The best time to visit Scandinavia is the summer season as it bustles and sparkles in the July and August sun. This period is the peak tourist season, when all the sightseeing attractions are open and in full-swing.
Scandinavia covers three kingdoms of Sweden, Norway and Denmark and these three kingdoms are full of lesser known yet breathtaking islands which are must a see! Below are a few of them:
Sweden
1. Styrso
A quiet wooden island where Swedes come to gaze thoughtfully at the bright clapboard houses and the pastry piled tea shops. It takes an hour to reach its southern archipelago from Gothenburg city center making it possible enjoy the busy and bar hopping nights.
2. Tjorn
If you are a sea food lover then this island is ideal for you! The red and white cottages are the bits and pieces of a herring fishery that brought affluence to this island. To enjoy Sweden’s favorite fish just cross a bridge to Herring Island.
3. Koster Islands
Is underwater adventure your passion? Then Koster Islands offer you a variety of such adventures! These islands are surrounded by the national marine park of Sweden i.e. Kosterhavet. The main islands comprise of picturesque beaches with greater treasures lying below the surface. Dive into the deep cold water coral valleys or snorkel through kelp forests and pastures of emerald green eelgrass to explore the thriving lion’s mane jellyfish and bristle worms.
Norway
1. Andoya
Explore the magical marine life at this beautiful Andoya Island also known as Vesteralen where you can see silhouettes of humpback flukes during the sunsets. Also you can watch the whales during midnight sea safaris when the whales are usually close to the shores.
2. Lofoten Islands
If you are a photography freak then Lofoten Islands has a lot more to offer! Growing 1000 meters out of the sea and warmed by Gulf Stream, this wonderful archipelago flaunts some of the premium sceneries and wildlife of Norway.
3. Senja
Steep cliffs plunge to the sea that creates scenery for the neighboring Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands. And if you are looking for some hiking adventure then the Segla Mountain is for you! A four hour track will lead you to a sheer drop cliff top overlooking the Melfjorden, where mountains grow from water.
Denmark
1. Bornholm
Foodies will find this island the most hunger fulfilling one! Every June, top chefs cook delicacies using the local products in the Sol over Gudhjem competition. Bornholm sits between Denmark and Poland which can be reached in 40 minutes flight from Copenhagen.
2. Samso
This green island due to the heating plants and wind turbines is 100 per cent carbon neutral with fully renewable energy making it an ideal place for eco travelers. If you want to explore the culture of the place then during July you can enjoy thriving arts and cultural scenes through Operas.
3. Mon
Due to a lack of light pollution over this island it has earned International Dark Sky Park status so it makes you experience beautiful stargazing at nights. Also during the daylight you can experience some clear and beautiful sights in the sky!
Martin Wynn
Priya
