Planning a trip to Scandinavian countries often starts with one big question: Where should I actually go? Typically, Norway is the top pick for most first-time travelers due to its fjords, scenic routes, and variety of experiences. But Denmark and Sweden are equally rewarding depending on what you want. This guide will take you deep into the world of Vikings, Volvos, and very expensive beer to help you decide.

What are Scandinavian countries

Strictly speaking, Scandinavia refers to three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These three share a very close historical, cultural, and linguistic heritage. You can often drop a Dane, a Swede, and a Norwegian in a room, and they can understand each other (mostly) while speaking their own languages.

The Nordic countries, on the other hand, are the “big family.” This group includes the original three plus Finland and Iceland, along with the autonomous territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland.

Here is a quick sheet to keep it straight:

Feature	Scandinavia	Nordic Countries
Countries Included	Denmark, Norway, Sweden	Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland
Geography	Northern Europe, Scandinavian Peninsula & Jutland	Northern Europe + North Atlantic Islands
Language Roots	North Germanic (Mutually intelligible-ish)	North Germanic + Finno-Ugric (Finnish is totally different!)
Vibe	Vikings, Monarchies, Fjords, Design	All of the above + Volcanos, Saunas, Santa Claus

Which Scandinavian Country Should I Go

If you want a widely agreed-upon answer, Norway is often considered the best Scandinavian country to visit for first-timers. The combination of fjords, mountains, historic ports, and a strong tourism infrastructure makes it a clear favorite.

But tastes vary, you may want to consider your own preferences further:

Choose Norway if you want dramatic nature, mind-blowing fjords, and hiking.

Choose Denmark if you love food, cozy culture (hygge), fairytales, and easy travel (it’s flat!).

Choose Sweden if you want a perfect blend of Viking history, trendy cities, archipelagos, and dense forests.

For more comprehensive experience, you may also opt for the “Golden Triangle” combining the capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm.

Other recommendations:

For the budget traveler – Sweden. While none are “cheap,” the Swedish Krona is currently weaker than the Euro or US Dollar, making your money go further than in Norway.

For families with kids – Denmark. Legoland, Tivoli Gardens, and short travel distances make it a winner.

For northern lights – Northern Norway (Tromsø) or Swedish Lapland (Abisko).

Best Time to Visit Scandinavia

Timing is everything up north. The difference between visiting in July and November is literally night and day.

Summer (June–August): This is the golden window. The days are endlessly long (the Midnight Sun is a real trip), the weather is mild (20°C-25°C / 68°F-77°F), and everything is open. This is the best time to visit Scandinavia countries for hiking, road trips, and sitting in outdoor cafes.

Shoulder Season (May & September): A fantastic compromise. You get decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. The spring bloom in May is particularly lovely in the fjords.

Winter (October–March): Dark, cold, and magical – if you are prepared. This is the time for cozying up by a fire, skiing, and hunting the Aurora Borealis. Just remember, in December, Stockholm might only see 6 hours of daylight, so plan accordingly!

Travel to Denmark

Denmark is the “cool kid” of the bunch. It’s the smallest of the three, nestled just atop Germany, and acts as the cultural bridge between mainland Europe and the Scandinavian peninsula. It doesn’t have the dramatic mountains of its neighbors, but it makes up for it with a charm that is almost palpable. The landscape is rolling and green, dotted with yellow canola fields, thatched-roof cottages, and sandy coastlines that locals call the “Danish Riviera.”

Copenhagen is usually the first stop, but Denmark shines equally in smaller towns – Aarhus boasts numerous museums, while Odense carries the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Expect a gentle pace, friendly locals, and a reliable public transit system that makes moving around simple.

The vibe here is defined by hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), a concept of cozy contentment and well-being. It’s about candles, good food, and enjoying the simple things.

Best Things to Do in Denmark

Denmark may be small, but it packs plenty into its charming corners.

1. Get lost in Tivoli Gardens

Right in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli isn’t just an amusement park but a national treasure. Walt Disney actually visited here to take notes before building Disneyland. Whether you ride the 100-year-old wooden rollercoaster or just walk through the illuminated gardens at night, it’s pure magic.

