Our readers have shared their most treasured memories of holidays across Scandinavia and Finland, revealing a wealth of experiences from remote mountain hikes to cosy coastal retreats and urban design discoveries. These personal accounts highlight the diverse appeal of the Nordic countries, offering inspiration for those seeking tranquillity, adventure, or cultural immersion.
Glorious Summer Hiking in Norway's Jotunheimen
One reader, Ben, recounts a week's hiking in Jotunheimen National Park, located approximately 230 miles north of Oslo. During four days of challenging trails and wild camping, they encountered remarkable solitude, having lush green valleys and still glacial lakes entirely to themselves. Despite visiting in July, they traversed a reasonable amount of snow under stunning weather conditions. Norway's excellent network of signposted trails and huts, detailed on the Norwegian Trekking Association website, made navigation straightforward and enhanced the experience.
Arty Coastal Escape Near Aarhus, Denmark
Another contributor, Ben Dunne, enjoyed a family holiday on the Jutland coast near Aarhus, Denmark's second city. Staying in a cabin nestled among pine trees, they swam daily from helpful jetties equipped with towel hooks. The wild, quiet beaches often felt private. For an urban contrast, Aarhus delighted with attractions like the Aarhus Kunstmuseum for contemporary art enthusiasts, followed by lunch at Cafe Folkeven.
Urban Scandinavian Beauty in Stavanger
Stavanger, on Norway's south-west coast, impressed a reader with its picture-perfect Scandinavian urban charm. The welcoming city features quaint Gamle Stavanger (the old town), full of wool shops and cosy bars like Bøker og Børst, a unique bookshop and bar. For adventure, they recommend heading south to Boresanden for surfing and saunas, east to Preikestolen for fjord views, and taking a ferry to Flor og Fjære's tropical gardens, opening on 9 May.
Frozen Lakes and Saunas in Finnish Lakeland
Esther spent a month in Lahti, in the south of Finnish Lakeland, studying as a student nurse. She found the town charming, with its fairytale scenes, little cafes, and down-to-earth locals. Amazed by Finland's public health approach, she enjoyed long walks over frozen Lake Vesijärvi and Finnish coffee culture at Kahvila Kariranta, a former railway station turned cafe. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ubiquitous saunas added to the experience, with saunas viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Horse Riding Through Norwegian Mountains
Fliss opted for a unique way to explore Norway's Rondane National Park: horse riding on sturdy dole horses. This allowed for a deeper, slower-paced immersion into the countryside, with time to absorb views and hear stories from guides. The horses were patient and sure-footed, suitable even for beginners, making it an accessible adventure organised by Gutsy Girls.
Sunny Island Escape in Denmark's Bornholm
Robert Gilchrist highlights Bornholm island, set in the Baltic between Poland and Sweden. Known for above-average sunshine, it boasts fine white sand beaches and secluded coves. History enthusiasts can explore Hammershus, one of Europe's largest ruined medieval castles, and remnants of Soviet occupation. Local delicacies include fish smokeries offering herring and salmon, and bakeries with excellent Danish pastries, perfect for seaside hotel stays and sunset views.
Sweden's Timeless Wooden Towns
Jo visited Nora, one of Sweden's three "wooden towns," where all buildings are made from local timber. The lakeside town, 130 miles from Stockholm, exudes a timeless, wealthy bygone era feel. Highlights include strolling cobblestone streets, visiting the 19th-century villa Göthlinska Gården, trying local ice-cream in Glasstorget, and exploring the creative quarter Kvarteret Bryggeriet with its independent shops and microbrewery. Nearby lakes like Norasjön are ideal for swimming and picnics.
Design Gems Near Copenhagen
David M ventured beyond Copenhagen's centre to discover architect Arne Jacobsen's works in Klampenborg. At Bellevue Beach, Jacobsen designed an iconic theatre, restaurant, angular Søholm houses, and Bauhaus-influenced apartments, along with kiosks and lifeguard towers. A short stroll reveals a striking petrol station, now part ice-cream parlour, with an oval canopy reminiscent of the Starship Enterprise.
Quietly Thrilling Finnish Design at Paimio Sanatorium
Stephen Edwards describes a visit to Alvar Aalto's Paimio Sanatorium in south-west Finland as a quietly thrilling pilgrimage. The 1930s building, set among pine forests, is designed with details like gentle colour palettes, silent sinks, and chairs shaped for easier breathing, reflecting Finnish pragmatism and compassion. It offers an energising, moving experience for design lovers and curious travellers alike.
Winning Tip: Explore Oslo's Diverse Islands
Olivia's winning tip involves island-hopping in the inner Oslofjord, with five islands easily accessible by ferry from Oslo. Langøyene offers sandy beaches, Hovedøya features ruins of a 1147 Cistercian monastery, and Bleikøya is dotted with colourful summerhouses. Using the Ruter app provides affordable travel, and a visit to the 1930s cafe on Gressholmen adds charm. Pack a swimming costume and picnic to enjoy the variety close to the capital.
These reader tips showcase the richness of Nordic travel, from solitary hikes and coastal relaxation to urban exploration and design appreciation. Each story underscores the region's ability to offer peaceful, inspiring getaways that cater to diverse interests and create lasting memories.
