research brief - quick guide to scandinavia countries

Visit Scandinavia and you can explore cities known for their cutting-edge design and culture, visit tiny villages perched on mountain tops, and enjoy endless opportunities for getting outdoors and close to unspoilt nature.

The Scandinavian countries share certain geographical and cultural characteristics that make them totally different from other parts of the world.

Apart from Denmark, all of the Scandi countries have land within the Arctic Circle and experience extreme variations in length of day and night – from 24 hours of daylight in summer (the midnight sun) to 24 hours of darkness in winter (the polar night). 

All of the Scandinavian nations are rightly proud of their natural environment, and wherever you go you’ll find that people seem to love outdoor activities, from wild swimming and long-distance cycling to Arctic skiing and wildlife watching. 

Denmark

Although all Scandinavian countries have their equivalent of the natural urge for cosiness and comfort, it’s the Danish hygge that has really caught the popular imagination. 

So if you decide to visit Denmark, this is your chance to light some candles, cosy up in a warm jumper, and enjoy a comforting drink in front of a roaring (and preferably very stylish) roaring fire!

t was Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant that spearheaded the trend for New Nordic cuisine, with chefs Claus Meyer and Rene Redzepi using local and seasonal ingredients – think reindeer, moss and sea buckthorn – to create fine-dining meals.

Denmark is the spiritual and historical home of the Vikings – and you don’t have to venture far from the capital to see evidence of their influence on the country.

Norway

Along its 63,000 miles of twisting coastline, Norway has more than 1000 stunningly dramatic fjords – these are some of the best ones. 

These deep inlets formed by glaciers during the Ice Age are considered so important geographically that they have Unesco heritage status. 

One of the world’s most scenic railways, and the highest in northern Europe, the Flåmsbanawinds its way from Myrdal along the picturesque Flåm valley to the spectacular Sognefjord.

Sweden

With more than 24,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago alone, Sweden is a great place to jump on a ferry for a spot of island-hopping.

Sweden has some of the world’s most spectacular hiking trails, with around 40 long-distance footpaths covering the country.

Wolves, moose, beavers, reindeer – and even bears – can all be found in Sweden if you know where to look. The best way to improve your chances of an encounter is to join one of the many wildlife watching tours.

Reasons why the Scandi countries rate so highly include a lack of corruption, high life expectancy, good health and social care, high incomes, and low levels of gender and wealth inequality.

So if you’re okay with cold weather and relatively high living costs, the Scandinavian countries are a great bet.