The Åland Islands are an autonomous region of Finland, located in the Baltic Sea. The capital city is Mariehamn and the official language is Swedish. The islands are perfect for hiking, sailing, and other outdoor activities and are easily reachable by ferry from Sweden. Notable places to visit include Kastelhomn Castle, Nåtö and Espholm Nature Reserves, and the city of Mariehamn.

The Nordics include Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. This part of Europe contains such awesome metropolitan capitals like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Tórshavn (among others). Along with such iconic cities in these Northern European countries, you will also find gorgeous fjords, waterfalls, snow topped mountains, massive castle, and cool cathedrals. I have outlined all Nordic cities (including capitals), as well as the natural attractions in this part of the world and consolidated them into this ultimate guide!

Suomenlinna, situated off the coast of Helsinki, translates to 'Castle of Finland'. Originally built by the Swedes, it has been occupied by the Russians, before being handed over to Finland. Take some time here to explore the Suomenlinna and Military Museums, Cafe Silo, Cafe Vanille, Adlerfelt, the King's Gate and Artillery Battery, Sveaborgs badstrand, and the Jetty Barracks Gallery!

The Nordic region of Europe consists of some of the world's happiest countries. The term Nordic is often mixed with Scandinavia though the two represent certain parts of Northern Europe. Each capital is quite different and has much to offer. This guide breaks down the Nordic capital cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Reykjavik, Torshavn, and Mariehamn.

There is more to Helsinki than it's gorgeous emerald-domed cathedral. This Scandinavia capital is replete with a ton of fantastic cafes that give great views of the capital countryside. The fortress of Suomenlinna is also just a ferry ride away and its solitude and quietness stands in great contrast to the city sounds just across the water.