There is often a misperception when it comes to Scandinavia and the Nordic Countries, as many people tend to believe that it is one and the same thing. Well, it’s not.
The term “Nordic Countries” refers to the countries and islands situated in the northern part of Europe, including the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Jutland Peninsula, the eastern Baltic plain, and the islands found offshore from mainland Northern Europe. Consequently, Scandinavia, with its famous fjords, lovely mountains, lakes, and Ice Age reminders, is just a little part of Northern Europe that includes Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
These are my picks for Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities:
Stockholm
Maybe not as famous as Europe’s big stars, Stockholm, the gorgeous Swedish capital, enjoys a reputation of one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities on the continent.
Strangely located in the south-east of Sweden, on an archipelago consisting of 14 little islands, Stockholm features a lovely Old Town (Gamla Stan) filled with castles and windy medieval alleys, one of the largest collections of museums in the world, splendid architecture, as well as a plethora of parks.
Moreover, the abundance of water, the vibrant nightlife, the new which blends beautifully with the old, the high quality of life, and the green environment make it one of the greatest cities not only in Scandinavia or Europe, but in the world as well.
Copenhagen
Lying on the islands of Zeeland and Amager, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, is certainly a wonderful destination for any kind of traveler.
Arguably Scandinavia’s most beautiful city, elegant Copenhagen has it all, from gorgeous architecture, remarkable museums and galleries, charming canals, culturally diverse neighborhoods, and a fairytale-like old center to green parks, plenty of trendy cafés, the longest shopping street in Europe –The Strøget, the world’s most beautiful amusement park – Tivoli, and even a couple of beaches flying the “Blue Flag”.
Bergen
Known as one of the rainiest cities in the world, Bergen, with its good-looking center facing the fjord of Byfjorden, has its fair share of natural grandeur adding to its beauty, along with the wonderful old wooden houses that dominate the waterfront.
Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, and some would even say that it is also the most beautiful. However, one thing is for sure, the train ride from Oslo to Bergen is famous for being one of the top 5 most scenic train journeys in the world.
Oslo
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a fascinating cosmopolitan city that still retains its small fishing town feel. It is a truly magnificent place where shiny skyscrapers blend beautifully with prominent German architecture, where the vibrant atmosphere merges with the utter beauty of the natural landscape, and where the flourishing development doesn’t overwhelm the thrilling Norwegian wilderness.
There are few cities in the world that can actually beat Oslo when it comes to outdoor activities, as the Scandinavian capital provides you with everything, from winter sports such as skiing and skating to other pleasant activities like kayaking, island trips, hiking, sailing, and much more.
Aarhus
Beautifully located on the east side of the Jutland Peninsula, Aarhus, the chief port of Denmark, is a lovely gathering of woodlands, beaches, lakes, and charming Danish historical buildings depicting bygone epochs and various styles from all over the country.
Aarhus is a modern metropolis, but it has a heart and a charm of its own which lies not only in the pleasant layout, but also in the positive atmosphere, the locals’ genuine smiles, the perpetual Viking traditions, and the multicultural vibe that prevails all over the city.
Gothenburg
Besides being the doorway to the stunning landscapes of West Sweden, Gothenburg, the second-largest metropolis in the country, is also a wonderful city full of history, inspiring architecture, culture, amazing parks, botanical gardens, and nature reserves.
Furthermore, the multitude of pavement cafés, the great open-air Maritime Museum, the twisting canals and boat trip opportunities, the islands sprinkled on the coastline outside the city, and the picturesque cobbled streets of Haga, make from Gothenburg a wonderful outdoor city and a must travel destination while in Sweden.
Malmo
With beautiful century-old houses, dozens of pretty gardens, charming squares peppered with coffee shops, colorful buildings, and lovely brick houses, Malmo, the former capital of Sweden, is a pedestrian-friendly city and a real feast for the eye.
Green, vibrant, and steeped in history, the port city of Malmo is a wonderful experience whether you’re looking for culture, leisure, shopping, unspoiled nature, sandy beaches, or Scandinavian Christmas markets.
