15 Pretty Places in Scandinavia You Won’t Believe Exist

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You guys, Scandinavia hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m standing at the edge of a Norwegian fjord, watching the Northern Lights dance overhead, and I’m literally pinching myself. The first time I saw Preikestolen’s massive cliffs towering over Lysefjord, I was so stunned I forgot how to work my camera. After exploring Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, I’ve found some of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia that seem totally unreal.

Let me tell you about cruising through Stockholm’s islands at sunset or wandering through Copenhagen’s rainbow-colored Nyhavn harbor. These Nordic countries just hit different. Get ready, because I’m about to show you some spots that’ll make your jaw drop (mine’s still somewhere in Norway).

Prettiest Places to Visit in Scandinavia

Looking to explore Scandinavia’s most beautiful places? From the stunning fjords of Norway to the vibrant streets of Stockholm, Scandinavia is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic charm of Copenhagen, marvel at the natural beauty of Lapland, or explore the cultural richness of Oslo. Discover the serene allure of Bergen, the tranquil landscapes of Gotland, or the breathtaking views from Preikestolen. Whether you’re into fjords, history, or vibrant cities, here are 12 of Scandinavia’s most breathtaking spots!

1. Aarhus

• 📍 Location: Eastern coast of Jutland, Denmark, about 3 hours west of Copenhagen by train or car
• 🏆 Best For: Art enthusiasts 🎭, architecture lovers 🏛️, foodies 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ARoS Art Museum with its rainbow panorama, wandering through the Old Town open-air museum, dining in the Latin Quarter
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and outdoor festivals 🌞, December for charming Christmas markets ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Villa Provence – Boutique French-inspired hotel in the heart of the city center

Looking for the perfect weekend escape that combines culture with hygge? Aarhus offers Nordic cool without Copenhagen’s crowds. This cultural powerhouse offers Instagram gold at every turn.

The mind-blowing ARoS Art Museum features a circular rainbow walkway on its roof where I captured my favorite travel photos ever. Nearby, the charming Latin Quarter invites you to wander cobblestone streets filled with indie boutiques and craft beer bars.

History buffs will love Den Gamle By, an open-air museum where Denmark’s past springs to life through reconstructed buildings and costumed guides. For cutting-edge design, visit Dokk1 on the revitalized waterfront. The food scene punches well above its weight with several Michelin-recognized restaurants. This walkable city rewards visitors with big-city culture and small-town Danish charm.

2. Atlantic Ocean Road

• 📍 Location: Western Norway, connecting the islands between Molde and Kristiansund in Møre og Romsdal county
• 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, photographers 📸, storm watchers 🌊
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the undulating 8.3km coastal highway, fishing from Myrbærholmbrua bridge, watching dramatic storms from viewing platforms
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for milder weather and midnight sun 🌞, October-November for dramatic storm-watching 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Håholmen Havstuer – Historic fishing lodges on a nearby island accessible by boat

Want to drive the world’s most jaw-dropping coastal road? Atlantic Ocean Road curves and twists across the wild Norwegian Sea on a route that belongs in a car commercial. This engineering marvel connects tiny islands with stunning bridges against an epic backdrop.

The famous Storseisundet Bridge creates an optical illusion that makes drivers swear the road vanishes into the ocean. Strategically placed viewing platforms let you safely experience massive waves crashing over the roadway during storms. My heart raced watching nature’s raw power from just feet away.

Beyond driving thrills, the area offers excellent fishing spots and hiking trails through dramatic coastal landscapes. Eldhusøya Island features a circular walkway with panoramic viewpoints. Though the drive takes under 30 minutes, allow half a day to fully appreciate this unforgettable Norwegian masterpiece.

3. Frederiksborg Castle

• 📍 Location: Hillerød, Denmark, about 40 minutes north of Copenhagen by train
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, garden lovers 🌷, architecture admirers 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the opulent state rooms, exploring the National History Museum, strolling through the Baroque gardens
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-September for the beautiful gardens in bloom 🌸, December for magical Christmas decorations ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hillerød Hotel – Comfortable accommodations within walking distance of the castle

Ever wanted to step into a real-life fairytale castle without the Disney crowds? Frederiksborg Castle rises dramatically from its own lake in a scene straight from a fantasy novel. This Renaissance masterpiece from the 1600s outshines most European palaces.

