Nordic countries tours

There’s no bad time for a trip to Denmark. Fall has many off-peak perks, winter is magical with Christmas markets and snow, spring is warmer and full of life, and summer is perfect for endless sunshine. Learn more about when to visit Denmark in our Copenhagen Travel Guide.

Guided tours of Denmark are the best way to explore the country. You’ll get to visit each of the top sites without handling logistics. All of our Denmark vacation packages include exciting activities and tours led by local experts, so you’ll immerse yourself in Danish culture while having the trip of a lifetime.

Many travelers on our group tours to Denmark say their favorite part of the trip is making friends with fellow tour mates. Your new best friend just might be on your Denmark trip with you!

Some must-visit spots in Denmark include:

• Nyhavn district in Copenhagen, with its colorful, waterfront homes
• Amalienborg Palace, for the changing of the guards at noon and the Museum of Royal History
• Rosenborg Castle and gardens, with grand views and deep history
• Tivoli Gardens, a famously majestic amusement park where Walt Disney gathered inspiration
• Frederiksborg Castle, which sits within the three islets of the surrounding Slotssøen lake
• Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Before leaving for any Denmark tours, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Apart from the usual travel items like a water bottle and comfortable walking shoes, you’ll want to pack a lot of layers. Danish weather changes quickly, and layers will keep you comfortable no matter what.

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, here are a few things you may want to know:

• Bring a debit card with you because some places don't accept credit
• Get familiar with hygge, the Danish concept of creating a cozy atmosphere
• Speaking of comfort, Denmark is one of the safest cities in the world
• Smørrebrød, a traditional open-faced rye sandwich, is absolutely delicious

Explore some other things to know before you go to Scandinavia.

Travelers who book our Finland travel packages can keep these tips in mind to experience the Scandinavian country like a true local.

• Experience Finnish sauna culture. Finland, whose population is roughly five million, is said to be home to a whopping tow million saunas. To enjoy this beloved Finnish tradition like a local, you’ll want to sweat it out in a hot sauna before plunging into an icy lake or the sea (some locals opt for a roll in the snow instead of a dip in the water). During a free day in Helsinki on our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour, travelers can head to one of the city’s public saunas, such as Löyly, a waterfront complex where guests can enjoy saunas, outdoor patios, food, and drinks. (Note that, in Finland, locals often enjoy saunas in the nude.)
• Spend time in nature. Finns value a deep connection with nature, and the country’s wilderness is open to everyone by what are known locally as Jokamiehen oikeudet, or Everyman’s Rights. The rule allows locals and visitors alike to walk, hike, cycle, camp, ski, and forage almost anywhere in the country—responsibly, of course. During a free day on our Finland tours, travelers can head to Helsinki’s Central Park, a vast wilderness area that starts near the city center, in Laakso. There, travelers will find forested areas, walking and biking trails, and plenty of space for soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.

• Summer. Generally, the best time to travel to Finland is in June, July, and August, when temperatures are warm and days are long.
• Midsummer. If you want to experience traditional festivities, consider planning a trip to Finland for late June, when Midsummer occurs. A celebration of the summer solstice, Midsummer is Finland’s main national holiday. Many locals spend it with friends and family in summer cottages away from city centers, which means that streets in urban areas, like Helsinki, can feel empty during the holiday. Even if you don’t make a trip to the countryside, you’ll enjoy the uniqueness of experiencing Finland’s magical “white nights,” thanks to the season’s midnight sun.
• Winter. If you prefer winter scenery, consider planning a trip to Finland between December and March, when Finland receives the most snow. This time of year is also ideal for spotting the northern lights. Seeing this natural phenomenon unfold in Nordic skies is one of our top 7 reasons to visit Scandinavia in the winter.

