10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Scandinavian Countries

A region of Northern Europe, Scandinavia is home to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The term comes from ‘Scania’, which used to refer to a part of Denmark that has since become Sweden.

Nowadays, Scandinavia is sometimes also used to refer to Iceland and Finland, as such the following attractions are located throughout these 6 nations to present a view as to why Scandinavia is a must visit location!

1. Happiest Place on Earth
Each year, surveys are conducted to find which countries are home to the happiest population. For years now, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden consistently rank amongst the top 10. The social benefits allowed by their governments are, in large part, responsible for this inner wellbeing. Why not visit a country where people are regarded as being such warm individuals and soak in some of their spirit!

2. Breathtaking Phenomena
Scandinavia’s cold climate deters many visitors wondering why they would head to a freezing land over a beach side resort. However, Mother Nature rewards the cold struggle in unlimited folds by showing off such wonders as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun (when days last for 24 hours), and the Polar Nights (nights lasting 24 hours). For the record, beautiful sandy beaches are also found in the summer in this part of the world.

3. Natural Hot Tubs
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is renowned for its thermal pools. Amidst the snow covered frozen land lies naturally warmed bodies of water in which visitors can bathe. Geysers are also present in other locations in Scandinavia but Iceland offers the most famous ones. Spas are therefore a must visit in this region.

4. See the Whales
Norway and Iceland are popular destinations for whale watching. Whale safaris are available to let visitors swim with these gigantic marine animals. Over 6 species of whales swim through these Nordic waters from April to October.

5. New Taste Bud Experiences
The Scandinavian culinary scene is currently exploding due to the naming of Copenhagen’s Noma Restaurant as best in the world and its chef, Rene Redzepi’s approach to wild foraging cuisine. Affordable places are opening all over the region featuring local ingredients and preparations such as fermented fish, breads and berries.

6. Acceptance
One reason to spend some time through Scandinavia is the region’s open-mindedness. Racial, sexual and religious differences are all warmly welcomed and as such, tourists are not usually looked at differently nor do they stick out like a sore thumb.

7. Museums Galore
Culture is ever present in these countries and the capitals of Denmark (Copenhagen), Finland (Helsinki), Sweden (Stockholm), Iceland (Reykjavik) and Norway (Oslo) house multiple museums dedicated to their country’s history through the Vikings era, to medieval times and their kings and queens.

8. Fjords
Norway’s Fjords, created by the erosion of cliffs by glaciers, are famous for their breathtaking beauty. Boat operators offer tours to let you experience their full splendor from the water for limited costs.

9. Winter’s Outdoor Life
It may be cold, but people don’t shut themselves away indoors in the Scandinavian winters. Take a cue from the locals and enjoy the snow, just dress warmly first. Head out to the mountains and try skiing, snowboarding or even snowshoeing: all fun activities and great ways to glimpse some wilderness out of the cities.

10. Extreme Wilderness
From the Lapland (the northernmost part of Scandinavia), the vastest region of untamed wilderness in Europe to Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, home to protected areas inhabited by polar bears, Scandinavia is often untouched and grandiose in all its wild and frozen glory.