Where is Scandinavia and what are the Nordic Countries? In this beginner’s guide you’ll learn more about how to explore Scandinavia and what the differences are between the Nordic countries and their highlights.
Scandinavia is a vast and varied region, offering something unique for every type of traveler. Stretching from the frozen Arctic landscapes of the north, to the gentle southern farmlands, the scenery constantly changes and amazes. This is an epic destination that deserves time and attention to fully enjoy.
Visit Scandinavia and you can explore cities known for their cutting-edge design and culture, or visit tiny villages perched on mountain tops. There are also endless opportunities to enjoy getting outdoors, close to unspoilt Scandinavian nature.
This Beginner’s Guide to the Nordic countries will tell you everything you need to know. You’ll find plenty of ideas on where to go and what to do when you visit.
Countries
Location
When to visit
Living in Scandinavia
Cheapest countries to visit
Facts about Scandinavia
Which countries are in Scandinavia?
It’s a simple question, but the answer depends on who you ask and where they’re from. The term Scandinavia doesn’t have one fixed definition. It can vary across cultures and even within the region itself.
Most people agree that Scandinavia includes three main countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Geographically, the Scandinavian Peninsula includes Norway, Sweden and northern Finland. Culturally and historically, Denmark is also considered Scandinavian. It once ruled southern Sweden and shares strong language ties with Norway and Sweden.
So… what are the Nordic countries?
Many people confuse the Scandinavian and Nordic countries – and honestly, it’s an easy mistake to make. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
The general consensus is that the Nordic countries include five nations: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. They also include associated territories: Greenland, Svalbard, the Faroe Islands, and the Åland Islands.
So, while all Scandinavian countries are Nordic, not all Nordic countries are Scandinavian.
Where actually is Scandinavia?
Norway and Sweden are on the Scandinavian Peninsula, right in the north of Europe. It’s actually Europe’s largest peninsula, stretching from inside the Arctic Circle to the shores of the Baltic Sea. It covers 750,000 square kilometers!
Denmark lies to the south of the peninsula and is connected to the Swedish city of Malmö by bridge. On its southern border, it’s connected to mainland Germany.
Finland lies to the east of Sweden, across the Gulf of Bothnia. It has land borders to the west with Sweden, to the north with Norway and to the east with Russia.
What’s so great about Scandinavia?
The Scandinavian countries share certain geographical and cultural characteristics that make them totally different from other parts of the world.
Apart from Denmark, all of the Scandinavian countries have land within the Arctic Circle. This means they experience extreme variations in length of day and night. You can enjoy 24 hours of daylight in summer (the midnight sun) or face 24 hours of darkness in winter (the polar night).
All of the Scandinavian nations are rightly proud of their natural environment. Wherever you go you’ll find that people seem to love outdoor activities. From wild swimming and long-distance cycling to Arctic skiing and wildlife watching: nature offers it all!
However, you shouldn’t let these similarities make you think that all of the Scandinavian nations are the same. Don’t think that just because you’ve experienced one, you’ve seen them all!
Each country has its own proud identity, its own little quirks and its not-to-be-missed sights.
Beginner’s Guide to Denmark
Best for cycling
Most Danes own a bike and the country is pretty flat – its highest point is only 170m above sea level. There are also around 12,000 km of cycle paths! So Denmark is a great country for cyclists in particular.
Big cities like Copenhagen tend to be very safe for cyclists, with way more bikes than cars. Around a third of Copenhagen’s residents cycle to work. There’s more on cycling in Copenhagen in this guide.
Best for hygge
Although all Scandinavian countries have their equivalent of the natural urge for cosiness and comfort, it’s the Danish hygge that has really caught the popular imagination.
So if you decide to visit Denmark, this is your chance to experience hygge! Light some candles, cosy up in a warm jumper, and enjoy a comforting drink in front of a roaring fire!
Best for New Nordic cuisine
It was Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant that spearheaded the trend for New Nordic cuisine. Chefs Claus Meyer and Rene Redzepi were using local and seasonal ingredients – think reindeer, moss and sea buckthorn – to create fine-dining meals.
With two Michelin stars at its height, and voted the world’s best restaurant for four years, it was at the forefront of the culinary movement. Today, Denmark still keeps the tradition alive, with some 31 Michelin-starred restaurants.
But you don’t have to spend loads of cash to enjoy great food in Denmark! There are loads of excellent, affordable lunch restaurants across the country. It’s surprisingly easy to find cheap, tasty food in Copenhagen.
Other fun things to do in Denmark
Go shopping
Denmark is known for its design, and the Danes are super stylish dressers. So make sure you hit the fashion shops – read this guide for tips on where to go and what to buy first.
And if you’re hankering after some Danish design classics to take home, check out Copenhagen’s flea markets. You never know, you might just strike lucky and come across some original Arne Jacobsen cutlery!
Stay on a houseboat
The most atmospheric place to stay in Copenhagen is on a houseboat alongside one of the city’s canals or on the harbour. You can see some of our favourites in this guide.
