Your ultimate guide to Scandinavia and how to book it with Avios

Part of the charm of travel is in discovering the unknown. In a world where most places have been photographed, reviewed, and hashtagged into predictability, true discovery feels rare. But Scandinavia is different. It isn’t flashy, it’s not trying to sell you anything, and maybe that’s the point; it’s just very, very good at being itself. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll realise it’s less about checking off sights and more about how the place makes you feel.

So, where do you begin, and how do you use Avios points to get there? Let’s break it down by city and scenery.

What are Avios? And how do I use them?

Avios points are the reward currency used by British Airways (via British Airways Club) and its partner airlines, such as Iberia and Aer Lingus, as well as Qatar Airways. They’re part of a scheme that allows you to earn points through flights with BA and its partners, as well as every day spending on dedicated credit cards and through a wide range of retail partners, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car hire, and more. Avios collectors can book reward seats on British Airways flights. The only cash you have to pay for a reward seat is the airline tax, which can start from as little as 50p per trip.

With that said, let’s head to Scandinavia…

Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden and Scandinavia’s largest city, Stockholm spreads across 14 scenic islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. There’s water everywhere, crisp design in every corner, and a rhythm that’s fast without feeling frantic. It’s modern, yes, but never at the cost of its history.

Here are our top picks for things to do in Stockholm:

• Get gloriously lost in Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town home to the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral, and the Nobel Prize Museum. It’s one of the best-preserved historic centres in Europe.
• Swim, kayak, or just watch the light shift across the water; it’s all around you.
• Take a boat to Vaxholm, Fjäderholmarna, or Grinda and enjoy everything from kayaking to local seafood lunches. Public ferries run year-round, but summer is the ideal season to explore.
• Visit Södermalm, the city’s creative hub full of indie shops and bars.
• Spend a day at the Vasa Museum (home to a 17th-century warship), the ABBA Museum, Skansen (an open-air museum and zoo), and the waterfront amusement park Gröna Lund, all on one lush island.
• Have fika (Swedish coffee break) at Vete-Katten or a local bakery.
• Visit Östermalms Saluhall and stock up on gourmet eats at this classic food hall.
• Make a day trip to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO site and royal residence.

If you’re looking for Avios reward flights to take you there, off-peak Economy flights with British Airways start from 18,500 Avios plus £1 return. You’ll also earn BA loyalty tiers when booking through British Airways, which help you get lounge access and priority check in.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg doesn’t always make the front pages, but that’s exactly the point. It’s less polished than Stockholm, more grounded, and full of character. A working port city with indie energy and great seafood.

Here are our recommendations for things to do in Gothenburg:

• Island-hop the Gothenburg Archipelago, a cluster of over 20 mostly car-free islands. You can also catch a ferry from Saltholmen or Lilla Varholmen and visit the nearby islands of Asperö, Brännö, Styrsö, and Vargö.
• Rent a kayak at Kajakbryggan and paddle through the city’s 400 km of canals. Gothenburg is best seen from sea level, especially if you’re in for a true eco-friendly experience.
• Being a port city, Gothenburg takes seafood seriously. Go upscale at Sjömagasinet or keep it casual at Feskekôrka, the city’s fish market. For seasonal treats, head to Restaurant Atelier for oysters and Champagne.
• Gothenburg’s old town, Haga, has reinvented itself with indie boutiques and cafes tucked inside charming wooden buildings. Don’t miss a coffee and cinnamon bun the size of your face.
• Spend the night aboard Barken Viking, a beautifully restored 1907 windjammer turned
  hotel. Stop in for dinner or drinks in the onboard restaurant if you’re not staying over.

Reward flights to Gothenburg start from just 18,500 Avios plus £1 return in off-peak Economy. This is one of the best Avios reward flight redemptions for a laid-back, green city break.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the kind of place that makes you want to trade in your car for a bike and takeaway coffee for a smørrebrød at a waterside café. It’s clean, confident, and built for people, not traffic. Public spaces feel intentional and naturally folded into daily life.

Here’s what to do in Copenhagen:

• Your visit isn’t complete without a trip to Tivoli Gardens. Open since 1843, it’s the second-oldest amusement park in the world and an inspiration for Walt Disney himself.
• Take a selfie in front of Nyhavn’s rows of brightly coloured houses and bobbing boats. This old commercial port is now a favourite hangout, lined with restaurants and bars, jazz spilling from open doors. Hans Christian Andersen once lived at No. 20, yes, the very one who wrote The Little Mermaid.
• Join a guided canal cruise or rent a kayak and explore Copenhagen on your own. Highlights include floating past the Opera House, Black Diamond Library, and the statue of The Little Mermaid.
• Step into Danish royal history at Rosenborg Castle, where you’ll find the Crown Jewels and beautifully preserved royal apartments. Afterwards, stroll through the adjoining King’s Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city centre.
• Watch the changing of the guard or simply admire the symmetry of Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family. It’s one of the oldest monarchies in the world with a lineage that goes back to Viking king, Harald Bluetooth.

