe Islands in Denmark

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries offer some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in the world. Some of the popular routes are:

  • The Kungsleden Trail in Sweden
  • The Rallarvegen Route in Norway
  • The Archipelago Trail in Finland
  • The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland
  • The Søndervig Route in Denmark

Best Things to Do in Nordic Countries: Activities and Tours

Nordic countries offer a wide array of activities and tours for visitors. Some of the best things to do are:

  • Dog sledding in Lapland, Finland
  • Whale watching in Iceland
  • Visiting the Christmas markets in Stockholm, Sweden
  • Exploring the fjords in Norway
  • Biking in Copenhagen, Denmark

Week-Long Itinerary for Nordic Countries

If you are visiting Nordic countries for a week, the best itinerary is:

  • Day 1: Explore Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Day 2: Visit Oslo, Norway
  • Day 3: See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Day 4: Go hiking in Lapland, Sweden
  • Day 5: Visit Helsinki, Finland
  • Day 6: Explore Stockholm, Sweden
  • Day 7: Relax in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Food and Drink Scene of Nordic Countries

Nordic countries are known for their unique cuisine and local beverages. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smørrebrød in Denmark
  • Lefse in Norway
  • Rye bread in Finland
  • Plokkfiskur in Iceland
  • Meatballs in Sweden

Local Beverages

  • Akvavit in Denmark
  • Brennivín in Iceland
  • Glögg in Sweden
  • Lakka in Finland
  • Aquavit in Norway

Where to Stay in Nordic Countries: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nordic countries offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay are:

  • Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Hotel Continental in Oslo, Norway
  • Hotel Kämp in Helsinki, Finland
  • Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden
  • Hotel Rangá in Iceland

What to Buy in Nordic Countries: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Nordic countries are famous for their local products, from handmade crafts to delicious food items. Some of the best things to buy are:

  • Handmade woolen sweaters from Iceland
  • Finnish Sauna products from Finland
  • Danish ceramics from Denmark
  • Norwegian chocolates from Norway
  • Swedish glassware from Sweden

Local Culture and Customs of Nordic Countries

Nordic countries have unique customs and traditions that are worth experiencing. Some of the notable customs and traditions are:

  • Fika in Sweden
  • Hygge in Denmark
  • Sauna in Finland
  • Janteloven in Norway
  • Whaling in Iceland

Best Time to Visit Nordic Countries

The best time to visit Nordic countries is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and the days are long. The winter months (December-February) are the best time to see the Northern Lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nordic Countries

Do:

  • Do take off your shoes before entering someone’s home
  • Do dress modestly when visiting churches
  • Do try local cuisine
  • Do respect personal space

Don’t:

  • Don’t be overly chatty with strangers
  • Don’t be late for appointments
  • Don’t cut in line
  • Don’t drink and drive

Safety and Health

Safety in Nordic Countries

Nordic countries are generally safe, with low crime rates. However, it is important to be aware of pickpocketing in tourist areas.

Health in Nordic Countries

Nordic countries have a high standard of healthcare. It is recommended to have travel insurance, as medical expenses can be expensive.

Getting to Nordic Countries: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Nordic countries is easy, with many transportation options available. Some of the best options are:

  • Flying into international airports in Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, or Copenhagen
  • Taking a ferry from nearby countries such as Germany or Estonia
  • Traveling by train or bus within the Nordic countries

Airports Near Nordic Countries

  • Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, Norway
  • Helsinki Airport, Finland
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden
  • Copenhagen Airport, Denmark
  • Keflavik International Airport, Iceland

Bus Stations Near Nordic Countries

  • Oslo Bus Terminal, Norway
  • Kamppi Center Bus Station, Helsinki, Finland
  • Stockholm Hudiksvallsgatan Bus Terminal, Sweden
  • Copenhagen Central Bus Station, Denmark
  • Hlemmur Bus Station, Reykjavik, Iceland

Other Options

  • Ferry service between Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia
  • Train service between Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden

How to Get Around in Nordic Countries

Getting around Nordic countries is easy, with many transportation options available. Some of the best ways to get around are:

  • Train travel
  • Bus travel
  • Car rentals
  • Bike rentals

Where to Go Next from Nordic Countries: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nordic countries have many nearby destinations that are worth exploring. Some of the best ones are:

  • St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Tallinn, Estonia
  • Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
  • Lofoten Islands, Norway
  • Lapland, Finland

Conclusion

Nordic countries are a fascinating region to visit, with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique customs. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your next trip to Nordic countries with ease. From must-visit places to local cuisine and customs, this guide has everything you need to know to have a memorable trip.

Many of Scandinavia's old towns are close to the Baltic sea. The picture shows the Nyhavn canal in Copenhagen Many of Scandinavia's old towns are close to the Baltic sea. The picture shows the Nyhavn canal in Copenhagen Nordic Flags Nordic Flags <span style=Norway's Geiranger fjord" /> Norway's Geiranger fjord Predominant land use in the Nordic Countries compared to neighbouring countries in Northern Europe. Yellow: predominantly farmland; dark green: forest; light green: grassland including treeless mountainous moorland; brown: tundra and high mountains. Predominant land use in the Nordic Countries compared to neighbouring countries in Northern Europe. Yellow: predominantly farmland; dark green: forest; light green: grassland including treeless mountainous moorland; brown: tundra and high mountains. Satellite image of Scandinavia and Finland in March. Sea ice covers the Bothnian Bay, while what snow there may have been in Denmark and southern Sweden is gone. Satellite image of Scandinavia and Finland in March. Sea ice covers the Bothnian Bay, while what snow there may have been in Denmark and southern Sweden is gone. Average temperature and precipitation by month, Helsinki Average temperature and precipitation by month, Helsinki Average temperature and precipitation by month, Copenhagen Average temperature and precipitation by month, Copenhagen Archipelagos run along much of the Bothnia coast, Åland, and Gulf of Finland. They consist of thousands of rocky inlets, like this one seen from the Stockholm–Tallinn ferry. Archipelagos run along much of the Bothnia coast, Åland, and Gulf of Finland. They consist of thousands of rocky inlets, like this one seen from the Stockholm–Tallinn ferry. ''Silja Serenade'', a typical Helsinki–Stockholm ferry ''Silja Serenade'', a typical Helsinki–Stockholm ferry S220 ''Pendolino'', Finland S220 ''Pendolino'', Finland Road on the Faroe Islands in October Road on the Faroe Islands in October Norway's often daring road projects offer world-class views Norway's often daring road projects offer world-class views Boats moored in Copenhagen Boats moored in Copenhagen Scenic but steep road between Voss and Hardanger, Norway. Most traffic is diverted through a tunnel at many such places, leaving the Scenic but steep road between Voss and Hardanger, Norway. Most traffic is diverted through a tunnel at many such places, leaving the "old road" to bicycles. Aurora over Tromsø, Norway Aurora over Tromsø, Norway Functionalism in Bergen. Functionalism in Bergen. View on Route Iceland's ring road in the south of the country View on Route Iceland's ring road in the south of the country Rajaportti, one of the public saunas in Tampere, Finland Rajaportti, one of the public saunas in Tampere, Finland ''Smørrebrød'', the famous Danish open-faced sandwich ''Smørrebrød'', the famous Danish open-faced sandwich Lodge on one of Norway's highest summits. Lodge on one of Norway's highest summits. In social research such as the World Values Survey, the Nordic countries stand out as secular and emancipative. In social research such as the World Values Survey, the Nordic countries stand out as secular and emancipative.


    Denmark
    Faroe Islands
    Finland
    Iceland
    Norway
    Sweden