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Zip up your parka as you set out to explore Scandinavia in 2025 and 2026. Cruise through the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, visiting NorwayFinland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark & Greenland. Discover the region's breathtaking fjords, like those of Scoresbysund, or cross through the Arctic circle to spot whales, polar bears, seals, and sea birds. Don't miss the nighttime spectacle of Aurora Borealis. Other activities offered might include kayaking, hiking and visits to local villages. From Svalbard and Reykjavik to Greenland's ice-capped tundra & coasts, a Scandinavian cruise takes you through one of the most remote and intriguing regions of our planet, perhaps including a visit to the North Pole itself. Contact our travel specialists to start planning.
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10 Best Cruises to Scandinavia for 2025-2026

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Top 10 Luxury Tours & Cruises of Scandinavia

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10 Scandinavia Travel Deals

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special $4,300 8 Jun 12, 2025 Embark on an 8-day cruise to and from Longyearbyen aboard the Ortelius. Explore the pack ice of northern Spitsbergen, offering abundant chances to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and a diverse array of Arctic wildlife.
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North Spitsbergen - Basecamp $4,300 8 Jun 26, 2025 Embark on an 8-day roundtrip cruise from Longyearbyen aboard the Ortelius. Explore the Arctic wonders of North Spitsbergen on the Basecamp cruise. Hike, snowshoe, kayak, and capture the beauty of polar wildlife and landscapes.
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North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More $4,300 8 Jun 10, 2025 Explore the Arctic wonders on an 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer cruise aboard MV Plancius. Encounter polar bears, bowhead whales, and more. Marvel at Monaco Glacier's icy majesty, witness puffins nesting at Ytre Norskoya and sail into the pack ice for a thrilling three-day adventure.
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Svalbard Adventure $6,590 9 Jun 02, 2025 Start your adventure by exploring the High Arctic capital of Longyearbyen before cruising Svalbard for seven days. Depending on weather and ice conditions, potential landing sites include Prins Karls Forland, Danskøya, Hornsund, and numerous fantastic fjords. View charismatic Arctic wildlife and large numbers of nesting seabirds.
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Springtime in Svalbard $6,090 9 May 26, 2025 Visit Svalbard on this 9-day Arctic cruise on the M/S Quest, when the midnight sun reigns supreme. During the month of May, Svalbard is characterized by a wonderful purity and offers breathtaking vistas. The fairy-tale winter landscape is dominated by sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains, fjord ice, and pastel-colored skies.
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Svalbard Adventure $9,590 9 Jun 01, 2025 This unique cruise includes one night in a hotel in Longyearbyen and seven nights on board the charming Stockholm exploring Svalbard’s magical coastlines in search of walruses, whales, arctic foxes, and polar bears.
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Svalbard Adventure $9,090 9 Jun 08, 2025 Explore Svalbard, the Arctic island that has captivated explorers for centuries, on this 8-day voyage aboard the M/S Sjoveien. Spot unique Arctic wildlife and enjoy Svalbard's icy springtime beauty with daily landings on sturdy Zodiac crafts.
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Expedition Svalbard $8,790 12 Jul 12, 2025 On this 12-day voyage on the M/S Quest, explore the magnificent fjords of Svalbard, Norway. Discover the ruins of the thriving 17th-century whaling era. See polar bears and walruses and explore the stunning landscapes and wide tundras of the Arctic by making daily landings aboard Zodiac craft.
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Expedition Svalbard $12,090 12 Jul 11, 2025 The M/S Stockholm will take you on a 12-day tour through the magnificent fjords of Svalbard. Discover relics from the thriving whaling industry in the 17th century. Observe Arctic animals like polar bears and walruses, and explore stunning landscapes and huge tundra on daily landings with Zodiac craft.
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Expedition Svalbard $11,390 12 Jul 01, 2025 Enjoy a 12-day journey on the M/S Sjoveien as you explore the Arctic island of Svalbard in the lovely fall. Discover wildlife, breathtaking fjords, and towering mountain peaks.
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Scandinavia Cruise Guide & Travel Tips

The majestic, ice-covered tundra of Scandinavia proudly crowns the globe. Unlike tropical cruises where snorkeling & tanning are the highlights, here you'll need to bundle up as you get acquainted with the fascinating and unique sites of the Arctic Circle
  • Norway: Witness the incredible biodiversity of the Sea of Okhotsk, where polar bears & seals tread through the waters; Get to know the Spitsbergen archipelago, home to Svalbard Longyearbyen.
     
  • Iceland: Immerse yourself in Norse folklore as you follow in the steps of the Vikings. Explore the West Coast & Ísafjördur, considered by many to be one of the most magnificent fjords in the Arctic. In Reykjavik, museums and buildings preserve ancient artifacts and architecture.
No matter which cruise you choose, you are sure to see the marvelous Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Some cruises even offer exclusive expeditions to the North Pole

 
Getting to Scandinavia
Scandinavia comprises the whole northern region of Europe, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. So depending on where you are traveling from and where you are traveling to, there are a number of options:

From Europe by bus or train: Europe's intricate and consistent bus and train network makes it easy to get a train to most major cities in Scandinavia (other than those in Iceland, of course). Since some destinations require overnight commutes, trains typically provide cabin cars to sleep in.

