Scandinavia

Natural Beauty, Breathtaking Fjords, and Historic Castles Await you on a Scandinavian Cruise

Scandinavia is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. The term Scandinavia in local usage covers the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In English usage, Scandinavia also sometimes refers more narrowly to the Scandinavian Peninsula, or more broadly so as to include the Åland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Finland and Iceland. The broader definition is similar to what are locally called the Nordic countries, which also include the remote Norwegian islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayen and Greenland, a constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark. The geography of Scandinavia is extremely varied. Notable are the Norwegian fjords, the Scandinavian Mountains, the flat, low areas in Denmark and the archipelagos of Sweden and Norway. Sweden has many lakes and moraines, legacies of the ice age, which ended about ten millennia ago. 

Norway. Nature isn’t just a backdrop here, it’s the star of the show. From towering granite peaks to achingly beautiful fjords, Norway doesn’t hold back when it comes to unforgettable moments and landscapes. Hike the rugged coastline under the otherworldly glow of the midnight sun or explore the Svalbard archipelago on an expedition voyage. Chase Tromso’s Northern Lights, explore the Lofoten Islands’ colourful fishing villages or take the Bergen Railway past alpine lakes and ancient glaciers. Discover a land of friluftsliv (open-air living), of koselig (feeling cosy and content), and find out for yourself why Norwegians rate themselves as some of the happiest people on this beautiful planet.

Denmark. With a Royal family who can trace their descendants back 1,000 years to the Viking kings who ruled Denmark, castles which featured in one of the world’s most famous plays written by no less than William Shakespeare, and a reputation for wellness and contentment which is wrapped up into one Danish word, “hygge”, Denmark is a destination full of cultural highlights, history and wild landscapes waiting to be uncovered. With the least extreme climate of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark’s weather makes it easy to visit at any time of year. Spring offers up brilliant sunny days, cloudless skies, blossoming gardens and local festivities. Summer is the busiest time of year, with long hours of daylight and warmer weather encouraging locals and visitors alike to get outdoors to explore the countryside. Autumn puts on a spectacular show of colours as the leaves begin to turn and along the coast temperatures begin to drop. The chilly winter months are best spent indoors, but there are plenty of winter activities to be enjoyed for those prepared for the elements!

Sweden. More than just ABBA, IKEA and Volvo, Sweden is a nature-lover’s paradise of pine, spruce and birch forests, crystal-clear lakes, traditional Sámi culture and unspoiled islands. Sweden's constitution encourages all Swedes to embrace and explore the open landscapes and roam freely through the countryside. Allemansrätten, or Right of Public Access gives anyone access to Sweden’s areas of natural beauty. With this comes great responsibility, and respect for the environment has become part of the Swedish national identity. Basically, be nice and don’t overstay your welcome! 

If you’re after a small ship cruise or an expedition ship cruise to Scandinavia Wild Earth Travel can help you find a trip of a lifetime. We are ready to guide you through our range of different options with impartial advice so you can experience the very best of this unique destination. Our team are all passionate expedition & small cruise ship travellers and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences.