The region of Scandinavia fascinates travelers from all over the world. From its spectacular coastal towns to its striking architecture, it’s a region many have on their bucket list. That said, assuming you have an interest in taking a trip to Scandinavia in the near future, you’ve got to read our quick guide on the three ‘Capitals of Scandinavia.’
Collectively, this refers to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm – each offering something unique and independent from the other. Of course, each of these cities is the capital of their respective countries, and between them, they welcome millions of tourists each year.
Should you wish to be one of them, it’s important that you know what to look for, what makes each city special, and how to travel between them. Luckily, we’ve got you covered through the respective sections below!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Starting with Copenhagen – the most ‘bicycle-friendly’ city in the world, according to the hundreds of thousands of locals who use a bike daily! This gives you an idea of the city’s vibe, and since it was founded in the 10th Century, Copenhagen has a fair bit of history. Of course, this is the capital city of Denmark, and it’s built on two key islands – Amager and Zealand.
This alone creates a natural wonder in Copenhagen, which is why the city usually features in many Northern Europe travel guides. However, the city offers more than just a few perfect selfie spots. More specifically, Copenhagen offers several well-visited locations that you have to check out if you go:
- Tivoli Gardens – opened in 1843, this is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world.
- Nyhavn – a canal/waterfront district with wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses dating back to the 17th Century.
- Little Mermaid Statue – a statue dedicated to the success of Hans Christian Andersen’s story: The Little Mermaid.
Stockholm, Sweden
If you start your adventure in Copenhagen, why not grab a train from Copenhagen to Stockholm to keep the good times rolling? Given the relatively close proximity of these two cities, it makes sense to bundle them together in your itinerary. Much like Copenhagen, Stockholm is built on multiple islands – 14 of them, in fact.
It is the most populous city in all of Sweden, and historians have traced its origins all the way back to the Stone Age. However, Stockholm was officially founded in the 13th Century, giving tourists 750+ years of history to enjoy. Fittingly, Stockholm is called home to the Swedish Monarchy, and the Royal Palace is one you just have to visit if you’re a history buff or an admirer of great architecture.
As for other places of interest, we highly recommend a trip to the Gamla Stan (Old Town). This is an incredibly well-preserved Medieval centre with stunning buildings and open spaces. Speaking of which, you cannot visit Stockholm without immersing yourself in the Skansen Open-Air Museum – the first of its kind, dating all the way back to 1891.
Oslo, Norway
Last but by no means least, it’s Oslo that completes our guide to Scandinavia’s trifecta of capital cities. This is one of the best cities in Europe when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Amazingly, there are 40 islands within Oslo’s city limits. And with 2/3 of the area officially ‘protected,’ the natural beauty of this region has been preserved despite surges in development and population numbers.
As for Oslo’s history, it was founded in 1040 during the age of the Vikings, and the Vikings’ influence is seen all over the city today. There’s a wide range of activities and attractions in Oslo too, like The Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, and the Fram Museum, which display this rich history in style.
Additionally, make sure Vigeland Park is on your list – the world’s largest sculpture park boasting 200+ amazing granite, bronze, and wrought iron sculptures!
Conclusion
Scandinavia is truly a region of beauty, elegance, and diversity. Over 20 million tourists frequent this region each year for those exact reasons (among many others). Therefore, to get the most out of your visit, you should plan your travels effectively, research the best spots that suit your interests, and above all – make sure you have a great time when you’re there!