If you’re planning a multi-city break in Scandinavia, flying via British Airways into Copenhagen is often the most cost-effective entry point. With direct off-peak flights from 18,500 Avios plus £1 return, it’s a smart way to start your Nordic escape.

Oslo, Norway

With its population of over 700,000, Oslo may be a capital city, but it doesn’t feel like one in the traditional sense. Instead of urban sprawl, you’ll find a city hemmed in by thick forests, fjords, and daily life that bends toward the outdoors. Oslo’s biggest flex is that you can go island-hopping in the morning, hike a mountain by lunch, and hit a world-class museum before dinner.

Here’s what should be in your Oslo itinerary:

• Take in the art scene that’s everywhere. Check out giant murals in Tøyen, over 200 naked sculptures in Vigeland Park, and don’t miss the National Museum (home to The Scream) or the innovative new Munch Museum.
• Fjord-hopping is a thing, and you must do it. Oslo sits on the edge of the Oslofjord, and hopping between its tiny islands by ferry is the perfect summer pastime. Visit Hovedøya for monastery ruins, Lindøya for colourful cabins, and Gresshølmen for beach walks and fresh seafood.
• Ride the metro up the forest and be on a hiking trail in under 30 minutes.
• Eat your way through Oslo with reindeer stew at Dovrehallen, small plates at Katla, cocktails at Pier 42, and a lap around Mathallen’s food stalls. For a splurge, book Maaemo and don’t look back.

Avios reward flights, booked with British Airways, start from 23,500 Avios plus £1 return for off-peak Economy reward seats.

Tromsø, Norway

Located over 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” and it lives up to the name. Ringed by snowy peaks and fjords, this surprisingly cosmopolitan city is the perfect place to chase the Northern Lights, explore Sámi culture, and get close to arctic wildlife.

The best time to visit depends on your bucket list. Winter brings the aurora borealis, dog sledging, and polar night (November to mid-January) when the sun barely rises above the horizon. Summer means midnight sun, golden light, and long days for hiking, kayaking, and paragliding. Either way, it’s a trip you won’t forget.

Here are the activities we recommend:

• Chase the Northern Lights. Tromsø sits right under the auroral oval. Go with a guide, or take a quiet electric boat out into the fjord and wait.
• Ride the Cable Car to Mount Storsteinen. Take the Fjellheisen cable car 421 metres above sea level and look out over sea, islands, and city. If it’s dark, you might see the aurora. If it’s daylight, lace up your boots and walk.
• Spend time with Sámi herders and their reindeer. There’s storytelling, a hot meal, and a better way to understand this place than anything you’ll read online.
• Explore the Arctic Cathedral, one of Tromsø’s most iconic buildings, inspired by snow and ice.
• Go Arctic Fishing in the Fjords. Join a local boat tour to cast your line into Tromsø’s icy waters, rich with cod, halibut, and herring.

Reward seats to Tromsø, booked with Avios reward points, start from 23,500 Avios plus £1
return in Economy (off-peak).

Beyond the cities

Scandinavia’s cities are great, but they’re just the start. Once you head out, you’ll find deep forests, rocky islands, and landscapes that feel untouched. What comes next is a shortlist of unmissable nature experiences that show off Scandinavia at its wildest and most unforgettable.

Norwegian fjords

There’s a quieter side to Scandinavia that doesn’t show up in postcards, until you’re standing at the edge of a fjord in western Norway, wondering how this kind of silence still exists.

Here are some epic fjord adventures we highly recommend adding to your itinerary:

• Geirangerfjord: UNESCO-listed and endlessly photogenic, Geirangerfjord earns its reputation. Cruise past sheer cliffs and waterfalls, stop at the Ørnesvingen lookout for sweeping views, or take on the Geiranger Skywalk if you’re not afraid of heights. The nearby Fjord Centre gives a solid overview without the tourist rush.
• Sognefjord: If you’re only seeing one fjord, make it this one. Called the “King of the Fjords” for a reason, Sognefjord is huge and packed with highlights. Hop on the Flåm Railway, hike across Jostedalsbreen glacier, or detour to Urnes Stave Church, one of Norway’s oldest wooden buildings.
• Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord: Two arms of Sognefjord that punch well above their size. Base yourself in Flåm, take the train up to Myrdal, then ride a ferry through Nærøyfjord’s narrow, steep-sided channel to Gudvangen. It’s a classic for a reason, and somehow still feels wild.
• Hardangerfjord: Trolltunga is the headline act (yes, that cliff you’ve seen on Instagram) but there’s more here. Stay in Odda or Rosendal for access to glacier hikes and quiet walks across the Hardangervidda plateau. Bonus: this area blooms with apple and cherry orchards in spring.
• Lysefjord: Just outside Stavanger, Lysefjord delivers big views with minimal travel. Climb to Pulpit Rock, take the 4,444 steps up Flørli, or hop on a fjord cruise for a front-row seat. It’s popular, but still worth it and one of Norway’s few certified Sustainable Destinations.

