Snow and Vikings are common characteristics of northern Europe, at least partly. Indeed, the Viking Age significantly influenced Scandinavian civilization, and snowfall is also expected there. However, it’s far more exquisite and sophisticated than you imagined. Best Cities To Visit In Northern Europe, where history comes to life, from the colorful, legendary old towns of some of the wealthiest trading centers in the region to museums highlighting the significance of the ancient Vikings. Then there are distant islands with endless summertime sun, breathtaking fjords, and seemingly endless lakes. There’s no denying that northern europe destinations is humble in its grandeur.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Europe
Fjords of Norway
Norway is well-known for its U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers, widely recognized and adored as fjords. The Norwegian coast is defined by its vast network of fjords, not just the longest and most famous one, Sognefjord, which is over 1,300 meters below sea level.
Saltstraumen may have the most significant tidal current on Earth. One of Hardangerfjorden’s more striking sub-fjords is Sørfjorden. Tafjorden’s mountainous backdrop is breathtaking. Any trip to the Norwegian Fjords will be incredibly breathtaking, whether you’re looking up at the beauty of these valleys from the waters below or down on the fjords themselves.
Malmo
Malmo, the third-biggest city in Sweden, is situated at a crossroads. Located just a short boat ride from mainland Europe, Malmo is home to more than 150 ethnicities. Imagine an inventive, global mash-up of trendy bars, Middle Eastern-style markets, and Italian cafes.
Gamla Staden, also known as the Old Town, is located apart from Malmo’s contemporary eclecticism and features elegant Dutch Renaissance architecture. Architect Vastra Hamnen created the city’s well-known waterfront district, characterized by towering structures that tower over the Oresund Bridge and provide a unique blend of modern and historic architecture for which Malmo is renowned.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the small capital of Iceland, is the perfect seaside city to launch an adventure in this land of snow and glaciers. Visit some of the many museums available, such as the National and Saga Museum, to learn about the fascinating culture of this country, particularly that of the Vikings.
The magnificent Hallgrimskirkja Church, a towering modern architectural wonder with a revolving glass dome that offers views of the sea, is one of the more well-known sights in the area. While it may appear charming during the day, its core neighborhood comes alive at night with many clubs and lively bars.
Bergen
Situated on Norway’s southwest coast, Bergen is surrounded by fjords and mountains. Indeed, Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, is the country’s most well-known, and it’s located close by. Old Bergan is the city’s most charming region, with its wacky wooden cottages painted in vibrant block hues. Wander down the waterfront wharf area to reach the harbor and its bustling fish market.
A funicular in Bergen called the Fløibanen whisks you to the summit of Fløyen Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In the summer, hiking is not just an option but a national hobby.
Finnish Lakeland
As the name suggests, Finnish Lakeland is an area in the east of the country with an abundance of lakes—roughly 40 lakes per 100 square kilometers. The greatest of these is Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland and the fourth-largest natural lake in Europe overall.
The greatest thing to do is take a chilly lake swim after spending time in an oak-burning sauna. The lake’s crystal-clear water adds even more appeal as it mirrors the sky. Cruise the river in a steamer or canoe and discover charming mökki (summer houses).
Gotland
Gotland, the largest island in Sweden, is located right off the country’s southeast coast. It is hardly the only island oversized in the Baltic Sea, but it’s also an excellent and tranquil place with hardly many residents. The well-preserved old city walls narrate the island’s medieval and Viking past encircle the capital, Visby.
Every year, there’s an entertaining event where Gotlanders dress up in their finest medieval attire and enjoy a musical journey through the ages. You may even drive along the coast to see sandy beaches, little-known hamlets tucked away, magnificent sea views, and summertime flower carpets.
Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen, or “Home of the Giants,” is a group of mountains in Norway that is a part of the Scandinavian Mountain range and is home to 29 of the highest peaks in the nation. The Jotunheimen National Park contains around one-third of the mountains. Hikers and climbers seeking experiences on the slopes are popular in this area.
While Jotunheimen’s summertime offerings include shimmering rivers, verdant valleys, and skiing (due to the summer ski center), the winter months see the slopes in snowy white.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands, a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, are a group of eighteen rugged, volcanic islets and islands in the North Atlantic Ocean around 200 miles off the coast of Scotland. About 40% of the people living in this self-governing territory reside in its capital city, Torshavn, on the island of Streymoy.
Causeways, bridges, tunnels, and ferry crossings link several islands. Bird watchers, in particular, love visiting this location because they see the variety of seabird species that call it home, including guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins. The Faroese dwellings, with their characteristic grass roofs, are a sight to behold.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon hot spring is a very well-liked location. Situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, not too far from the capital of Iceland, the blue waters appear to shimmer like a precious stone amidst the surrounding black volcanic cliffs.
