The Most Beautiful Places in Scandinavia
A few things come to mind when we think of Scandinavia: hygge, modern, minimalist furniture, avant garde dining, the Northern Lights. But above all, the countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark make us think of staggering natural and architectural beauty. (Some people include Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands under the umbrella term of “Scandinavia," but we're sticking strictly to the Merriam-Webster definition here.) We're talking ancient castles, snowy forests, historic city centers, and countless fjords. Thanks to the rise in popularity of stopover programs with airlines like Norwegian Air and Icelandair, these northern stretches of Europe are more accessible than ever—so what are you waiting for? To inspire your next trip, here are 19 of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Denmark
ClarkandCompany/GettyFrederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
Built in the early 17th century, this stunning Renaissance castle sits on three lake islets in Hillerød, just north of Copenhagen—but it feels like an entirely different world. The castle complex is known for its exquisite gardens and for housing the Danish Museum of National History.
AlamyAarhus
Located on the Jutland Peninsula, Aarhus was named both the European Region of Gastronomy and European Capital of Culture for 2017. Denmark's second-largest city has three Michelin-starred restaurants and landmarks like the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum art museum, which sports an iconic rainbow walkway.
Lasse Salling/Courtesy Nimb HotelNimb Hotel, Copenhagen
Walking into Tivoli Gardens already feels like stepping inside a fairytale—a feeling that grows exponentially once you stumble upon the palatial Nimb Hotel. Built as a castle in 1909, this hotel manages to preserve its grand Moorish past (see: the mosaic-clad pool and Turkish hammam) while embracing modern-day Scandinavian style, complete with clean decor and bath products all made in Denmark.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyNyhavn, Copenhagen
This 17th-century harbor with rows of colorful buildings is easily the most iconic site in all of Copenhagen. Lined with wooden ships, modern boats, and the aforementioned Crayola-colored townhouses, the spot is a must-see, as evidenced by the constant buzz of locals and visitors alike.
GettyMøns Klint
These white chalk cliffs stretch for more than three miles along the eastern coast of Møn, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea. The cliffs and surrounding areas attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, who also come to see rare orchids and nesting peregrine falcons, the world's fastest animal.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyRibe
Dating back 1,307 years, Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark—and in all of Scandinavia. The city was established in the early eighth century, and while you can't find any structures that ancient around today, the picturesque cathedrals and half-timbered houses on cobblestone streets are well worth a visit.
Norway
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyAtlantic Ocean Road
Often considered one of the world's best road trips, driving the Atlantic Ocean Road on Norway's western coast is almost like signing up for an amusement park ride, complete with roller coaster dips and eight thrilling bridges. Ease up on the gas a little to enjoy your beautiful surroundings—you might even spot seals and whales swimming in the adjacent ocean.
Pasi AaltoThe Arctic Hideaway
While it's becoming increasingly hard to go completely off the grid these days, Norway has you covered with The Arctic Hideaway, a hotel located on its own island (Fordypningsrommet) above the Arctic Circle. The sleek accommodations and gorgeous setting make the island one seriously dreamy vacation spot, bookable on Airbnb. The cabins' floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Northern Lights, letting you cross the activity off your bucket list while sitting indoors under a warm blanket.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyGeirangerfjord
Situated in southwestern Norway, the UNESCO-recognized Geirangerfjord in southwestern Norway is among the most scenic fjords anywhere in the world. Its beautiful landscape features steep, 2,000-foot rock walls, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. You can get the best views from the deck of a cruise ship, but another great option is to drive the Geiranger-to-Trollstigen route, stopping overnight at the gorgeous Juvet Landscape Hotel.
GettyBergen
No trip to Norway is complete without a stop in Bergen, the country's second-most populated town and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The postcard-perfect town is known for its scenic harbor, colorful rows of wooden houses, and surrounding mountain range (known as the Seven Mountains).
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyPreikestolen
Easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a rock platform located nearly 2,000 feet above the surrounding fjord. Serving as a sort of natural observation deck, the landmark lets hikers take in unencumbered views of the fjord's vertical cliffs and granite formations. Just be sure to visit sooner than later—geologists say the platform could be at risk of collapsing.
GettyOslo
While much of Norway is all about the picturesque coastal towns and stunning natural sites, the capital city of Oslo stands out with its sleek skyline. Dine at the Mathallen Oslo food hall, view contemporary artwork at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and explore its iconic Scandinavian architecture via bike—by far one of the best ways to tour the city.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyTrolltunga
Most Pinterest or Instagram users have seen a photo of Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue), Norway's undeniable social media darling. The protruding rock sits about 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, tempting travelers to inch out to the edge to snap a photo.
Sweden
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyGamla Stan, Stockholm
Stockholm is built for walking and biking, and there's no better place for a leisurely stroll than Gamla Stan, the historic center of the city. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with cozy boutiques and restaurants, and you can see Stockholm's 13th-century roots throughout the cathedrals and old merchant houses.
Karen LundinArctic Bath Hotel
The Arctic Bath Hotel made a splash when it opened in early 2019, thanks in large part to the fact that it floats on the Lule River in Swedish Lapland. The main building's design draws inspiration from the woods, with a criss-crossed log exterior and paneled wood interiors, and the theme is further emphasized among the 12 cabins lining the river. Take a plunge in the open-air Arctic pool, then immediately warm up in one of the adjacent saunas or with a cup of mulled wine in the restaurant.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyAbisko National Park
Home to Scandinavia's largest lake, Abisko is also known for its flowering Abiskodalen valley, rushing rapids, and accessible nature trails. The park, established in 1909, is considered one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights, thanks to its clear weather and coordinates.
GettyStockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago is the largest archipelago in Sweden, with tens of thousands of tiny islands stretching some 40 miles off of Stockholm, and a popular vacation spot for locals during the summer holidays. The best way to see the islands is by hopping on a ferry in Stockholm; hitch a ride to admire all the red wooden holiday homes, and enjoy some fishing or foraging on the shores.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
GettyIcehotel, Jukkasjärvi
Located in Jukkasjärvi (population: 600) in far northern Sweden, the aptly named Icehotel originally opened in 1992 as little more than a glorified igloo and has since become a year-round, 20-suite hotel with an art gallery and bar.
GettyVisby
Visby, the only town on the island of Gotland, was once a major Viking trading settlement. Today, it's a walled town with UNESCO World Heritage honors. Take a walking tour of the city, making time to stop and learn about the island's history at the Gotland Museum. Whatever you do, don't miss trying a saffranspannkaka (or three): this Gotland specialty, a saffron pancake topped with fresh cream and salmonberries, dates back to the 18th century.