Getting there with Avios

You can fly to Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim, or Tromsø using Avios reward flights and plan your fjord tour. Not all destinations have a year round schedule however, so be sure to check. For example:

• Bergen can be your launch pad for Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and
  Hardangerfjord.
• Oslo connects well to Geirangerfjord and the scenic railway to Flåm.
• Trondheim offers quick access to Trondheimsfjord and northern fjords.

Best Avios reward flight tip

Fly into Bergen via Oslo using your Avios, then pick up a rental car or connect via train or ferry to the fjords. Several scenic combo buses, ferries, and train tours operate from here between May and September.

Scandinavian mountains

The Scandinavian mountains (locals call them Scandes) stretch across Norway, Sweden, and a slice of Finland, forming the region’s spine. Though not very high in altitude, these mountains are among the steepest in the world and are far larger in area than the Alps and the Pyrenees combined.

The range has been around for about 400 million years, which explains the weathered cliffs, deep valleys, and the sense that nature’s been at work here for a long time. They run from the southern tip of Norway, through Sweden’s Dalarna, all the way to Treriksröset, the meeting point of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, before finally dropping into the Arctic Ocean. The Scandes change completely throughout the year: in winter, they’re quiet, white, and almost otherworldly. Come summer, the same slopes are green, alive, and dotted with hikers instead of reindeer.

So, what should you do when you’re there? Here are some of our top picks:

Sweden

• Sarek National Park: A UNESCO-listed wilderness filled with glaciers, high peaks, and roaming moose.
• Kungsleden (King’s Trail): Sweden’s most iconic 440 km hiking route through four national parks.
• The Jämtland Triangle: A great beginner hike with cosy huts and jaw-dropping views.
• Kebnekaise: Sweden’s tallest mountain with trails for all levels.
• Padjelantaleden Trail: A scenic walk through Sweden’s largest national park.

Finland

• Halti Fell & Käsivarsi Wilderness Area: Tackle Finland’s highest peak or follow the Nordkalottleden Trail.
• Lemmenjoki National Park: Finland’s largest, where you can pan for gold or catch the Northern Lights.

Norway

• Jotunheimen National Park & Besseggen Ridge: Norway’s top hiking region with unforgettable views.
• Gaustabanen: A Cold War-era funicular train hidden inside a mountain.
• Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): A 604-metre-high flat rock overlooking the Lysefjord.
• Aurora Spirit Distillery: Sip whisky where the mountains meet the fjord, the world’s northernmost distillery.

But it’s not all hiking boots and heavy backpacks, there’s plenty of other fun to be had, no matter
the season. Here are some of our other favourite mountain activities that bring the Scandes to
life:

• Snowmobile safari in the Lyngen Alps: Drive your snowmobile through one of the most picturesque regions of the Scandes. End the ride with a hearty campfire meal in the snow.
• Snowshoe up to Trolltunga: Climb to one of Scandinavia’s most iconic ledges to view Ringedalen Lake and the Folgefonna glacier with a guide. It’s challenging but unforgettable.
• Kayak around Lysefjorden: Paddle past sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and perhaps even curious seals on a kayak trip beneath towering cliffs reaching 400 metres high.
• Husky sledding in Kiruna: Meet the dogs, learn to drive, and then dash through the Swedish Arctic on a thrilling dogsled adventure.
• Hike Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): As seen in Mission Impossible: Fallout, this dramatic 4–6 hour guided hike delivers unbeatable views over Lysefjorden and serious bragging rights.

The Northern Lights

Nobody will believe you’ve been on a Scandinavian trip until you give them conclusive evidence of having seen the Northern Lights. Known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural light show lights up the skies above northern Scandinavia in dazzling waves of green, red, and purple. The phenomenon is most commonly seen from September to March, especially near the equinoxes.

And the best part? Some of the most reliable Northern Lights destinations are accessible via British Airways Avios reward flights.

To help you plan the perfect aurora escape, here are our top recommended places to experience
them in Sweden:

• Abisko National Park: Thanks to a weather phenomenon over Lake Torneträsk called the “Blue Hole,” the skies above Abisko remain clearer here than almost anywhere else in Sweden. You can take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station or trek and camp in the park.
• Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley: Sleep in the world-famous ICEHOTEL, carved fresh every winter from blocks of the Torne River. Guided snowmobile and dogsled tours take you deep into the wild, or you can dine under the stars near Esrange Space Centre. Other excellent spots include Lake Poustijarvi, Nikkaluokta, and Vittangi.
• Porjus and Laponia: This tiny village of 400 people sits on the edge of the Laponia World Heritage Area, near national parks like Muddus and Stora Sjöfallet. Clear skies, low light pollution, and consistently cold temperatures make Porjus one of the country’s most beloved aurora viewing spots.
• Lulea, Jokkmokk and Gallivare: Head into the Brändö forests for aurora chasing in Lulea. In Gallivare, ride a snowmobile to the top of Dundret Mountain and enjoy a private light show.
• Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø is one of the most accessible and reliable places to witness the lights. Enjoy whale watching, reindeer safaris, or the Polar Museum while waiting for the sky to dance.