15 most popular cities in Scandinavia

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region in the north of Europe. It includes three countries – Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Some researchers also include Iceland in Scandinavia, but the citizens of this state themselves refuse to enter this cultural and historical region for obscure reasons.

If earlier Scandinavia was a very militant region where the culture of battle axes flourished, today these three countries are an 'exporter' of a special lifestyle, implying minimalism and simple life joys. In many ways, we should thank the Swedish company IKEA for this, which has spread all over the world and offers interior and household items with laconic design. In addition, the Scandinavian lifestyle is known for its respectful approach to the environment (including the concept of 'zero waste') and the ability to enjoy the little things. It is from here that the concept of 'hygge', an essential element of Danish culture, which implies comfort and a sense of satisfaction from everyday little things, spread.

The Scandinavian way of life – from minimalistic interiors to contentment with conformist hobbies – is quite interesting. And, of course, many people want to dive into it, since the 'toxic' environment is unlikely to help in achieving that very 'hygge'. And for this it is worth going to Scandinavia.

For those who want to enjoy the minimalistic northern comfort and simple joys of life, we have compiled a rating of the 15 most popular cities in Scandinavia. The Internet was used for the selection. The more often a city is mentioned, the higher its place in the rating.

Rating of the most popular cities in Scandinavia

Nomination	a place	Town	RATING
Rating of the most popular cities in Scandinavia	15	Flekkefjord, Norway	4.1
	14	Uppsala, Sweden	4.2
	13	Skagen, Denmark	4.3
	12	Stavanger, Norway	4.4
	11	Tromsø, Norway	4.5
	10	Aarhus, Denmark	4.5
	9	Trondheim, Norway	4.5
	8	Gothenburg, Sweden	4.6
	7	Geiranger, Norway	4.7
	6	Lillehammer, Norway	4.7
	5	Bergen, Norway	4.7
	4	Malmo, Sweden	4.8
	3	Oslo, Norway	4.8
	2	Copenhagen, Denmark	4.9
	1	Stockholm, Sweden	5.0

15th place: Flekkefjord, Norway

Rating: 4.1

The small Norwegian commune Flekkefjord, located in the south of the country, is far from a tourist mecca. But in vain. If you want to feel the Scandinavian way of life as it is, you should step aside from the well-known tourist routes and go to the hinterland.

Flekkefjord stands on the Atlantic coast, so the climate here is almost always comfortable. You will have to freeze only in winter, when cold winds come from the ocean. The town is surrounded by Norwegian fjords – carved rocks on the seashore, which are small 'bays'. There are also many islands around, but they are not very tourist friendly.

The city lives primarily on the fishing industry. Therefore, the smell of freshly caught herring is felt here even at a distance from the ports. There are several white sandy beaches, but you can comfortably sunbathe on them only in summer.

And there is one more 'but' that should be considered by tourists traveling to this area of ​​Scandinavia. Almost no one here speaks English. The official language of the Flekkefjord commune is Bokmål, one of the Norwegian standards.

Flekkefjord gained popularity in part thanks to the song of the same name by the Russian rock group 'Leap Year'. True, he is only mentioned there – in the first stanza – and no longer plays any role.

14th place: Uppsala, Sweden

Rating: 4.2

Uppsala is located very close to the Swedish capital. It is enough to drive 70 kilometers north of Stockholm – and the tourist will plunge into a completely unusual atmosphere of science and students.

The fact is that the city of Uppsala is built around Uppsala University – one of the most famous and popular scientific institutions in Scandinavia. Every third inhabitant of this settlement is either a student, or a teacher, or a researcher. Uppsala University left an important mark on world science – natural scientist Karl Linnaeus lived and worked here, and a huge number of celestial bodies were discovered at the local observatory.

However, the popularity of Uppsala University at the dawn of its existence was not at all ensured by a scientific contribution to world knowledge. On the basis of this institution, a powerful student community was formed, whose members received the right to a place in a hostel, to participate in competitions and to drink at a discount.

