Attractions

Copenhagen:

Much of the city, with its copper-domed landmarks, is cutting edge. A sea of change is sweeping across Copenhagen, as older buildings are restored—many are being transformed into boutique hotels. The culture and charm of old Copenhagen is still here, but in a word the city has become "cool."

A dynamic new life, spurred in part by the young and the newly arriving immigrants, has made this venerable old city more vibrant than it's ever been in its history. On a summer evening, there is no greater man-made attraction in all of Scandinavia than a stroll through the Tivoli pleasure gardens. The city is proud of its vast storehouse of antiquities and holds its own compared to most other capitals of Europe. People come to Copenhagen for various reasons—some to absorb the city's art, others merely to enjoy the exciting nightlife. Several annual summer festivals take place here, and the best live bands in Europe appear in parks and venues year-round.

Oslo:

Oslo is often viewed as a summer destination. Since daylight is in short supply during the winter, you will find nearly everyone outdoors in the summer. Many Oslovians stay up virtually around the clock this time of year. In the winter, Oslovians counter the lack of natural light by becoming the candlelit center of the world. The flickering lights make bar-hopping a warm, cozy experience, and the parties of Oslo become even more frenetic in the winter months. The city's cultural activities and special art exhibitions also reach their zenith.

Seasons aside, some travelers would be happy to come to Oslo anytime just for the views of the harbor city and the Oslofjord. Panoramic views are a major attraction, especially the view from Tryvannstårnet, a 117m (384-ft.) observation tower atop 570m (1,870-ft.) Tryvann Hill in the outlying area.

Stockholm:

Skansen: Be it butter churning or folk dancing, there's always something to intrigue people of all ages here. Wander at leisure through the world's oldest open-air museum (which covers about 74 acres of parkland), and get a glimpse of ancient Swedish life.

Strolling through Gamla Stan at Night: To walk the narrow cobblestone alleys of the Old Town at night is like going back in time.

A Smorgasbord at the Grand Hotel: Unless you're lucky enough to attend a wedding or extended family reunion, you'll have to seek out the lavish but high-maintenance gastronomic display known as a smorgasbord. One of the few establishments that offer them on a regular, ongoing basis is Stockholm's Grand Hotel.

Searching out Panoramas:  Getting a bit of distance from the Old Town helps you visualize it more clearly. The Monteliusvägen on the residential island of Södermalm is worth the hike and features views that sweep out over the heart of imperial Sweden. The view from the Fåfångan Café on Södermalm is also recommended.

A Trip to Riddarholmen: On the Gamla Stan's satellite island of Riddarholmen, time seems to have stopped sometime around 1600, and there is a lot less crowding than on Gamla Stan, just across the channel.

The Rosendal Botanical Gardens: This organic, enchanting fortress of the horticultural world is a recommended attraction. Combine it with a visit to Skansen, preferably during the peak of midsummer, when fruits and vegetables benefit from the extended daylight hours and explode into maturity at a rapid pace.

Helsinki:

Hietaniemen Hautausmaa: The unusual Hietaniemi Cemetery is within walking distance of the city centre, right next to a beach. It is divided into four parts: a Lutheran cemetery, an Orthodox one, a Jewish and an Islamic one. The very lush, park-like area is popular for strolls.

Suurkirkko: The Lutheran Cathedral is Helsinki's most important landmark. The majestic outline of its 71m central tower illustrates the true glory of the White City of the North. The cathedral was finally completed in 1852, though the famous grand steps would not be there for another 20 years.

Kaivopuisto: Kaivopuisto is Helsinki's most famous park. Its cliffs offer fantastic views of the city and archipelago. Kaivopuisto was founded in 1830, originally as a spa facility for aristocrats. The park is now used for many events and free concerts.

Vanha Kirkko: The Old Church is not only the oldest but is perhaps the most beautiful church in Helsinki. The small, white and peacefully plain building is located in one of the prettiest parks in the city and is a popular concert and wedding venue.

Presidentinlinna: The yellow and beige Presidential Palace stands right next to the Market Square. Its interiors are familiar to all Finns, thanks to the annual Independence Day celebrations held there.