The best cities in Scandinavia and the Nordics

Design-conscious and cutting-edge, the varied cities of northern Europe have long enticed culture enthusiasts to explore their sophisticated streets. Those interested in Scandinavian design, Nordic cuisine, and innovative urban spaces probably already have the capital cities of Scandinavia, Europe, on their radar. But some lesser-known second and third cities could easily find their way to the top of your Nordic wish list. To help you decide where to begin, we’ve put together a snapshot of our favorites.

Cities of Scandinavia: top highlights and alternative ways to explore

1. Stockholm, Sweden: islands, history, and design

Of all the Scandinavian countries and capitals, Stockholm offers one of the greenest (and bluest) cityscapes. This ‘City of Islands’ extends across 14 separate islands, with a good percentage of the ‘city’ comprised of open water and forested islets. Most visitors start exploring in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, with its polished cobblestone squares and elegant townhouses painted in bright shades of ochre and tangerine. Alongside Copenhagen, Stockholm holds the shared title of cool Scandinavia design capital, with ultra-chic boutiques, contemporary hotels, and sleek urban style.

For something different, pick up a picnic and join the locals at Skinnarviksberget. This waterfront park has a natural high point with elevated views across the water to the grand buildings of central Stockholm. There’s usually a buzz here on summer evenings when groups of friends gather to enjoy sunset drinks and snacks.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark: design, food, and fairy-tale charm

Probably the hippest of all cities in Scandinavia, Copenhagen attracts design-savvy gastronomes who come to experience the city’s innovative dining and design scenes. From Michelin stars to trendy bars, drinking and dining culture in Denmark is finely tuned, and Copenhagen is at the heart of it. This is another water-bound city, where the urban environment is highly human-friendly, with much of the center given over to pedestrians and cyclists.

To explore the city from a different perspective, take to its canals and waterways by kayak, mooring up for coffee breaks on shore. You can also saddle up and explore by bike, perhaps tracking down the much-loved trail of scrap wood sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo dotted around the city fringes.

3. Oslo, Norway: art, fjords, and a modern waterfront

Between forested hills and a sparkling fjord, Oslo, Norway’s capital city, has been dubbed one of Europe’s most livable cities. Plentiful green spaces and world-class art galleries nurture mental and physical health, and the city streets exude Nordic-cool. There are outdoor sculpture parks, awesome modern architectural creations, and a vibrant sauna culture.

Although it’s one of the pricier Nordic cities to visit, there’s plenty to see and do for free along the way. As well as exploring the center, head out to the outlying neighborhoods on Oslo’s affordable public transport network. Day tickets cover ferry trips, so you can happily island-hop your way across the fjord.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland: the world’s northernmost capital brimming with charm

One of the northernmost capital cities in the world, Reykjavik is also one of the smallest. With its diminutive geographical area and population, it is eminently walkable and is the true cultural heart of Iceland. Any visit to Iceland will be mostly about its extraordinary great outdoors, but the characterful capital deserves your attention too.

On a weekend city break in winter, there’s a good chance of catching sight of the northern lights from within the city limits. Then in summer, you can dance the sunlit night away at one of the capital’s friendly music festivals.

5. Helsinki, Finland: seaside nature and modern design

Modeled on its nearby neighbor St Petersburg, Helsinki’s wide squares and grand Neoclassical buildings lend it the air of a Russian or Eastern European city. But it is also proudly Nordic, with a thriving sauna culture and distinctive Scandi-style architecture from its 1950s and 60s heyday.

The Design District is a must-visit for fashion, design and homeware, but beyond the buzz of the city center, nature is accessible and in plentiful supply. Take a ferry to one of the many islands of the archipelago, or head a little way inland for laid-back lakeside strolls and swimming in summer.

6. Bergen, Norway: gateway to the fjords

Norway’s second city, Bergen, is known as the gateway to the fjords, but it’s much more than just a travel hub. The UNESCO-protected harborfront, Bryggen is wonderfully atmospheric, and the whole city enjoys a prime setting between seven mountains and the sea. There are several world-class museums to explore, many excellent restaurants, and challenging hiking routes in the surrounding hills. Bergen is culturally busy, with a full calendar of festivals, so take your pick from literature, cinema, music and gaming festivals, and time your visit accordingly.

7. Gothenburg, Sweden: coastal charm and green spaces

Although far less famous than Stockholm, Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg, is a real beauty. Designed by the Dutch, the city center is laid out with handsome wide boulevards lined with Neoclassical apartment blocks, boutiques and cafes. There are plentiful green spaces, and the city is crisscrossed with canals and tramways.

The overall atmosphere feels more laid-back than Sweden’s more northerly capital, and the locals proudly deem it superior. There are arty neighborhoods to explore, Volvo World for the motor enthusiasts, and summer sea kayaking across the island-speckled bay.

