There’s something so incredible about visiting the Nordic Countries, I’m not sure if it’s the crisp air or stunning scenery, but there’s something so special about this region. This is especially true with all the best places in the Nordic countries to visit.
The best part about these countries though is that there’s such a diversity in scenery and landscape here that you won’t be stuck for places to explore when you visit.
Now, the Nordics are chiefly made up of; Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Greenland and Norway. Which, if I’m totally honest, gives us almost an almost infinite amount of beautiful places to explore.
So, if you’re anything like me, it’s likely you’re already planning some of your big getaways for the year ahead. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit this year.
There really are so many lovely spots to explore and not just the old favourites that you might already know. Take a look at some of the most special and best places in the Nordic countries to visit.
Have the best time!
1.) Blue Lagoon, Iceland
In the chill of winter or long evenings of summer, I can’t think of a better place to relax than in those piping hot pools of the Blue Lagoon.
It’s a surreal experience, especially when it’s so chilly outside. Just make sure to give yourself a good few hours to relax and unwind.
If you’re looking to steer clear of the crowds, check into The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon which also has a private lagoon for guests to enjoy. We loved every second of our stay.
Perfect for floating around and watching the northern lights dance above you! It costs a little more than other hotels in the area but it does offer you complimentary access to the Blue Lagoon. It is one of the best places in the Nordic countries to chill out and relax.
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
2.) Pulpit Rock, Preikestolen
If you’re on of those people looking for a hair-raising experience in Norway, make sure to consider a hike to the top of Pulpit Rock.
Not for the faint-hearted, this 6-hour (roundtrip) hike will leave you perched on the very edge of a vertical drop, straight down, over 600 metres to the fjord below!
It’s a once in a lifetime sight to see, just take precautions and always be responsible when hiking close to the edge. My legs were like jelly the whole time.
It might be a tough little hike but it’s easily one of the best places in the Nordic countries for views.
Read more: How to hike Pulpit Rock, Norway
3.) Vik & Dyrhólaey, Iceland
If you’re wanting to edge further away from the main sights of the Golden Circle, then zip across to the east of Iceland and discover the small town of Vik and the stunning Dyrhólaey.
Head here around late afternoon and watch the sunset over this gorgeous rocky mount and volcanic beach. It’s a truly beautiful area of Iceland.
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
4.) Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Tórshavn, which literally translates to Thor’s Harbour, is the capital city of the Faroe Islands with around 13,000 people calling it home.
This Viking city, especially the Tinganes Peninsular area is one of the oldest government meeting places in the whole world and a great place to experience.
Take a wander around the traditional grass top buildings and grab a bite to eat at the yummy Barbara that’s one of the oldest restaurants in all the country. Make sure to try their delicious cod dishes, caught fresh and totally delicious.
It’s totally kitsch and one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit for an old historic capital.
Read more: Best things to do in Torshavn
5.) Reykjavik, Iceland
On the west coast, of Iceland, is the country’s capital city Reykjavik (pronounced more like, rake- ya-vick).
If you’re wanting to gorge on some authentic Icelandic cuisine, make sure to check out these yummy restaurants in our post here.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bit of a boozy night with friends, then make sure to check out the many live music bars that are buzzing on a Saturday night around Hverfisgata Street.
Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the music and keep an eye on your bar tab, alcoholic drinks are notoriously expensive in Iceland.
Finally, after seeing the incredible, Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, make sure to book yourself on a whale-watching excursion that departs from the city’s harbour.
Taking around 3 hours, you’ll be kitted out in enough snuggly thermals to keep even the baldest of polar bears warm. You can easily get around Reykavik within a day or so, making it one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit for a day trip.
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
6,) Helsinki, Finland
The most southerly city in Finland, Helsinki is more than just those pesky Angry Birds.
Make sure to visit Helsinki Senate Square to see some of the beautiful buildings in the city, too.
Or, just see more Angry Birds!
Alternatively, head to Ateljee Bar that’s worth visiting for the 360 views across the city, especially around sunset. We loved it here and it’s easily one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit when in Finland.
Read more: Best places in Finland to visit
7.) Oslo, Norway
We all know Norway for the incredible Fjords that are a must-see but the capital city of Oslo is one pretty cool city to experience too, especially if you’re wanting a little taste of Norwegian culture.
Make sure to visit the beautiful Norwegian National Opera, which jets out into the water. For a great bite to eat, get yourself over to Kolonialen where you can chow down on some scrummy Norwegian dishes.
Read more: Best things to do in Oslo
8.) Vágar Island, Faroe Islands
Vágar Island is arguably one of the most breathtaking islands within the Faroe Islands (shhh, don’t tell the others).
This gorgeous island is sparsely populated, making way for lots of incredible nature to explore. It’s a nature lover dream destination!
