Readers' Favourite Nordic Breaks: From Norway's Glacial Lakes to Finland's Saunas
Saunas, island-hopping, mountain hikes, great design, and cosy cafes abound in our readers' treasured memories of the Nordic countries. From the tranquil wilderness of Norway to the urban beauty of Denmark, these tips offer a glimpse into the diverse charms of Scandinavia and Finland.
Glorious Summer Hiking in Norway
A week's hiking in Jotunheimen national park, located 230 miles north of Oslo, brought one reader tranquillity and peace last summer. During four days of challenging hiking and wild camping through the area, they saw hardly anyone else, having entire lush green valleys and still glacial lakes to themselves. They were fortunate to have stunning weather throughout and, despite it being July, still had a reasonable amount of snow to traverse. Norway boasts a fantastic network of signposted trails and huts, which can be found on the Norwegian Trekking Association website.
An Arty Cabin Break Near Aarhus
Another reader enjoyed an amazing family holiday on the Jutland coast near Aarhus, Denmark's second city. They stayed in a cabin among pine trees and swam every day, finding helpful swimming jetties that made it simple to get into the sea, complete with hooks for towels. The beaches were wild and so quiet they often had them to themselves. For an urban fix, Aarhus was a joy to visit, with the Aarhus Kunstmuseum definitely worth checking out for contemporary art lovers, followed by lunch at Cafe Folkeven.
Urban Scandi Beauty in Stavanger
Stavanger, on the south-west coast of Norway, feels like the picture-perfect example of Scandinavian urban beauty. The city is welcoming, with quaint Gamle Stavanger (the old town) full of shops selling wool and cute bars serving up local beer. Head further south to Boresanden if you fancy braving the cold with a surf and follow up with a sauna. For further adventure, head east for Preikestolen for awe-inspiring views over the fjord, or take the ferry to Flor og Fjære to wander round the tropical gardens.
Frozen Lakes, Coffee, and a Sauna in Finnish Lakeland
In the south of Finnish Lakeland is Lahti, a town that feels a world away from Helsinki despite its excellent rail link to the capital. Lahti is full of charming little cafes and quiet, down-to-earth people, not to mention scenes straight from a fairytale. One reader spent a month studying here as a student nurse and was equally amazed by the Finnish approach to public health as by how comfortable -22C can feel. Between days on placement, they went for long walks over the frozen Lake Vesijärvi before enjoying Finnish coffee culture at Kahvila Kariranta, a former railway station turned cafe. There's lots of ice skating and cross-country skiing, or, if you're looking to unwind, you're never far from a sauna, which in Finland is viewed as a necessity not a luxury.
A Horse Ride Through Norwegian Mountains
Why hike when you can horse ride? To get off the tourist trail, one reader opted to explore Norway's Rondane national park on smallish but strong dole horses (a Norwegian breed) last summer. The horses were gorgeous, incredibly patient, and really sure-footed as they navigated the mountain paths. It was a brilliant way to get deeper into the countryside and take things at a slower pace, giving plenty of time to take in the views and hear stories about the area from the guide. The holiday was organised by Gutsy Girls.
Island of Sunshine in Denmark
Bornholm island is Danish, but set in the middle of the Baltic between Poland and Sweden. It has beaches of fine white sand and secluded coves, perfect in summer when the island enjoys sunnier weather than most of the surrounding region. History is everywhere, from one of the largest ruined medieval castles in Europe, Hammershus, to remnants of Soviet occupation in 1945-46 and distinctive circular churches. Fish smokeries offer herring, salmon, and eel, while bakeries provide the best Danish pastries. Stay at one of Bornholm's seaside hotels, enjoy the sunsets, and you will never want to leave.
Sweden's Wooden Wonder
The lakeside town of Nora, 130 miles inland from Stockholm, is one of Sweden's three "wooden towns" (along with Eksjö and Hjo), where all the buildings are made of timber from the surrounding forests. The town and its surrounding area have a timeless feel of a wealthy bygone age belonging to Nordic nobility. One reader strolled around Nora's cobblestone streets and visited the perfectly preserved 19th-century villa Göthlinska Gården. They spent another afternoon in Glasstorget (Ice-Cream Square) to try the local ice-cream, Noraglass, and wandered around the streets of the Kvarteret Bryggeriet creative quarter, full of independent shops, eateries, and a fascinating microbrewery. The nearby lakes are gorgeous and great for swimming and picnics.
Design Gems Near Copenhagen
A great advantage in revisiting a city is venturing further afield, beyond the obvious tourist sights. Returning to Copenhagen, one reader went in search of one of its most famous architects, Arne Jacobsen, travelling just 6 miles outside the centre. At Bellevue Beach, Klampenborg, an area perfect for summer promenading, Jacobsen built an iconic theatre, a restaurant, the angular Søholm houses, and gleaming-white Bauhaus-influenced apartment buildings. He even designed the local kiosks and blue-striped lifeguard towers. Twenty minutes stroll down the coast, there's also a striking Jacobsen petrol station (now part ice-cream parlour) with an oval-shaped canopy somewhat reminiscent of the Starship Enterprise.
Quietly Thrilling Finnish Design
Visiting Alvar Aalto's Paimio sanatorium is a quietly thrilling pilgrimage. Set among pine forests in south-west Finland, the building feels tuned to light, air, and human dignity. Designed in the 1930s for tuberculosis patients, every detail tells a story: gentle colour palettes to soothe minds, silent sinks to aid rest, chairs shaped for easier breathing. Walking its corridors offers deep insight into Finnish culture – pragmatic, compassionate, nature-led. History lingers in patient rooms and sun balconies, yet the place feels timelessly modern. For design lovers and curious travellers alike, it's an energising, moving visit, worth seeking out on any trip.
Winning Tip: Explore Oslo's Diverse Islands
Spend a blissful summer day island-hopping in the inner Oslofjord. The five islands closest to the capital are all easily accessible by regular ferries, and each has its own personality. Langøyene has a broad sandy beach (and a separate nudist option if you like), Hovedøya has the ruins of an 1147 Cistercian monastery (founded by monks from Lincolnshire), and Bleikøya is dotted with colourful Nordic summerhouses. Using the Ruter app will give you 24 hours' travel for about £10. Budget a bit more if you'd like a drink from the 1930s cafe on the island of Gressholmen. Pack a swimming costume and a picnic basket and marvel in the variety so close to the capital.
