Countries In Northern Europe Map
Introduction
Northern Europe is a region that boasts of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse cultures. The countries in Northern Europe are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. With so much to see and experience, planning a trip to this part of the world can be overwhelming. This travel guide will help you navigate the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens, Finland’s Santa Claus Village, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Norway’s Geirangerfjord, Sweden’s ABBA Museum, Estonia’s Tallinn Old Town, Latvia’s Riga Old Town, and Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses are some of the top attractions in Northern Europe.
Hidden Gems
The Faroe Islands, located between Norway and Iceland, are a hidden gem with stunning landscapes and unique culture. The Åland Islands, located between Sweden and Finland, are a peaceful archipelago with a rich maritime history. And the Koli National Park in Finland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Food Scene
Northern Europe is known for its delicious seafood, hearty stews, and sweet treats. Denmark’s smørrebrød, Finland’s Karjalanpiirakka, Iceland’s Skyr, Norway’s Fårikål, Sweden’s meatballs, Estonia’s black bread, Latvia’s Rupjmaize, and Lithuania’s cepelinai are some of the must-try dishes.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in Northern Europe can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Consider staying in hostels or camping instead of hotels, cooking your own meals instead of eating out, and using public transportation instead of renting a car. Many museums and attractions offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week.
Outdoor Adventures
Northern Europe is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in Norway’s mountains, skiing in Finland’s Lapland, kayaking in Sweden’s archipelago, cycling in Denmark’s countryside, and whale watching in Iceland’s waters are just a few of the many outdoor adventures to experience.
Historical Landmarks
From Viking history to medieval castles, Northern Europe is rich in historical landmarks. Denmark’s Kronborg Castle, Finland’s Turku Castle, Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, Norway’s Bryggen Wharf, Sweden’s Drottningholm Palace, Estonia’s Toompea Castle, Latvia’s Rundale Palace, and Lithuania’s Trakai Island Castle are some of the must-see landmarks.
Family-Friendly Activities
Northern Europe is a great destination for families. Denmark’s Legoland, Finland’s SantaPark, Iceland’s Icelandic Horses, Norway’s Oslo Reptile Park, Sweden’s Junibacken Museum, Estonia’s Seaplane Harbour, Latvia’s Līvu Akvaparks, and Lithuania’s Grūtas Park are some of the family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For travelers seeking unique experiences, Northern Europe has plenty to offer. Stay in an ice hotel in Sweden, hike to a remote cabin in Norway, visit a reindeer farm in Finland, explore a lava tunnel in Iceland, discover the KGB Museum in Latvia, and visit the Hill of Witches in Lithuania.
Natural Wonders
Northern Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Norway’s Northern Lights, Iceland’s glaciers and geysers, Sweden’s forests and lakes, Denmark’s sandy beaches, Finland’s national parks, Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park, Latvia’s Gauja National Park, and Lithuania’s Curonian Spit are some of the natural wonders to explore.
Vibrant Nightlife
Northern Europe has a vibrant nightlife with something for everyone. Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, Helsinki’s Kallio district, Reykjavik’s Laugavegur street, Bergen’s Bryggen district, Stockholm’s Södermalm neighborhood, Tallinn’s Old Town, Riga’s Old Town, and Vilnius’ Užupis district are some of the best places to experience the nightlife.
Local Markets
Exploring local markets is a great way to experience Northern Europe’s culture and cuisine. Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne, Helsinki’s Old Market Hall, Reykjavik’s Kolaportið Flea Market, Bergen’s Fish Market, Stockholm’s Östermalms Saluhall, Tallinn’s Balti Jaama Turg, Riga’s Central Market, and Vilnius’ Kalvarijų Turgus are some of the best markets to visit.
Beaches and Mountains
Northern Europe offers a diverse landscape of beaches and mountains. Denmark’s Skagen Beach, Finland’s Yyteri Beach, Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach, Norway’s Preikestolen, Sweden’s Kebnekaise, Estonia’s Pärnu Beach, Latvia’s Jūrmala Beach, and Lithuania’s Palanga Beach are some of the best beaches and mountains to visit.
Cultural Immersion
From traditional festivals to local customs, Northern Europe offers many opportunities for cultural immersion. Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, Finland’s Vappu, Iceland’s Jólakötturinn, Norway’s St. Olav Festival, Sweden’s Midsummer, Estonia’s Song Festival, Latvia’s Jāņi, and Lithuania’s Užgavėnės are some of the cultural events to experience.
Art and Music Scene
Northern Europe has a rich art and music scene. Denmark’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Finland’s Ateneum Art Museum, Iceland’s Harpa Concert Hall, Norway’s Munch Museum, Sweden’s ABBA Museum, Estonia’s Kumu Art Museum, Latvia’s Art Nouveau Museum, and Lithuania’s MO Museum are some of the best places to explore art and music.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore Northern Europe’s cities and towns. Copenhagen’s Free Walking Tours, Helsinki’s Happy Guide Helsinki, Reykjavik’s City Walk Reykjavik, Bergen’s Bergen Walks, Stockholm’s Free Tour Stockholm, Tallinn’s Old Town Walking Tours, Riga’s Free Walking Tours, and Vilnius’ Vilnius with Locals are some of the best walking tours to take.
Architectural Marvels
From medieval castles to modern design, Northern Europe has many architectural marvels. Denmark’s Frederiksborg Castle, Finland’s Helsinki Cathedral, Iceland’s Hallgrímskirkja, Norway’s Nidaros Cathedral, Sweden’s Turning Torso, Estonia’s St. Olaf’s Church, Latvia’s Riga Cathedral, and Lithuania’s Vilnius Cathedral are some of the must-see architectural marvels.
Historical Sites
Northern Europe has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical sites. Denmark’s Jelling Stones, Finland’s Suomenlinna Fortress, Iceland’s Settlement Exhibition, Norway’s Viking Ship Museum, Sweden’s Visby, Estonia’s Patarei Prison, Latvia’s Turaida Castle, and Lithuania’s The Hill of Crosses are some of the historical sites to visit.
Biking Routes
Biking is a great way to explore Northern Europe’s countryside and cities. Denmark’s The North Sea Cycle Route, Finland’s Archipelago Trail, Iceland’s Ring Road, Norway’s Rallarvegen, Sweden’s Kattegattleden, Estonia’s Tallinn-Pärnu Bicycle Route, Latvia’s Riga-Liepaja Bicycle Route, and Lithuania’s Seaside Cycle Route are some of the best biking routes to take.
Wellness Retreats
Northern Europe is known for its wellness retreats and spas. Denmark’s Kurhotel Skodsborg, Finland’s Långvik Congress Wellness Hotel, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Spa, Norway’s The Thief, Sweden’s Ystad Saltsjöbad, Estonia’s Pädaste Manor, Latvia’s Jurmala Spa, and Lithuania’s Druskininkai Aqua Park are some of the best wellness retreats to rejuvenate.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Northern Europe offers many adventure sports. Denmark’s kiteboarding, Finland’s ice climbing, Iceland’s snowmobiling, Norway’s dog sledding, Sweden’s ice skating, Estonia’s bobsledding, Latvia’s skydiving, and Lithuania’s paragliding are just a few of the adventure sports to try.
Conclusion
Northern Europe is a region that has something for everyone. From top attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences, this comprehensive travel guide has covered it all. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, culture or cuisine, history or nature, Northern Europe is a destination that won’t disappoint.