Almost all major attractions in Uppsala are associated with the University. Here you can see a museum with an anatomical theater, a library with a collection of ancient manuscripts and a botanical garden named after Karl Linnaeus, 'grown' on the site of a pharmaceutical garden. Also popular among tourists is the Gothic Uppsala Cathedral with 118-meter spiers – the highest in Scandinavia.

13th place: Skagen, Denmark

Rating: 4.3

The Danish city of Skagen is known for two “things” – huge sand dunes, completely unlike the usual Scandinavian landscape, and the Skagen watch factory, currently owned by the American company Fossil.

If you really go to this city in the north of Denmark, then in the first half of summer. At this time, the local population celebrates the Solstice Day, which has now turned into a full-fledged tourist festival. At this time, songs and fires are sung on the beaches, imitating the Midsommar celebration, which was celebrated in Scandinavia in ancient times.

And after visiting the Midsummer Day, you can go to the old church, now located outside the city. Several centuries ago, it was brought in by the very same sand dunes. They literally mothballed what is now called the 'Buried Church'.

Another reason to visit Skagen is the huge number of small cafes with fish and seafood dishes that are caught right here in the city. True, these restaurants are small, and there are many tourists, so you should book a table in advance. And then you can go to Cape Grenen, where two seas merge – the North and the Baltic. Their waters do not mix and therefore form a visible border, which can be admired from the lighthouse. But you can't swim – it's cold and strong currents.

12th place: Stavanger, Norway

Rating: 4.4

Norway thrives economically thanks to two industries – fishing and oil production. And if seafood is extracted practically throughout the coastal territory of the country, then hydrocarbons are obtained from the land in the city of Stavanger.

There are many oil producing and refining enterprises located around Stavanger. Therefore, the city is prospering economically and constantly growing. But tourists will probably not be very interested in admiring the pipes of factories – and therefore Stavanger offers a lot of historical sights and entertainment centers for them.

So, it is here that one of the largest entertainment centers in Scandinavia is located – 'Concerthus', opened in 2012. If the attractions are not very attractive, then you can go to one of the many museums: sea fishing, canned food, archeology or oil. The city also houses the oldest religious institution in Norway – Stavanger Cathedral.

Stavanger is also known as the 'capital of gothic metal'. It was here that bands such as Theater of Tragedy or Tristania began their creative career. And in this city, an international chess tournament is held annually, in which the Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin became the winner twice.

11th place: Tromsø, Norway

Rating: 4.5

If you want to see Norway as it is presented by frequent illustrations – a cold, unfriendly country – then you should go to the city of Tromsø, located almost 400 km above the Arctic Circle. But, despite the frosty weather, life is in full swing here. Tromsø occupies the island of Tromsø (where its center is located) and the area around it.

Tromsø is home to a huge number of the northernmost sites in the world: a botanical garden, a planetarium, a football club and even a brewery (the locals need to somehow warm up). However, the city is also worth visiting for those who want to touch the religious sites. Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the northernmost in the world; The cathedral is the only one in Norway made entirely of wood.

As in many other Scandinavian cities, many world-renowned musicians were born and raised in Tromsø. The founders of the Röyksopp duo, the arctic-sounding ambient artist Biosphere, Lena Marlin, are all from here.

Tromsø is also known for its multiculturalism. In addition to the Norwegians themselves, more than 100 nationalities live here. The strongest diasporas are Sami, Finnish and Russian.

10th place: Aarhus, Denmark

Rating: 4.5

The Danish city of Aarhus is the second largest in the country. Its population exceeds 250 thousand inhabitants. In addition, it is one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia, first mentioned in historical documents dating back to 948.

In the Middle Ages, Aarhus was the Catholic center of Denmark, Scandinavia and the whole of Northern Europe. However, since the 13th century, religious leaders left it, which led to the decline of the city. And after a century and a half, it was completely devastated by a plague epidemic. The city was practically abandoned until the 19th century, when a railway was laid through it – and this led to a sharp economic and demographic growth.

