A trip to Scandinavia is a glorious opportunity to enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, beautiful landscapes, and visual phenomena unique to this part of the world. If you’re undecided about what type of adventures you’d like to explore while visiting Scandinavia, read on for information on the best times to travel and things to do throughout the year.

When Should You Travel to Scandinavia

The decision of when to visit Scandinavia comes down to what you’d like to do, see, learn, or explore. Scandinavia has four seasons, each with unique reasons to visit. 

Summer – The months of June, July and August are when the weather is warmer, making it a great time to visit. The cities are bustling with activity and plenty of action. Activities to consider are hiking in the mountains, enjoying a tour on the fjords, taking a ride on the Flam Railway, strolling Tivoli Gardens, or enjoying a canal tour in Copenhagen. Summer is a great time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Spring – The months of March to May are a great time to visit Scandinavia. The birds are out and nature is starting to bloom. Spring is an ideal time to combine indoor and outdoor activities, since there might be some days of rain. You can enjoy visits to exciting museums, historical sites, local markets, biking or walking tours, or leisurely sampling from the local cuisine at restaurants and cafes. You will find that during nice sunny days, the restaurants will open up their outdoor patios for a coffee or meal outside.

Winter – The months of December to March are when you can prepare for snowy excursions. You can enjoy trips through a winter wonderland of pristine snow, majestic snow-capped mountains, and beautiful scenery. Daylight is shorter, but this will not stop the opportunity of enjoying a menu of winter delights. You can bundle up and go dog or reindeer sledding, plan a night in an ice hotel, and if lucky even see the colorful Northern Lights.

Autumn – The months of September through November are a wonderful time to absorb the golden colors of autumn that create a beautiful landscape; captivating to your eyes. You can enjoy sightseeing and soaking up the local culture. Although it may be chilly, this time is another good season to combine indoor and outdoor adventures.

Travel to Scandinavia: Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also referred to as Aurora Borealis, is a spectacular light show put on by nature. The colorful show is created when electrons collide with air particles at high speed as they make their way along Earth’s magnetic field. When the collision occurs, the sky lights up the night. 

This surreal display of dancing colors is visible in several locations and provinces within Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. During the months of September to the beginning of April, you have the best chances to view the Northern Lights. A clear sky is needed; this natural phenomenon is weather permitting.

Travel to Scandinavia: Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is another natural unique experience where the sun is visible 24 hours a day. Countries located within the Arctic Circle that experience the phenomenon are referred to as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. In Scandinavia, these countries include Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. 

Depending on where you are vacationing will determine when the Midnight Sun is visible. For example, above the arctic circle in northern Sweden, the sun can be seen above the horizon from the beginning of June to the beginning of July.

Does Scandinavia Get Busy?

Scandinavia is a great place to visit any time of the year. During spring and fall, travelers can experience less congestion and fewer crowds at the attractions. During summer, when school is out, Scandinavia gets a little busier. Summer is still a great time to travel; plan by making reservations early at your desired accommodations and tours.

12 Months – 12 Reasons to Go to Scandinavia

• January – enjoy winter activities in Lapland; a husky ride, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
• February – stay in an ice suite at one of the exotic ice hotels.
• March – hunt for the Northern Lights.
• April – experience both indoor and outdoor activities with Scandinavia’s ideal weather.
• May – take in the spring weather with crisp air, while the flowers are blooming.
• June – experience the Midnight Sun and the midsummer celebration.
• July – appreciate the sunshine, warmer weather, and pristine beaches.
• August – relish in the warm weather and the various festivals to visit.
• September – visit the fall fests and markets, such as the “Kivik Apple market” in Sweden.
• October – enjoy the cooler days and cozy indoor activities like museums and waterparks.
• November – absorb the beauty of the Northern Lights.
• December – explore the Christmas markets with festive decorations and lights.

Scandinavia is an excellent place to travel to year-round. Contact us and we will put together a tour customized for you and your travel party, depending on the activities that you choose and enjoy.  

For information about travel to Scandinavia, you can call us at (800) 936-2814 or email us at [email protected].