5 Scandinavian City Breaks to Consider This Winter

“Cool holidays” have become the summer trend to escape the heat. The popularity of Scandinavian holidays is expected to continue into winter. The region’s top tourist destinations are set to experience a tourism boom this winter, with travelers looking to take advantage of the peak of the Northern Lights cycle and fly on new direct airline routes, among other factors.

In Scandinavia, winter falls into two phases. At the beginning of winter, around Christmas, the nights are long and dark, illuminated by festive lights. In February and March, the white winter begins, with snowy landscapes, longer days and an explosion of winter sports, festivals and vibrant energy.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, enjoying a Christmas market or looking for a unique city break, here are five destinations to consider this winter in Scandinavia and the Nordic countries.

Tromsø, Norway

Considered the Arctic capital of Norway, Tromsø is a vibrant city that offers plenty of fun winter experiences for visitors. New direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe will only further enhance its appeal as a top winter destination.

Why Tromsø? Tromsø is a great base for hunting the Northern Lights, with many tours designed to help you track the lights through the Arctic wilderness. But there’s more to Tromsø than just the Northern Lights. During the day, you can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Must-do in Tromsø:Husky sleigh rides or a visit to a husky shelter are fun winter experiences for the whole family. Take the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. Visit the Polar Museum to learn more about Norway’s most famous polar explorers and their incredible expeditions.

Where to stay:Despite its relatively small size, Tromsø has a good range of quality hotels along the waterfront. Radisson Blu and Scandic Ishavshotel are two good choices, both located at the end of the short bus route from the airport.

Who’s flying there? Budget airline EasyJet has announced direct flights to Tromsø for the winter season from Bristol, London Gatwick and Manchester, as well as Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan and Paris. British Airways will also offer direct flights from London Heathrow for the first time this winter.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, is a charming destination for a winter getaway, offering urban sophistication and cultural attractions with fewer crowds than Stockholm.

Why Gothenburg? Gothenburg is known for its warm atmosphere, perfect for winter walks. The Liseberg Christmas Market is one of the largest in Scandinavia, offering a festive atmosphere for all ages. Gothenburg is also a great destination for foodies, with its reputation for fresh seafood and a growing number of renowned restaurants.

Must-do in Gothenburg:If you’re traveling in December, wander around the Liseberg Christmas Market for festive treats and gifts. Take a boat trip to the various islands of the Gothenburg archipelago to get a glimpse of the wild Scandinavian coast in its winter coat.

Where to stay:Known for its luxury and unique style, Hotel Pigalle in the heart of Gothenburg offers an opulent atmosphere inspired by early 1900s Paris, with a decadent bar and charming restaurant. Another top choice is The Upper House, which offers five-star luxury atop the Gothia Towers, with modern interiors and a glass-bottomed pool.

Who’s flying there? Sweden’s second largest airport receives direct flights from London on British Airways, and from other UK airports and across Europe on Ryanair.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Relatively easy to reach from all over Scandinavia with several direct flights from Helsinki, Rovaniemi offers a taste of the real Nordic winter.

Why Rovaniemi? Thanks to its inland location, snow is almost guaranteed throughout the season, making Rovaniemi the ultimate winter experience, where you can meet Santa Claus and experience the raw beauty of the Arctic region.

Must-do in Rovaniemi:Meet Santa and his reindeer at Santa Claus Village, a must-see for families. Ride a husky sleigh through snowy forests, visit the Arktikum science museum to learn about life in the Arctic, or go hunting for the Northern Lights. Just wrap up warm!

Where to stay:The diverse accommodation options are another reason to consider a winter trip to Rovaniemi. Ideal for families, the Santa Claus Holiday Village offers cosy cabins close to the winter park, while the design-focused Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers luxurious nest-like accommodation with panoramic windows amidst the treetops.

Who’s flying there? This winter, EasyJet is offering direct flights from several UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. TUI also offers pre-Christmas flights from several airports, while there are plenty of connections via Helsinki throughout the year.

Aarhus, Denmark

Copenhagen is a great choice for a winter holiday, but Aarhus effortlessly blends old and new, while presenting fascinating cultural and culinary experiences, without the crowds of the capital.

Why Aarhus? Stroll through the Latin Quarter with its cobblestone streets and charming boutiques, or visit the futuristic art museum ARoS Aarhus. Aarhus is also known for its food scene, which boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and many cozy cafés.

Must-do in Aarhus: Explore the ARoS art museum, especially the “rainbow panorama” for a unique view of the city. The game byan open-air museum that recreates Danish life in the past.

Where to stay:Hotel Royal is a luxurious property housed in a historic neoclassical building known for its elegant interiors. Villa Provence is a charming boutique hotel, while Hotel Oasia is a stylish option known for its Nordic design and proximity to the train station.

Who’s flying there? Aarhus Airport is small but offers direct flights from London with Ryanair and from all three Scandinavian capitals with SAS. You can also fly to Copenhagen and combine a stay in the Danish capital with a visit to Aarhus. Direct trains run frequently between Copenhagen and Aarhus, the journey takes about 3 hours.

Oslo, Norway

The only capital city on this list, Oslo achieves this thanks to its skiing opportunities within the city itself, as well as its multitude of cultural and festive activities.

Why Oslo? Oslo offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. You can spend the day skiing at Skimore Oslo, just a short metro ride from the city center, and the evening enjoying a fine dining experience. If you’re visiting Oslo in December, the Christmas market is a must.

Must-do in Oslo:Ski at Oslo Winter Park or go cross-country skiing in the forest. Visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum for a dive into the history of skiing in Norway. Join the fjord sauna trend, where you can alternate between steaming saunas and swimming in the cool fjord.

Where to stay:Located in the trendy Tjuvholmen district, The Thief is a luxury accommodation renowned for its stylish design and proximity to art galleries and high-end restaurants. Amerikalinjen is a chic boutique hotel housed in a former shipping company headquarters. It offers a lively atmosphere with live jazz, modern décor and a fantastic location close to Oslo’s transport hub and many of the city’s main attractions.

Who’s flying there? Direct flights to Oslo are available from several UK airports by British Airways, EasyJet, Norwegian, SAS and Ryanair. Long-haul flights from many North American destinations are available by Norse Atlantic Airways and SAS.