In 1928, Aarhus University was founded here, which quickly became an important scientific center in Denmark. A large botanical garden was also opened on its base, which today has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. In the Old Town, you can visit many ancient Gothic cathedrals, as well as the museum of the same name, demonstrating how the architecture of Denmark developed in the 16th-17th centuries.

In addition, Aarhus has many interesting museums to visit: art, Vikings, women, history of science and medicine, even fires. The Pig Fountain, built in front of the town hall in 1941, is also popular with tourists.

9th place: Trondheim, Norway

Rating: 4.5

Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway. Even its name refers to those ancient times when the local population was represented by the battle-ax culture (and this is the official name of the archaeological culture). 'Trondheim' in translation from the local language means 'House of the strong'.

In the XI-XII centuries, Trondheim was the capital of Norway. True, with the development of trade, it ceded its status to the city of Bergen. The first buildings of Trondheim were wooden – and as a result, there are at least 15 large-scale fires in the history of the settlement. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, local residents got tired of all this, and the city began to rebuild – stone buildings began to prevail in it.

Trondheim is interesting primarily for the huge Nidaros Cathedral – the most important monument of the Scandinavian Gothic. This religious building was erected on the burial site of St. Olaf. The coronation ceremonies of the monarchs of Norway are held in Nidaros Cathedral. In addition, tourists should visit the House of Rock – a cross between a museum and a concert hall dedicated to heavy music genres.

In Trondheim, in principle, they love music. In addition to the House of Rock, there is the Ringve Museum. It demonstrates more than 2 thousand musical instruments from all over the world.

8th place: Gothenburg, Sweden

Rating: 4.6

Gothenburg is the second largest (and often most important) city in Sweden. It is the country's port gateway – most European passenger and cargo ships arrive here. And it was founded precisely in order to provide Sweden with access to the North Sea – for this purpose it was founded in the 17th century by King Gustav II Adolf.

Gothenburg is one of the most recognizable Swedish cities. The wide avenues are lined with classic Scandinavian-style houses and are periodically interrupted by canals chained in stone banks. There are often examples of modern architecture – amazing and impressive. Gothenburg is favored by the local and visiting elite – there are many cultural centers and trendy restaurants.

And in the summer, Gothenburg is transformed – tourists from all over Europe come here. Someone admires flowers and rare plants in two botanical gardens; others go to the huge natural science museum, where live sharks live and the hot tropics are recreated; still others come here for the huge Liseberg amusement park with dozens of extreme attractions.

Gothenburg is also famous for being the birthplace and birthplace of YouTube blogger PewDewPie, long the most popular on the video platform (and number one in subscribers) until it was overtaken by the Indian T-Series TV channel.

7th place: Geiranger, Norway

Rating: 4.7

Surprisingly, one of the most popular cities in Scandinavia in general and Norway in particular has a population of only 300. In fact, it is just a small village around a large port. And it exists exclusively thanks to tourists.

The fact is that Geiranger is located in an incredibly picturesque place – at the end of the Geirangerfjord chain of fjords. The whole city is located on the side of a cliff. There are also green mountains around. That is why the port of Geiranger is visited by more than 100 cruise ships every year – tourists want to take beautiful photos of the amazing, almost untouched by man, Scandinavian nature.

The Geirangerfjord itself is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fjord is notable for its amazing beauty – dark rocks with snow-capped peaks are covered with emerald greenery, cutting into the sky, and waterfalls fall from a huge height with it. There are many observation points, including those created especially for tourists. Visitors should also visit the local restaurants. The cleanest air and delicious, albeit simple, food from freshly caught seafood literally fill you with the desire to live.

Going to the Geirangerfjord on vacation, it is worth considering one important factor. This is a place for an active lifestyle. To get from one observation point to another, you need to walk several kilometers with a huge difference in altitude. Or ride this distance by bike.

