I had the opportunity to backpack around Scandinavia for about 3 weeks during the Christmas season and it was incredible. Christmas is Scandinavia is unlike any Christmas back home (New York). With a lack of better words, its more romantic and simplistic. Think soft white lights, hand cut paper and wooden ornaments, a simple star hanging in windows of homes, and pine tree clippings hung in shops. In comparison to the over-the-top rainbow lights, giant Santas and Snowmen decor we have in the States.

Scandinavia truly transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Offering enchanting cities, cozy traditions, and breathtaking snowy landscapes. Traveling through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway with just your backpack, you’ll experience a mix of vibrant holiday markets, iconic landmarks, and the magic of Nordic nature. Here’s a perfect itinerary for your Scandinavian adventure, starting in Copenhagen; the largest airport in Scandinavia with usually the cheapest flights to the region.

Scandinavia Packing List

Travel Scandinavia for Christmas Itinerary

First Stop: Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a great place to start any trip to the region. It has the largest airport in all of Scandinavia and usually the cheapest flights to the region. Copenhagen is renowned for its hygge culture—an untranslatable Danish word for coziness and warmth—which you’ll feel everywhere, especially in the candlelit cafes. The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore all the highlights.

Copenhagen Highlights:

• Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market: A dazzling wonderland with holiday stalls and festive treats. Check it out in the evening. The rides here are expensive but still go for the park for the vibes. 
• Nyhavn: Stroll along the iconic harbor lit up with Christmas cheer.
• Rosenborg Castle: Admire the royal crown jewels in a wintry setting.
• Christiania Neighborhood: Explore Copenhagen's artistic side in this unique enclave. Go during the day time as it can be a little uncomfortable seeing folks openly sell marijuana and be all free spirited.

Day Trip to Malmo, Sweden (roughly 30 minutes by train)

A short train ride across the iconic Oresund Bridge brings you to Malmo, a Swedish city brimming with character and charm. Known for its modern architecture and historic squares, Malmo is a delightful blend of old and new, perfect for a festive day trip.

• Lilla Torg: Enjoy the quaint Christmas market in this picturesque square.
• Malmo Castle: Dive into Swedish history and culture.
• Lund: A really pretty village known for their universities and student life.

TIP: If you plan on doing serious Christmas shopping, do it in Sweden. It will be less expensive to shop in Sweden than in Denmark or Norway. Besides for the Christmas markets, Malmo has a massive shopping mall right off the train line called Emporia.

 

(Nyhavn in Copenhagen)

Aarhus, Denmark (3 hours by train from Copenhagen)

Denmark’s second largest city offers an intimate mix of history, modern art, and unique winter activities. It’s a hidden gem that provides an authentic Danish experience during the festive season with an amazing food scene. While there, try the flæskesteg (or flæskesteg sandwich).

Aarhus Highlights:

• Marselisborg Deer Park: Hand-feed "friendly" deer in a serene natural park just outside the city. Bring some carrots and walk under the snow-dusted trees. Most of the deer are friendly, some of the bigger deer (they have darker and thicker fur) are known to charge other deer and even hurt people.
• Den Gamle By (The Old Town): Immerse yourself in Danish history with a village re-creating life in centuries past, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
• ARoS Art Museum: Walk through Your Rainbow Panorama for stunning views of Aarhus. Awesome for photographs!

 (Deer Park in Aarhus)

Gothenburg, Sweden (Train to Frederikshavn, ferry to Gothenburg, ~6 hours total)

Known as Sweden’s Christmas City, Gothenburg is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and festive spirit. This seaside city is home to Liseberg, Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, which transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland during the holidays. Its historic neighborhoods, like Haga, offer cafes and charming boutiques.

Gothenburg Highlights:

• Liseberg Amusement Park: Sweden’s largest Christmas market brimming with lights, mulled wine, and skating rinks.
• Haga District: Wander cobblestone streets and savor oversized cinnamon buns during fika.
• Archipelago Ferry Ride: Discover peaceful winter views of nearby islands.
• Swedish Spa Experience: Relax at Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa (or similar), a Nordic retreat perfect for unwinding. Definitely try dunking yourself in the frigid sea waters!
• Christmas Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Swedish julbord featuring herring, meatballs, and glogg. Reservations are usually a must for Christmas dinner as they are buffet style and can be a little pricey. Christmas dinner is definitely worth it though!

