Oslo: A Delightful Summer in the City
This summer, the alluring harbors of Oslo, alongside cities like Stockholm, Helsinki, and various spots in Denmark, beckon visitors with swimmable shores and countless ways to engage with the sea. Whether you’re kayaking or trying your hand at urban fishing, Oslo captures that quintessential seaside vibe, particularly when the sun is shining.
A highlight of the season is undoubtedly a boat tour of the Oslofjord and its picturesque archipelago. Pack a picnic, set sail, and discover hidden swimming spots cradled among colorful island houses. For a unique experience, consider Brim Explorer, an eco-friendly operator known for its silent, electric-powered tours starting at £44. If you’re passionate about the environment, join Mad Goats every Sunday for their Fjord cleanup operations. Not only will you contribute to a cleaner ecosystem, but participants also enjoy a free sauna session and a complimentary burger at the finish.
Oslo’s cultural scene is also thriving this summer, particularly around its waterfront. The National Museum is hosting an unmissable exhibition by Sápmi artist Britta Marakatt-Labba, exploring environmental challenges and climate change through an indigenous lens, available until August. After visiting the museum, take a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade past the stunning opera house, where you can also check out the new family-friendly beach at Operastranda or take a dip in the Sørenga seawater pool. For a cozy stay, consider the eco-conscious Oslo Guldsmeden, a Nordic-Balinese hotel located in the Vika district, with rates starting at £100 a night.
Discovering Denmark’s Sunniest Island
Bornholm has solidified its status as the Danes’ favored holiday spot, echoing results from last year’s Danish Travel Awards. Easily accessed by bus, ferry, or hydrofoil from Copenhagen, this sunny island offers breathtaking views, particularly in Svaneke, known as Denmark’s sunniest port on the west coast.
Forget the car; biking and buses make it simple to traverse the island, where charming fishing villages and towns like Gudhjem await discovery. Here, fun culinary competitions and local delights such as ice cream, smoked herring, and craft beers are in abundance. Bornholm takes on an artist colony ambiance that feels reminiscent of Cornwall, with ceramics being its crowning jewel. Explore various workshops and galleries scattered throughout the villages, particularly in Nexø, home to a ceramics school. Its beaches, especially the expansive, family-friendly Dueodde, have even garnered praise from Lonely Planet as one of Europe’s top 20 beaches.
New to the scene this year is Eco Beach Camp, offering glamping experiences starting at around £150 per night – a short stroll from the island’s Michelin-starred Kadeau restaurant, renowned for its focus on hyper-local and sustainable cuisine. For a more traditional stay, consider renting a summer house through companies like Novasol or Dancenter, with prices starting around £300 for a week. Just remember to bring your own essentials, including bed linen!
Norway’s Arctic Hiking Route
Nature and culture unite along Norway’s longest hiking route this summer. The 400-mile Nordlandsruta, tracing the Norwegian-Swedish border, will join in the festivities celebrating Bodø as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024. Along the way, expect a tapestry of artist-led events in cabins, offering everything from poetry readings to workshops in mobile perfumery, where participants can craft scents from local herbs picked during their journey.
Evenings come alive with campfire cooking, improv theater, and traditional Sápmi lasso throwing, embodying the Nordic passion for friluftsliv—a profound love for the outdoors. Norway’s extensive network of trails is punctuated by hiking cabins, ensuring that you’re never far from a cozy respite.
This stunning expedition invites adventurers through the Arctic Circle, passing World Heritage sites in the Laponian Area and national parks, all while engaging with Sápmi communities. Featuring 43 unstaffed huts along the route, trekkers will need a key from the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) to access them.
While traversing the entire trail might take about six weeks, it is thoughtfully divided into eight smaller stages for those short on time. Particularly captivating is the 57-mile stretch from Raudlia to Susendalen, where hikers can traverse two valleys and admire the majestic hat-shaped Hatten mountain. The 45-mile section from Bolna to Umbukta skirts the sacred Sápmi mountain of Auronasen, along with silver mines and a glacier. For those based in Narvik or Bodø, shorter weekend hikes are also easily arranged.
Finland’s Serene Waterways
If you’re a lover of lakes, islands, and vast forests, Finland stands as a premier destination. This country boasts the most forested landscapes in Europe and an abundance of freshwater, more than any other nation. In the serene Kainuu region in eastern Finland, you can escape the hustle and bustle and dive deep into the beauty of Nordic nature.
Consider embarking on a self-guided canoe tour through the area, organized by Nature Travels. You can camp wild, fish for your meals, and set your own pace. A standout adventure awaits on the historical Tar Route (from £154 per person for three nights and four days, based on two people), where you’ll navigate the waterways used in the past for transporting tar to the Baltic Sea. Instead of tar, your cargo will consist of your party, your tent, and provisions for a tranquil four to eight-day exploration of calm waterways and sheltered islands.
Along this route, keep an eye out for moose, foxes, owls, or perhaps even eagles soaring overhead. Fishing for your dinner and cooking it over an open fire adds to the authentic experience. As the day winds down, unwind in a lean-to shelter or tent, and look for island saunas along the way, perfect for relaxing sore muscles after a day’s paddling. Remember to pack insect repellent—Finland’s forests are renowned for their pesky flies.
Your journey often begins in Kuhmo, accessible by train and bus from Helsinki, which is itself reachable by ferries from Stockholm for those favoring a scenic route.
Embrace the Swedish Summer House Experience
In this part of the world, immersing oneself in a “summer house” or a simple cabin amidst nature is a cherished tradition. The essence of summer house life revolves around slowing down: reading a book under the shade of a tree, baking a cake, or indulging in gentle strolls. It’s an opportunity to harmonize with nature, enjoying activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating.
The Stockholm archipelago stands out as one of the most accessible and beloved destinations for summer houses. Public ferries provide convenient access, with one-way fares from the city pier reaching up to £14 depending on your destination—it’s as straightforward as taking a bus.
The Archipelago Foundation ensures public access to the area’s land and waters, hosting a variety of unique accommodations scattered among the islands. Experience a stay in a 19th-century former customs house on the remote, rocky island of Huvudskär, now transformed into a charming youth hostel (with room rates from £186 for a four-bed room). Alternatively, consider summer cottages on the lively southern island of Utö, where two-person cabins start at around £338 for a week during peak season.
Keep in mind that summer cottages typically require you to bring your own bedding. Depending on your chosen island, you may also need to stock up on supplies for your week-long getaway. July marks the peak travel season in Scandinavia, so consider planning your trip for August when rates may be lower.
Copenhagen-based Laura Hall writes the Modern Scandinavian newsletter.