The countries of Scandinavia include Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Despite being geographical neighbors, there is a long history among these countries. They are truly unique places in comparison to other countries of the world and are very much worth seeing. Use this guide for not just seeing their capitals (Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen), but also their cities as well.

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!

The Island of Gotland is owned by Sweden and is situated in the Baltic Sea. It is a popular destination for Swedes, especially in the summer. Such popular spots like Fårö, Visby, and Hemse are not to be missed. You can easily fly into Visby or take a ferry from the Swedish mainland at Nynäshamn. Seeing the island by bike or by car is highly recommended to explore its wonderful beaches and cliffs.

The town of Visby is the best preserved medieval city in all of Scandinavia, most exemplified by its still-standing city walls and defensive towers. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features many churches (Visby Cathedral, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Nicolai Ruin). Also, Stora Torget features many nice shops and restaurants. No visit to Gotland is complete without seeing Visby!

You can easily reach the island of Fårö by taking a ferry from Nynäshamn to Gotland, then taking a Fårö via the northeast of Gotland. This island, along with Visby, is a popular place to explore in the summertime for Swedes and tourists alike. The island features numerous beaches and lighthouses, along with its famous natural limestone rock formations, or rauks, at Langhammar.

Sweden has countless castles (or 'slott' in Swedish) from its storied history. Seeing all of them would take ages. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite castles from across Sweden including Uppsala Castle, Kalmar Castle, Kärnan, Borgholms Castle, Gripsholm Castle, Vaxholm Fortress, Örebro Castle, Skokloster Castle, and Carlstens Fästning.

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!

Helsingborg is the 9th largest city in Sweden, located in the South (otherwise known as Skåne). A city of barely 100,000, it is worth seeing as it boasts excellent architectural wonders like Rådhuset and Kärnan, great beaches and ports that can whisk you to Helsingør, Denmark, and wonderful manor grounds at Sofiero. The island of Ven is also a popular day trip for many of the residents here.

So many things come to mind when you think of Sweden: ABBA, Skiing, IKEA, Volvo, High Taxes, Vikings, the Swedish Chef, etc. Sweden is also more than just its capital of Stockholm. If you have the time, be sure to check out other Swedish cities like Gothenburg (the 2nd largest), Malmö (the 3rd largest), Uppsala and Lund (both university towns), Helsingborg in the South of Sweden, Kalmar in Småland County, and the islands of Öland and Marstrand off the Swedish coast.

The island of Marstrand sits about an hour north of Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden. The archipelago of Gothenburg is a sight to see but if you're feeling more ambitious, find your way to Marstrand where you can hike around the whole island, enjoy swedish dishes like skagenröra and kardemummabulle, while taking in views of Carlstens Fästning and Strandverket.

You can make your way to Sweden’s 3rd largest city by train from anywhere in the country, even from Copenhagen airport in Denmark (by taking a train across the Øresund Bridge). You'll likely need a whole weekend here to see sights like the Turning Torso, Malmö Castle and Konsthall, the Malmö City Library, Lomma Beach, Gamla Väster, Möllevången, Steinstrand, and Lilla torg (among others!).

The Swedish University town of Lund is a favorite among students. Its close proximity to Malmö (and Copenhagen) make it a very accessible city that still possesses a charming, small town feel. Be sure to check out Lund University, Kulturen, Stadsparken, Lundagård, the All Saints Church, and Lund Cathedral on your visit to this city in Skåne county in the South of Sweden.

You can’t go see Kalmar without seeing the island of Öland next to it. Origins of this island date back to 8000 BC so the amount of history here is enormous. Rent a car and see places like Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace, Långe Erik, Långe Jan, Lerkaka, Ismantorp Fortress, Eketorps Borg, Mysinge Hög, Köpingsvik Beach, and countless Rune stones (Runsten) from old Swedish lore.

This small Swedish town on the Southeast Coast is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take the train or rent a car to see Kalmar Castle, Kalmar Konstmuseum, Tripp Trapp Trull, Klapphuset, Laboritorieholmen, Svinö, and Kalmar Domkyrka. If you have even more time, take a day trip to the island of Öland just nearby.

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.

The port city of Gothenburg lies on Sweden's western coast, just south of Norway, and north of Denmark. As a great alternative to Stockholm, Gothenburg boasts much natural green space (Seminarieparken, Slottsskogen, Palm House/Horticultural Gardens) with excellent attractions (Liseberg, Haga), and great city views (Skansen Kronan, Röda Sten Konsthall, Stenpiren).

The say that the Stockholm Metro (or Tunnelbana) is the world's longest art gallery. Nearby every station you get off at, you will be welcomed by new and vibrant art. Some amazing stations include Solna Centrum, Hallonbergen, Universitet, Tekniska Högskolan, T-Centralen, Morby Centrum, Rådhuset, Näckrosen, Huvudsta, Solna Strand, Tensta, and Thorilsplan.

The Swedish capital of Stockholm is arguably the best in all of Scandinavia. An archipelago of 14 islands, the city offers great attractions and museums such as Fotografiska, Erik's Gondolen, Monteliusvägen, Gröna Lund, Gamla Stan, Riddarholm Church, Royal Palace, Vasa and ABBA Museums, and the Stockholm Tunnelbana.