WHAT TO DO IN SCANDINAVIA IN JUNE?
There are so many things to do in Scandinavia in June, 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 10:30 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.
Visit Scandinavia in June, 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, along with the quieter crowds in early June. This is because schools don’t close for summer in Scandinavia until Midsummer (20-25 June).
Some of the best places to visit in Scandinavia in June 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.
June 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.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising holidays to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas to help you explore Scandinavia your way!
Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary in June:
Day 1 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. Spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.
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 Nordic 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
Head to Stockholm Airport after breakfast and board a plane to Copenhagen. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget street for a bite to eat, or go check out the fun and games at the old fashioned Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
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 Christianshavn Canal from the water.
Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway
Ahead of your 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, as well as the colourful Nyhavn harbour and the Little Mermaid statue. Later, head to the port for your 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 historic museums.
If you love art, make sure to take a walk through the delightful Vigeland Sculpture Park. Don’t miss a visit to Oslo City Hall if you want to see where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.
Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm
This morning, go to Oslo Central Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell® experience – 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 June?
There are plenty more places to explore in this region. For example, you could opt for a Scandinavia and Russia cruise in June, stopping off at diverse but equally fascinating cities. See Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, as well as St Petersburg in Russia, Helsinki in Finland, and Tallinn in Estonia.
Visiting these cities on a Baltic cruise is an amazing way to experience the varied cultures and enjoy optional activities. Don’t miss the chance to visit some local restaurants for a taste of the delicious regional cuisine!
Another Scandinavian cruise tour for the bucket list is the hop-on, hop-off Havila or Hurtigruten cruise in Norway. You'd get to explore fjords, islands and remote villages on this coastal journey, traversing the seas under the midnight sun. It's incredible to see these landscapes lit up day and night!
You might also want to see the northern lights in Scandinavia. If so, the best time to visit is winter when the night skies are at their darkest.
Another idea for your June holiday? Hop on a plane and visit Iceland as part of your Nordic experience!
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 June?
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 June 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 April and May, or later, in July and August
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 June 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.
