Springtime in Scandinavia

Scandinavia generally brings to mind snowy log cabins and husky dogs, but the springtime brings a different level to Northern Europe. As the region shakes off the winter chill and bursts into life, you can look forward to fresh air and stunning landscapes, even if the weather isn’t exactly tropical.

Spring is the shoulder season so there are less crowds from April to June, meaning you can take your time exploring the fjords, mountains and cities. Local life also defrosts to enjoy the sun, so it really is a perfect time to experience Scandinavia’s beauty, culture, and energy.

Spring in Sweden brings early blossom in the south and a slow thaw in the Arctic north, making it a true time of transformation. The country wakes up from winter and wends its way towards longer days and warmer weather.

Southern Skåne can welcome spring as soon as late February, whereas in places like Lapland, the landscape might only start to turn green towards early May. Central Sweden has a more gradual and growing springtime, but whenever the season turns you’re always likely to find cherry blossoms and tulips blooming in parks and gardens.

Where there’s fresh air there’s hikers, and there are plenty of outdoor enthusiasts who flock to national parks like Abisko and Dalarna, where the melting snow reveals trails and wildlife. As the ice thaws, kayakers and boaters also take to Sweden’s archipelagos, while nature-lovers visit Österlen’s apple orchards and Gotland’s beaches.

Spring is one of the best times to experience Iceland’s stunning landscapes without the peak-season crowds, and from March to May, daylight hours increase from 10 to 20 hours. Mid-April marks your last chance to see the northern lights, but it’s also the perfect time for whale-watching, as they return to Iceland’s coastal waters.

As in Sweden, outdoor activities are many and varied. