Every year, thousands and thousands of people travel south for holidays under clear, warm skies. However, the Nordic countries are home to a spectacular list of unique natural experiences, which cannot be compared in any way to Spain's sunshine or Italy's ice cream, but which will guarantee you wonderful holiday memories for life.
Here is our suggestion for the 10 best natural experiences in the Nordic countries, which includes everything from steep mountaintops and deep fjords in Norway to a winter paradise with a chance to witness the aurora borealis in Sweden – not to mention the wild fields in Finland and wilderness of Denmark.
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Møns Klint (Denmark)
Raging nature and a meeting of the extremes
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On the small island in south Zealand called Møn, you'll find a special staircase in the middle of the forest. The staircase is not just special because it is Denmark's longest, but also because a unique sight awaits you at the end of the 497 steps. Here, the white walls of chalk of Møns Klint, deposited during the last ice age, tower above the crystal-clear sea. At the very top, you can find an explosion of green jungle, with beech trees that are over 400 years old.
Explore Møns Klint from the water by walking along the coast, and go fossil hunting in the chalk layers, which date back millions of years. You can also explore the cliff from the forest above, from where you will have an impressive view of the white slope against the background of the endless sea.
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Thy National Park (Denmark)
Explore Denmark's largest wilderness and first national park
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Thy National Park (Nationalpark Thy) is home to a 7.5-mile-long coastline, which starts in Agger in the south and ends in Hanstholm towards the north. The unique landscape of the national park was shaped by hundreds of years of sand drift, and the endless moors and dune plantations offer everything from hikes and bike rides to tours on horseback.
At Thy National Park it's easy to see the true power of the North Sea. Here, massive waves splash onto the beach, leaving behind piles of perforated stones, mussel shells of different sizes and colours and, in rare cases, amber. Apart from the long sandy beach with the wild sea and cliffs covered by sporadic plots of grass, Lodbjerg Lighthouse (Lodbjerg Fyr) and Stenbjerg Landingsplads are some of the national park's most visited landmarks. Just drop by and you'll quickly understand why.
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Åndalsnes (Norway)
Dramatic peaks, vast fjords and plenty of adrenaline rushes
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Are you visiting Åndalsnes? Then you can prepare yourself to experience some of Norway's most beautiful nature, with everything from impressive mountain peaks to enchanting fjords. One of the things you can do in and around Åndalsnes is to climb a staircase built with stones from Nepal, which takes you to a fantastic observation post with a view of the calm waters of the fjord and the dramatic mountains. You can also drive down Trollstigen, which with its 11 hairpin bends, is sure to give you an adrenaline rush you won't soon forget.
With its tall mountain peaks, the area is home to numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. One of the more physically-demanding tours goes from Romdalseggen, where you get a unique view of the mountains and fjords.
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Bodø (Norway)
The gateway to Norway's huge mountains
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Bodø is a town in northern Norway, located on a peninsula by Saltfjorden. Here, you can experience the world's strongest tidal currents in March, midnight sun during the summer and steep mountain peaks, which you can admire from a distance or close up.
For many visitors, Bodø is an exciting stepping stone to Lofoten, an archipelago in the north Atlantic, or the gateway to Børvasstindene, a mountain chain with peaks exceeding 3,300 feet in height and which offers a fantastic view of deep forests, crystal-clear lakes and snow-clad mountains. However, Bodø is much more than a stop on the way. The town offers lots of exciting experiences such as small mountain tours, hikes along the coast, dog sledding (during winter) and a wealth of activities on the fjord.
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Trollfjorden (Norway)
Experience magic and mystique on black water surrounded by sharp peaks
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Even though Trollfjorden is just 2 miles long, this magical fjord, which is surrounded by steep cliffs, is certainly worth a visit – particularly if you are looking for a dramatic experience in nature. Imagine sailing in silence through the just 330-foot-wide passage into Trollfjorden, where you'll be surrounded by tall mountain peaks, which cast their shadows and cover the deep water in darkness, creating an atmosphere of magic and mystique. Trollfjorden can also be viewed from above by hiking 6 miles through mountainous terrain, which is certainly worth the effort.
The fjord is in Lofoten, a small archipelago located in the North Atlantic, and it is best known for its captivating nature – and Trollfjorden is a great example!
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Lahti (Finland)
Explore an untouched national park in the southern part of Finland
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Lahti in Finland is a dream destination for those of you who love outdoor activities surrounded by spectacular nature. This town in the southern part of Finland is in an epicentre of unique natural experiences for tourists looking for all sorts of adventure.
One of the most visited natural areas in Lahti is Päijänne National Park, with its 50 uninhabited islands spreading across the untouched Päijänne lake – and it's easy to see why. Explore the national park's sandy bays and coastlines with cliffs, and see if you are lucky enough to spot the osprey, which sometimes flies low over the clear water of the lake.
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Lappeenranta (Finland)
A town on the border to Russia, by Finland's largest lake
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Along the banks of Finland's largest lake, Saimaa, you'll find Lappeenranta. Apart from its exciting history, which includes both Swedish and Russian rule, you'll find incredibly beautiful nature in the area around Lappeenranta, which attracts numerous tourists from near and far every year.
Explore the Saimaa lake by canoe, kayak or row boat, or follow the 9-mile-long Rantaraitti route by foot or on bike along the banks of the lake. For the more advanced hikers, the area around Lappeenranta offers a large network of hiking trails, all of which take you past several observation posts from where you can admire the enchanting lake.
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Abisko (Sweden)
Unique hiking trails and magical aurora borealis in Lapland
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All the way up in the northern-most part of Sweden, you can find the winter paradise Abisko. Surrounded by impressive mountains, this small town is a true oasis for adventure-hungry hikers looking for new and different experiences in nature. And if Abisko has one thing in abundance, it is natural landmarks!
With its location north of the Arctic Circle, Abisko is a prized destination for travellers who want to experience the unique and truly magical natural phenomenon called the aurora borealis or northern lights. In addition, the area's Abisko National Park invites you for unique hikes that take you through lush valleys, past roaring waterfalls and close to Sweden's tallest mountain, Kebnekaise.
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Grinda (Sweden)
Charge your batteries in a nature reserve off the coast of Stockholm
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In the Swedish archipelago off the coast of Stockholm, you can find the small island of Grinda. Grinda is just one of the more than 30,000 small islands that make up Stockholm's archipelago, and if you really need to unplug and recharge your batteries surrounded by beautiful nature, this island is certainly the place for you.
Grinda offers some well-deserved breathing space, away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city – even though the island is no more than an hour away by boat. In the midst of this nature reserve, you can go on beautiful excursions in nature in a landscape characterised by rough cliffs and a calm sea.
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Skåne (Sweden)
Go on an adventure in nature that resembles a virgin forest
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Skåne is full of nature reserves – in fact, you'll find around 20 different nature reserves just waiting to be explored. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your walking stick, or jump in the saddle and experience Skåne's nature on horseback. Regardless of the way you choose to transport yourself through the beautiful natural surroundings, you are guaranteed a beautiful experience in nature which exceeds all expectations.
Skåne offers a different natural setting, with woods that resemble virgin forests as well as rugged cliffs, roaring waterfalls, rich fauna, unusual plants and beautiful sandy beaches.
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