Highlights you can see on our tours to Finland, either during an included guided tour or your free time, include:

• Senate Square. This lively square is surrounded by historic and significant structures, including the Lutheran Cathedral and Government Palace.
• Helskinki Olympic Stadium. Built in 1938 and site of the 1952 Summer Olympics, this stadium now hosts sporting events and music concerts.
• Temppeliaukio Church. One of the most unique structures in Helsinki, this church, also known as Rock Church, was carved into a rocky hillside.
• Sibelius Park. This seaside park and memorial was constructed in honor of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and is home to a kinetic, musical sculpture designed to look, and sound, like a pipe organ.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Between May and September, travelers on our guided Finland tours can visit this outdoor museum, on the island of Seurasaari, during their free time for a look at what life was like in pre-industrial Finland.

These essentials will come in handy on our tours to Finland.

• Comfortable walking shoes. Especially sturdy shoes with a good grip for walking on cobblestones and uneven streets.
• A day bag. Keep your water, wallet, sunglasses, extra layers, and other essentials handy in a small backpack, crossbody, or tote.
• A shawl, wrap, or cardigan. On our Finland trips, you’ll have opportunities to step inside churches and other religious sites, where covering shoulders might be recommended or required.
• A good camera. You’ll want to capture Finland’s beautiful landscape and sophisticated cities.
• Sun protection. Think brimmed hats, sunglasses, and SPF for any time spent outside, especially during walking tours and sunny afternoons.
• Warm, wool clothing and accessories. If you plan to visit Finland in the wintertime, bring an insulated, waterproof parka, as well as long underwear, sweaters, and socks made from wool. (Cotton absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin, but wool will keep you warm and dry.)
• Snow- and water-proof boots. These are another must for travelers who plan to travel to Finland during colder months.

Finnish cuisine is largely based on fresh ingredients sourced from natural surroundings, and our Finland tours offer plenty of opportunities for travelers to sample some signature dishes. Here are a few to try.

• Porridge. Oats grow in abundance in Finland, and this warm, comforting dish is a great way to try them. Traditionally, locals enjoy porridge topped with a little fresh butter or a spoonful of jam.
• Berries. In Finland, fresh berries are a treat locals enjoy all summer long. Head to a local market for a pint of wild lingonberries, woodland strawberries, or bilberries (a.k.a. blueberries) to enjoy in a nearby park. Travelers who book off-season Finland vacation packages can try jams made from cloudberries and sea buckthorn.
• Bread. It sounds simple, but bread is a mainstay on many Finnish tables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here, rye, wheat, and oat breads are common, and they’re typically served with fresh butter, margarine, or even cream cheese. On our trips to Finland, you can try them all!
• Fish. Fish is abundant in Finland, where it’s often filleted, pickled, and, in true signature style, smoked. Get your fill in Finland’s local delis, food halls, and restaurants. Another can’t-miss, traditional fish dish to try in Finland: Finnish salmon soup.
• Leipäjuusto, or squeaky cheese. Mild in flavor and typically made from cow’s milk, this tasty cheese is baked, a process that results in a delightfully chewy, squeaky consistency. (In Finnish, its name means “cheese bread,” a nod to the fact that it’s baked like bread.) Try it with cloudberry jam for a tasty savory-sweet dessert.
• Reindeer. If you’re a carnivore, don’t pass up a chance to try reindeer. The animals are found in the far northern Finnish province of Lapland. Lean and high in B-12, omega-3, and omega-6, the meat is considered highly nutritious. Sautéed reindeer meat is often served alongside mashed potatoes and berry jams or compotes.

On a cultural level, Finns value silence and equate it with politeness and courtesy. If you need to ask locals for directions or any other kind of assistance, they’ll likely be plenty friendly and helpful, but if they’re not overly chatty with you, you’ll understand why.  

Finland frequently ranks as the happiest country not just in Europe, but the whole world, according to the World Happiness Report. That’s thanks to factors such as a healthy life expectancy, high social trust, community support, and freedom to make key life decisions.

Finland is a member of the European Union, and its national currency is the euro.  

Don’t let the cold and darkness keep you from joining one of our winter Finland tours. With their sauna traditions, plethora of outdoor activities, and cozy, candlelit restaurants and cafes, Fins are experts at embracing the winter season, making this an ideal time to get a true flavor of local life.