Visit Legoland
Okay, we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you have kids in tow, you can’t miss a trip to one of Denmark’s most popular attractions.
Legoland is in Billund, but it is actually possible to visit it on a day trip or a weekend away from Copenhagen. This guide has all the tips you need for a stress-free trip to the world’s first Legoland.
Have a beer
It may be home to one of Europe’s best-known beers, but Denmark also boasts a fast-growing craft beer and micro-brewery scene.
These affordable bars let you try some of Copenhagen’s more interesting beers without breaking the bank.
Discover the Vikings
Denmark is the spiritual and historical home of the Vikings. And you don’t have to venture far from the capital to see evidence of their influence on the country.
It’s still possible to see lots of Viking attractions in and around Copenhagen. You can learn all about about the legendary warriors and their ways (it wasn’t all chaos and violence!).
Cross ‘The Bridge’
Made famous by a certain Scandi-noir crime drama, the iconic and very long Øresund Bridge. It connects Denmark with Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia.
Want to cross over? Here’s all you need to know about the 16km-long crossing between Copenhagen and Malmö.
Beginner’s Guide to Norway
Best for fjords
Along its nearly 101,000 km of twisting coastline, Norway has more than 1,000 stunningly dramatic fjords .These are some of the best ones.
These deep inlets formed by glaciers during the Ice Age are jaw-droppingly beautiful. They are considered so important geographically that they have Unesco heritage status. You won’t find better fjords anywhere on Earth!
Best for skiing
Norway has thousands of kilometres of powdered runs for cross-country skiing.
It’s also the most mountainous of the Scandinavian countries, so you’ll find plenty of Olympic-level downhill runs.
Across the country (even in cities like Oslo!) you’ll also find stomach-churning ski jumps.
Best for whale watching
Norway’s Vesterålen islands offer some of the best whale-watching opportunities in Europe. The surrounding waters are home to minke, humpback, pilot, and sperm whales. You may also spot dolphins and porpoises.
From the town of Andenes, safari boats are so confident you’ll see whales that they offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t.
In addition, you can join tours from many coastal towns. For instance, this polar whale and sea bird safari from Tromsø is a popular choice.
Other fun things to do in Norway
Capture epic moments
Norway’s Trolltunga is the ultimate selfie spot and is fairly easy to reach. You can get there either under your own steam or on an organised hiking tour. Just don’t lean back too far!
Camp wild
There’s nothing like waking up to mountain views, then jumping into a fjord for a refreshing morning dip.
Thanks to Norway’s freedom to roam laws, wild camping is allowed almost everywhere. This makes it easy to pack your tent and head into the wilderness.
Walk on a glacier
With more than 1,600 glaciers, Norway is the place to do a spot of glacier climbing. Check out this guide if you want to visit the best of these vast ice caps.
Ride the Flåmsbana railway
One of the world’s most scenic railways, and the highest in northern Europe, is situated in Norway. The Flåmsbana winds its way from Myrdal along the picturesque Flåm valley to the spectacular Sognefjord.
Take a Hurtigruten cruise
This once-in-a-lifetime trip along the stunning Norwegian coast may be expensive, but it’s worth every krone. In fact, it’s a true adventure and definitely one for the bucket list.
Want to plan your journey? You’ll find everything you need in our essential guide to the Hurtigruten boats.
Beginner’s Guide to Sweden
Best for islands
There are more than 24,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago alone. Therefore, Sweden is a great place to jump on a ferry for a spot of island-hopping.
This guide shows you some of the best islands to visit when you’re in Stockholm. But Stockholm is not the only place where you’ll find peaceful and calm islands. For example, go explore the completely uninhabited islands just outside Gothenburg or Piteå.
Best for quirky hotels
Sweden is home to the original ice hotel, rebuilt annually from blocks of ice dug from the nearby frozen river.
Moreover, this is just the beginning. As you travel around the country, you’ll discover all sorts of weird and wonderful places to stay — from an old jumbo jet and some amazing floating hostels.
Best for hiking
Sweden has some of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails, with around 40 long-distance footpaths covering the country.
They range from gentle day hikes to full-on month-long 500km trails, like the famous (and gruelling!) Kungsleden trail.
This is one of the most dramatic walking routes in Scandinavia, passing through Arctic wilderness, wild moorland, pristine forest and snowy mountainscapes.
Wherever you are, Sweden’s ‘right to roam’ rules make the country a great place for camping wild (similar rules apply in Norway, too).
Other fun things to do in Sweden
See the northern lights
Sweden is one of the world’s best places for seeing the northern lights. You’ll need to plan ahead if you want a chance at catching this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Go dog-sledding
What better way to experience the Swedish Arctic than with thick snow, sleds and fluffy huskies? These are some of our favourite places to go dog-sledding.