6th place: Lillehammer, Norway

Rating: 4.7

The Norwegian city of Lillehammer gained its fame primarily thanks to the TV series of the same name from one of the American channels. True, its action takes place in New York. But the main character is named after this Norwegian city.

Overall, Lillehammer is a small provincial town in Norway. The population is less than 30 thousand people. Of the sights, the most interesting is the Ethnographic Museum, which has collected more than 180 buildings from various historical periods in Norway; and the Automotive Museum. In addition, you can travel on a paddle steamer, launched in 1856 and still operating.

Lillehammer is well worth a visit in winter – 20 kilometers east of the city is Shushen, one of the largest ski resorts in Scandinavia. There are several Olympic facilities here – an ice arena, a bobsleigh track, a springboard and a freestyle skating rink. All of them were involved in the 1994 Olympics held in Lillehammer, and are still in good condition. So, in 2016, the Youth Winter Olympics were held here.

By the way, the name of the city has nothing to do with hammers. Lillehammer is 'little Hamar'. And Hamar, in turn, is another city and diocese in Norway.

5th place: Bergen, Norway

Rating: 4.7

Bergen is the largest city in Western Norway and the second largest in the country as a whole. A large port and one of the centers of the oil industry – however, hydrocarbons are brought there for processing from Stavanger. In the Middle Ages, Bergen was the capital of the country – and since that time has preserved a unique embankment, a real architectural monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Bergen embankment, called Bryggen, is a complex of commercial buildings made in a characteristic Scandinavian style. It is their appearance that most often inspires artists who need to paint historical or provincial Norway. The chain of three-storey houses with sharp tiled roofs, painted in various shades of brick color, looks very atmospheric and unusual.

In addition to Bryggen, in Bergen you can admire the ancient Bergen white-stone cathedral built in the 12th century; the medieval fortress Bergenhus of the XIII-XVI centuries; the house-museum of Edward Grieg Trollhaugen ('Troll Hill'); as well as a technical museum.

Like many other Norwegian cities, Bergen is home to a multitude of 'hard rock' musicians. Among them is the founder of the band Immortal and drummer Gorgoroth. Also from here is DJ Alan Walker and members of the comedy duo Ylvis, whose song 'What Does The Fox Say?' in 2014 sounded from every vacuum cleaner.

4th place: Malmo, Sweden

Rating: 4.8

Malmö, located in the south of Sweden, is the third largest city in the country. Now it is the most important transport hub of the state, and 300 years ago it was the capital of Skoneland territory. Malmö is a city so beautiful and comfortable that, as of 2017, 45% of its population were immigrants and their families.

Malmö connects Sweden and Denmark. The Eressun Bridge is laid between these two states, so you can simply get from one country to another by car. By the way, this feature is reflected in one of the most popular modern television series in Scandinavia. It's about the detective 'Bridge', telling about the murder on this section of the road. By the way, he filmed in Malmö, so fans of the series can find interesting places here.

In general, Malmö is a real historical monument of friendship between Sweden and Denmark. In the 'Old Town' there are preserved ancient buildings made in the characteristic Danish style. True, the centuries-old fortress walls are no longer there; instead of them, picturesque parks are scattered around the city.

Those who want to touch the world culture should go to the cosmopolitan quarter of Möllevongen, where the immigrant diasporas are concentrated. There are many markets, oriental kebabs, Indian curry houses, Vietnamese noodle and Balkan cafes. From there you can drive to the Öresund embankment, where the 'Spinning Torso' skyscraper rises, one of the new symbols of Sweden and Scandinavia, and there are long river beaches – well-equipped and comfortable.

3rd place: Oslo, Norway

Rating: 4.8

Familiar to every crossword lover from the back pages of infotainment newspapers, Oslo is the capital of Norway and one of the most famous settlements in Scandinavia. It is a huge, modern metropolis with wide roads and high multi-storey buildings.

