Renting a car in Iceland
Many people visit Iceland on a weekend break to Reykjavik, or on a short stopover between the US and Europe….
How to become a Norwegian citizen
In January 2020, Norway implemented a new dual citizenship law which has led to a surge of applications in recent…
How big is Finland?
Think of Finland and what comes to mind? Lakes and saunas probably – and yes, Finland does have some 180,000…
What is a smörgåsbord, and what does it include?
Who doesn’t love a Swedish smörgåsbord? This tempting table groaning full of tasty hot and cold dishes is a treat…
Fun in the snow: the best winter tours in Sweden
Winter may not be the warmest time to visit Sweden, but if you fancy visiting in the snowy season there’s…
The Swedish alphabet: what you need to know
Okay, you’re unlikely to need to learn Swedish to get by on a holiday in Sweden – after all, most…
What’s so special about Swedish design and architecture?
We’ve all admired the classic Swedish minimalist design – all light airy rooms, with splashes of colour to add warmth…
Scandinavian boy names
Expecting a baby boy? Fancy choosing a name that’s a bit cool, suggests strength and a don’t-mess-with-me vibe? How about…
Nordic and Viking tattoos – examples and inspiration
With their strong bold images and mythical origins, Nordic Viking tattoos are some of today’s most in-demand tattoos for both…
Popular posts
The 12 best fjords in Norway
Norway is the undisputed king of fjords, with more than 1,100 of the things dotted along its massive coastline. Here are 10 of the best.
Stockholm Archipelago: six of the best islands to visit
Even if you’re just in Stockholm for a few days, a trip into the amazing archipelago can be a real highlight. Try these islands first.
QUIZ: Which Scandinavian country suits you best?
Like the idea of visiting Scandinavia but not sure which country will suit you best? Try our fun quiz to…
Seeing the northern lights in Norway
Despite the bone-numbingly cold temperatures, Norway’s far north has become the place to be in winter. This is a beautiful…
Stockholm Pass: is it worth buying?
If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, you might have already seen adverts for the Stockholm Pass. It’s an all-in-one…
110 cheap and free things to do in Stockholm
The Swedish capital is famously expensive but we’ve still managed to create this epic guide showing 110 cheap and free things to…
Getting from Copenhagen to Malmö
Until a couple of decades ago, crossing the water between Copenhagen and Malmö always involved a flight or ferry ride….
The best Stockholm boat tours and cruises
Stockholm stretches across fourteen separate islands, which are separated by twisting canals and open waterways. No matter where you go…
Tours in Scandinavia
Guided sailing trip from Stockholm (full day)
There’s no better way to see the islands of Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago than on this guided, full-day sailing trip.
Alternative Tour in Copenhagen
Learn how hippies took over a military base and how a historic working class district transformed into a hip neighborhood of entrepreneurs and artists.
Copenhagen Inner City Day Trip
See important sites of Copenhagen with a local guide. Visit royal palaces and the seat of the Danish Parliament and sail for 1 hour on a harbor cruise.
Sculpture Park Walk in Oslo
Visit the sculpture park of Gustav Vigeland and drive to the the famous skiing arena of Holmenkollen, and appreciate the views of the city from above.
Northern lights photo adventure in Abisko
Capture the magical northern lights on this one-of-a-kind photography tour in the Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland. Cameras included!
Guided Full-Day Tour to Nærøyfjord & Flåmsbanen from Bergen
Experience the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world and travel by road, rail, and water while admiring the panoramic views.
Discount passes
Exploring the fjords near Bergen with a Fjordcard
If you’re planning a trip to Norway and have researched a trip to the Western Fjords, you’ve probably come across…
The Bergen Card: is it worth buying?
If you’re planning a trip to Bergen, you may well have heard about the Bergen Card, which gives free entry…
The Copenhagen Card
Pay for the Copenhagen Card upfront and then save money by getting free access to a whole bunch of attractions across the city.
Sweden
Fun in the snow: the best winter tours in Sweden
Winter may not be the warmest time to visit Sweden, but if you fancy visiting in the snowy season there’s…
The best things to do in Gotland, Sweden
Some 90km off the mainland in the Baltic Sea, the island of Gotland is Sweden’s holiday isle of choice. In…
The best kayak and canoe tours in Sweden
With its many rivers, lakes, archipelagos and long coastline, Sweden is a kayaker’s paradise. Paddling about in a kayak or…
Denmark
What to do in Denmark in summer
The Scandinavian winter can be long and dreary and that is exactly why the Danes enjoy their summer so much….
16 ways to embrace hygge in Denmark
The word hygge is distinctively Danish, yet it has gained popularity beyond Denmark’s borders in the past decade. It means…
Where to go swimming in Copenhagen
Summer days in Copenhagen can get surprisingly warm, and when the sun is shining brightly a nice cool dip can…
Norway
Cross-country skiing in Norway: the ultimate guide
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or completely new to the sport, Norway is a great place to do some cross-country…
15 top tips for visiting Norway on a budget
Norway is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive tourist destinations, but don’t let that deter you if…
30 cheap and free things to do in Kristiansand, Norway
Norway’s fifth-largest city, Kristiansand, lies at the country’s southern tip. A lively beachside town with good ferry connections to Denmark,…
City guides
Odense
A fairytale city
Aarhus
Denmark’s second city
Oslo
Busy city with big adventures nearby
Copenhagen
Cool as a cucumber
Stockholm
Europe’s prettiest capital
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second city
Kiruna
Heaven for aurora spotters
Malmö
The beautiful south
Where to stay in Scandinavia
The best hostels in Swedish Lapland
Setting out to explore Swedish Lapland’s vast landscape of forests, lakes and rivers can be a daunting prospect – especially…
The best hostels in Copenhagen
Some people try to see Copenhagen in a day, squeezing in as many canals, cafés and Carlsbergs as possible. But…
The best hostels in Oslo
Staying at a hotel in Oslo certainly isn’t cheap, so if you want to keep costs down you might want to…
Planning your trip
Finding cheap accommodation in Stockholm
Losing sleep over the cost of hotels and hostels in Stockholm? Don’t worry! Even though the Swedish capital is pricey, it’s…
How to do Sweden on a budget
When you arrive in Scandinavia, you’ll notice that seemingly small purchases add up quickly, putting a strain on your wallet….
Camping in Sweden: the ultimate guide
Fancy getting close to nature? You could stay in one of Sweden’s rural hostels or hotels. But when camping is…
Sauna etiquette in Sweden
Like fika, sweating away life’s problems in a baking-hot sauna is an essential part of the Swedish experience. And the…
A new kind of travel guide to Scandinavia
Routes North was started to help people discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of their travel budget. The site covers the whole region, from cool cities like Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen, all the way north to the frozen reaches of Swedish Lapland. Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the area inside-out and speak the local lingo. Apart from money-saving tips and advice on planning a trip, you’ll find independent accommodation reviews, detailed guides to museums and other attractions, plus tips on where to eat and drink. We don’t take freebies or discounts, so you can always trust what you read on the site.