Recently updated on July 25th, 2022 at 08:45 am
With fairytale fjords, snowy peaks, lush valleys, and charming painted villages, Scandinavia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This Northern European region, made up of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, is a natural paradise – and you have to see it to believe it. To inspire your next trip, we’ve rounded up the most stunning sights in Scandinavia. From arctic islands and scenic roads to the “King of Fjords”, this is the best of Scandinavia.
Geirangerfjord, Norway
If you’re looking for the most beautiful sights in Norway, you’ve got to see the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Set in southwestern Norway, Geirangerfjord is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. With deep blue waters, surrounded by 600-metre rock walls, snow-capped peaks, emerald forests, and dreamy waterfalls, this fjord looks like something out of a storybook. You can experience this natural wonder by taking a cruise or by hiking or kayaking in the area.
When you travel with Trafalgar, you’ll marvel at views of the fjord when we drive the scenic hairpin bends along the Dalsnibba Pass. You’ll then get to spend the night on the edge of Geirangerfjord at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – Hotel Havila Geiranger. Scandinavia sightseeing doesn’t get much better than this.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
Trollstigen, Norway
You can see more spectacular views of Geirangerfjord when you drive the Geiranger-to-Trollstigen route. But Trollstigen (the path of trolls) is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scandinavia in its own right, as one of Norway’s most iconic mountain roads. We’ll take you driving past rocky mountain slopes, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys. The road is an engineering marvel in one of the most exquisite places on earth… You won’t want to blink!
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Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
If you want to see the best of Scandinavia, start in the capitals. Each city, from Oslo to Copenhagen, has its treasures – and Stockholm is no different. You can’t miss the Gamla Stan neighbourhood of this city. It’s the historic Old Town, lined with cobblestone streets, medieval cathedrals, and 17th-century architecture. See the old merchant houses and indulge in Nordic cuisine in the cosy bistros. Or stop by the Royal Palace, the King’s official residence.
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you picture massive mountains, fjords, and rocky islands when you imagine the best sights in Scandinavia – put the Lofoten Islands on your list. This archipelago is famed for its striking scenery where the northern lights dance over sandy beaches, turquoise Arctic waters, snowy peaks, and red cottages. This is one wild and remote natural paradise, but we’ll get you there on our Nordic Adventure trip. You can go hiking, cruising or fishing, or even dive into the region’s Viking history.
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Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is famed as the gateway to the Arctic and places like the Lofoten Islands – but it’s also a stunning little town to visit. In winter, it’s one of the best places to see the spectacular Northern Lights or spot orcas from November to early February. In summer, you can marvel at the midnight sun, with almost 24-hour daylight. You can also visit spots like the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum. Admire the colourful buildings or take a cable car up Mount Sorsteinen for amazing views.
GET INSPIRED BY: Nordic Adventure
Nyhavn district in Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’ve seen a photo of Copenhagen, it was probably the dazzling Nyhavn district of Copenhagen. With its 17th-century harbour and iconic colourful buildings, this is one of those places that definitely lives up to the hype. Wander along the harbour and see the wooden ships and painted townhouses. Then kick back for a drink or two in the buzzing bars and cafes.
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Flåm Valley, Norway
With its green fields, rushing crystal rivers, soaring mountains, and quaint villages, Flåm Valley could’ve been plucked straight from a fairytale. It’s absolutely stunning and you can experience it on Trafagar’s Scandinavia tours, when we take you onboard the Flåm, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. You’ll go chugging over 860 metres above sea level through the divine landscapes of Flåm Vally. Keep your eyes peeled when you pass the Kjosfossen Falls… Legend says a forest spirit dances there to lure men into the mountains!
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Møns Klint, Denmark
If there’s anything to match the beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover – it’s Møns Klint. These white chalk cliffs stretch for miles along the Danish island of Møn in the Baltic Sea – and they’re one of the best sights in Scandinavia. Less than an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, you’ll find scenic beaches, blue-green waters, rare orchards, and nesting peregrine falcons. You can even go stargazing as this area was Scandinavia’s first official Dark Sky Park.
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Frederiksborg Castle & Gardens, Denmark
Denmark is home to several opulent castles, but Frederiksborg Castle is a must-visit. Built in the early 17th century, this Renaissance castle spreads across three lake islets in Hillerød near Copenhagen. When you travel with Trafalgar, we’ll take you here to tour the State Apartments and the Coronation Chapel. But it’s the gardens that will really blow you away. The baroque gardens feature winding paths, canals, terraces, and fountains, and it’s a true work of art.
GET INSPIRED BY: Capitals of Scandinavia
Sognefjord, Norway
Renowned as the “King of the Fjords”, any Scandinavia travel adventure has to include Sognefjord. It’s the largest and deepest fjord in Norway and includes the equally beautiful Nærøyfjord. We’ll take you cruising through this spellbinding scenery with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and charming villages that have inspired countless artists over the years. You’ll also spend the night at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, the Sognefjord Hotel. Set on a peninsula stretching into the waters of the fjord, you’ll be sleeping – quite literally – on the doorstep of the fjord here.
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Bergen, Norway
With colourful rows of wooden houses and a sparkling harbour surrounded by mountains, this postcard-perfect city is one of the most beautiful sights in Scandinavia. Bergen is nicknamed the ‘Heart of the Fjords’ because of its close proximity to Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. It’s also set on the seaside and surrounded by the Seven Mountains range. There are plenty of things to check out here including the UNESCO-listed, 12th-century Bryggen Hanseatic wharf. Wander through the storied fish market or take the Fløibanen Funicular up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views. Bergen is simply gorgeous.
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Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Most people wouldn’t think of Scandinavia as a beach destination… But it has some of the most gorgeous white sandy beaches in the world. With tens of thousands of tiny islands and beaches, the Stockholm Archipelago is the largest in Sweden – and one of the most breathtaking sights in Scandinavia. You can take a boat ride across the archipelago, see the charming red wooden homes, or watch the sunset over the Baltic Sea. You can also go swimming, hiking, foraging or fishing in the area. While there are a lot of islands to explore, some of the hot spots include the Svenska Högarna islets and the Fjäderholmarna Islands. The islands of Grinda, Sandhamm and Valhom are also known to throw amazing celebrations for the Midsummer festival.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scandinavian Northern Lights
Stavanger, Norway
As one of Norway’s oldest settlements, Stavanger has a fascinating history. It’s also one of the prettiest port towns, with beautifully preserved wooden buildings dating back to the 18th century. When you travel on our Scandinavia tours, we’ll sail from Hirtshals across the Skagerrak to the port of Kristiansand, then drive past scenic fjords, forests and lakes to get to Stavanger – where you can soak up all the Scandinavian beauty.
Which sights in Scandinavia are at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below…