Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions on a Classic Scandinavian Travel Itinerary

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Many people dream of traveling around the world to see its beautiful sights, but few have truly explored the five Nordic countries. If you want to check off all the must-see spots in one trip, you need to go at the right season and time, and also have a basic understanding of the Nordic region. Enrich your itinerary with the natural, geographical, and cultural depth that makes a trip to Scandinavia even more spectacular—the top 10 must-see attractions will make your journey unforgettable.

Santa Claus Village. (Image source / santaclausholidayvillage)

1. Visit Rovaniemi, the Hometown of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi is a famous city on the Arctic Circle and the hometown of Santa Claus. Visiting this village earns you a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle—crossing the 66°30′ north latitude line—and leaves a mark of your journey into this unique region.

2. Enjoy the World-Famous Finnish Sauna

The Finnish sauna, commonly known as SAUNA, is a bathing and relaxation custom found in almost every Nordic household. The constant alternation of hot and cold brings stress relief and helps alleviate fatigue, while the steam also leaves your skin clean and smooth. It’s a bathing experience you must try in the Nordic countries.

The world-famous Nobel Prize is awarded here. Oslo City Hall faces Lake Mjøsa and features a 106-meter-high tower with a beautiful red-brick exterior. Inside, the Golden Hall is decorated with gold-leaf mosaics. From the City Hall, you can also enjoy views of the Pipi Bay.

Located on Queen’s Island in Lake Mälaren, the Drottningholm Palace is known as the "Versailles of the North" and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. With its pale red walls and enchanting garden scenery, it has been the summer residence of the current king and his family since 1981.

The Blue Lagoon (BLUE LAGOON), located 35 kilometers southwest of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, is a 3-square-kilometer open-air natural hot spring. The milky blue waters resemble a giant fairyland bath and are truly unforgettable.