A Scandi summer is all about embracing the great outdoors. We’re talking kayaking through the emerald-hued Lofoten Islands, burying your feet in Skane’s sandy shores and braving the (very cold) waters of Copenhagen’s harbours. The Midnight Sun in Norway illuminates the summer months, while Sweden’s long days are great for nature-filled adventures that stretch into the evening. In summer, fjords, fishing huts and fairytale towns await. Read on for our recommendations of where to spend summer in Scandinavia...
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Spend your Scandi summer in the Lofoten Islands on a trip to Norway, where the sun never sets. North of the Arctic Circle, this secluded archipelago basks in the Midnight Sun – a natural phenomenon which brings 24-hour daylight from late May to mid-July. Kayak through Moskenesoya’s glimmering green waters or stroll through the picturesque fishing village of Reine. Tuck into Arctic cod and fresh trout, served in seasonal salads or steamy stews (Norwegians’ seafood diets date back to the Vikings), before spending the night in a rorbu (traditional fisherman’s hut). After your stay on stilts, visit Austvagoya and stretch your legs on a scenic hike up Store Kongstinden. From the summit, admire sweeping views of Svolvaer – Lofoten’s largest town – under clear blue skies.
Image by Leslye Davis/The New York Times-REDUX-REA
The Fjords, Norway
Head to the Norwegian Fjords for an outdoorsy summer escape. With over 1,700 glacier-carved inlets hugging the western coastline, you’re spoilt for choice. But where to begin? Start in historic Bergen (a UNESCO World Heritage site), then head northeast to Geirangerfjord – one of the world’s longest and deepest fjords. Or perhaps you’d rather dodge the summer crowds and opt for the less popular Hjorundfjord; tucked between the cloud-kissing Sunnmore Alps, the fjord narrows the deeper you travel, drawing to a close in the sleepy village of Bjorke. Time your visit with Sankthansaften (Midsummer’s Eve) on the 23rd June, when bonfires blaze along the fjords and locals gather in boats to celebrate the longest day of the year.
Image by Johner Bildbyra/Getty Images
Skane, Sweden
Swap fast-paced Stockholm for secluded Skane on your Scandi summer getaway. Head to Sweden’s southernmost county for untamed landscapes and brightly coloured badhytten (beach huts) dotted along the shoreline. Dubbed the ‘Swedish Riviera’, Skane’s southwestern coast is home to the Medieval towns of Skanor and Falsterbo, the perfect spots to bask in the sunshine. Explore Flommen Nature Reserve’s bays and lagoons near Skanor, or dig your feet into neighbouring Falsterbo’s powdery stretches of sand. Fancy some city sightseeing? Head to Malmo (Sweden’s third-largest city) and cycle past the old town’s 16th century architecture, cosy cafés and historic museums.
Image by RolfSt/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Copenhagen, Denmark
What’s summer in Scandinavia without some swimming? We’re looking at you, Copenhagen. A refreshing plunge might not be the first thing you’d associate with Denmark’s effortlessly chic capital, but it should be. Stick to the city centre and dive into the glassy waters of Islands Brygge Harbour Bath (where the water quality is checked daily), or, for a quieter alternative, take a dip in the family-friendly Sluseholmen Harbour Bath. Dry off with a wander through the trendy Norrebro neighbourhood and pop into a stylish Scandi café for a freshly baked pastry. How hygge (cosy).
Image by Olivier Romano
Skagen, Denmark
Head to Skagen, Denmark's northernmost point, for a summer trip where nature takes centre stage. With its windswept dunes and dramatic cliffs, it’s easy to see why this Jutland town has inspired artists since the 19th century. At the tip of the Skagen Odde peninsula sits Grenen – ‘the branch’ – where the dramatic meeting of the Baltic and North Seas draws visitors year-round. A bike’s your best bet for exploring Skagen’s flat, wild coastline; cycle between the historic lighthouses or head into town for a relaxed summer’s day spent dipping in and out of art galleries. And when your stomach begins to rumble, make your way to the port’s edge, where rustic restaurants serve freshly-caught seafood.
Image by Andreas Rasmussen / Unsplash.com
Written by Amy Larsen | Header image by Jérôme Galland