Check out the wildlife
Wolves, moose, beavers, reindeer – and even bears – can all be found in Sweden if you know where to look. The best way to improve your chances of an encounter is to join one of the many wildlife watching tours.
Ride the Blue Train
Travel in style between Gothenburg and Stockholm on the Blue Train. You can sit back and admire the views from the wood-panelled retro carriages – or head to the piano bar for a drink.
Sleep in a castle
Treat yourself to a night or two in a real Swedish castle or grand manor house. These are some of the best ones.
Chill out at a spa
Soaking beneath the stars in a hot tub surrounded by snow, watching the northern lights playing across the sky – this is one of Sweden’s most magical experiences. Check out some of Swedish Lapland’s top spas here.
Beginner’s Guide to Finland
Best for saunas
There’s nothing the Finns love more than a sauna. There are an estimated two million saunas in Finland – not bad for a country of 5.5 million people!
They consider the sauna to be healthy, enjoyable, and an integral part of their social life. The sauna can even be a place to do business deals.
But, be prepared: most Finns go in naked, and there may be birch branches flailing around!
Best for wild swimming
Finland has been called the land of a thousand lakes. Although, in fact, there are closer to 200,000!
The cold, clear water is perfect for jump into after a sauna. Besides that, there are all sorts of other activities you can enjoy on the water, like this canoeing trip in Finnish Lapland.
Best for Moomins
The Moomins, created by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson, are beloved cartoon characters that look like hippo-like trolls. Today, they’re a national treasure in Finland.
All over the country, you’ll find Moomin-themed attractions – including a dedicated museum, statues, shops, cafés, and even a theme park in Naantali. In short, it’s a must for fans of quirky Nordic culture.
Which are the best Scandinavian countries to live in?
Well, Finland is a pretty good bet. The country has again been cited as the world’s happiest country in the 2024 UN World Happiness Report.
But actually, all of the Scandinavian countries come in the top ten. Denmark is ranked 2nd, Iceland 3rd, Sweden 4th and Sweden 7th. Not bad, eh?
Reasons why the Scandinavian countries rate so highly include a lack of corruption and high life expectancy. But also the good health and social care, high incomes, and low levels of gender and wealth inequality help.
So if you’re okay with cold weather and relatively high living costs, the Scandinavian countries are a great bet.
Which Scandinavian countries are the cheapest to visit?
All the Scandinavian countries are relatively expensive to visit, if you consider the cost of eating out and alcohol. Although, public transport often costs less than you might expect. In addition, in many Scandinavian countries, you can pitch your tent anywhere you like, for free!
According to the Big Mac index, which shows how much the famous McDonald’s hamburger costs in different countries, Norway is the most expensive Scandinavian country, followed by Sweden, Finland and then Denmark.
For more details on what you can expect to pay for day-to-day items, see our guide to costs in Sweden and Norway.
When is the best time to visit Scandinavia?
Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In winter, you can enjoy the archetypal snowy landscapes, skiing and polar nights (at least in Sweden, Norway and Finland).
On the other hand summer brings the joys of lake swimming, hiking and the eerie midnight sun.
Check out our guides for more on the best time to visit Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Essential facts about Scandinavia
Here are some handy facts and figures about this vast region.
What do the Scandinavian flags look like?
All the Scandinavian flags feature the Nordic cross in an off-centre design in various colours. They’re very, very similar, so here’s a handy guide:
Scandinavian countries by population
| Country | Population (2025) |
| Denmark | 5.9 million |
| Finland | 5.6 million |
| Norway | 5.5 million |
| Sweden | 10.5 million |
Scandinavian countries by area
| Country | Area (sq km) |
| Denmark | 42,924 |
| Finland | 338,145 |
| Norway | 385,207 |
| Sweden | 450,295 |
Which Scandinavian countries are in the EU?
Denmark, Finland and Sweden are members of the EU. Norway is not, but it is a member of the EEA (European Economic Area), allowing free access across borders with EU countries.
Which Scandinavian countries are members of Nato?
Norway and Denmark are officially members of Nato. Finland and Sweden became members in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Which currencies do they use in Scandinavia?
Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK); Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK); Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK); and Finland uses the euro (EUR).
See also:
Cool places to stay in Scandinavia
Best places to visit in Scandinavia
just so you know, everyone in the nordics know that scandinavia is denmark, sweden and norway and this isn’t something that’s “discussed”. There’s a pretty clear distinction between the nordic countries and the scandinavian countries and as a scandinavian living in London, i know no one in the nordic countries questions the two different definitions. It’s on the outside that people don’t understand the difference, such as in london 🙂 Iceland and Finland are not Scandinavian, but they’re part of the nordic countries. Just thought i’d clear it up for you.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for the comment! That is actually explained in the guide, but thanks for the added clarification 🙂
I think you missed the point Carol was trying to make: that in the guide, it says that even people in Scandinavian countries dispute which countries are actually Scandinavian, and Carol points out that she, as a Scandinavian, says that no one she knows of in these countries question it. Great article, thank you!