Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe made up of three countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

While the neighbouring nations of Iceland and Finland are not officially part of Scandinavia, they are often associated with the region because of their cultural similarities.

Although Iceland isn’t a Scandinavian country, it is often thought of as one. This is because it shares history and cultural norms with the Scandinavian nations of Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Iceland is actually one of the Nordic countries, a group that also includes Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. To find out more, check out this guide to the Nordic countries.

While each Scandinavian country has its own language, you’ll find that English is widely spoken throughout the region. In fact, children are taught English as a second language from a young age.

These are the official languages of each Scandinavian nation:

• • Norway – Norwegian and Sámi
• • Sweden – Swedish and Sámi
• • Denmark – Danish

With its tantalising variety of landscapes and activities, you’re sure to find something that captivates you in Scandinavia. This is true whether your interests lie in exploring the outdoors or experiencing the local culture.

This is just a taste of what you can expect in Norway, Sweden and Denmark:

• • Enjoy Norway’s stunning fjord and mountain scenery, whether you’re hiking or simply taking in the view
• • Tour Sweden’s regal city palaces and pretty countryside dotted with medieval villages
• • Sample the variety of Michelin-star dining establishments in Copenhagen, the Danish capital
• • Learn about Scandinavian history in one of the region’s many art galleries or museums
• • Chase the aurora while snowshoeing or riding a snowmobile in Lapland

If you choose to travel with Nordic Visitor, all you need to do is decide how you’d like to experience Scandinavia. From here, your dedicated travel consultant will use their insider knowledge to make the arrangements for you.

So get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable and hassle-free trip with the experts.

It’s also good to know that Scandinavia is a safe place to travel where plenty of the locals speak English and public transport is easy to navigate. This, along with access to our 24/7 helpline, makes a solo tour in Scandinavia a good choice if you like travelling independently.

Discover more reasons why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travel in this blog.

Although each of the Scandinavian countries – Norway, Sweden and Denmark – share similarities, each has something different to offer you. So if you can, we recommend visiting all three on your trip or returning to explore each in more depth.

Below you’ll find a brief round-up of the top travel experiences you can have in each Scandinavian country.

These are some of the best things to see and do in Norway:

• • Explore Norway’s stunning UNESCO-listed fjords, including Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
• • Go on the iconic Norway in a Nutshell® tour and admire mountain peaks and tumbling waterfalls
• • Uncover the country’s rich heritage when you visit historic Viking towns like Trondheim and Bergen
• • Journey to the Arctic Circle and look out for polar bears in Svalbard, or learn about Sámi culture in Tromsø
• • Enjoy the road trip of a lifetime and immerse yourself in the striking beauty of the Lofoten Islands

Here are a few top recommendations for what to do on your trip to Sweden:

• • Wander the cosmopolitan streets of Stockholm, Sweden’s enticing capital city
• • Take a boat tour in the tranquil Stockholm archipelago, just a stone’s throw from the capital
• • Opt for a road trip around the Swedish countryside and visit Dalarna, home of the Dala horse workshop
• • Head to Swedish Lapland in winter for a memorable stay in the world’s original ICEHOTEL
• • Visit a Sámi reindeer farm near Kiruna or hunt the northern lights in Abisko National Park

Although Denmark is the smallest of the Scandinavian nations, you won’t want to miss exploring the capital city, Copenhagen. Get inspired and learn what Denmark is known for. These are some of our favourite things to do here:

• • Tour the city’s historic sites, including the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle
• • Spend time roaming independent boutiques and charming eateries just off the capital’s cobbled streets
• • Stroll through Nyhavn, making sure to stop at a café and admire this colourful district

You’ll find Scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors and inspiration for road trips in Scandinavia in these blogs. 

Scandinavia is brimming with cultural hotspots and places of incredible natural beauty. So you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to thinking about where to go.

This list of expert-recommended places in Norway, Sweden and Denmark is a good starting point:

• • Oslo, Norway
• • Bergen, Norway
• • Geirangerfjord, Norway
• • Lofoten Islands, Norway
• • Stockholm, Sweden
• • Gothenburg, Sweden
• • Österlen, Sweden
• • Kiruna, Swedish Lapland
• • Copenhagen, Denmark

Read more about the best places to visit and when to travel in this ultimate guide to Scandinavia.

There are a few convenient ways to get around Scandinavia. These include joining a guided tour or travelling independently by train, boat or car.

Choose a Scandinavia guided small group tour and you’ll be able to relax while an expert tour guide shares their knowledge with you. Your local guide will also drive your group (of up to 16 guests) between each stop. This gives you the freedom to take in the view and get to know your fellow travellers.

In fact, one of the best ways to get around is by combining travel by rail and sea on an independent train and cruise tour in Scandinavia. And because the scenery is so stunning, the journeys between stops will become a highlight of your trip.

Or you could discover Norway, Sweden and Denmark on a self-drive Scandinavia package. Choosing a road trip gives you the flexibility to go at your own pace, meaning you can stop wherever you like along the way.

It’s good to know that while the roads are in generally good condition, road trips are best enjoyed during the summer months. This is because snow and icy conditions can make driving trickier in winter. So, it’s for this reason that Nordic Visitor offers road trips in Scandinavia from May to September.

Get inspired for your next adventure with these 2-week road trip itineraries in Scandinavia.