When people think of a European getaway, they tend to name off places like London, Paris, and Rome. While each of those cities has earned its spot-on various travelers’ bucket lists, there are many cities that are just as worthy of “must see” status that are a little more off the beaten path.
Northern Europe tends to get the short end of the stick when it comes to tourism, despite its rich, long, and varied history. With small populations, limited influence and often harsh climates, the northern countries, including Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltics don’t exactly seem like havens for travelers – but these underrated escapes are also home to some of the most beautiful, diverse, and storied cities in all of Europe. Here are 5 of the hidden gems in Europe’s Northern kingdoms.
1. Tallinn, Estonia
Like Vilnius, Tallinn is a beautiful Baltic city that has been overlooked by travelers, although tourism to the city has been growing. Tallinn is Estonia’s largest city, with 32 percent of the population calling it home. The capital is situated on Estonia’s northern coast, across the Gulf of Finland; it’s just 50 miles from Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. Tallin’s Old Town is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns.
2. Lapland
Except for the North Pole, there’s nowhere more northerly that’s as famous as this place. Lapland is a place for big kids and little kids alike. Lapland – straddling the northern reaches of both Sweden and Finland – is the home of another traditional resident, the Sami people. Also known as Sápmi, Lapland is home to the original Ice Hotel, skiing opportunities, and chances to glimpse the Northern Lights. Head further north to discover the reindeer-herding Sami people themselves.
3. Svalbard
Far, far north from the Norwegian mainland is the island archipelago of Svalbard. Set well into the Arctic Circle, this far-flung destination is the place to come to witness the phenomenon that is Midnight Sun; during the summer, the sun doesn’t set here, never properly falling below the horizon for 24 hours. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true of winter, when the sun never rises! Not part of Norway until 1925, today, visiting Svalbard is relatively easy, thanks to a surprising number of lodgings. This makes it easy to spot everything from polar bears and Arctic foxes to the magical Northern Lights.
4. Gotland
Just off the southeastern coast of Sweden is its largest island, Gotland. Also the largest island in the Baltic Sea, it’s a stunningly scenic and serene spot, where very few people actually live. The capital, Visby, is a historic center surrounded by well-preserved old city walls, that tells of the island’s Viking and medieval history. There’s actually a fun festival held every year where Gotlanders don their best medieval garb and take a step back in time with music and merriment. Nature-wise, the island is asking to be explored. You could even just take a drive along the coast for dramatic sea views, little-visited hamlets tucked away, carpets of flowers in summer, and sandy beaches.
5. Bergen
Bergen is arguably Norway’s most charming, picturesque town. Situated on the West Coast of the country, Bergen was established before 1070 AD. Nowadays the town of Bergen holds all of its original charm, plus some modern additions. This is a great town to visit before you embark on a tour of the Norwegian fjord lands.
