Home to some of the wildest and most remote corners of Europe, where pristine, unspoilt nature can be found in abundance, the Nordic countries offer an endless stream of opportunities to seek adventures that veer off the beaten track. Whether you’re lured by exploring epic Arctic landscapes, chasing the Northern Lights or the prospect of hiking, cycling or kayaking beneath the Midnight Sun, the sheer variety of possibilities is tantalising. Join us as we shine a spotlight on some of the top under-the-radar destinations throughout Scandinavia and the wider Nordic region.
1. Akureyri, Iceland
Forest Lagoon, just outside of Akureyri (Image: Visit North Iceland/Axel Þorhallsson)
Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’ may resemble a small town by continental European standards, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with its thriving cultural scene, superb restaurants, and proximity to some of the country’s most impressive natural wonders. Just outside of town you’ll find the Forest Lagoon – an ultra-sleek, geothermal spa carved into the mountainside – and Hlíðarfjall, Iceland’s premier ski resort, which morphs into a summer hiking and mountain biking paradise. Akureyri is also a starting point for day trips to the Diamond Circle, a spectacular route linking five major landmarks, including the whale watching hotspot of Husavik, Dettifoss waterfall and Lake Myvatn. At 65.6° N, it lies just south of the Arctic Circle, and is therefore a prime destination for hunting the Northern Lights from September through to early April. You can fly there directly from the UK, making it an easily accessible alternative to Reykjavik and the south coast.
2. Luleå, Sweden
Northern Lights over Luleå, Swedish Lapland
Often overlooked in favour of more established destinations like Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland and Tromso in Northern Norway, Swedish Lapland offers many of the same experiences – but with lower visitors numbers and often lower prices, too. Luleå is a fabulous choice, as it allows you to combine unique attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gammelstad Church Town and Sweden’s longest ice roads, with a whole host of classic winter activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Although it’s just outside the Arctic Circle, it’s still a reliable spot for seeing the Northern Lights as well. Depending on what kind of trip you’re after, you can either base yourself in the city centre, a wilderness lodge in the Bothnian Bay, or even a little further afield at some of Sweden’s most innovative hotels, such as the Treehotel and Arctic Bath.
Browse Swedish Lapland holidays
3. Arctic Lakeland, Finland
Snow-blanketed taiga forests in Arctic Lakeland
Covering the northern reaches of Finland’s vast lake district, Arctic Lakeland brims with raw, untouched nature, characterised by taiga forests, gently rolling hills and lakes – and can be easily reached by a short internal flight from Helsinki to Kajaani. It’s a true year-round haven for outdoor adventures, with countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing and wild swimming. In winter, it’s the most snow-sure region in Finland, with perfect conditions for skiing (both Alpine and cross-country), snowmobiling, husky sledding and snowshoeing, making it a fantastic alternative to the more renowned tourism hubs of Lapland. It’s on the same latitude as Reykjavik and has minimal light pollution in most areas, making it an ideal place to see the Northern Lights, too. There’s also the possibility of spotting a rich variety of wildlife in Arctic Lakeland, including Finland’s ‘Big Five’: bears, wolves, lynx, moose and wolverines.
4. Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilulissat, Greenland: 'The iceberg capital of the world'
Visitor numbers to Greenland have been steadily climbing in recent years, but international tourism remains relatively small-scale – which is a large part of its appeal. Those who make the journey to the world’s largest island are rewarded with jaw-dropping natural wonders at every turn, from vast glaciers and enormous icebergs to mighty mountains and majestic fjords. There’s arguably no better place to get a feel for Greenland’s untamed beauty and Inuit culture than the colourful town of Ilulissat, on the west coast, whose breathtaking ice fjord, fed by one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers, became Greenland’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Beyond the ice fjord, Ilulissat offers an array of exhilarating outdoor adventures, including whale watching safaris in Disko Bay, sea kayaking, hiking and husky sledding. It can also be easily combined with a trip to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, which will be serviced by direct flights from Copenhagen for the first time from winter 2024/25.
5. Svalbard, Norway
Polar bear mother and her cubs, Svalbard
Comprising a chain of nine main islands in the Arctic Ocean, around half-way between the northernmost tip of mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is dominated by flat-topped mountains with serrated edges, enormous glaciers, dramatic fjords, and barren swathes of frozen tundra where polar bears roam in the wild. Only Spitsbergen, the largest of these islands, is inhabited by humans. For somewhere so remote, it’s remarkably straightforward to get to – just a 90-minute flight from Tromso – with a plentiful choice of places to eat, drink and stay in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town with a population greater than 1,000. In winter, Svalbard is plunged into Polar Night as the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, while in summer, it bathes in 24/7 daylight as the Midnight Sun shines from late April to late August. These sharp seasonal contrasts lend themselves to all different kinds of adventures throughout the year, from snowmobiling and husky sledding to hiking and cycling (always with an experienced guide). A trip to the world’s northernmost brewery is a worthy inclusion, too.
