Oslo: Summer in the City

As summer blankets the Nordic cities, Oslo stands out with its vibrant marine life and inviting atmosphere. From the swimmable harbors of Stockholm to the picturesque coastlines of Copenhagen, the allure of the sea permeates these urban landscapes, especially Oslo.

Among the most delightful summer pursuits is a boat tour of the exquisite Oslofjord and its islands. A picnic packed, you can set sail to uncover hidden swimming spots and charming island cottages. Brim Explorer provides an eco-friendly option, offering serene tours powered by electric motors, with prices starting at £44. For those passionate about preserving the environment, Mad Goats organizes weekly fjord clean-ups every Sunday. Participants can unwind in one of their saunas and enjoy a complimentary burger after their hard work.

The waterfront is also a burgeoning hub for art enthusiasts. Until August, the National Museum features a thought-provoking exhibition by Sápmi artist Britta Marakatt-Labba, centering on environmental struggles from an indigenous viewpoint. A leisurely stroll along the promenade will lead you past the iconic opera house, with the Munch Museum as a worthy stop. This summer introduces a family-friendly beach, Operastranda, adjacent to the Opera House, while the Sørenga seawater pool offers an inviting swimming alternative. Consider a stay at the eco-conscious Oslo Guldsmeden, a Nordic-Balinese hotel in the vibrant Vika district, with rates beginning at £100 per night.

Explore Denmark’s Sunniest Isle

Bornholm, crowned the favorite holiday destination of the Danes in the previous year’s Danish Travel Awards, is easily reachable by bus and ferry or hydrofoil from Copenhagen. Often referred to as Denmark’s sunshine island, Svaneke, a lovely harbor town on its west coast, boasts the sunniest climate in the country.

Navigating Bornholm is a breeze without a car; cycling and bus options allow travelers to explore quaint fishing villages and charming small towns like Gudhjem—famed for its national cooking competition—and sunny Svaneke, where the search for the best local ice cream, smoked herring, and craft beer can be just as much of a delight as the scenery. The island’s artistic vibe is palpable, reminiscent of Cornwall, with numerous ceramics workshops and galleries scattered throughout its villages, particularly in Nexø, home to a renowned ceramics school. The beaches are expansive and stunning, especially family-friendly Dueodde, which Lonely Planet recently noted as one of Europe’s top 20 beaches.

This year, Eco Beach Camp offers glamping accommodations starting from about £150 a night, situated near the Michelin-starred Kadeau restaurant, celebrated for its focus on sustainable, hyper-local cuisine. Alternatively, consider renting a summer house from companies like Novasol and Dancenter, with weekly rates beginning around £300—though be sure to bring your own bed linens and essentials.

Norway’s Arctic Hiking Route

This summer, Norway’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes converge along the Nordlandsruta, the country’s longest hiking trail stretching 400 miles along the Norwegian-Swedish border. Its pathways will showcase the Arctic city of Bodø, which is preparing for the celebratory spotlight as one of 2024’s European Capitals of Culture.

Along the route, art takes center stage with various artist-led events held in the cabins that dot the trail. Hikers can partake in poetry and portrait workshops or delve into a unique mobile perfumery experience, crafting scents from herbs they collect during their journey. Evenings may offer campfire cooking sessions, improv theater performances, and Sápmi lasso throwing, embodying the Nordic love for the great outdoors.

This beautiful hike, whether undertaken for the festivities or simply for the love of nature, traverses the majestic Arctic Circle, the Laponian Area World Heritage Site, national parks, and vibrant Sápmi cities. Expect to encounter meadows bursting with wildflowers, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, reindeer herding plateaus, and rushing rivers that define the northern landscape. Along the way, discover 43 unstaffed huts, though a key from the Norwegian trekking organization DNT will be essential for access.

Walking the entire route typically requires around six weeks; however, it’s conveniently segmented into eight smaller stages for those short on time. For a unique perspective on reindeer herding and Sápmi husbandry, consider the 57-mile stretch from Raudlia to Susendalen, which winds through stunning valleys and past the iconic Hatten mountain. Shorter weekend hikes can also be arranged, launching from Narvik and Bodø.

Finland’s Peaceful Waterways

For those who cherish tranquility surrounded by nature, Finland awaits. Renowned for being the most forested country in Europe, it boasts a staggering number of lakes and waterways. The Kainuu region, located in the eastern part of the country, offers a serene escape devoid of crowds, embodying the essence of untouched Nordic beauty.

Nature Travels provides self-guided canoe tours, allowing adventurers to camp wild, fish, and traverse this beautiful landscape at their leisure. Among the highlights is a remote adventure along the historic Tar Route—once a thoroughfare for transporting tar to the Baltic Sea—now tailored for modern explorers carrying only their tents and provisions for a four to eight-day journey through quiet waters and protected islands.

Wildlife encounters are common; you might spot moose, foxes, owls, or even eagles as you navigate the peaceful route. Prepare to fish for your dinner and roast it over an open fire, unwinding at a shelter or tent under the stars. Keep in mind the island saunas strategically located along the way, perfect for easing any tension after a day of paddling. Don’t forget insect repellent, as the Finnish forests are known for their pesky flies.

Typically starting from Kuhmo, this route is accessible via train and bus from Helsinki, which itself is reachable by ferry from Stockholm for those avoiding air travel.

Stay in a Swedish Summer House

For many in Scandinavia, spending part of the summer in a “summer house”—often a charming cabin nestled in nature—reflects a cherished tradition. Life at these summer retreats is synonymous with a gentler pace, encouraging moments of reading under leafy canopies, baking, and leisurely walks. It’s about embracing the outdoor joys of swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating.

Among the most accessible summer house destinations is the Stockholm archipelago, easily reached via numerous public ferries, with one-way fares starting around £14. The Archipelago Foundation plays a vital role in preserving public access to the land and water, offering a diverse range of unique accommodations throughout the islands. Options range from a lovingly restored 19th-century customs house on the rocky island of Huvudskär, now a rustic youth hostel (rooms from £186), to cozy summer cottages on the vibrant island of Utö, where rates start at approximately £338 for a week.

Most summer cottages require visitors to bring their own bed linens. Depending on your chosen island, you might also need to pack in all your supplies for the week. July marks the peak season for Scandinavian travel, so consider August for a quieter, slightly more affordable experience.

Copenhagen-based Laura Hall writes the Modern Scandinavian newsletter.