Make sure to ramble to the edge of Sørvágsvatn Lake – which spills off the mind-bogglingly high cliffs, into the sea below. It’s one place that you HAVE to see in the Faroe Islands.
If you don’t fancy a ramble/hike to Sørvágsvatn, drive further west to the tiny little village of Gasadalur, where you can see one of the prettiest waterfalls in the whole country.
It really is one of the best places in the Nordic countries to explore; especially if you’re driving the islands in a car.
Read more: Best places in the Faroe Islands to see
9.) Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark is the most southerly country in the Nordic region that’s well worth a visit.
Wherever you decide upon in Denmark, make sure to make a pit stop in the beautiful capital, Copenhagen.
There really is so much to see and do in this city, from the vibrant Meat Packing District, Tivoli Gardens (said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney to create Disney World), to the stunning Rosenborg Castle.
Don’t forget to check out the amazing markets and foody delights on offer too.. just be warned, you will consume your weight in delicious treats. It’s one of my favourite cities in all of Europe and easily one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit for a long weekend.
Read more: Best things to do in Copenhagen
10.) Kalmar, Sweden
On the south-east coast of Sweden is the relatively small city of Kalmar.
No visit to Kalmar is complete without a trip to Kalamar Castle that was built almost 500 years ago. For some incredible fresh food, head to Grona Stugan who create some of the most delicious dishes in the city.
Read more: Best places in Sweden to visit
11.) Eysturoy, Faroe islands
A more northerly island in the Faroe Islands, Eysturoy is the perfect place to discover the laid back charm of Island life.
Make sure to visit the beautiful little town of Gjógv and enjoy the rugged beauty of the island’s coastline whilst driving over the mountains and winding valleys.
Read more: Best places in Faroe Island to visit
12.) Bergen, Norway
This west coast city in Norway is a picture-perfect place to visit at any time of the year.
Drop on by Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of the old, wooden harbour that’s beautifully rickety (lots of old wood building and all) 😉
For an incredible sunset, make your way to the top of Fløyen, especially around dusk (which varies greatly depending on the season). Just remember to pack yourself a good pair of walking shoes to walk the beautiful forest and mountain peak that overlooks Bergen.
Bergen is a gateway to the fjords and is easily one best places in the Nordic countries to visit for a mix of city and nature in one trip.
Read more: Best places in Norway to visit
13.) Flam, Norway
Flam is one of the most gorgeous little towns in this region, nestled right within the fjords itself.
Don’t forget to explore the fjords by boat and take the Flamsbana train that rides over the mountains itself. It’s one of the most incredible train journeys in all the world.
Honestly, you can easily visit here after visiting Bergen and you should certainly partner both of these best places in the Nordic countries into one lovely trip.
Read more: Best hikes in Norway
14.) The Geiranger Fjord, Norway
The fjords of Norway are known, the world over for their incredible beauty. One that stands out to see in the Geiranger Fjord that is now UNESCO protected.
Make sure to take a boat tour to see Seven Sisters and Dalsnibba Mountain Plateau that offers one of the highest viewpoints in all of Europe. We loved it so much.
Read more: Best places in Norway to visit
15.) Tampere, Finland
Nestled in between lakes and gorgeous scenery, Tampere is the perfect city to visit for a little culture with easy access to the stunning surrounding nature.
Don’t forget to visit Tampere Cathedral and Helvetinjärvi National Park too. If you’re looking for a delicious bite to eat, then make sure you head to the delicious Tiiliholvi for a decadent meal.
It’s easily one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit when in Finland and you want a smaller, lakeside city than Helsinki.
Read more: Best places in Finland to visit
16.) Saksun, Faroe Islands
Just like most of the Faroe Islands, the tiny village of Saksun feels like a place that time forgot. It’s only a few hours drive from the capital city, but it feels like the other side of the world!
The dramatic scenery and picturesque charm is the perfect place to explore the rugged westerly coast of this idyllic country.
Read more: Best places in the Faroe Islands to visit
17.) Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is Sweden’s most westerly city that’s perched just across the shores from the most northerly tip of Denmark.
Make sure to visit Trädgårdsföreningen with its quaint 18th Century gardens and botanical house that are stunning at any time of year.
Alternatively, if you want to stay away from a winter’s chill, head over to the Museum of Fine Art to spot some of Sweden’s most prized collections.
Gothenburg is also nice and compact, too. This all means it’s one of the best places in the Nordic countries to visit if you want a weekend trip away.
Read more: Best places in Sweden
18.) Alesund, Norway
Perched on the west coast of Norway, Alesund is one gorgeous and historic Norwegian town.
Take a wander through its pretty streets, climb the few hundred steps to Fjellstua Viewpoint for an incredible view.
Alternatively, head out on a RIB boat to Runde Island to see some of the region’s most pretty residents; puffins!
Visiting the best places in the Nordic countries? Read these posts:
Iceland | Faroe Islands | Denmark | Norway | Sweden | Finland
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