Rick Steves Recommends This European Spot for Summer Travel Amid Crowds

Embracing the Magic of Scandinavia in Summer

It might seem unusual for a travel expert to recommend visiting a destination during its peak season, especially when most articles focus on avoiding the crowds that gather in Europe’s most popular cities. However, there is one region that truly comes alive during a short but vibrant period each year. Rick Steves, a well-known travel expert, encourages travelers to embrace Scandinavia’s high season, highlighting the unique experiences available during this time.

Scandinavia, which includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, sometimes also includes Finland and Iceland. Rick Steves’ first trip to Europe was to visit relatives in Norway as a teenager, and it was there that his passion for travel began. Over the years, he has developed a deep love for these northern European countries, and summer is when his enthusiasm is most evident.

If you find yourself in Scandinavia during the summer months, staying up late to enjoy the midnight sun is an essential experience. Head above the Arctic Circle to witness 24 hours of daylight. Tromsø in Norway is an excellent choice, offering a mix of city life and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking under an ever-bright sky. Even if you don’t venture that far, you can still enjoy the golden glow of long evenings further south, where 18 or more hours of daylight are common in Oslo and Stockholm during June.

Exploring the Wonders of a Scandi Summer

The summer season in Scandinavia offers an abundance of activities that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Norway, in particular, is known for its stunning fjords, and one of the best places to explore them is Jotunheimen, a region Rick Steves considers to showcase the best of Norway’s natural beauty. Known as the "home of the giants," this area features Scandinavia's highest peak, surrounded by towering mountains, vast forests, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into icy waters.

Outdoor adventures are at the heart of any Nordic vacation. In Sweden, you can start your journey right from the capital with a new hiking trail through the Stockholm Archipelago. This 170-mile trail allows you to combine walking with island-hopping by ferry, revealing coastal landscapes, cool forests, and inviting swimming coves. Sweden is also the perfect place to experience a Midsommar celebration, which takes place around the summer solstice in late June. You’ll see women in flower crowns and people dancing around flower-covered maypoles, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Denmark offers its own set of natural escapes, but many tourists visit Copenhagen for its exceptional food scene. When the weather is warm, exploring street food markets or dining at waterfront restaurants like Seaside Toldboden is a must. These spots offer a chance to sample global flavors in a relaxed setting. No matter where you go in Scandinavia, locals are out enjoying the brief window of light and warmth, so make sure to join in.

Practical Tips for Your Scandinavian Adventure

Most travelers arrive in Scandinavia by air, with many direct routes from the U.S., particularly to Copenhagen. The region is also well-connected to the rest of Europe via air, train, bus, and ferry. Two unique ways to arrive include taking a night train from Hamburg to Stockholm or a ferry from Germany, Poland, or the Baltic States. Once you're in Scandinavia, getting around is straightforward, with major cities connected by international trains and ferries. Within the countries, rail, road, and sea transport are widely available.

Summer in Scandinavia typically runs from June to August, though temperatures remain mild throughout. Average highs in Stockholm and Oslo during July range from 70 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, with mornings often starting off cool and crisp. Layering is key, so bring a light, waterproof jacket for unexpected rain showers and a warmer one for enjoying the golden evenings and early mornings. During the afternoons, you'll likely be strolling around in shorts and a T-shirt. As Rick Steves emphasizes, traveling in Scandinavia is about experiencing a place at its liveliest, so take the opportunity to join the locals who make the most of every light-filled moment.