Iceland’s stark beauty is breathtaking any time of year, but if you want to see the northern lights, look for Iceland tour packages that depart between September and mid-April. This is when the days are shorter and the nights are at their darkest—perfect conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon. Just remember that seeing the northern lights on tours to Iceland is dependent on a variety of natural factors, including clear skies and high solar activity.

Off-season trips to Iceland are the best time to take a dip in the country’s famous hot pools, most notably the renowned Blue Lagoon. Crowds thin out in late September and October, so you’ll be able to enjoy the geothermal waters without having to contend with the hundreds of visitors who flock to this famous site during peak season.

May through August is a good time to go on guided tours around Iceland if whale watching is on your bucket list. It’s possible to see orcas, minke whales, humpbacks, and more than 20 other species year-round, but June and July are their peak season.

Summertime also marks the summer solstice in Iceland, when the midnight sun lights up evening skies from May until mid-August. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during the warmer months, just remember that they also coincide with bigger crowds. Top destinations, like the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Blue Lagoon, get the highest number of visitors from June through August.

Iceland’s unspoiled terrain is comprised of an otherworldly mixture of extremes, and these varied landscapes make all guided trips to Iceland unforgettable. Here, surreal stretches of black-sand beaches, glacier-fed waterfalls, geothermal pools, and erupting geysers add to the epic beauty.

One of the top places to visit on all Iceland guided tours is the country’s capital, Reykjavik. This small city is easy to explore on foot. Step inside the iconic Hallgrim’s Church, which is 244 feet tall and can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city. Or, walk along the waterfront to see an abstract sculpture called The Sun Voyager, created by Jón Gunnar Árnason. Then, continue on to Höfði House, where you can snap some photos with the sea and mountains as the backdrop.

While Reykjavik is a must-see, more stunning highlights of a trip to Iceland can be found along the Golden Circle, a famous sightseeing route that stretches from Reykjavik to central Iceland. Pass through the UNESCO-protected Thingvellir National Park, a volcanic area that marks the point where two tectonic plates come together. Or, visit the Great Geysir Geothermal Area and stand in awe of Gullfoss, the roaring “Golden Waterfall.”

Beyond the Golden Circle, the beaches of the South Coast and restorative geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon offer more opportunities for exploration on our Iceland escorted tours. Iceland trip packages, like our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour, take you to the farthest-flung corners of the country, making it easy to cross hard-to-reach sites off your bucket list.

Icelandic cuisine relies on traditional, locally sourced ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Here are some authentic dishes you can look forward to while traveling on our Iceland trip packages:

• Icelandic yogurt called skyr. It has a cream-like consistency, little fat, and lots of protein. Icelanders eat it all the time, and you can often find it transformed into a smooth mousse or delicious ice cream for dessert.
• Icelandic lamb, which is considered to be some of the best in the world thanks to the free-roaming sheeps’ healthy, natural diet. Since we get you closer to culture by offering authentic included meals on tour, you’re likely to have an opportunity to try this specialty on all our trips to Iceland.
• Both fresh and dried fish, including herring and cod. In fact, fermented shark is considered an Icelandic specialty, and although it’s rarely eaten anymore, it’s an important part of Iceland’s culinary history. Still, it's a “treat” that should be tried by the very brave on our Iceland tours!
• Rye bread topped with everything from butter and lava salt to smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Pylsa, Icelandic hot dogs—or more specifically, those from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This Reykjavik establishment has been serving up franks since 1937, and no tours to Iceland are complete until you’ve tasted one. Try it the way a local would and ask for one with everything: sweet mustard, remoulade, and both raw and fried onions.

No matter which Iceland travel packages fill you with wanderlust, bringing the correct attire for the season is important. If you’re setting off to see the northern lights in the off-season, keep in mind that winters in Iceland are generally cold. Packing a warm coat, hat, gloves, and rainwear will keep you comfortable and dry during outdoor sightseeings and nighttime northern lights excursions.