2. Snap a photo at Nyhavn

You’ve seen it on every postcard – the 17th-century waterfront canal lined with brightly colored townhouses. It used to be a rowdy sailors’ district, but today it’s the perfect spot to grab a cold beer and watch the wooden ships bob in the water.

3. Visit the Little Mermaid (but keep expectations in check)

She is small, she sits on a rock, and there will be a busload of tourists in front of her. Go early in the morning to pay your respects to this icon of Copenhagen, but don’t plan your whole day around it.

4. Explore Rosenborg Castle

This is a Renaissance masterpiece right in the city center. It houses the Danish Crown Jewels and is surrounded by the King’s Garden, where locals love to picnic on sunny days. It’s like stepping into a time capsule of royal excess.

5. Climb the Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Built in the 17th century as an observatory, this tower has no stairs – just a long, spiral ramp. Legend has it that a Russian Tsar once rode his horse up it. The view from the top gives you a stunning panorama of the city’s red rooftops.

6. Free your mind in Freetown Christiania

This controversial, self-governing commune within Copenhagen is a unique social experiment. It’s gritty, colorful, and full of homemade architecture. It’s perfectly safe to visit, but respect their rules, especially the “no photos” policy on Pusher Street.

7. Watch the Guard Change at Amalienborg Palace

The Queen’s winter residence is actually four identical palaces around an octagonal courtyard. At noon, you can watch the Royal Life Guards in their bearskin hats march through the city and change guard – a tradition that’s surprisingly pompous and fun.

8. Unleash your inner child at LEGOLAND Billund

Denmark gave the world LEGO, and the original LEGOLAND park is located in Billund. If you are planning a trip to Scandinavian countries with kids, this is non-negotiable. Seeing the world’s landmarks recreated in millions of plastic bricks is impressive at any age.

9. Marvel at the White Cliffs of Møn (Møns Klint)

For a nature fix, head to the island of Møn. The blindingly white chalk cliffs rise dramatically out of the turquoise Baltic Sea. It looks more like the Caribbean than Scandinavia, and the fossil hunting on the beach below is top-tier.

10. Stand at the tip of Skagen

At the very northern tip of Denmark, two seas (the Skagerrak and the Kattegat) collide. You can literally stand with one foot in each sea as the waves crash against each other. The light here has inspired painters for centuries.

Travel to Norway

If Denmark is the cozy living room, Norway is the wild, untamed backyard. This is a country of extremes. It is incredibly long. If you flipped it upside down, it would stretch all the way to Rome. The wealth from North Sea oil has made it one of the richest nations on earth, which means the infrastructure is flawless, even in the most remote corners.

But you don’t come here for the tunnels (though they are impressive); you come for the drama. The western coast is shredded by glaciers into deep fjords, the interior is a plateau of reindeer and snow, and the north is a rugged frontier of fishing villages. It’s expensive, yes – a burger might cost you $25 – but the scenery is priceless.

Best Things to Do in Norway

When you travel to Scandinavian countries, Norway usually provides the highlight reel for your camera roll.

1. Cruise the Geirangerfjord

This is the UNESCO-listed superstar of fjords. The waterfalls here have names like “The Seven Sisters” and “The Suitor,” tumbling down sheer vertical cliffs into deep blue water. Taking a ferry or a kayak through here feels like entering a cathedral of nature.

2. Hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

One of the world’s most famous viewpoints, this flat, square rock shelf hangs 604 meters above the Lysefjord. It’s a moderate hike that rewards you with a view that will make your knees weak and your heart soar.

3. Road trip the Lofoten Islands

Way up above the Arctic Circle, mountains shoot straight out of the ocean like dragon’s teeth. The Lofoten Islands are dotted with red fishermen’s cabins (rorbu) and white sand beaches. It’s arguably the most photogenic place on the planet.

4. Wander through Bryggen in Bergen

Bergen is the gateway to the fjords, and its historic harbor district, Bryggen, is a lineup of crooked, colorful wooden Hanseatic warehouses. The alleyways between them are creaky, shadowy, and full of history.

