Scandinavia is a fascinating subregion of Northern Europe where its countries, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, have strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties.
Putting aside history and culture, Scandinavia is a region with remarkable natural scenery. Norway is known for its seasonal midnight sun and gorgeous fjords, Sweden is known for its many lakes and archipelagos, and Denmark is known for its sandy beaches and ancient oak trees.
All three of these Scandinavian countries are listed in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, highlighting why you should visit some of the region’s very best cities in 2026. This article explores five great options and includes must-see sights.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a quirky city with royal palaces, statues of local writer Hans Christian Andersen, canals lined with colourful houses, more bikes than people, and the world’s second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens.
There are three great ways for first-timers to explore the Danish capital and embrace being a tourist:
- Take a boat trip from Nyhavn, the city’s colourful harbour, and see the Little Mermaid statue (another nod to Hans Christian Andersen) and the modern architecture along the quay.
- Embark on a free walking tour of Copenhagen that explores Rosenborg Castle, the medieval centre of Nytrov, Copenhagen City Hall, and Amalienborg, the home of the Danish royal family.
- Hire a bike, and ride all the way through the city’s alternative community, Christiania, and north to Reffen, a vibrant waterfront food market.
Aarhus, Denmark
It may not be as popular as Copenhagen, but Aarhus’s cobbled streets offer something for all visitors. Here are the top things to do, depending on your interests:
- History. Den Gamle By is an open-air museum with five regular exhibits, including the Danish Clock Museum, the Toy Museum, a silverware exhibit, a pottery exhibit, and the Textile Museum.
- Art. ARos is an experimental modern art museum and gallery with 10 floors. On the roof, visitors can find Rainbow Panorama, a circular glass walkway in all the colours of the spectrum.
- Nature. Marselisborg Deer Park, an enclosed woodland area south of the city centre, has over 70 sika and roe deer, which you can get up close to.
- Views. At 468 feet, Aarhus Ø Lighthouse is Denmark’s tallest building and offers panoramic views of Oslo and its fjords.
- Food. Aarhus Street Food offers global cuisine and a great selection of craft beers, such as Mikkeller and Fermentoren.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is built on 14 islands linked by 57 bridges. A range of ferries and sightseeing boats let you explore the rugged archipelago.
If you don’t have time to explore the archipelago, take a free walking tour of Stockholm, where you can marvel at some of the islands from the waterfront whilst stopping at the Royal Swedish Opera House, the Old Town, and the Nobel Prize Museum.
Stockholm is also the perfect place to immerse yourself in Swedish culture. Take a break from sightseeing and relax with a hot drink and something sweet – a Swedish tradition called Fika.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is quickly becoming one of the favourite city break destinations in Scandinavia with its modern harborfront, world-famous art galleries, and the Oslofjord on its doorstep.
Here are some top things to do in Oslo:
- If the weather allows it, enjoy some al fresco dining at Aker Brygge. The pier has a variety of eateries with outdoor tables, and in the summer, a boat bar is moored nearby.
- Take a sightseeing cruise from Aker Brygge to view part of the 120-kilometre Oslofjord.
- Enjoy outdoor art and walking trails at The Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to Gustav Vigeland’s works.
- Explore museums such as Munch, an art gallery housing three versions of the famous Edvard Munch painting, The Scream.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen has an abundance of history and culture, explored across a variety of museums, including:
- Bergen Maritime Museum. A maritime museum exploring Norway’s relationship with the sea and housing full-size boats.
- Bergenhus Fortress Museum. A museum exploring Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications.
- Bryggens Museum. A museum displaying findings of the 1955 archaeological excavations of Bryggen and the foundations of the oldest buildings in Bergen.
- The Bergen Technical Museum. A transportation-themed museum which focuses on transportation and communication after the technical industrial revolution.
Visitors can also enjoy the lively fish market on the quay, ride a cable car up the Fløyen Mountain for breathtaking views, and marvel at Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site harborfront that boasts colourful, wooden boat houses.
Ready for a Scandinavian Adventure?
These five Scandinavian cities all sound equally excellent, each with its own unique perks: the museums of Bergen, the fjords of Oslo, the islands of Stockholm, the happiness of Aarhus, and the quirkiness of Copenhagen.
Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one. Stockholm and Copenhagen have international airports with flights from the US, and you can use FlixBus to travel around Scandinavia cheaply, with a direct bus from Stockholm to Copenhagen taking just over nine hours. You can also enjoy a mini cruise between Copenhagen and Oslo.