What to Do and Where to Go When Exploring Scandinavia in Winter
A winter trip to Scandinavia should be on your bucket list for good reasons. Whether your destination of preference is Denmark, Sweden, or Norway, there’s a lot to explore in these Northern Countries. While there are endless winter vacation destinations to choose from, winter is perfect, probably a little more spectacular than the summer.
Despite the unforgiving cold, the snow-covered plains and picturesque coastline make it a perfect winter holiday destination. Below is a guide on planning a holiday in Scandinavia during winter.
What to Expect During Scandinavian Winter
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For starters, the winter season in Scandinavia starts from October to April. Like in most regions, temperatures drop low, there are massive snowfalls, and the nights get longer. The average temperatures vary depending on your specific location. For instance, temperatures in Oslo average at 25˚F, while inland regions like the Swedish Lapland tend to be lower, averaging at 14˚F.
You should expect shorter daylight hours during winter, especially as the Winter solstice approaches. However, this similarly varies based on your location. For instance, if you booked a trip to Scandinavia’s capitals in the south, expect daylight between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Due to significant variances in weather conditions, you should check the weather conditions of your preferred destination in detail. This will help you know what to expect in your adventure. Fortunately, you shouldn’t worry about accommodation, as you can find excellent options from online platforms like Luxury Chalets Verbier.
Things to Do in Scandinavia During Winter
There is plenty to explore in this diverse region. Below are a few things you should do for your winter holiday.
1. The Christmas markets
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You should begin by exploring the European Christmas markets. All cities, towns, and villages across Scandinavia become alive with Christmas markets every winter. This often begins in early November and ends mid-to-late December. The twinkle lights on trees and the smell of wine are enough to get into the festive spirit.
Those visiting as couples will certainly enjoy romantic evening strolls under the lights. Large cities have multiple christmas markets that you can explore. Apart from the festive feel, these are great spots for finding traditional handicrafts and christmas food.
If you fancy an out-of-town experience, a Christmas market visit to Lapland should be on your itinerary. Lapland is considered the home of Santa Claus. The town and its residents usually go all out during this period. Another excellent town that transforms magically during Christmas is Tivoli Park in Copenhagen. They even have a Christmas ballet, which is perfect for unwinding in the evening.
2. Watch the Northern Lights
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The Northern Lights are among the top tourist attractions in Scandinavia during winter for good reasons. Also known as the aurora borealis, these are stunning and magical natural lights on display that will certainly make you feel special.
The northern region of Scandinavia falls within the “northern light belt,” which is a region that receives a lot of solar activity. The dark winter skies during this period give you a perfect opportunity to witness this yourself.
3. Dog sledding
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Dog sledding should be on your to-do list for dog lovers. This excursion allows you to meet and interact with huskies as they drive you through the fascinating landscape. You can either sit back and enjoy the view of the snow cover or consider mushing, where you lead the sled. You can also book a night sledding excursion for an opportunity to watch the northern lights.
4. Stay or visit an ice hotel
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You can also choose a snowy theme for your winter vacation. Among the most unique experiences offered by this region is the option to stay or visit hotel rooms carved from ice. There are several ice hotels scattered across Finland and Scandinavia, with the Ice Hotel and Arctic SnowHotel being the most popular options.
These hotels are built from scratch every winter, giving travelers a chance to experience something different yearly. They also house ice restaurants, saunas, and ice bars. You shouldn’t be worried about spending the night here, as they provide warm sleeping bags and reindeer furs.
5. Museums
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Most people don’t consider museum visits ideal for winter vacations. However, those feeling the winter cold can visit art galleries and museums. Most state-run museums are free to enter. Sweden alone has over 15 museums and art galleries that you can explore all week. They are a perfect place to hide from the cold with zero budget.
Best Places to Explore in Scandinavia During Winter
What’s on your to-do list will certainly influence where you’ll vacation in Scandinavia. Below are a few ideas to choose from:
1. Explore the Swedish Lapland
The Swedish Lapland in the northern region of Sweden is an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site that you should consider visiting. The region is popular for its wilderness landscapes and cultural richness. Below are a few things to do in the Swedish Lapland.
- Dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling
- Reserve your stay in the world’s first ice hotel
- Explore the snow-blanketed landscape
- Watch the northern lights
You can also visit the local camps to learn more about the Sami culture. You’ll get to know first-hand about their traditional lifestyle.
2. Scandinavian Capitals
There is a lot to explore in the Scandinavian capitals both summer or winter. You can travel by train from Stockholm to Copenhagen and Oslo while exploring every city’s offering at your preferred pace.
However, your tour shouldn’t be limited to these three capitals. You can also add the capital of Finland and Estonia to your trip. By doing this, you can sail through the Baltic Sea, gradually ticking off other countries on your wishlist.
3. The Northern Norway
Norway is an excellent destination all year long, but offers breathtaking views during winter. A visit to Tromso or the Lofoten Islands is enough to confirm this. The country is perfectly positioned in the Northern Lights belt, making it perfect for hunting aurora borealis.
You should also visit Kirkenes for a true experience of Northern Norway. It is a remote town located near the Finnish and Russian borders. Its location in the wilderness means you won’t have to travel far to experience this natural beauty.
4. Svalbard
You should head north between February and March to explore the remote town of Svalbard. This archipelago is found deep inside the Arctic Circle. There are very few settlements in the region, the majority of which are the Longyearbyen. Apart from the incredible sightings, you’ll be proud of visiting a place very few people get to see.
The highlight of your visit here is the excursion to the frozen wilderness. This region has more polar bears than humans, and you might get lucky enough to see this elusive animal first-hand.
Endnote
Off-season travel is certainly a good idea. Apart from the low airfare and few crowds, a winter trip to Scandinavia offers much more than other seasons. The snowy mountains and wilderness, magical fjords, frozen waterfalls, and the Christmas markets are sights to behold. You should specifically book a winter trip to Scandinavia if you love ice skating, skiing, snowshoe hiking, and ice fishing. The region offers unlimited indoor and outdoor winter activities for people of all kinds.