5. See Viking Ships in Oslo

The Viking Ship Museum (currently undergoing renovation but with exhibits moving to the new Museum of the Viking Age) houses the best-preserved Viking longships in the world. Seeing the Oseberg ship up close, you realize just how terrifying and graceful these explorers were.

6. Conquer Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue)

For the hardcore hikers, this is the ultimate trophy. It’s a long, grueling hike (10-12 hours round trip), but the photo op – sitting on a sliver of rock jutting out 700 meters above a lake- is legendary.

7. Ride the Flåm Railway

Often cited as the most beautiful train journey in the world, this line drops 860 meters in just 20 kilometers. You’ll go past roaring waterfalls and through 20 tunnels. It’s a masterpiece of engineering and scenery.

8. Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø

Known as the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø is the best base for Aurora hunting. In winter, you can combine light-chasing with dog sledding or a Sami reindeer experience.

9. Drive the Atlantic Ocean Road

It’s been voted the world’s best road trip. This 8km stretch of road hops from island to island via a series of twisting bridges. When the weather is stormy, the waves crash right over the pavement – it’s a thrill ride in your own car.

10. Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House

Modern Norway is all about architecture. The Oslo Opera House is designed to look like an iceberg rising from the fjord. You are encouraged to walk all over its sloping white marble roof for great views of the city.

Travel to Sweden

Sweden is the big brother – the largest and most populous of the three. It feels a bit more “grand” than the others. While Norway has the jagged peaks, Sweden has the endless forests and thousands upon thousands of lakes. It’s a country that perfected the balance between work and life, nature and innovation.

Travel here is serene. You have the cosmopolitan pulse of Stockholm, which is spread across 14 islands, and the rugged wilderness of Lapland in the north. The Swedes are stylish, the design is impeccable, and the coffee culture (fika) is practically a religion.

Best Things to Do in Sweden

Experience the Swedish art of living with these top activities:

1. Get lost in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town)

This is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. The streets are narrow, winding, and lined with ochre and terracotta-colored buildings. It’s where Stockholm began in 1252.

2. Marvel at the Vasa Museum

In 1628, the warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in Stockholm harbor. In 1961, they pulled it up. Today, it stands 98% original in a museum that is, quite frankly, jaw-dropping. The intricate carvings are unbelievable.

3. Island hop the Stockholm Archipelago

There are over 30,000 islands fanning out from the city into the Baltic Sea. Jump on a ferry and spend a day exploring. Some have bustling villages; others are just a rock with a single red cottage and a flagpole.

4. Dance at the ABBAThe Museum

You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. This interactive museum is pure joy. You can even virtually try on their costumes and sing on stage with holograms of the band.

5. Feel royal at Drottningholm Palace

The private residence of the Swedish royal family is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s often called the “Versailles of the North,” complete with a historic theater and magnificent baroque gardens.

6. Scream your lungs out at Liseberg

Located in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city, Liseberg is the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia. It’s beautiful, green, and has some truly terrifying rollercoasters. At Christmas, it transforms into a massive market with millions of lights.

7. Sleep on ice at the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi

The original Icehotel is rebuilt every winter from the frozen water of the Torne River. Sleeping in a room kept at -5°C on a bed made of ice (covered in reindeer skins) is a bucket-list experience you’ll never forget.

8. Step back in time in Visby

Located on the island of Gotland, Visby is a medieval Hanseatic walled town. In summer, it’s a party hotspot; the rest of the year, it’s a historic fairytale with ruined churches and rose-covered cottages.

9. Experience the Midnight Sun in Abisko

Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is famous for its clear skies. In summer, you can hike all night under the sun that never sets. In winter, it’s arguably the best place on earth to see the Northern Lights due to its unique microclimate.

10. Cruise the Göta Canal

This 190km waterway connects Gothenburg to Stockholm. A slow boat trip along the canal, passing through 58 locks and the Swedish countryside, is the epitome of “slow travel.”

