While many travelers may think that summer is the right time to visit the Nordic countries, Wintertime brings plenty of unexpected delights to the region—and offers visitors some truly unique and memorable vacation opportunities.
Denmark
Cozy up at Odense Fairytale Town: This little Danish city gave birth to the most famous fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. Enjoy the city’s characterful old streets, inspiring museums, and strong cycling culture.
Explore hygge in Copenhagen: While Danes lead a secular lifestyle, when it comes to religious holidays, they pull out the stops. Their best weapon against the darkness is hygge and the millions of candles that go with it. If you’ve ever walked the streets of Copenhagen during the festive season, you have an idea of what Danes can do with lighting, mulled wine (gløgg), blankets, and oversized scarves.
Enjoy a delicious, organic Faroese supper club meal in the home of farmers, Anna and Óli. (Photo Credit: The Nordics)
Faroe Islands
Visit the secluded village of Gjógv: This charming village features colorful timber-walled cottages that dot the enclosed valley. Visitors can stroll around the village and check out the town's church, which dates back to 1929.
Enjoy a homecooked Faroese meal: Travelers can enjoy a delicious, organic Faroese supper club meal in the home of farmers, Anna and Óli. All across the islands, you can enjoy authentic and intimate dining experiences in people’s homes. Historically only available for groups, individuals can now book a spot themselves.
Finland
Sleep under the Northern Lights: The best way to take in the beauty of this magical, natural phenomenon is by sleeping in a unique, once-in-a-lifetime accommodation. Magical Pond offers the chance to stay in luxury igloos located close to the famous Ruka Ski Resort in Kuusamo.
World of Greenland igloos (Photo Credit: Trevor Traynor for Visit Greenland)
Greenland
Experience Igloo Lodges: Learn about traditional methods, hear local stories, try out dog sledding, northern lights, snowshoeing, and more.
Sermilik Adventures, East Greenland:Adventurers can gain local knowledge, experience dog sledding and participate in snowshoeing, glaciers, etc.
Tröllaskagi Peninsula (Photo Credit: The Nordics)
Iceland
The Tröllaskagi Peninsula: This area is a great place to go skiing and snowmobiling during the winter season. The peninsula is home to gorgeous mountains and colorful small towns, including Siglufjörður on its northernmost tip. Along with its natural beauty, it is a cultural hub, with an award-winning Herring Era Museum.
Cross-country skiing: Hlíðarfjall and Bláfjöll have excellent cross-country tracks, equipped with flood lighting for evening skiing. Public parks and forests are also popular places for ready-made tracks. Off-track cross-country is possible with guided tours, often allowing for exclusive access to hiking routes popular over the summer. For instance, a 5-day tour explores Landamannalaugar with day tours from its hiking hut. Another tour led by Icelandic Mountain Guides travels the legendary Sprengisandur highland crossing from south to north.
Northern Lights hunting (Photo Credit: The Nordics)
Norway
Northern Lights hunting with electric snowmobiles: This fascinating type of adventure is an entirely new way to experience the fascinating polar night.
Reindeer Heights with Sorrisniva: Explore the Finnmark Plateau and learn about the unique Sami culture with a helicopter experience to a reindeer herd. This unforgettable adventure in Sorrisniva allows the chance to get up close to the reindeer and learn about the rich culture of the Sami people.
ICEHOTEL entrance (Photo Credit: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se)
Sweden
Swedish architecture and nature often go hand in hand. Mix the two by discovering Sweden's inviting nature while staying at an architectural highlight? Learn more here.
ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland: Although parts melt away every spring, Icehotel in Swedish Lapland has been an architectural landmark for more than 30 years. It’s the world’s first and most famous ice hotel, built from ice blocks pulled out by the nearby Torne River. The entire property is an art exhibition, attracting artists from across the world.
Arctic Bath in Swedish Lapland: Choose between hot and cold baths at this futuristic arctic spa in Swedish Lapland. Arctic Bath has been recognized as one of the world’s best new hotels for its “breathtakingly brilliant” architecture. Architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi have designed the spa inspired by the historic log driving here.
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