From Europe by plane: If you are traveling from other parts of Europe that are too far to go by train or bus, then it's easy to find a flight that connects to the major cities in all Scandinavian countries. This is also the only way to get to Iceland.

From the United States, Asia, & Australia: There are many direct flights from both coasts of the United States and throughout Asia. From Australia & New Zealand, you will have to connect via Europe or Asia.

Getting around Scandinavia
If you are already in Scandinavia, a good alternative to land or air transportation is taking a ferry or speedboat. These will take you to most of the major port cities from which the cruises depart.
 

Fun Facts About Scandinavia

  • Land of the Midnight Sun: The northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun during the summer months. Within the Arctic Circle, the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day, creating a captivating natural light display that lasts for several weeks.
  • Fjords of Norway: Norway boasts some of the world's most breathtaking fjords, including the iconic Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. These glacially-carved, steep-sided inlets offer stunning landscapes and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Viking Heritage: Scandinavia is synonymous with Viking history. The Vikings, skilled seafarers and warriors, originated from this region around the eighth to eleventh centuries, leaving an indelible mark on European history and beyond.
  • Sauna Culture in Finland: Finland, renowned for its thousands of lakes, is equally famous for its sauna culture. With over two million saunas in the country (almost one per household), Finns have elevated sauna bathing to a national ritual.
  • Danish Happiness: Denmark frequently ranks among the top countries on global happiness indices. The concept of "hygge," a Danish cultural phenomenon centered around coziness and well-being, is credited for contributing to the nation's overall contentment.
  • Lapland's Northern Lights: Lapland, stretching across parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, is a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The region's vast, dark skies provide a canvas for this celestial light display.
  • Allemansrätten in Sweden: "Allemansrätten," meaning the Right of Public Access, grants everyone the freedom to roam in nature. This unique concept allows people to explore and camp on most uncultivated land, fostering a deep connection to the outdoors.
  • Green Energy Leadership: Scandinavia is at the forefront of sustainable energy. Norway relies on hydropower, Sweden on a mix of renewable sources, and Denmark is a wind power pioneer, consistently ranking among the world leaders in wind energy production.
  • The Sami People: Indigenous to the Arctic region, the Sami people have a rich cultural heritage spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle revolves around reindeer herding, and they have a distinct language and vibrant folk traditions.
  • World's Oldest Parliament in Iceland: Iceland is home to the world's oldest parliament, the Alþingi, established in 930 AD. Meeting at Þingvellir National Park, it exemplifies Iceland's historical commitment to democratic governance.
  • Noma - Culinary Excellence in Denmark: Renowned restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best in the world. Chef René Redzepi's innovative approach incorporates local Nordic ingredients, showcasing the region's culinary prowess.

For more info on specific destinations, click on the countries below.

Scandinavia FAQs

What countries are part of Scandinavia?

Scandinavia traditionally includes three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Sometimes, Finland and Iceland are also considered part of the broader Nordic region.

What is the best time to visit Scandinavia?

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For warm weather and outdoor activities, visit between June and August. For winter sports and to experience the Northern Lights, plan your trip between December and March.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scandinavia?

If you are from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

What is the currency used in Scandinavian countries?

Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), and Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK), while the currency used in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some local currency for smaller establishments.

Is English widely spoken in Scandinavia?

Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in all Scandinavian countries. Most people, especially in urban areas and in the service industry, speak English fluently.

How do I get around in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia has an excellent public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect major cities and towns, providing reliable and efficient travel options. Domestic flights are also available for faster travel between distant locations. Renting a car is a good option for exploring remote areas and enjoying scenic drives at your own pace. However, cruises may be one of the best ways to explore multiple countries and gain direct access to more remote towns and natural sites. Scandinavian cruises often include stops in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and sometimes extend to Finland and Iceland. They offer the opportunity to see stunning fjords, picturesque coastal villages, and historic cities, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a floating hotel. 

What should I pack for my trip to Scandinavia?

Pack layers to accommodate changing weather. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. If visiting in winter, bring thermal clothing, a warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for exploring cities and nature.

Are Scandinavia's natural attractions accessible year-round?

Many natural attractions are accessible year-round, but some may be best visited in specific seasons. For example, hiking and fjord tours are popular in summer, while winter sports and Northern Lights viewing are winter highlights.

What are some must-see attractions in Scandinavia?

Must-see attractions include Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid statue in Denmark. Norway’s fjords, Bergen, and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. Or Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, all located in Sweden.

Is Scandinavia expensive to visit?

Scandinavia is known for its high cost of living. Accommodation, dining, and activities can be pricey. To save money, consider staying in budget accommodations, eating at local markets or self-catering, and taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions.

Can I use my mobile phone in Scandinavia?

Yes, mobile phone coverage is excellent. If you have an EU SIM card, you can use it without additional roaming charges. Otherwise, consider buying a local SIM card or checking with your provider about international plans.

Are there any health precautions I need to take?

Scandinavia has high healthcare standards. No special vaccinations are required. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

What are the emergency numbers in Scandinavia?

The general emergency number for all official Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) is 112.

What cultural etiquette should I be aware of?

Scandinavians value punctuality and privacy. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.

What electrical plugs are used in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia uses Type C and F electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Make sure to bring a suitable adapter if your devices use a different plug type.

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