Scandinavia Travel Itinerary

So, you want to see it all? Exploring all three countries in one go is ambitious but doable thanks to excellent train and ferry connections. Here are a few ways to structure your trip to Scandinavian countries.

For a seamless experience with logistics handled, you might also consider checking out curated tours to Scandinavian countries to save time on planning.

7-Day Itinerary: Capitals & Culture

Perfect for first-timers who want the urban highlights.

Days 1-2: Copenhagen, Denmark. Tivoli, Nyhavn, and a canal tour.

Day 3: Overnight Cruise. Take the DFDS ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo. It’s a floating hotel!

Days 4-5: Oslo, Norway. Opera House, Vigeland Park, and Viking history.

Day 6: Train to Stockholm. A scenic high-speed train ride across Sweden.

Day 7: Stockholm, Sweden. Gamla Stan and the Vasa Museum.

10-Day Itinerary: Fjords & Cities

The classic route combining nature and culture.

Days 1-3: Copenhagen. Enjoy the food scene and castles.

Day 4: Fly to Bergen, Norway.

Days 5-6: Bergen & Fjords. Explore the fish market and take a “Norway in a Nutshell” tour to see the Nærøyfjord and Flåm railway.

Day 7: Train to Oslo. The Bergensbanen is one of the world’s most scenic train rides.

Day 8: Oslo.

Day 9: Train to Stockholm.

Day 10: Stockholm. Farewell dinner in the Old Town.

14-Day Itinerary: Grand Scandinavian Tour

The ultimate experience combining cities and deep nature.

Days 1-3: Copenhagen.

Days 4-6: Stockholm. Add a day trip to the Archipelago.

Days 7-9: Northern Adventure. Fly to Kiruna (Sweden) or Tromsø (Norway). Experience the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights depending on the season.

Days 10-12: The Norwegian Coast. Fly down to Bergen, cruise the fjords.

Days 13-14: Oslo. Finish your trip with modern art and relaxation.

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Scandinavian Countries

• Pack in Layers

The weather is bipolar. You can experience sun, rain, and hail in one hour. A waterproof windbreaker is your best friend, even in summer.

• Buy Alcohol at Duty-Free

Alcohol is heavily taxed. A beer in a bar can cost $10-$15. Locals often “pre-game” at home. If you want wine for your hotel room, buy it at the airport on arrival.

• Public Transport is King

You do not need a car in the cities. The metros, trams, and buses are clean and efficient. Only rent a car if you are exploring the countryside or fjords.

• Go Cashless

Scandinavia is almost entirely cashless. You can buy a pack of gum or a bus ticket with a card. Some places don’t even accept cash.

• The Right to Roam (Allemannsretten)

In Norway and Sweden, you have the legal right to walk, camp, and pick berries on any uncultivated land, as long as you respect nature. It’s a beautiful philosophy.

• Book Accommodations Early

Summer is short, and everyone wants to visit at the same time. Hotels in popular fjord villages book out months in advance.

FAQ

Best Scandinavian country to visit in summer?

Norway is the winner here. The waterfalls are gushing, the hiking trails are snow-free, and the fjords sparkle. However, Sweden’s archipelago life is a very close second for a more relaxed vibe.

Best Scandinavian country to visit in winter?

Northern Norway (Tromsø) or Swedish Lapland if you want snow activities and Northern Lights. Denmark (Copenhagen) is best if you want Christmas markets and cozy indoor vibes without deep-freeze temperatures.

Best Scandinavian country to visit for northern lights?

Norway (Tromsø, Lofoten) and Sweden (Abisko). You need to be north of the Arctic Circle. Denmark is generally too far south to see them reliably.

Is Norway or Sweden better?

Choose Norway for dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure. Choose Sweden for culture, history, forests, and a slightly more affordable price tag.

Best places to visit in Scandinavia?

The “Holy Trinity” of sights would be: The Geirangerfjord (Norway), Gamla Stan (Sweden), and Nyhavn (Denmark).

Which Scandinavian country is the cheapest to visit?

Sweden generally offers better value for money on food and accommodation than Norway or Denmark.