Inside, the National History Museum showcases five centuries of Danish history through stunning artwork and royal artifacts. The ornate Castle Chapel survived a devastating fire and boasts original baroque detailing that left me speechless.

Outside, formal Baroque Gardens cascade down terraced levels with fountains and symmetric patterns. Cross the lake for the money shot of the castle reflecting perfectly in still waters. The nearby town of Hillerød offers charming cafes for lunch. Less famous than its royal cousins elsewhere in Europe, this hidden gem deserves a full day of exploration just 40 minutes from Copenhagen.

4. Geirangerfjord

• 📍 Location: Western Norway, about 4 hours drive from Ålesund or 7 hours from Oslo
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🏞️, hikers 🥾, cruise passengers 🚢
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a fjord cruise, hiking to Skageflå farm, driving the Eagle Road for panoramic views
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for ideal hiking weather and waterfalls at peak flow 💦, September for fewer crowds and autumn colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Union Geiranger – Historic hotel with spectacular fjord views and spa

Seeking the most spectacular fjord experience in Norway? Geirangerfjord has nature on an almost intimidating scale. This UNESCO-protected wonder features sheer mountain walls that plunge into emerald waters beneath thundering waterfalls.

The famous Seven Sisters waterfall cascades down in seven separate streams, facing the Suitor waterfall across the narrow fjord. A boat tour provides essential perspectives impossible to grasp from land. I still dream about the moment our vessel glided silently beneath these towering giants.

Adventurous travelers should hike to Skageflå Farm, perched impossibly on a cliff 250m above the water. Drivers can tackle the thrilling switchbacks of Eagle Road to Ørnesvingen Viewpoint for sweeping panoramas. While day-trippers abound, staying overnight in the village of Geiranger rewards you with magical dawn light on the fjord before the crowds arrive.

5. Visby, Sweden

• 📍 Location: Western coast of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea, accessible by ferry or flight from mainland Sweden
• 🏆 Best For: Medieval history buffs 🏰, photographers 📸, beach lovers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the complete medieval city wall, exploring church ruins, attending Medieval Week festival
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for warm weather and extended sunlight 🌞, early August for the famous Medieval Week festival 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotell St. Clemens – Charming hotel in a preserved medieval building within the walled city

Game of Thrones fans and history lovers, your dream destination awaits! Visby surrounds you with an authentic medieval atmosphere behind massive stone walls that have stood for 700+ years. This UNESCO gem transports visitors to another century without feeling like a theme park.

Walking the narrow cobblestone streets reveals a perfect blend of ruins and restored buildings adorned with roses in summer. The haunting Church Ruins stand as romantic stone skeletons throughout town. Climbing the massive City Wall with its 27 towers offers spectacular views over red-tiled roofs to the Baltic Sea.

Early August brings the wildly popular Medieval Week, when thousands don period costumes for tournaments and markets. Beyond history, beautiful beaches lie minutes away. The local restaurants around Stora Torget square serve excellent Gotland specialties. I couldn’t believe how completely the modern world disappeared once I entered through the ancient gates.

6. Hardangervidda National Park

• 📍 Location: Southern Norway, about 4 hours west of Oslo and accessible from Bergen or Geilo
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, wildlife enthusiasts 🦌, outdoor adventurers ❄️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the plateau trails, spotting wild reindeer herds, visiting Vøringsfossen waterfall
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for hiking season, March-April for winter sports and Northern Lights ✨
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Finse 1222 – Historic mountain hotel at Norway’s highest railway station

Craving an Arctic adventure without trekking to the poles? Hardangervidda National Park has wilderness on an epic scale. Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau dazzles with glacier-carved valleys and crystal lakes that seem designed for Instagram.

The park hosts Norway’s largest wild reindeer herd and countless hiking options. I couldn’t believe the silence that enveloped me while trekking across this pristine landscape. The iconic Trolltunga rock formation rewards brave hikers with Norway’s most jaw-dropping photo op – a narrow ledge suspended 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Don’t miss the thundering Vøringsfossen waterfall or the educational displays at the Hardangervidda Nature Centre. Whether you’re conquering a day hike or attempting the legendary hut-to-hut trail system, this untamed wilderness reveals Norway’s rugged soul in every panoramic vista.

