The Nordic countries are among some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Home to stunning, unspoiled nature, charming architecture, and a range of fascinating languages and cultures, it can be tricky to know where in Scandinavia you should travel for your next vacation.

So, if you’re planning a Nordic getaway, but are unsure of where you want to head, read on, this article will explain everything you need to know and more!

Background – Some Tips for Arranging the Ideal Scandinavian Vacation

It’s fair to say that the Nordic countries are as diverse as they are beautiful. You might want to visit some of the more remote parts of Scandinavia to experience the incredible natural landscapes that can be found there, including huge mountains, deep fjords, and pristine glaciers.

Or, if you’re into attractions that you’d primarily find in bigger cities, like nightlife or gambling, then you’ll primarily want to stick to the bigger capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

Copenhagen, in particular, is home to a number of casinos and is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to play exciting jackpot pokies, roulette, blackjack, or similar games.

No matter what you’re looking to get out of your trip to Scandinavia, it’s worth keeping in mind that these countries are definitely on the expensive side, especially Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.

Travelers on a budget may want to consider staying in hostels and self-catering to keep costs down.

It’s also important to consider how the weather might impact your vacation. Summers in the Nordic countries can be wet, and, in the Arctic region, you can expect to have daylight 24/7, which may make getting enough sleep a challenge.

Winters are often harsh and stormy – perhaps not the best time for a hiking trip.

If You’re a Nature Lover

Easily one of the biggest attractions for plenty of visitors to Scandinavia is the gorgeous and largely unspoiled nature that can be found across the region. Each of the Nordic countries is unique in terms of the kinds of landscapes and sights that it can offer visitors, though.

Finland, for example, is home to countless stunning lakes and beautiful forests and woodlands. On the other hand, northern Norway is renowned for its dramatic mountain vistas and fjords (Tromsø is also a great place to go whale watching).

If you don’t mind traveling somewhere more remote for your holiday, then you might want to consider heading to a destination even further afield, like Iceland, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland.

Now a major tourist destination, Iceland is hardly what you’d call off the beaten track, but, with its volcanic, colorful landscapes and low population density, the country has a very different feel to anything you’ll find on the mainland Scandinavian peninsula.

And, with a tiny population of just over 50,000 and 18 different islands to visit, the Faroes are a fantastic choice for travelers looking for an experience like Iceland but with fewer crowds to compete with.

Greenland, while certainly remote and challenging to reach, is home to some of the world’s most stunning, unique wilderness, as well as being an excellent place to experience the culture of its Indigenous Inuit peoples firsthand.

For Fans of Culture and the Arts

It’s no secret that the Nordic countries are, collectively, an absolute cultural powerhouse. Nordic noir thrillers are as popular as ever, and Scandinavian artists and musicians have created some of the best-known pieces of music and art in history.

Enthusiasts of expressionist art, for instance, will want to check out Oslo’s Munch Museum, which is home to a number of Munch’s masterpieces. Also, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark, is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys contemporary paintings and sculptures.

If you’re into amusement parks, Tivoli in Copenhagen happens to be one of the oldest and most historic in the world! Music lovers, on the other hand, may want to check out Reykjavík’s Harpa concert hall, which is one of the few venues where the singer Björk performs regularly.

Another option might be the Faroe Islands’ annual G! Festival in the sleepy village of Syðrugøta, which features performances by an eclectic selection of both local and international artists.

Planning a Scandi City Break?

The idea of spending a week or two hiking across the Norwegian tundra isn’t everyone’s idea of a relaxing vacation. Some travelers prefer a city break; if that’s the case for you, then the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki won’t disappoint.

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll almost certainly want to visit Stockholm at some point.

The Swedish capital was founded all the way back in 1252 and has since gone on to become one of the most interesting, unique, and significant cities in Europe, with the old town of Gamla Stan being well worth a visit.

Copenhagen is the ideal destination for foodies, thanks to its enormous range of incredible restaurants and cafes.

Quirky Helsinki is home to some unique architecture, while Oslo is the perfect place for fans of craft beer and metal music, thanks to the number of record shops and live venues dedicated to the genre.