WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN SCANDINAVIA IN JULY?
There are so many things to do in Scandinavia in July, whether you want to explore cultural cities or immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside. The days are long at this time of year, with the sun rising as early as 4 AM and setting after 10 PM in southern Scandinavia.
In the north, towards the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set at all. This phenomenon is called the “midnight sun” and occurs in Scandinavia and other Nordic countries, such as Iceland. You could take a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise tour up the Norwegian coast for an unforgettable midnight sun experience.
Travel to Scandinavia in July, and you'll have your pick of exciting outdoor activities, stunning scenery and vibrant cities to discover.
The long daylight hours are a real advantage to explore the sights at different times of the day. As July is peak summer holidays in Europe, we recommend visiting top attractions early or late in the day to have a quieter time.
If you visit Scandinavia in July, some of the best places to see are the capitals of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. One of our top travel tips is to hop between Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen on the Scandinavian Triangle route. Soak up the atmosphere on walking tours and enjoy meals al fresco.
July is also a really good time to visit Scandinavia if you’re looking to explore rural regions and national parks. Head to Bergen on the west coast of Norway to witness the stunning Norwegian fjords. Or go island-hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago, a summertime idyll for Swedish city-dwellers.
Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary in July:
Day 1 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can spend some time on the well-known street shopping Drottninggatan and enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) in the old town (Gamla Stan).
Day 2 - The highlights of Stockholm
Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts. You could join a sightseeing tour to see the best of Stockholm in a day, taking you to must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter.
Or, a ferry ride will whisk you off to the island of Djurgården, home to the Vasa Museum and Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Meanwhile, a day trip to the Stockholm Archipelago means you could swim in the Baltic Sea and hike through forests.
Day 3 - Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark
Only a short flight or scenic train ride away, today you travel to Denmark. Upon your arrival, take in the beautiful capital, Copenhagen. First stop, the enchanting Nyhavn, a colourful harbour with restaurants and docked boats.
You could spend your evening at the amusement park of Tivoli Gardens. We recommend trying a traditional open-faced sandwich, Smørrebrød.
Day 4 - Discover Copenhagen
Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. You might want to visit Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne food market.
We also recommend hopping on a boat tour to see Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful canals from the water.
Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway
Ahead of tonight's journey to Oslo, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike?
You could check out the exquisite Amalienborg Palace, and walk all the way to the Little Mermaid statue. Later, board an overnight cruise to Oslo.
Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city
After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to roam Oslo. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore some historic museums.
You could also visit one of the many cultural attractions of the city, from the Royal Palace to discovering Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures at Frogner Park.
Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm
This morning, you’ll embark on the famous Norway in a Nutshell® tour– one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Look out the window to see picturesque landscapes and quaint villages like Gol and Geilo.
Change at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for one of the top highlights of the entire trip: a 900-metre (half-mile) descent to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll stay for the night.
Day 8 - Norwegian fjord cruise
Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through the fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.
Day 9 - Discover Bergen
Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. You can visit the medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and fjords.
There are also plenty of museums, shops and restaurants to check out on your last full day in Scandinavia
Day 10 - Depart from Bergen, Norway
Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 10 days in beautiful Scandinavia.
What other ideas are there for a Scandinavia tour in July?
There are plenty more places to explore in this region. For example, you could opt for a Scandinavia cruise in July starting in Finland. Explore Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and maybe add in a detour to Tallinn, the charming capital of Estonia.
Then, step aboard a cruise that whisks you to Stockholm, crossing the Baltic Sea overnight to begin your exploration of the Scandinavian Triangle the following day.
Another tour to add to your bucket list is a Scandinavia fjord trip in July. From Oslo or Bergen, head north discovering the western fjords, islands and remote fishing villages along the way. To fully experience the midnight sun, travel all the way to the Lofoten Islands or even Tromsø.
If you want to spot the northern lights in Scandinavia, the best time to visit is winter when the night skies are at their darkest.
Another idea for your July holiday? Hop on a plane and visit Iceland as part of your Nordic experience! In July and August, you could even explore the wild and remote Greenland or Svalbard.
Good to know: Most of our itineraries aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities for customised routes. We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city, spend more free time in one destination than another, or add other towns to your trip.
Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.
How about a Scandinavia road trip in July?
On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.
Drive through Scandinavia in July for incredible scenery right outside your window, watching how the landscapes shift between Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
You could opt for a circular route between Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, flying in and out of the Swedish capital, for example. This way, you could soak up the verdant countryside, rural villages, and grand castles and manor houses in this corner of Scandinavia.
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Day 1 – Arrive at Stockholm Airport.
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Day 2 – Pick up rental car and drive through southern Sweden. Overnight in Kalmar area of Sweden.
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Day 3 – Overnight in Ystad area of Sweden.
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Day 4 – Overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Day 5 – Overnight on the ferry to Oslo, Norway.
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Day 6 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 7 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 8 – Drive back towards Stockholm. Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
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Day 9 – Drop off rental car and spend the night in Stockholm.
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Day 10 – Depart from Stockholm Airport.
If you want to slow down the pace, spend more time in Scandinavia on your road trip. You could skip the ferry to Oslo and instead drive to Norway via Gothenburg, Sweden, or delve deeper into rural Scandinavia on an extended trip through the region.
All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes. If you have any particular attractions in mind, just contact us to ask.
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Find out more about other times to visit Scandinavia. Go earlier, in May or June, or later, in August or September
Interested in a guided tour of Scandinavia?
To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option!
A small group tour of Scandinavia in July offers an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
Prefer a self-guided tour of Scandinavia?
If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Public transportation in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual, so getting around by train and ferry is a great alternative to driving.
By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.
Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