6. Lake Saimaa, Finland
Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna
With a shoreline spanning 14,500 kilometres and 13,710 islands dotted across its pristine waters, Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake. For much of the year, it’s an idyllic place to go hiking, cycling, wild swimming and kayaking, and when it freezes over in winter, ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are equally enjoyable ways to experience Saimaa’s natural splendour. In recent years, it has also emerged as a foodie hotspot, earning the prestigious accolade of European Region of Gastronomy in recognition of its diverse culinary scene, commitment to sustainability and collaboration between local producers. Whether it be wild mushrooms and berries, fried vendace, Karelian pies or Finnish berry wines, it’s a region jam-packed with culinary delights. Its towns and cities are worth exploring, too – particularly Savonlinna, home to the resplendent 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle.
Discover Lake Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy
7. Dalarna, Sweden
Falun, Dalarna (Image: Mikael Svensson/Johnér/imagebank.sweden.se)
Nicknamed ‘Sweden in miniature’, Dalarna’s charm is in its diversity. Throughout the region, which lies northwest of Stockholm, you’ll find glittering lakes, dense forests, gently rolling hills and meadows blooming with flowers, punctuated by copper-red cottages and towns steeped in rich cultural heritage. Nowhere takes Midsummer celebrations more seriously than Dalarna, while the tradition of hand-carved, brightly-painted Dala horses is an integral part of the regional identity. It’s long been a much-loved holiday destination among Swedes, yet it’s often overlooked by international visitors who tend to be drawn more towards the southern cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg or the Arctic allure of Swedish Lapland. So, if you’re looking to delve a little deeper and discover a truly authentic, lesser-visited side of Sweden, Dalarna is calling.
Discover Dalarna, the essence of Sweden
8. Alta, Norway
Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta (Image: Sven-Erik Knoff - Visit Norway)
Tucked away at the head of a fjord deep inside the Norwegian Arctic, Alta is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, lying directly beneath the auroral oval at 70° N. Such is its association with the aurora that its cathedral is named after the Northern Lights, and the world’s first Northern Lights observatory was built here in 1899. As well as all the classic Scandinavian winter activities such as husky sledding and snowmobiling, you can go whale watching, join a king crab safari, learn about Sami culture and visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alta Museum, which houses rock carvings dating as far back as 7,000 years ago. Around 17 kilometres outside of town, Sorrisniva – part wilderness lodge, part igloo hotel – is a wonderful place to stay. If you’re tempted by Tromso, but fancy going somewhere smaller, even more remote and less discovered, Alta is an excellent choice.
9. The Åland Islands
Sunset over the Åland Islands
Scattered across the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea, this autonomous archipelago of over 6,500 islands (the vast majority of which are uninhabited) is part of Finnish territory, but holds strong cultural ties with Sweden and has Swedish as its official language. The Åland Islands have their own parliament, their own anthem and their own flag, functioning in many ways like their own tiny island nation. Easily accessible by ferry from Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki and Tallinn, or even by air, flying into Mariehamn, the Åland Islands are a delightful choice for an unconventional Scandinavian escape, and are best explored throughout the summer months when they enjoy some of the longest sunshine hours anywhere in Northern Europe. They’re largely flat, making them ideal for cycling and hiking among lakes and forests, while the scenic coastline offers limitless peaceful spots for swimming, kayaking and fishing.
10. The Faroe Islands
The ancient village of Saksun, Faroe Islands
When you look at a map, you could be forgiven for thinking that these far-flung North Atlantic islands are an extension of Scotland’s Hebridean or Shetland Islands. The Faroe Islands are, however, a self-governing community within the Kingdom of Denmark, comprising 18 wild, windswept islands that are home to some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll find anywhere in the Nordics. Think pyramid-shaped mountains and fjords shrouded in fog, colourful villages with turf-roofed houses nestled in remote valleys, and towering cliffs and jagged rock formations lashed by ferociously frothing ocean waves. The compact capital, Torshavn, is a captivating destination in its own right, and doubles up as an ideal base for exploring the rest of the archipelago, with many of the most popular sights, including the picturesque villages of Gjogv, Saksun and Tjornuvik, being within an hour’s drive.
