When it comes to summer escapades, Scandinavia offers breathtaking alternatives to the traditional Mediterranean beach getaways. With its stunning landscapes, this often-underappreciated region transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Specialist tour operator Best Served Scandinavia is unveiling a range of compelling itineraries for adventurous souls eager to explore this remarkable part of the world during the summer months. Travelers can dive into lake swimming amidst the enchanting Finnish Lakeland, embark on immersive nature hikes in Sweden’s culturally rich Dalarna region, and take in the raw beauty of Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes. For the more adventurous, Svalbard offers off-the-beaten-path experiences under the captivating glow of the Midnight Sun.
Dalarna epitomizes the essence of Sweden—rich in culture and natural beauty. Best Served Scandinavia is excited to introduce a new itinerary designed specifically for UK travelers, allowing them to experience traditional Swedish life through cabin stays and farm experiences. This eight-day journey includes immersive nature hikes, a guided mine tour, and a stop at picturesque Lake Siljan and its charming surrounding villages. Adventurers can indulge in stand-up paddleboarding and a unique kick bike tour alongside friendly huskies. Dog lovers won’t want to miss a visit to a local husky farm, where they can even try their hand at walking a husky in the tranquility of the forest, surrounded by mountains and vibrant meadows.
The adventure begins in Stockholm with a night in this vibrant capital, followed by a scenic train ride through the picturesque Swedish countryside to Falun, home to a historic copper mine that once supplied over two-thirds of Europe’s copper. Guests will also explore the quaint town of Rättvik, home to Sweden’s first tourist hotel established in 1894, set along a peaceful bay. This journey includes meandering through charming villages adorned with traditional red cottages before settling into a cabin stay on a rustic farm, complete with a cinnamon bun workshop. The experience culminates in Fryksås, where the lush green landscape and glimmering lake invite a refreshing swim.
How to book: Best Served Scandinavia offers this tailor-made eight-day holiday from £3,410 per person, inclusive of flights, one night in Stockholm (bed and breakfast), six nights in Dalarna, five days of car hire, train transfers to Falun, and guided tours; best-served.co.uk
This new itinerary also pairs Finland’s vibrant capital, Helsinki, with a stay at the luxurious Kuru Resort in Saimaa. This adult-only retreat boasts 16 villas nestled within lush pine forests, right in the heart of Finland’s lake region.
After two peaceful nights at the boutique Lilla Roberts hotel—an ideal base for exploring Helsinki—a scenic train ride whisks guests away to the verdant lake district. At Kuru Resort, relaxation takes center stage over two full days and three nights.
Each modern villa features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private patio that showcases the stunning lake views. In true Finnish fashion, a private spa complete with sauna awaits guests. Various relaxation-focused activities, including yoga, breathwork classes, meditation, and sound-bowl sessions, are readily available as part of the wellness program.
The itinerary includes a boat trip through Linnansaari National Park and the Saimaa Archipelago, ample hiking opportunities, and a Ringed Seal Safari, offering a chance to glimpse this endangered species native to Lake Saimaa. Guests are free to rent kayaks, canoes, e-fat bikes, and stand-up paddleboards. Each morning begins with a hearty seasonal breakfast delivered to the villa, culminating in a memorable six-course dinner at Solitary Restaurant, where the cuisine emphasizes locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
How to book: Best Served Scandinavia presents this six-day Wellness & Wilderness Escape starting at £1,170 per person, inclusive of flights, two nights at Lilla Roberts (bed and breakfast), train transfers, three nights at Kuru Resort in a nature villa (bed and breakfast), daily wellness classes, a boat trip, Ringed Seal Safari, lakeside sauna, and a six-course chef’s menu dinner; best-served.co.uk
With nearly 24 hours of daylight during summer, Finland allows visitors to maximize their time under the sun. Return home invigorated after enjoying midnight nature walks in national parks or early morning yoga sessions. Delve into the unique sauna culture that Finland is known for, where the surrounding lakes offer a refreshing cool down.
Experience the enchanting beauty of a Scandinavian summer on a self-drive tour through the Finnish Lake District and Helsinki. Beginning in the design-forward capital, known for its eclectic neighborhoods and thriving arts scene, the journey leads to the heart of Finnish Lakeland. Here, ample opportunities for cycling, swimming, fishing, and canoeing await, as travelers retire each night in historic manor houses and boutique hideaways along the picturesque shores of Lake Saimaa.
For those looking for a touch of luxury, consider upgrading to the Elsanranta Villas at the charming Sahanlahti Resort, perched gracefully on the shores of Lake Saimaa. This boutique hotel features luxurious, contemporary villas with unobstructed views of the lake, complete with private plunge pools, saunas, and terraces.
How to book: Best Served Scandinavia offers this nine-day Best of Finnish Lakeland self-drive itinerary starting at £1,730 per person, including flights, two nights in Helsinki, six nights in manor houses (both bed and breakfast), seven-day car hire, two lunches, excursions, and a sightseeing cruise; best-served.co.uk
For an exhilarating summer adventure, look no further than the Arctic Wilderness Lodge, located along the banks of the Alta River in northern Norway. With modern Scandinavian design and natural wood interiors, every room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks that showcase stunning river views. It serves as the perfect base for hiking, boating, and exploring the surrounding untamed wilderness, making the most of the endless summer days with king crab fishing experiences, guided hikes, riverboat excursions, and outdoor saunas and Jacuzzis.
How to book: Best Served Scandinavia offers this five-day retreat from £2,875 per person, including flights, five nights at the Arctic Wilderness Lodge (bed and breakfast), excursions, and lunches as per itinerary, along with exquisite dining experiences; best-served.co.uk
For thrill-seekers, the four-day Svalbard Summer Adventure promises exhilarating Glacier hikes or Fjord kayak expeditions amidst majestic glaciers, with opportunities to spot polar bears and walruses. For an entirely different experience, consider summer dogsledding on wheels or taking an electric fat bike ride.
How to book: Prices with Best Served Scandinavia start from £1,915 per person, including flights and three nights (bed and breakfast); best-served.co.uk
Nature lovers will find themselves enchanted with a self-drive itinerary that begins with two nights in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital, before venturing into the breathtaking southern region—a natural wonderland brimming with geysers, glaciers, beaches, and striking waterfalls.
Highlights include exploring the Golden Circle, best navigated via SuperJeep, and witnessing the iceberg-studded lagoons along the volcanic southern coast. The itinerary offers a chance for an adventurous hike to a sunken volcano or snorkeling between tectonic plates at Silfra. Guests will also enjoy a night at Hotel Katla, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers, and the famous black sand beaches of Iceland’s southern coast. The adventure wraps up with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax in its mineral-rich waters—open until midnight during the summer, ensuring ample time to soak in its rejuvenation.
How to book: Best Served Scandinavia offers this seven-day self-drive itinerary starting from £1,470 per person, including flights, transfers, six nights on a bed and breakfast basis, four days of car hire, and entry to the Blue Lagoon; best-served.co.uk
Top image: Lakes and landscape near Kuru Resort in Finland (Credit: Best Served Scandinavia)