7. Møns Klint

• 📍 Location: Eastern Denmark, about 2 hours south of Copenhagen on the island of Møn
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, fossil hunters 🦴, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the dramatic white cliffs, searching for fossils on the beach, hiking the cliff-top trails
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for ideal weather and lush green forests, spring for wildflowers 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Liselund Ny Slot – Charming historic manor house near the cliffs

Thought tropical-looking white cliffs against turquoise waters only existed in Malta or Greece? Møns Klint will shatter your Scandinavian expectations. These towering chalk cliffs plunge 120 meters straight into the Baltic Sea, creating Denmark’s most dramatic coastline.

Wooden stairs lead to pristine beaches where ancient fossils wait to be discovered. The clifftop features 20 km of paths through UNESCO-protected beech forests. My favorite memory here was watching the setting sun transform the white cliffs into glowing gold sculptures.

Visit the informative GeoCenter Møns Klint to understand the 70-million-year formation process. Bring sturdy shoes for the 497-step climb back up and allow a full day to explore both cliff trails and beaches. For a magical experience, join a guided night tour under some of Europe’s darkest skies at this certified Dark Sky Park.

8. Bergen, Norway

• 📍 Location: Western Norway, nestled between fjords and mountains on the country’s southwest coast
• 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🎭, history buffs 🏛️, fjord explorers ⛰️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Bryggen Wharf, riding the Fløibanen funicular, taking a fjord cruise
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for milder weather and festivals, December for Christmas markets ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Opus XVI – Elegant hotel in a historic building owned by relatives of composer Edvard Grieg

Want the perfect blend of urban culture and jaw-dropping nature? Bergen captures Norway’s essence in one perfectly packaged destination. Colorful wooden houses climb the hillsides while seven mountains create a stunning natural frame around one of Europe’s most photogenic harbors.

The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf features crooked, rainbow-colored buildings housing artisan workshops and cozy cafés. When I visited this former Hanseatic trading port, locals insisted I ride the Fløibanen Funicular for breathtaking city views from Mount Fløyen.

Sample fresh catches at the bustling Fish Market or explore world-class art at the KODE Museum complex. Bergen serves as the perfect gateway to Norway’s legendary fjords. Day trips to the spectacular Sognefjord or Hardangerfjord reveal a landscape of towering cliffs and mirror-like waters that no photo can truly capture.

9. Nimb Hotel

• 📍 Location: Central Copenhagen, Denmark, situated within the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury seekers 💎, foodies 🍽️, design enthusiasts 🏰
• 📸 Top Experiences: Dining at Michelin-recommended restaurants, enjoying Tivoli Gardens after hours, relaxing at the rooftop pool
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-September when Tivoli Gardens is in full bloom, December for magical Christmas decorations ✨
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Nimb Hotel itself – An extraordinary Moorish-style palace with just 38 unique rooms

Ever dreamed of staying in a fairy-tale palace with private access to one of the world’s oldest amusement parks? Nimb Hotel transforms fantasy into reality. This Moorish-inspired mansion glows with thousands of lights each evening, reflecting in Tivoli’s serene lake.

Just 38 uniquely designed rooms feature antique furniture, fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. Guests enjoy complimentary Tivoli access even after regular closing hours. I couldn’t imagine a more magical Copenhagen experience than watching the illuminated rides from my private balcony.

Food enthusiasts will love Nimb Brasserie’s modern Nordic cuisine and Gemyse’s vegetable-forward innovation in a greenhouse setting. The rooftop heated pool and terrace bar provide panoramic city views year-round. Though centrally located near Strøget shopping street, many guests struggle to leave this enchanting bubble of luxury.

