Places to Visit in Scandinavia & Finland

Finland and Norway share northern landscapes, but each country has its own character. Finland is built around lakes, islands and a strong capital in Helsinki, while Norway is built around fjords, coastal towns and Arctic scenery. This page sorts the main places by country, with a short note on what each one offers.

Finland: Helsinki and the coast

Helsinki is known for design, architecture and a seaside city atmosphere. Trams, trains, buses, ferries and the metro are widely used, so you can reach most sights without a car. The archipelago and coastal areas around the city offer scenic island travel and outdoor activities, so plan a ferry outing if you enjoy the water.

Finland: Lapland and Rovaniemi

Lapland is the region for the Northern Lights and winter activities. Rovaniemi is the main gateway, with Santa-themed experiences and access to the Arctic. Winter here is very cold and snowy, with short daylight, so plan outdoor time around the daylight hours. Travel in Lapland is slower than in the cities and may need a rental car, a guided transfer or a domestic flight, so confirm the route with your planner.

Finland: the Finnish Lakeland

The Finnish Lakeland is known for lakes, saunas and summer nature. It suits the warmer months of June to August, when the daylight is longest and the weather is at its warmest. Lakeland time works well as a slower part of a trip, between city days in Helsinki and northern travel.

Norway: Oslo

Oslo offers museums, a waterfront and modern city culture. It is the primary gateway for most travellers to Norway, and public transport, including Ruter in Oslo, makes it easy to get around without a car. Oslo suits a first stop in Norway, before a trip to the fjords or the north.

Norway: Bergen and the fjords

Bergen is known for its colourful wharf streets and for access to the fjords. From the city, a fjord day can include the Flåm Railway, a scenic rail journey, and fjord scenery such as the Nærøyfjord. Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's iconic fjords, and ferries are essential for fjord areas and islands. Fjord weather can change quickly, so pack a warm layer.

Norway: Tromsø, Lofoten and the North Cape

Tromsø is known for the Northern Lights and Arctic experiences. The Lofoten Islands offer dramatic landscapes and fishing villages. The North Cape is a classic Arctic stop for travellers who want to reach the far north. These places suit winter and midsummer trips, but travel between them is longer, so confirm the route with your planner. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of Norway's most famous hikes, so check trail conditions before you go.

Places at a glance

• Helsinki: design, architecture and seaside city life.
• Archipelago and coast (Finland): scenic island travel and outdoor activities.
• Lapland and Rovaniemi: Northern Lights, winter activities, Santa-themed experiences and Arctic access.
• Finnish Lakeland: lakes, saunas and summer nature.
• Oslo: museums, the waterfront and modern city culture.
• Bergen: colourful wharf streets and fjord access.
• Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord: iconic fjord scenery.
• Flåm Railway: scenic rail travel.
• Tromsø: Northern Lights and Arctic experiences.
• Lofoten Islands: dramatic landscapes and fishing villages.
• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): one of Norway's most famous hikes.
• North Cape: a classic Arctic stop.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Opening hours, transport timings and access rules can change, so confirm the details with your planner before you travel.

Where to go next

Start with the Scandinavia and Finland travel guide, then read things to do and best time to visit. For a ready plan, see the Norway Fjords 7N package, the Lapland Northern Lights & Santa Village 5N package or the Scandinavia 10N package. Our visa guide for Indians explains what to confirm before you book.