It’s best to pack clothing made of wool, silk, or polypropylene, which will keep you warmer and drier than cotton. Also, crampons—micro spikes that attach to your shoes to give you better traction on frozen ground—may come in handy during the winter months.

Even summer temperatures in Iceland can be chilly, so packing warm layers will ensure you’re ready for any type of weather. And, no matter when you’re planning a trip to Iceland, bringing the correct footwear is key. Get ready to hit the trails and see all of Iceland’s outdoor wonders by packing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots.

If you’re still unsure what to bring on our Iceland tours, not to worry—our Customer Experience Team is always here to answer any additional questions you may have. You can even download our free mobile app before you depart so you’ll have all the info you need right in your pocket.

Iceland uses the króna. To stock up on local currency, order some from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the króna while on a trip to Iceland, check out our article on currency exchange.

Icelandic is Iceland’s lone official language, but English is widely spoken. Some sources estimate that 98% of Icelanders speak it as a second language!

Thanks to its location in the North Atlantic, Iceland experiences volatile weather, with storms blowing in and out frequently. And due to its geography, the country sees different weather patterns in its various regions. No matter where you go on your Iceland tour, it’s important to prep for cold and rain, so pack accordingly.

There’s really no bad time to take escorted tours of Norway—the country is stunning year-round. However, if you’re hoping for warmer temperatures and a possible glimpse at the renowned midnight sun, summertime is a great season to take Norway group tours. Just keep in mind that it's a popular time to visit, so prices are higher and crowds are bigger.

The off-seasons, spring and fall, are great times to book Norway tour packages if you’re looking for fewer crowds and (hopefully) more sunny days. Snowmelt in the spring means waterfalls and rivers will be at their peak, which makes cruising along the fjords even more spectacular.

The famous northern lights can be seen when Norway’s skies are at their darkest, which is during the winter months. However, the snow, rainfall, and cloudy skies from December through February make this a less-than-ideal time to take Norway group tours. Instead, opt for Norway tour packages that depart in March or from September through October, when the skies are still relatively dark, to seek out the aurora borealis.

Of all the beautiful things to see on trips to Norway, the fjord region is one of the most spectacular. Set off on our Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark tour to see just what we mean! Cruising through the narrow waterways while admiring soaring mountains, cascading waterfalls, and cliffside villages like Flåm is the best way to explore this otherworldly landscape. Embark on one of our fjord region tours to get an up-close look at Norway's spectacular scenery alongside local experts.

Go beyond the fjord region to discover stunning, historic cities on Norway tours. The capital of Bergen is home a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen district and city center, and you can learn about Viking history inside Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum.

One of the best things about going on Norway guided tours is digging into the cuisine. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries. Plus, thanks to an extensive coastline, there are plenty of seafood dishes for travelers to enjoy on Norway tours. Here are some of the varied dishes you can try on trips to Norway.

• Everything from smoked salmon and shellfish to pickled herring and scrod
• Lamb is the most traditional meat, but other classic Norwegian dishes also feature goose and deer
• Polse, which are boiled Norwegian hotdogs served in a thin tortilla with vegetables and sauces (they are a relatively cheap snack and are readily available in Oslo on Norway tours!)
• Open-faced sandwiches called smørbrød are also popular, and feature favorites like smoked fish, shrimp, or cheese
• Potato dumplings called kumla
• Lefse, a sweetened flatbread topped with butter, sugar, and cinnamon

No matter the season, you’re likely to experience all types of weather on escorted tours of Norway, so packing the essentials is important. Rain is not uncommon, so bringing layers is a sure way to be prepared in case the temperature changes or it starts to rain. A waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes are a must, and scarves comes in handy.

Scandinavians typically wear laid-back, functional clothing, and one favorite material is wool. Fit in with the locals on Norway guided tours and be ready while you're out exploring by packing a wool sweater. Norwegians also enjoy sitting outside even on chilly days; layer up and take in the local scene at outdoor cafes and beyond while on Norway small group tours.