Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Ever-Changing Northern Europe: Theme Parks, Polar Regions & Fjords

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Li Xinyi | Source: Moleskine Editorial Department

Due to its high latitude, parts of Northern Europe feature natural landscapes like fjords and glaciers that are not easily habitable but are fantastic destinations for sightseeing. Rare wonders of the world can all be explored here via alpine trains or cruise ships. Thinking that Northern Europe is only about snow and ice would mean missing out on many exciting local activities. Whether it’s Sweden’s Midsummer Festival, Copenhagen’s Carnival, or enjoying a Finnish sauna and visiting Swedish crystal glass workshops, these are all great ways to experience Nordic culture.

1. Return to the Dreamlike Amusement Park of Your Childhood

Building your dream castle with colorful blocks is a cherished childhood memory for many. Stepping into Denmark’s LEGOLAND, you’ll feel like you’ve become a LEGO figure yourself, with all rides and scenery built entirely from LEGO bricks. The most astonishing sights include miniature LEGO versions of world landmarks and Mount Rushmore. Tivoli Gardens, another iconic part of Danish childhood memories, has been around since opening in 1843 and has become a landmark of Copenhagen. The park features 24 rides, 37 restaurants, five performance venues of varying sizes, and offers a mix of music, shows, amusement rides, a brewery, restaurants, gardens, plus nighttime lights and fireworks.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Lively Atmosphere of Copenhagen Carnival

Held annually in early June, Copenhagen’s Carnival spans about three days, with the highlight being the parade between City Hall Square and New King’s Square. Participants often wear flamboyant Brazilian-style carnival costumes, dancing energetically to the rhythm of the music. Though the parade isn’t long, the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant.

3. Cruise to Admire Norway’s Majestic Fjords

Norway’s fjords are extraordinarily scenic, and the easiest way to explore them is by taking a coastal cruise. For the most famous and UNESCO-listed Sognefjord (Sogne_ord), you can sail with Hurtigruten or join the Norway in a Nutshell package tour.

4. Ride the World’s Steepest Mountain Railway – Flåm

The Flåm Railway, which runs between Myrdal and Flåm, has the steepest standard-gauge (1.435m) track in the world. Spanning 20.20 kilometers, it descends from an elevation of 866 meters at Myrdal to just 2 meters at Flåm, dropping roughly 1 meter every 18 meters. The railway attracts 50,000 visitors each year not only due to its remarkable engineering but also because of the unforgettable scenery along the route. A highlight is the Kjosfossen Waterfall, which cascades down about 93 meters. One of the most dramatic sections is at Blomheller Station, where you can see a rushing river flowing beneath the tracks.