10. Nyhavn

• 📍 Location: Central Copenhagen, Denmark, along the historic harbor canal just off Kongens Nytorv
• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, history lovers 🏛️, café culture enthusiasts ☕
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking iconic photos of the colorful houses, enjoying canal-side dining, boarding a harbor cruise
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-August for outdoor dining and long summer evenings, December for Christmas markets 🎄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Historic warehouse converted into a boutique hotel right on the canal

Think you’ve seen Copenhagen if you haven’t visited Nyhavn? Think again. This vibrant canal district represents the perfect Danish postcard, with 17th-century townhouses in every shade of the rainbow lining a picturesque waterway filled with historic wooden ships.

The cobblestone quayside buzzes with restaurants and bars housed in renovated merchants’ buildings. Literature fans can spot houses number 18, 20, and 67, where Hans Christian Andersen once lived. The harbor marks where I first understood the concept of Danish hygge while sipping local beer at a canalside café.

Hop aboard a boat tour for a waterside view of Copenhagen’s highlights including the Little Mermaid statue and striking Opera House. Visit at sunset when the colorful façades glow golden and reflect perfectly in the calm canal waters. The nearby pedestrian street Strøget makes Nyhavn an ideal starting point for city exploration.

11. Stockholm, Sweden

• 📍 Location: Capital city of Sweden, spread across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea
• 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, history lovers 🏰, foodies 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the medieval Gamla Stan, visiting the Vasa Museum, touring the Royal Palace
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September for pleasant weather ☀️, December for Christmas markets ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Diplomat – Elegant art nouveau hotel overlooking the waterfront

Stockholm beckons urban explorers with its perfect blend of work-life balance – a captivating archipelago city where medieval charm meets Scandinavian cool. The city’s heart is Gamla Stan, a medieval labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings that transport you through time.

Must-see attractions include the Vasa Museum with its perfectly preserved 17th-century warship and the magnificent Royal Palace with 600+ rooms. When hunger strikes, I always make time for traditional Swedish meatballs at Pelikan, a classic institution since 1664.

The city’s island layout means water is never far away. Take a boat tour through the inner archipelago for breathtaking views of the cityscape. Summer visitors benefit from nearly endless daylight, while winter brings cozy candlelit cafés and festive markets.

12. Råbjerg Mile

• 📍 Location: Northern Jutland, Denmark, between Skagen and Frederikshavn
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, photographers 📸, adventure seekers 🏞️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking across the migrating sand dune, photographing sunset over the dunes
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June-August) for warm weather ☀️, shoulder seasons for fewer crowds 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Color Hotel Skagen – Comfortable lodging in nearby Skagen with minimalist design

Råbjerg Mile offers adventure-seekers an otherworldly escape – a massive migrating sand dune that feels like discovering a slice of the Sahara in Scandinavia. This natural phenomenon moves 15 meters annually across the Danish landscape, eventually destined to disappear into the sea.

Walking barefoot across the rippling sand creates an almost meditative experience. The endless patterns formed by wind create a photographer’s paradise, especially during golden hour. I’ve never seen sunsets as striking as those casting long shadows across these otherworldly dunes.

Visit Grenen nearby, where you can stand with one foot in each of two different seas. The unique ecosystem attracts rare birds and plants that have adapted to this harsh environment. Come early in the morning to have the dunes almost entirely to yourself.

13. Ribe

• 📍 Location: Southwest coast of Denmark, about 3 hours from Copenhagen
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, architecture lovers 🏛️, culture seekers 🎭
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Ribe Cathedral tower, exploring the Viking Center, taking a night watchman tour
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September for pleasant weather 🌷, December for Christmas markets 🎄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Dagmar – Denmark’s oldest hotel dating back to 1581

Ribe transports history buffs to a bygone era – Scandinavia’s oldest settlement, where authentic Viking heritage comes alive at every corner. The perfectly preserved medieval center feels frozen in time with half-timbered houses leaning at impossible angles and cobblestone streets leading to the towering Ribe Cathedral.

The Ribe Viking Center offers immersive experiences in reconstructed Viking buildings. Try your hand at ancient crafts or archery while surrounded by costumed interpreters. My favorite evening activity is joining the Night Watchman Tour, where songs and stories bring the town’s colorful past to life.

Nature lovers should explore the nearby Wadden Sea National Park. The UNESCO-listed tidal flats host millions of migratory birds. Time your visit for the spectacular “black sun” phenomenon when countless starlings dance across the twilight sky.

