Scandinavia is home to some of the world’s most prominent legendary traditions, pulsating cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. The region is nestled in Northern Europe and features vibrant cultural, historical, and linguistic ties, and also features lots of must-see attractions. On many occasions, tourists storm Scandinavia to explore the renowned Aurora Borealis and its magnificent night sky. However, there are so many attractions to explore, especially during the summer. With the dawn of summer, the region comes alive with exciting outdoor activities, tasty seasonal treats, and wildlife watching. Get the most of your Scandinavian summer when you add these exciting things to do over the summer holidays in Scandinavia in your itinerary.
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1. Cruise through the fjords
The fjords were formed through numerous glacial cycles below sea level over 2.5 million years. Among over 1,000 fjords around the country, the Oslo fjord is the easiest to visit on a guided tour. Although the Oslo fjord is not as magnificent as others in western Norway, it’s ideal for a summer visit due to its spectacular islands and beaches. Join this three-hour guided tour via a boat and catch scenic sights of the city, including Oslo Opera House, Akershus Fortress, and gorgeous islets around the fjord. You cannot go hungry with the bread and shrimp snacks provided during the tour.
2. Chill out at Sweden's Ice Hotel
Excellent breakfast buffet, delicious ice menu dinner, and good restaurant options
Reasonable pricing for warm rooms and unique ice rooms
Perfect location for viewing Northern Lights, close to Sami Museum, and serene surroundings
Complimentary access to Ice Hotel, cozy warm rooms, sauna, and scenic views
As the name implies, this unique hotel is made entirely of ice and snow, a beautiful work of art which is brought to life by several artists, every winter until 2016. Torne River, the largest of the four national rivers of Sweden, provides the ice water in winter since 2016; solar panels are used to maintain the ice in summer, creating an all-year-round ice experience. Experience the beauty of the hotel by checking out one of the luxurious chilled suites with private bathroom or enjoy some wine in the large ice bar as you admire the beautiful ice gallery.
Book Your Stay: Icehotel
3. Hike at Finland's Koli National Park
All the myriads of parks Finland have their unique and outstanding feature, but the Koli National Park is exceptional. Enjoy breathtaking views of colorful trees and the extended Pielinen Lake with its little islands from the peak of the Ukko Koli. These views are best enjoyed in the summer, but not all are carried away by the season with nothing left for the winter. The region is a fun location all year round with the summer 60 km (37.3 mi) hiking trails converted to cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Koli National Park
Address: Ylä-kolintie 38, 83960 Lieksa, Finland
Website: Koli National Park
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
4. For a truly unique experience, drive across the Oresund underwater bridge
The Oresund Bridge, comprising of a bridge and tunnel system is the fastest route to get to Malmo, the capital of Sweden from the Danish capital of Copenhagen without flying. The bridge was opened in 2001 after it was conceived by George K.S. Routne, a Danish architect. Oresund is both an architectural and biological beauty, comprising of Peberholm, an artificial island linking the tunnel and the bridge system. The island is home to endangered animal species and over 500 diverse plant species. The bridge stretches a 16.4 km (10 mi) and requires you to purchase a toll pass (50 Eur as of 2018) before being granted access. However, its magnificence and the unique experience are worth every penny.
5. Visit Legoland in Billund, Denmark
If you are going with kids, then you shouldn’t forget to visit Legoland, the first of its kind in the world. This destination is the most visited attraction in Denmark aside from Copenhagen and has been stormed by more than 50 million tourists and locals alike for more than half a century. Let your kids have the fun of their lives, exploring the nine themed lands. Out of these nine grounds, the Mini Land is the most fascinating, featuring the cityscapes and monuments found across Denmark. Look out for the Egyptian Abu Simbel temples, Acropolis, and the Statue of Liberty, as you have a memorable time with the kids.
Book Tours : LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Admission Ticket
6. Witness the bewitching Northern Lights in Norway
The Northern Lights in Norway, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the major tourist attractions in this region. The magnetic field of the earth traps the solar wind and forms the tremendous colored flames of the Aurora Borealis, which is more visible in the sky at certain times of the year. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between October and March and the ideal location for this experience is the city of Tromso. Tromso is the biggest city in Northern Norway situated 69 degrees North, above the Arctic Circle, in the heart of the auroral zone. The town also features a relatively mild temperature due to its coastal location with streaming warm air from the Gulf Stream.
7. Explore Copenhagen at its best
Copenhagen means different things to many people; a city boasting of Bronze Age and Viking treasures in its many museums and palaces for the culture-minded, a myriad of world’s oldest amusement parks for the kids, exceptional nightspots and shopping for the millennials, unique culinary scene for the foodies–you name it. A tour will be a better choice to explore this beautiful city on a visit. Some sights you should look out for include the beautiful Tivoli Park, the gorgeous Amalienborg, the prominent Little Mermaid Statue, and the incredible Tivoli Gardens.
8. Explore incredible Stockholm
You can only be told and leave the rest to your imagination of how awesome the Stockholm Archipelago feels and look like. Your only limitation is the time to go over all the glory of the Baltic Sea, featuring over 20,000 islands. Sail through the sea and see some magnificent nature trails and Viking trails, while admiring some rare wildlife such as seals and eagles. The region is also known for its fresh, authentic cuisines, with ingredients sourced from the farm shops spread throughout the island. To maximize your time in Stockholm without having to worry about strenuous paddling or the risk of not sailing your way back, a sailing tour is a good deal.
Book Tours : Stockholm Panorama & Royal Canal Tour
9. Go skiing in Norway
Cross-country skiing is a favorite activity in Norway during the cold months (from October till June). If you have never tried this activity before, then this is a perfect opportunity to explore the many ski trails in Tromso. It is an enjoyable activity that you can learn without much difficulty (except for a few falls). However, while planning to indulge in this exciting activity, you shouldn’t forget the possible dangers such as avalanches in the mountains on Kvaloya or the Lyngen Alps. Go with the necessary equipment or better still, go for a guided tour.
Book Tours : Tromso Cross Country Skiing
10. Relax and rejuvenate in Iceland's Blue Lagoon
Have you ever been in a geothermal spring before? If no, then this is a perfect opportunity for you. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a picturesque chain of naturally heated spas near Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. These geothermal pools have their sources from a natural spring located about 2,000 meters (609 feet) below the earth, and it contains minerals such as sulfur and silica. The pools are naturally warm to about 38 degrees C (100 degrees F), and some former explorers claim that soaking in one of these pools can cure skin diseases. This is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Book Tours : Iceland Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket
Make the most of your summer getaway
Scandinavia is an ideal travel destination all year round to discover the glory of its smart cities including Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. There are lots of things to do and experience, especially during the summer in this region. However, must-not-miss adventures are the ones you have just read about. Make the most out of your getaway in this region by including these most-enjoyed summer activities to your itinerary.
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