7 extraordinary adventures in Scandinavia you’ll want to book now

From kayaking through vast fjords to herding reindeer and searching for rare eagles, the vast open spaces of Norway, Denmark and Sweden offer experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Here are 7 of th

3 mins

1: Herd reindeer with the Sami

A Sami reindeer herder (Dreamstime)
A Sami reindeer herder (Dreamstime)

Join Sami herders as they move their herd towards the north coast of Norway on this reindeer migration adventure with Regent Holidays.

You’ll be living and herding reindeer with the Sami, sleeping in traditional tents as you help them move the herd across vast frozen lakes, plateaus and mountains. You’ll need to be physically fit, but the rewards are immense as you gain a unique insight into the Sami way of life.

Trip: Reindeer Spring Migration Adventure

Who: Regent Holidays

When: 10 April, 2018

How long: 7 days

How much: POA

  

2: Explore Denmark’s extraordinary coast

Hiking along the Danish coast (Dreamstime)
Hiking along the Danish coast (Dreamstime)

Discover the vast sandy beaches and impressive Viking heritage of Denmark’s varied coastline on this 10-day hike with Ramblers Walking holidays.

Combining epic shore walks with side-trips to important historical towns and sites, you’ll experience Denmark’s remarkable wild places and its equally remarkable past. You’ll visit Iron Age and Viking graves in Lindholm Hie, drop by the historic market town of Aabenraa, and trek across the lakeland setting of Rands Fjord. Finally, you’ll sail through Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest waterway, a 60-mile jourmey that will take you from the North Sea to the Baltic.

Trip: Danish Waterways (Grade 2)

Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays

When: 6 May 2018

How long: 10 days

How much: £1,425 (exc. flights)

  

3: Kayak Norway’s spectacular western fjords

Canoeing in Norway’s fjords (Dreamstime)
Canoes in Norway’s fjords (Dreamstime)

Lose yourself in the majesty of the fjords of western Norway on this 6-day kayak adventure with Evaneos.

Starting beside the waterfalls Of Geirangerfjord, you will paddle amongst coastal islands, cross the great Storford, and wild camp at historical sites each night, enjoying fresh fish cooked over an open fire. There will be plenty of opportunities to hike into the mountains as well, but it will be the memory of the sheer size and grandeur of the fjords, seen from water level, that will linger longest.

Trip: The Fjords by Kayak

Who: Evaneos

When: Flexible departure dates

How long: 6 days

How much: £1,120

 

4: Bobsled like an Olympian

Bobsledding (Dreamstime)
Bobsledding (Dreamstime)

Squeeze yourself into a Lycra body suit and hurtle down a mountain at ludicrous speeds on this unique bobsledding weekend in Norway's Lillehammer with Exodus.

You’ll zip down the same run used by Olympians when the Winter Olympics were held in Lillehammer in 1994. Whether you chose to hurtling down the ice in the larger bob-raft or the more hair-raising taxi-bob (the true Olympic discipline) this is your chance to experience pure adrenaline on an unforgettable weekend in southern Norway.

Trip: Lillehammer Bobsled Weekend

Who: Exodus

When: 6 Feb 2018

How long: 3 days

How much: £849 (exc. flights)

  

5: Take the ultimate Scandi city break

Enjoying Gamla Stan in Stockholm (Dreamstime)
Traveller enjoying Gamla Stan in Stockholm (Dreamstime)

Discover the particular joys of urban Scandinavia on this city-focussed tour of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo with Sunvil Discovery.

The Scandinavians enjoy an enviable work/life balance and it is reflected in their cities, which are amongst the most picturesque and natural in Europe with lush parklands, shimmering waterways, medieval centres, world-class museums and innovative, modern architecture. Enjoy it all, and maybe come back with a few ideas to incorporate into your life back home.

Trip: Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo by public transport

Who: Sunvil Discovery

When: Flexible departures throughout 2017

How long: 9 nights

How much: From £1,700 (inc. flights)

 

6: Walk Norway’s Land of the Giants

Looking towards Galdhopiggen (Dreamstime)
Looking towards Galdhopiggen (Dreamstime)

In a land defined by extraordinary treks, this walking holiday in Norway`s Land of the Giants with KE Adventures is regarded as one of its finest.

Your ultimate goal will be climbing to the top of Galdhopiggen, the highest peak in Norway, but along the way you will traverse the Besseggen Ridge, walk across the fairy-tale blue ice of Svellnosbrean glacier and stay in well-appointed mountain refuges, with all meals included.

Trip: Traverse of the Jotunheimen

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: 30 Jun, 14, 28 Jul & 11 Aug 2018

How long: 8 days

How much: £1,395 (exc. flights)

 

7: Photograph Golden Eagles in the wild

Golden Eagle feeding on a fox in Sweden (Dreamstime)
Golden Eagle feeding on a fox in Sweden (Dreamstime)

Encounter Golden Eagles in their natural setting on this birdwatching/photographic trip to Sweden with Wildlife Worldwide.

Golden Eagles are certainly one of Europe’s most impressive and majestic birds, and notoriously difficult to photograph. Based in a remote and rustic base north of Stockholm, you will have access to a hide in the midst of one of the most robust populations in Europe. There are no captive birds in controlled conditions here, just plenty of opportunities to photograph Golden Eagles in a coniferous forest, decorated with snow, and a warm and welcoming forest lodge waiting for you at the end of every day.

Trip: Golden Eagles In Winter

Who: Wildlife Worldwide

When: Flexible departures Jan-Feb 2018

How long: 4 days

How much: From £1,145 (exc. flights)

 

Main image: Man hiking in Norway (Dreamstime)

Related Articles