14. Sognefjord

• 📍 Location: Western Norway, about 3 hours from Bergen
• 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌿, hikers 🥾, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising the fjord waters, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, visiting stave churches
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June through August for hiking ☀️, May and September for fewer crowds 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Kviknes Hotel – Historic hotel with dramatic fjord views in Balestrand

Sognefjord has the Instagram-worthy nature escape you’ve been craving – Norway’s deepest and longest fjord cutting a dramatic blue path through towering mountains. The narrow Nærøyfjord branch offers the most dramatic scenery, with vertical cliffs rising 1,000 meters above emerald waters.

Countless hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The panorama from Molden Mountain made me temporarily forget how to breathe. Cultural treasures include the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church with intricate wood carvings unlike anywhere else.

The area’s highlight is the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest and most beautiful train journeys. Stay in the charming village of Balestrand with its Swiss-style architecture reflecting in crystal-clear fjord waters. Kayaking here gives a humbling perspective on nature’s grand scale.

15. The Arctic Hideaway

• 📍 Location: Fleinvær archipelago, Northern Norway, about 4 hours from Bodø
• 🏆 Best For: Solitude seekers 🧘, northern lights chasers 🌌, creative retreats 🎨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the midnight sun or northern lights, exploring the car-free island
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for northern lights ✨, May-July for midnight sun ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Arctic Hideaway – Minimalist cabins on a remote island

The Arctic Hideaway offers burned-out professionals the ultimate reset button – a remote architectural gem where minimalist cabins perch on a tiny car-free Norwegian island. This retreat offers the ultimate digital detox while providing front-row seats to nature’s greatest shows.

Ten distinct structures include sleeping quarters, a sauna, and the “Tower” with 360-degree views of the surrounding Arctic wilderness. Each cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows framing the sea and sky like living paintings. When I stayed here, the boundary between indoors and outdoors seemed to dissolve completely.

Summer brings the phenomenon of the midnight sun with 24-hour daylight. Winter offers the mesmerizing northern lights dancing across dark skies. The absence of light pollution makes stargazing spectacular year-round. Come for profound silence, increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Scandinavia

Keen on deepening your understanding of Scandinavia’s most scenic destinations? Here are some frequently asked questions about the top Scandinavian attractions and experiences.

What is the prettiest Scandinavian country?

Each Scandinavian country boasts its unique charm and attractions. Norway offers dramatic fjords and mountain landscapes, while Sweden is known for its vast forests and archipelagos. Denmark, on the other hand, offers a blend of historic towns and modern design. It’s hard to pick the prettiest, as beauty is subjective. However, each country offers a myriad of beautiful places in Scandinavia worth exploring.

Which Scandinavian country is the best to visit?

The best Scandinavian country to visit depends on your interests. If you’re keen on exploring vibrant cities with rich history, Denmark’s Copenhagen or Sweden’s Stockholm might appeal to you. For nature enthusiasts, Norway’s fjords and the stunning locations in Scandinavia like the Northern Lights are a must-see. Each country offers a unique experience, making Scandinavia a diverse and enriching travel destination.

Where to go in Scandinavia for authentic experiences?

For a truly authentic experience, consider visiting the Sami regions in northern Sweden and Norway. Here, you can learn about the indigenous culture, partake in reindeer herding, and experience the Scandinavian scenery in its most pristine form.

What are the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia for architecture?

Cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki are renowned for their blend of historic and modern architecture. From medieval structures to contemporary Nordic designs, these cities showcase the architectural brilliance of Scandinavia’s beautiful places.

How can I experience the natural beauty of Scandinavia?

Consider embarking on scenic drives like Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road or hiking trails in Sweden’s national parks. Cruises in the fjords or stays in remote retreats like The Arctic Hideaway offer immersive experiences in Scandinavia’s beauty.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known places to see in Scandinavia?

Absolutely! While major attractions often steal the limelight, regions like the Åland Islands between Sweden and Finland or the Faroe Islands between Norway and Iceland offer breathtaking landscapes and a slower pace of life, making them must-see in Scandinavia for those looking to venture off the beaten path.