Nordic tours over land and sea
There’s so much more to the Nordics than any one country can show you. Together, they are unforgettable, with every destination bringing a different perspective on Nordic life. A carefully planned Nordic tour shows you the best of these different places.
Discover handpicked Nordic tours across Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. Designed by experts, our guided and self-guided journeys combine small-group experiences, seamless logistics and unforgettable moments by land and sea.
Why book a Nordic tour?
Few regions offer such extraordinary variety as the Nordics. Every country has its own character, shaped by different landscapes, histories and traditions. They also share certain cultural and geographical characteristics. Combining them on a single tour creates a richer, more varied journey.
You don’t have to pick between the fire and ice of Iceland or the fjords of Norway and Svalbard, the Christmas kitsch of Finnish Lapland or the achingly cool Danish and Swedish capitals. You can see the parts that appeal the most on one tour.
Booking a tour also makes exploring the Nordics effortless. Together, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Svalbard cover an enormous area and travelling through it takes some planning. You’ll encounter multiple languages, cultures and currencies, unpredictable weather and need to navigate remote regions and border crossings.
Choosing a tour means you spend less time organising your travels and more time enjoying them.
What is there to see in each Nordic destination?
Norway
Travelling through Norway is all about taking the scenic route. Our Original Coastal Express ships thread between the islands, fishing villages and cliff-edged fjords of the world’s second-longest coastline. The Flåm Railway climbs from near sea level into the mountains. As you travel north, the scenery shifts from green mountainsides to Arctic landscapes. The Northern Lights dance in winter and, inside the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun shines through summer nights.
Svalbard
Far beyond mainland Norway, Svalbard takes you into the High Arctic. At 78° north, Longyearbyen is one of the world's northernmost settlements. It’s usually the starting point for exploring this extraordinary archipelago, where glaciers spill into icy fjords, walruses loll on beaches and polar bear warning signs mark the border between towns and wilderness. Summer brings endless daylight, while winter plunges the islands into the mysterious darkness of Polar Night.
Finland
Finland's appeal changes dramatically with the seasons. In winter, Finnish Lapland becomes a landscape of snow-laden forests, reindeer and husky sleds, with Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village drawing visitors from around the world. Summer thrives on lakeside cabins, woodland trails and the ritual of sauna followed by a swim. Capital Helsinki is a place of maritime heritage, neoclassical landmarks and sauna traditions.
Iceland
Iceland's landscapes tell the story of an island still being shaped by volcanic forces. Touring here means moving between fire and ice: steaming geysers, volcanoes biding their time, moody black-sand beaches, immense waterfalls and glaciers that descend towards the sea. Follow the Golden Circle from Reykjavík or explore the quieter northern regions, then round off each day with a soak in a steaming geothermal pool for a true taste of Icelandic life.
Sweden
In Sweden, city life and wilderness are rarely far apart. Stockholm spreads across 14 islands, its cobbled Old Town and grand museums just a boat ride from the peaceful Stockholm Archipelago. Journey north through forests and lake country towards Swedish Lapland, where the famous ICEHOTEL and Northern Lights await. Along the way, discover the Swedish tradition of fika – making time for coffee, cake and conversation.
Denmark
Denmark trades towering mountains for colourful harbour towns, hygge (the Danish art of finding pleasure in life's simple moments), sandy coastlines and a rich cultural history. Cycle-friendly Copenhagen is the obvious starting point, with its royal palaces, canals, world-class restaurants and Tivoli Gardens. Beyond the capital, discover Viking ships in Roskilde and castles seemingly lifted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. It’s the ideal gateway to the Nordic region.
When is the best time to go on a Nordic tour?
The best time to visit depends on what type of Nordic experience you want. Across the Nordics, the seasons vary dramatically and there’s always something special to see and do.
In winter, the Northern Lights dance above snow-covered forests and cosy cafés glow against the darkness. October to March is the best time to see the aurora, especially in Norway, Iceland and Finland. Swedish and Finnish Lapland are especially magical at Christmastime, when winter traditions, Santa Claus and his reindeer come out to play.
Come summer, the days stretch late into the night, bringing a soft, lingering light and more time to explore. Spring brings blossom and a sense of anticipation. Autumn feels calmer and ripe with colour.
The northern regions of Sweden, Finland and Norway plus all of Svalbard lie within the Arctic Circle, so if you want to experience the Midnight Sun or Polar Night, book a tour that visits these parts.
Nordic cities are appealing year-round, whether you’re looking for city beaches or Christmas markets. The Norwegian fjords are worth seeing in every season too, dappled with springtime blossom, bathed in summer warmth, dressed in autumn’s fine colours or reflecting snowy peaks in their still waters.
Nordic tours in 2027
From the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights, discover the Nordics in every season. Explore Norway’s fjords, Svalbard’s Arctic wilderness and the landscapes and cultures of Finland, Sweden and Iceland on a journey by land and sea.
Nordic tours in 2028
Chase the Northern Lights across Norway, Finland and Denmark, or combine Norway’s spectacular coastal scenery with memorable rail journeys. Discover the Nordic adventures waiting for you in 2028.
FAQs
Scandinavia refers to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, three countries with closely connected histories, cultures and languages. The Nordic region is broader, encompassing these three nations plus Finland and Iceland, as well as Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland. Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago, is part of Norway.
The five Nordic countries are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, with Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland also part of the wider Nordic region. Hurtigruten's Nordic tours explore Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, combining selected destinations by land and sea.
Yes. Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK), Sweden the Swedish krona (SEK), Denmark the Danish krone (DKK) and Iceland the Icelandic króna (ISK). Finland uses the euro (EUR). Debit and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the region, so you rarely need to carry much cash – although it’s always wise to carry at least a small amount of local currency.
While the Nordic countries share a love of nature and outdoor life, each has its own distinct character. Generally, Norway is famous for its fjords, Iceland for its volcanoes and glaciers, and Finland for its lakes, forests and sauna traditions. Sweden blends wilderness with stylish cities, while Denmark is known for its design, food and hygge.
Layers are essential, whatever the season. Pack comfortable walking shoes, waterproof outerwear and warm clothing, even in summer, when coastal and Arctic weather can be changeable. In winter, add thermal layers, insulated boots, a hat and gloves. Don't forget insect repellent, sunglasses and sunscreen for the long, bright summer days.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the countries visited and the length of your trip. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are part of the Schengen Area. Svalbard is part of Norway but outside the Schengen Area; it does not require a separate Svalbard visa, but travellers who need a Schengen visa to reach it via mainland Norway should ensure their visa allows multiple entries. Before travelling, check the latest passport and visa requirements with the relevant embassies or consulates and official government sources.
Ready to explore the Nordic region with Hurtigruten?
Set sail on a small-group tour or explore independently with every detail arranged. From the Northern Lights to the Midnight Sun, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland are waiting to be discovered.