Oslo, Norway (Train to Oslo, 4 hours)

As Norway’s capital, Oslo is a hub of culture and natural beauty, where modern design meets snow-covered landscapes. The city’s rich Viking history and contemporary attractions make it a unique stop.

Oslo Highlights:

• Oslo Christmas Market: Enjoy Norwegian delicacies and crafts at Spikersuppa.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park: Wander through snow-covered sculptures in this unique park.
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum: Explore Norway’s skiing history with stunning city views.
• Fjord Sauna: Warm up with a steamy session in a floating sauna.

People come to Norway for the nature. At this point of the trip, you may need a little break from the Christmas market culture. Oslo is still worth visiting but just get ready for the amazing nature you'll see when you when you arrive to Bergen.

 

 

Bergen, Norway (Train to Bergen via Flåm, 8 hours with the scenic Flåm Railway)

Nestled between fjords and mountains, Bergen offers breathtaking views and a rich maritime history. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts colorful wooden houses along Bryggen Wharf and easy access to Norway’s iconic fjords. It’s the ideal destination for embracing the magic of the Arctic landscape.

Bergen Highlights:

• Bryggen Wharf: Stroll along colorful, UNESCO-protected wooden houses.
• Fløibanen Funicular: Ascend for panoramic views of snow-covered Bergen.
• Fjord Tours: Immerse yourself in the famous Norwegian fjords with icy waters and towering cliffs.
• Mount Ulriken: Ride the cable car to the highest peak in Bergen for panoramic views, or hike to the summit for a more immersive experience in the winter wilderness.

 

The Arctic Circle (Flight of choice!)

From Bergen, head north to experience the Arctic Circle's ethereal beauty. Depending on your interests and what flights are available, head to any of the following destinations. They are all super pretty and will be your best chance to see the northern lights in Scandinavia.

• Lofoten Islands (Norway): Known for their rugged peaks, fishing villages, and Northern Lights, Lofoten offers unmatched coastal beauty. You can enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, or cozying up in a “rorbuer” cabin.
• Tromsø (Norway): Dubbed the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø is perfect for Northern Lights tours, dog sledding, and visiting the Polar Museum.
• Kiruna (Sweden): Home to the world-famous Icehotel, Kiruna also offers opportunities to experience Sami culture and snowmobiling.
• Abisko (Sweden): Located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko is a premier destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts due to its clear skies and pristine surroundings. The Abisko National Park offers incredible opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. A visit to the Aurora Sky Station is a must for an unparalleled view of the Arctic night sky.

Arctic Highlights:

• Sami Culture: Meet the indigenous Sami people, learn about their traditions, and try reindeer sledding. They have awesome holiday traditions too!
• Northern Lights: Witness the auroras, the arctic is one of the best spots in the world for this phenomenon.
• Dog Sledding & Snowmobiling: Thrill-seekers will enjoy gliding across the Arctic snow.

TIP: Gooseberry jam is a staple from the Arctic and the Sami people. One thing I learned is that jam is considered a liquid by airport security standards. With Gooseberry jam being on the more expensive side, and delicious, check your bag if you plan to bring any home with you. 

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Your final stop is Sweden’s elegant capital, a city spread across 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Stockholm offers a mix of historic charm, modern innovation, and a vibrant Christmas spirit. End your journey with a traditional Swedish julbord (Christmas buffet) and a stroll through its iconic markets.

Stockholm Highlights:

• Gamla Stan Christmas Market: Soak in the charm of Sweden's oldest holiday market in the medieval Old Town.
• Skansen Open-Air Museum: Participate in traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations.
• Ice Skating at Kungsträdgården: Skate in the heart of the city under glittering lights.
• ABBA Museum: Dance through exhibits showcasing the iconic pop group. Let's be real, who doesn't like ABBA?!

 (Typical Christmas Buffet in Sweden)