Summary
Sure, Scandinavia gets cold in the winter. However, that’s also the best time to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Moreover, crowds do overtake some of the more popular tourist attractions in the summer months. But you get 16 or more hours of daylight to see the sights when the weather warms.
The best time to travel to Scandinavia may well be whenever you get the chance. Therefore, every season offers advantages and disadvantages for exploring the Nordic lands. The local weather, the timing of events and activities, and your budget can all influence the decision-making process when planning a trip to Scandinavia.
Consider Sweden When It Snows
High season for tourism in Sweden occurs in midsummer, which is traditionally busy in much of Scandinavia. Although the weather is undeniably beautiful, the warm months naturally attract larger crowds, especially in the largest cities of Stockholm, Malmö, and Göteborg. As a result, the whole country moves outdoors to take advantage of the short summer season. However, Sweden in winter, with its 200 ski resorts, traditional Christmas markets, and dog-sled tours of the Arctic Lapland region, makes for a memorable vacation as well.
Nod for Norway During Spring and Fall
With summer sunshine around the clock in the northern regions, Norway’s appeal definitely intensifies from June through August. Conversely, the shoulder seasons in May and September generally see fewer tourists while still enjoying pleasant weather, consequently offering lower prices in famous destinations such as Oslo and Bergen. Norway provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the aurora borealis, or northern lights, particularly visible in northern towns like Tromsø during the cold winter months.
Discover Four Seasons in Finland
The snow covers much of Finland from November to May, making the sauna a highly appealing destination during winter. Moreover, Finns celebrate the long days of spring, summer, and fall with festivals that honor the culture and nature. With 40 national parks across a country approximately the size of California, tourism outside the capital city of Helsinki largely focuses on outdoor exploration.
Pack a Swimsuit for Denmark
Touted by the country’s official tourism organization as “Scandinavia’s Greatest Little Kingdom,” Denmark also holds the enticing title of “Best Scandinavian Beach Destination.” Along the Danish Riviera north of Copenhagen, visitors can find white sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and an array of restaurants, shopping, and accommodation choices, blending upscale options with Denmark’s signature style of hygge.
Explore Iceland’s Unique Landscapes
Led Zeppelin sang about the “land of the ice and snow” with its “midnight sun, where the hot springs flow.” This characterization of Iceland captures the stark beauty of a country filled with glaciers, active volcanoes, and polar creatures such as whales, puffins, and the Arctic fox. Most visitors choose to travel to the capital city of Reykjavík during summer when temperatures hover in the 60s F, allowing for exploration through hiking, biking, and invigorating ocean dips.