Oslo in the form in which it appears to tourists and locals is a fairly young city. This is what explains its modern layout and well-thought-out infrastructure. The capital of Norway experienced its rapid growth in the second half of the 20th century – in fact, when it acquired the name Oslo, before that it was called Christiania.

However, the status of the megalopolis and the financial and political center of the country does not at all prevent Oslo from having many historical and cultural attractions in its assets. There is also the ancient fortress Akershus, which gave rise to the city; and the Royal Palace and the Cathedral. And dozens of museums, including those dedicated to the Vikings and the life of Thor Heyerdahl, who crossed the Pacific Ocean on a makeshift raft 'Kon-Tiki'.

In addition, Oslo has many ultra-modern attractions. For example, the Opera House, opened in 2008 and standing in the sea harbor, is similar to Sydney. Or the Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian travelers to the North Pole. And the ski jump in Holmenkollen is one of the two most visited tourist attractions in Norway.

2nd place: Copenhagen, Denmark

Rating: 4.9

The metropolis Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark and its capital. It is so large that it is located on three islands connected by bridges and metro lines – Zeeland, Amager and Slotsholmen. The population of Copenhagen is 600 thousand people – but this is if you count those living only in the historical center. If you 'capture' the suburbs, then this figure rises to 1.3 million.

Copenhagen is the most important business center of Scandinavia and Northern Europe in general. It is here that the largest stock exchange is located, where a variety of economic transactions are concluded. In addition, this metropolis is home to the University of Copenhagen – the oldest in Denmark.

And the history of the metropolis began in 1043. At that time, there was only a small fishing village on the site of the city. A century and a half passed, and a castle was erected next to it – primarily to protect the Øresund Strait. By the way, a bridge has now been thrown across it, the other end of which is already in Sweden, in the city of Malmö.

In the future, the influence of Copenhagen grew more and more, and in the XVIII-XIX centuries it even became the center of the Golden Age of Denmark. At this time, he was already the capital. In the 20th century, the inhabitants of Copenhagen had to experience a serious shortage of goods and food, but the government managed to get out of the crisis. As a result, in 2013 the British magazine Monocle named Copenhagen the best city to live in the world.

Even a short walk through Copenhagen from a hotel to a cafe is an opportunity to see some historical landmark, there are so many of them here. The city has ancient churches, royal palaces, and huge parks. And also dozens of museums and theaters. But first of all, Copenhagen is known as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish storyteller, and in his honor on one of the embankments in the port there is a statue of the Little Mermaid, incredibly popular among tourists.

1st place: Stockholm, Sweden

Rating: 5.0

The capital of the Kingdom of Sweden, Stockholm is the largest and most popular in Scandinavia. The metropolis is huge – it is spread over 14 islands, and is home to almost 2.5 million people. But at the same time, Stockholm is not urbanistic – the city quarters are comfortable and harmoniously combined with the Scandinavian nature.

Stockholm is incredibly comfortable to live in. Each urban planning innovation is aimed at increasing comfort – and therefore the edges of the streets are not crowded with endless lines of cars, there are bike paths everywhere, pleasant public spaces with coffee shops and shops, as well as a well-developed urban transport infrastructure.

Stockholm is very diverse and offers many tourist attractions. There are countless museums, various historical and cultural places like fortresses and cathedrals, and simply beautiful architecture. Tourists love to visit the Södermalm observation deck, which overlooks the entire city with its many spiers and tiled roofs.

Stockholm left an important mark in world history and culture. And this is reflected in the sights of the city. For example, the writer Astrid Lindgren, the author of the stories about Pippi Longstocking and Carlson, has a museum and a children's entertainment center. A museum has also been opened in honor of the ABBA group, which formed the musical style of disco and wrote one of the most popular New Year songs Happy New Year (by the way, incredibly sad). And it is also here that the environmental activist Greta Thunberg lives and works.

And to end your trip to Stockholm, you can return to something more 'earthly'. For example, visiting the Alcohol Museum. By the way, it's better to ride the city by metro. Local stations are carved into the rocks and decorated by famous artists.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.