Norway, Sweden, and Denmark offer stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities that entice travelers from around the world. From the dramatic fjords of Norway to the forests of Sweden and the picturesque Danish coastlines and cycle routes, opportunities for outdoor activities in Scandinavia abound.
Scandinavia is renowned for its rich culture, including its Viking history, modern design, and a strong literary tradition. Scandinavian cities blend historic architecture with contemporary innovation and sustainability measures, creating some of the most intriguing urban environments in Europe.
On top of all those reasons to visit, 2024 promises to be an exciting year in Scandinavia. From a European cultural capital to a new long-distance hiking trail, here are yet more reasons to consider a trip to Scandinavia in the coming year.
Arctic Culture in Bodø, Norway
In 2024, a city located north of the Arctic Circle will hold the European Capital of Culture title for the first time.
The team behind the Bodø 2024 festival program have focused on Sámi lifestyle, the relationship between the land and the ocean, and the Arctic light phenomena of the midnight sun and polar nights. With events happening throughout the year in Bodø itself and all over Nordland county, the upcoming year is the ideal time to visit Arctic Norway.
Bodø is also a good base for traveling across to the magnificent Lofoten Islands, with direct flight and ferry connections daily.
Home of Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark
Founded in 1847 by J. C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg has been a major part of Copenhagen life ever since. The newly-unveiled Home of Carlsberg is a tasty new attraction that celebrates this legacy in one of the city’s oldest districts.
Visitors can explore the old brewery’s grandeur, including a vintage bottle collection, cellars, classic cars, and the draught horses and ponies in the old stables.
Of course, there’s plenty of opportunities for beer tastings too, in the Carlsberg bar and lively courtyard. The brand store sells everything you need for your own home bar, including PVC barrunners, coasters, bottle openers, and bar towels.
Northern Lights Hunt in Abisko, Sweden
After a Fall of stunning northern lights displays across the polar regions, hopes are high that strong aurora activity will continue into 2024.
There are many good spots for aurora hunting in the north of both Sweden and Norway. Although northern Sweden is farther south than Norway’s popular aurora destinations like Tromsø and Alta, the distance from the often cloudy coastline makes up for it.
Located 60 miles west of Kiruna in Abisko National Park, the Aurora Sky Station offers prime conditions for aurora viewing due to its distance from artificial lights and the cloudy coast. It claims a 70% success rate on operational nights.
The station includes a large terrace, lookout tower, and a restaurant serving Nordic cuisine. Access can be challenging for independent travelers, so shuttle services are available from Kiruna, Sweden, and Narvik, Norway.
Cultural Hiking in Odense, Denmark
Keen hikers with an eye for culture will appreciate the opening of Carl’s Camino, a scenic 68-mile hiking trail named after the famous Danish composer Carl Nielsen.
Starting from the historic city of Odense, the trail winds through the picturesque countryside of Funen Island, leading to Faaborg in South Funen.
As hikers traverse this path, they can immerse themselves in Nielsen’s music and stories, experiencing the landscapes that inspired him. A three-mile trail in the heart of Odense’s old town offers a glimpse of the full experience, which is set to fully open in the summer of 2024.
Odense is also known as the birthplace of the celebrated author Hans Christian Andersen. While in town, a visit to the recently-opened Hans Christian Andersen’s House, a museum with a focus on bringing nature inside and the fairy tales alive, is a must.
Europe’s Pop Party in Malmö, Sweden
Europe’s most extravagant pop music spectacle, the Eurovision Song Contest, is a delightful fusion of catchy pop tunes, dazzling costumes, and an unabashed emphasis on entertainment and joy.
For those who revel in its unique blend of music and spectacle, Malmö, the host city for the 2024 contest, is the perfect destination even if you don’t have a ticket. The city will become one big party venue not just for the final on May 11, but for the preceding weeks, including the two semi-finals on May 7 and May 9.
For many international travelers, the easiest way to travel to Malmö is actually to fly to Denmark. Copenhagen Airport is just across the Öresund Bridge from Sweden, and regular, direct trains take you to Malmö in less than half-an-hour.
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