Year-round 39°C water temperatures and therapeutic qualities (because of the volcanic water’s high silica and salt content) are features of the Blue Lagoon. Not naturally occurring, it was first constructed in the 1970s as a cooling system for the nearby geothermal power station. People began taking baths here in the 1980s, and since then, it has drawn visitors worldwide.
Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is located on the coastal islands of Amager and Zeeland. The city is packed with historical sites and stunning architecture. One such area is Frederiksstaden, which has elaborate Rococo-style structures that date back to the 18th century.
The Danish royal family’s residence, Amalienborg Palace, and the magnificent Frederik’s Kirke, popularly called the Marble Church, are located in this region. The well-known Nyhavn neighborhood has 17th-century architecture, canals, a wide variety of places to eat and drink, and lovely historic hotels.
One of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters, Rutschebanen, is at Tivoli Gardens, a 19th-century amusement park!
Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland’s intellectual capital and site of some of the country’s most beautiful buildings, is located on the country’s south coast. This city boasts an exciting mix of modern designs, from the central train station with its distinctive National Romantic architecture to the majestic, understated Parliament House to the impressive Temppeliaukion chapel, a daring 1960s chapel set directly in excavated rock.
For an in-depth look at Finnish history, visit the National Museum. Alternatively, from spring to fall, visit Market Square, which is bustling with food vendors, gift shops, and sidewalk cafes where you can people-watch and take in the sights of the capital.
Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of islands located far north of the Norwegian mainland. The Midnight Sun phenomena are seen in this remote location, well within the Arctic Circle. In the summer, the sun never fully sets, never setting for a whole day.
Regretfully, winter also exhibits the reverse phenomenon—the sun never rises! Not officially a part of Norway until 1925, Svalbard is surprisingly accessible with plenty of hotel options. This simplifies spotting everything from the enchanted Northern Lights to polar bears and Arctic foxes.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a stunning natural wonder located in southwest Iceland. This waterfall, which in Icelandic means “Golden Falls,” is anything but typical. Originating in the Langjökull glacier, the Hvítá River flows through a canyon before dramatically turning and plunging 32 meters down its two stages to continue its journey.
It is simple to witness the utter might of nature here; go during the summer to experience the full impact, as 140 cubic meters of water cascade down the falls per second. Staying at Gullfoss to continue your exploration is a wise decision because other attractions are nearby, such as the active geyser of Strokkur, the hot springs of Geysir, and a few hotels.
Stockholm
Stockholm is an island city. The Swedish capital, situated atop a chain of 14 Baltic Sea islands connected by fifty bridges, is a must-see location in the nation. The Storkyrkan Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, is located in Gamla Stan, also known as Old Town, a maze of pastel-colored homes and cobblestone alleyways.
The magnificent Royal Palace was finished in 1760, and Stockholm City Hall, designed in the Romanesque Revival style, is located in other parts of Stockholm. The Nobel Museum has information about the Nobel Prize, while the Vasa Museum has an entire 17th-century sailship. The outdoor museum Skansen offers a great look at Swedish living before modern conveniences.
Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is an archipelago that stretches from Norway’s northeast coast and offers some incredibly striking natural scenery for your trip experiences. Apart from its breathtaking scenery, one of the most well-known features of Lofoten is its hot climate for its latitude.
Now let’s get back to nature: enthusiastic mountaineers and rock climbers should head straight for Moskenesøya, while bikers may enjoy a lovely and well-marked cycle road from southerly Å that continues via Fiskebøl in the north. Apart from that, Lofoten is a maze of little fishing communities with stunning natural settings, such as Flakstadøya’s Nusfjord.
Lapland
There is nowhere further north that is as well-known as this area, save from the North Pole. Call him Father Christmas, Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, but Lapland is a place for big and small children to play; this is his “traditional” home. See if you can locate his workshop in Rovaniemi.
The Sami people are another group of traditional residents living in Lapland, located in the northernmost regions of Sweden and Finland. Lapland, also called Sápmi, is the location of the first Ice Hotel, ski resorts, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Explore further north to meet the Sami people who live there and herd reindeer.
Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajokull National Park is the product of the union of Jökulsárgljúfur and Skaftafell, two existing national parks in Iceland, with the massive ice cap known as Vatnajokull itself. As a result, this area offers some fantastic natural views. Undoubtedly, one of the most remarkable is Dettifoss, Europe’s supposedly most potent waterfall. It is breathtaking to see the water of the expansive Jökulsá á Fjöllum plummet 44 meters from one of the numerous hiking routes.
There is also the turquoise geothermal lake of Víti, located in the caldera of Askja. Driving around this national park’s ring road is a great way to observe wildlife.
