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Best Winter Destinations of Scandinavia
Undoubtedly, enchanting Scandinavia is one of the best European travel destinations to consider. To help you decide which mesmerizing cities to visit first, we've put together this list of what we think are the best winter destinations to consider for your Scandinavia trip.
Last updated: 11.06.2024
Last updated: 11.06.2024
If you choose to travel there in summer, you can spend your vacation visiting its numerous landmarks, admiring the spectacular views, and exploring the delicious world of Scandinavian cuisine. And you have to agree, it already sounds like fun. But if you consider visiting this fantastic region during the winter months, you can significantly spice up your getaway and turn it into a vacation of the lifetime, filling it up with such fascinating as the
husky dog and reindeer sledding, snowmobile riding, Northern Lights hunting, and diving headfirst into the Christmas fairytale in Rovaniemi! But if everything is more or less clear when it comes to the question of what to do in Scandinavia, the question of which incredible places should you put on your travel agenda remains open.
Top Scandinavia Cities to Visit
- Stockholm
The scenic capital of Sweden surely is one of the places you don't want to miss during your Scandinavian adventure. Famous for amazing sights, fascinating history, and beautiful architecture, the city is perfect for leisure-paced walking tours.
Nevertheless, don't forget to add a subway ride to your travel plans! Metro in Stockholm is literally a work of art and believed to be the biggest underground art museum in the world!
Read more about Stockholm
Nevertheless, don't forget to add a subway ride to your travel plans! Metro in Stockholm is literally a work of art and believed to be the biggest underground art museum in the world!
Read more about Stockholm
2. Helsinki
The picturesque capital of Finland, housing another incredible underground art museum, the Amos Rex Art Museum, is also a must-visit place for those who want to truly get to know Scandinavia.
The city is overflowing with amazing sights to explore, including the world-famous Helsinki Cathedral, a twin brother of the St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, and the unique Temppeliaukion Rock Church, carved out of the solid rock!
Read more about Helsinki
The city is overflowing with amazing sights to explore, including the world-famous Helsinki Cathedral, a twin brother of the St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, and the unique Temppeliaukion Rock Church, carved out of the solid rock!
Read more about Helsinki
3. Rovaniemi
Can you think of a better city to visit during the Chrismas getaway than the motherland of the main winter magician, Santa Claus? You can take a picture with everyone's favorite grandpa, send a letter from his own post office, and even get the Certificate of Crossing the Arctic Circle!
Plus, keep in mind that you can meet Father Christmas even if you are planning to visit Finland during the summer months, as he kindly welcomes guests in his official residence all year round.
Read more about Rovaniemi
Plus, keep in mind that you can meet Father Christmas even if you are planning to visit Finland during the summer months, as he kindly welcomes guests in his official residence all year round.
Read more about Rovaniemi
4. Kiruna
Unfortunately, Kiruna is often overlooked by tourists who prefer to keep to the more in-the-public-eye destinations like Tromso and Rovaniemi.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the popular and time-tested options, but this way you rob yourself a chance to discover some hidden gems of Scandinavia. And charming Kiruna is definitely among them, boasting spectacular views and an extensive list of exciting activities to choose from.
Read more about Kiruna
Of course, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the popular and time-tested options, but this way you rob yourself a chance to discover some hidden gems of Scandinavia. And charming Kiruna is definitely among them, boasting spectacular views and an extensive list of exciting activities to choose from.
Read more about Kiruna
5. Lulea
Another amazing place to add to your list of must-visit cities is lovely Lulea, nestled on the shores of the picturesque Lule River. Apart from the amazing photo opportunities, the river is also is an inexhaustible source of entertainment for active-holiday enthusiasts.
In winter, you can enjoy ice skating, ice fishing, and snowshoe hiking, while summer is perfect for rafting, kayaking, and exploring the nearby area, renowned for jaw-dropping nature.
Read more about Lulea
In winter, you can enjoy ice skating, ice fishing, and snowshoe hiking, while summer is perfect for rafting, kayaking, and exploring the nearby area, renowned for jaw-dropping nature.
Read more about Lulea
6. Tromso
The city of Tromso is known all around the world as one of the best cities for observing the Northern Lights, but there are plenty of other exciting things to do there apart from hunting the spectacular phenomenon.
For example, you can go on a walking city tour, covering the most famous city attractions, take a cable car to the top of the Mount Floya, or set off to explore one of the numerous hiking routes in the nearby area.
Read more about Tromso
For example, you can go on a walking city tour, covering the most famous city attractions, take a cable car to the top of the Mount Floya, or set off to explore one of the numerous hiking routes in the nearby area.
Read more about Tromso
7. Abisko
If you are interested in Northern Light hunting, we have another suggestion for you. Beautiful Abisko is also believed to be among the best places to observe this natural wonder, as it houses the Aurora Sky Station, offering a fantastic vacation in the area famous for a nearly-always cloudless sky.
But even if you are not an Aurora Borealis enthusiast, the city has something to offer you, including the natural wonders of the picture-like Abisko National Park.
Read more about Abisko
But even if you are not an Aurora Borealis enthusiast, the city has something to offer you, including the natural wonders of the picture-like Abisko National Park.
Read more about Abisko
8. Reykjavik
If scenic Iceland is on your travel bucket list, you definitely should put its amazing capital, Reykjavik, on your travel agenda. The city is filled with treasures, so a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik is among the best things to do during your stay.
Especially if you explore the Icelandic capital with a professional guide who is happy to show you around some amazing hidden gems usually missed by tourists. And don't forget to treat yourself to a day in the famous Blue Lagoon spa!
Read more about Reykjavik
Especially if you explore the Icelandic capital with a professional guide who is happy to show you around some amazing hidden gems usually missed by tourists. And don't forget to treat yourself to a day in the famous Blue Lagoon spa!
Read more about Reykjavik