Scandinavia may not offer tropical sun-kissed beaches or high temperatures, but a cruise around the region provides a chance to delve into the unique history and unforgettable landscapes. Made up of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, each country has its own Viking and medieval tale to share.
A cruise can offer you the best of the region with stops in the major capitals of Oslo in Norway, Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm in Sweden, as well as visits to more unique villages and former fortresses. The headliners of Scandinavia are undoubtedly the scenic Norwegian fjords, and if you’re lucky, you might get to spot the northern lights. And there are plenty of cruises dedicated to these bucket list experiences.
Read more: Why a cruise is the best place to spot the northern lights
For history buffs, it’s hard to top Denmark and Sweden with their medieval towns and culinary delights, and you can often find Scandi port stops and departures from Copenhagen and Stockholm as well as visits to smaller towns and villages during northern Europe itineraries. A range of cruise lines visit Scandinavia, from megaships to smaller luxury brands.
Here is our pick of the best cruises to see Scandinavia.
Best for the Norwegian fjords
Hurtigruten: Lofoten to the West Fjords
Svolvær – Brønnøysund – Trondheim – Bergen
Experience the majestic scenery of the Norwegian fjords on a four-day sailing with Hurtigruten that visits 16 ports along the west coast of Norway. Passengers will be able to visit the fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands and see the famous seascapes of the Helgeland coast with Hurtigruten.
The cruise line offers a hop-on-hop-off service for locals as well as the full cruise experience, including restaurants serving hyper-local, seasonal dishes inspired by the destinations visited.
Regular departures 2025 and 2026. From £754pp.
© Independent Digital News & Media Ltd