10 Beautiful Historical Cities to Visit in Scandinavia
10 Historic Cities You Should Visit in Scandinavia
Traveling is always an adventure. Whether you’re on the road looking for natural beauties, or you’re exploring the secrets of a historical city, it’s always time well spent. When it comes to Scandinavia, it’s an endless source of inspiration. You can visit the Scandinavian cities a dozen times, and you still wouldn’t be able to explore it all. That’s why you need to set your travel goals.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Scandinavia and it’s cities, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 10 historical cities that you can visit in Scandinavia and learn about the rich cultural heritage this region preserves.
Let’s break it down together.
Stockholm, Sweden
The capital of Sweden is on top of our list for a reason. It’s rich in historical sites you’ll want to see, explore, and get to know. When in Stockholm, you’ll be able to get to know some of the world-renowned historic sites, that are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list: Royal Domain of Drottningholm (the residence of the royal family Skogskyrkogården (Stockholm cemetery). Naturally, you’ll have plenty to see in the Old Town, walking down its medieval cobbled streets.
Apart from that, make sure that you:
– walk along the Monteliusvagen boardwalk
– visit the oldest church in the old town, Storkyrkan
– tour the Royal Palace
– visit The Vasa Museum
Wherever you go to Stockholm, you’ll find something worth admiring. It’s truly a historic city that you should pay a visit the moment you get the chance.
Roskilde, Denmark
Roskilde is one of Denmark’s oldest cities, which explains the rich cultural heritage it carries. Besides, it was the Danish capital for around 4 centuries, up until 1443.
The city is best known for these historical sites:
The Viking Ship Museum
You’ll see original Viking ships that were found nearby back in 1962.
Roskilde Cathedral
It’s the official royal burial church of the Danish monarchs, with nearly 40 Danish kings and queens buried there. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Land of Legends
This is an archaeological open-air museum and the Centre for Historical-Archaeological Research and Communication.
Roskilde carries significant historical importance and will offer you a lot to explore.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is the second-largest city of Norway and is said to be one of the rainiest cities in the world. Historically, it has some incredible sites to offer.
Make sure that you visit:
– the colorful Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
– home of the composer Edvard Grieg
– Bergenhus Fortress.
Explore the city and enjoy its natural beauties, combined with the historic spirit and stunning sites.
Hamina, Finland
Wikimedia Commons by: Olga1969
Situated 145 km east of the country’s capital Helsinki, Hamina is a less-known municipality that has too much to give to tourists such as yourself.
In Hamina, you’ll be able to admire beautiful historical sites, including:
– Hamina Fortress
– Hamina City Museum
– Town Hall
– Old Town
– Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral
Malmo, Sweden
The former capital of Sweden, Malmo, is a charming, vibrant, and colorful city. You’ll be able to tour the city on foot, riding a bike, or using local public transportation.
The city will show you some magnificent sites including:
– Little Square
– Malmöhus Castle
– The King’s Park
– Malmö Konsthall
– St. Peter’s Church
There’s so much more. You can mingle with the locals and ask for advice on what to see. Check out translation sites in case you need help.
Gothenburg, Sweden
The Swedish city of Gothenburg is yet another stunning historic destination worth visiting. If you visit this city, you’ll have the chance to relax, and quietly enjoy everything it has to offer.
We suggest you don’t skip the following:
– The Gothenburg Museum of Art
– Garden Society of Gothenburg (1842 park)
– 17th-century fortress Skansen Kronan
– the sea fortress Alvsborgs Nya Fastning
– the Fish Church
You’ll have plenty more to see in the beautiful city of Gothenburg, surrounded by natural beauties that will make your stay there even better.
Ribe, Denmark
Wikimedia Commons by: Arne List
Denmark’s oldest town Ribe is a small city that will surprise you and sweep you of your feet with its charm and historical value.
When in Ribe, you have to pay a visit to historical sites the city offers:
– Ribe Viking Center
– Riberhus Slotsbanke
– Ribe Cathedral
You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy all the historic beauties that surround you.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the capital of Norway and a Scandinavian city that has to be on your historical bucket list. Oslo is best known for the green spaces, but it has a lot to offer when it comes to historical sites.
Here are just a few of our top picks:
– Viking Ship Museum
– Akershus Fortress
– The Royal House
– Oslo Opera House
– The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Make your picks and explore Oslo’s historical side.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s capital of Helsinki has a lot to offer as well and deserves a spot on our list. Exploring Helsinki will allow you to see some of Scandinavia’s most beautiful historical sites.
We suggest you pay a visit to:
– Helsinki Cathedral
– Suomenlinna
– The Senate Square
You can also take a detour and visit Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, a historic industrial settlement east of Helsinki, that’s on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Aarhus, Denmark
Wikimedia Commons by: Simon Burchell
The city was founded by Vikings and was the European Capital of Culture in 2017. It’s best-known for the architecture and colorful rooftops.
If you visit this small but meaningful city, make sure to visit:
– the open-air museum Den Gamle By ARoS
– Aarhus Art Museum
– the Aarhus Cathedral
– Aarhus Botanical Gardens
Final Thoughts
The entire Scandinavian region has a rich cultural and historical background, with some of the world’s oldest cities. The list above will help you choose your next destination. Make a pick and have a great time exploring Scandinavian history.
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About The Author: Donald Fomby is a communications professional with more than five years of writing experience. Donald runs blog LiveInspiredMag and is proud of an uncanny ability to explain the most complex subject in simple terms.