8. Malmö, Sweden: bridges, architecture, and diversity

Sweden’s third-largest metropolis is another up-and-coming Scandinavian city. On the water’s edge just across the bay from Denmark, it’s more closely linked to Copenhagen than to Stockholm. Connected to the Danish capital by an impressive bridge, it’s a breeze to pop over for a day trip.

Malmö’s Medieval center is well-preserved with a series of pedestrianized cobbled squares surrounded by attractive timbered homes, shops and cafes. Beyond this central pocket, the city is ultra-modern with a procession of innovative architectural creations to admire.

9. Aarhus, Denmark: exploring the local culture and coastline

For an up-and-coming vacation spot amid the cities of Scandinavia, Aarhus very much fits the bill. Ranking high on the happiness meter, it’s been dubbed the ‘City of Smiles’ because of its quality-of-life credentials.

Situated on the pretty Jutland Peninsula, Aarhus is surrounded by vineyards and farmland and has a real farm-to-fork ethos across its dining scene. It’s a university city, which brings youthful energy to its streets, and the cobbled center is buzzing with cafe culture, galleries, and independent shops. On the flipside, there’s a real sense of history here, with a thrilling Viking past to discover.

10. Tampere, Finland: the sauna capital of the world

Southern Finland’s ‘Sauna Capital’ sits between two vast lakes, with a fast-flowing river running through the center. Once an industrial center specializing in fabric production, Tampere’s stock of red-brick factories and warehouses has been transformed into art galleries, museums, shops and cinemas.

Sauna culture takes center stage here, with a wide variety of high-quality sauna experiences to savor, including artfully designed spaces, cold lake plunges, and Finland’s oldest sauna.

11. Stavanger, Norway: old town discoveries and Pulpit Rock

If you’re traveling to Scandinavia in search of the fjords, Bergen is not Norway’s only entry point. Stavanger is also in proximity to some superlative views and hikes. The big-hitter is Pulpit Rock with its flat, fence-free ledge soaring hundreds of meters above the lovely Lysefjord. It’s a fairly challenging four-hour hike from the road to Pulpit Rock, so hikers must come prepared, and only during the summer months. Back in town, Stavanger has one of the best-preserved old towns in Norway, with attractive wooden buildings and a lively waterfront for strolling.

12. Akureyri, Iceland: the capital of the North

Amidst the expanse of wilderness that is northern Iceland, Akureyri, the country’s second city, fizzes with life. The center is busy with shops, restaurants and coffee shops, and there are museums, galleries and accommodations aplenty. The city makes a great base for exploring beyond, with many incredible sights within day-tripping distance.

The mighty Dettifoss Waterfall is a two-hour journey away, and the lovely Lake Mývatn with its geothermal phenomenon is nearby. The surrounding hills can be explored by bike in summer and on skis in winter, with whale-watching in the calm waters of the fjord popular in season.

13. Odense, Denmark: Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown

Fans of the weirdly wonderful worlds of Hans Christian Andersen won’t want to pass up a visit to his hometown of Odense. Even if you don’t have a particular affinity with the writer, this Danish town and its surroundings on the lovely island of Funen have much to recommend.

There’s a well-preserved historic center, with a hop-on, hop-off ferry service along the river making it extra-easy to see the sights on foot. Unsurprisingly, it’s a particularly child-friendly town, with all sorts of activities to keep kids engaged. The immersive exhibits at H.C. Anderson’s Hus are both outlandish and entertaining, for children and adults alike.

14. Tromsø, Norway: the pull of the northern lights and midnight sun

The wild Arctic outpost of Tromsø is a place of extremes. The glow of the midnight sun lights up the summer nights here, while a perpetual twilight settles in throughout December and January. Both are magical times to experience Scandinavia’s most northerly city, with the northern lights dancing in winter skies and summer bringing one-of-a-kind music festivals to the Arctic realm. There are also spectacular views all around and a rich Sami reindeer herding culture to discover.

Frequently asked questions about cities in Scandinavia and the Nordics

What are the most popular cities in Scandinavia?

The most popular Scandinavian cities to visit are the Norway, Denmark, and Sweden capital cities of Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. Although often misconstrued as encompassing more of northern Europe, Scandinavia is actually made up of these three countries only. The capitals are all exciting places for city breaks, but choosing to visit one of Scandinavia’s second or third cities can be just as rewarding.

Which of the Scandinavian capitals is the most beautiful?

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Stockholm is likely the conventional frontrunner with its watery setting, forested islands and Medieval Old Town. But Copenhagen’s colorful townhouses and leafy canals have a lot of charm of their own, as does Oslo’s dramatic setting between mountains and fjords, and its striking modern architecture.

What are the 5 Nordic countries?

The Nordics include Norway, Denmark and Sweden, as well as Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Make it happen

Seek out the highlights and secrets of the best cities in Scandinavia, by reaching out to our local partners: based directly in each destination, they can help you craft a magical adventure filled with unique experiences that meet your travel style, budget and passions. Browse all of our Scandinavian and Nordic destinations, and reach out to our local experts today.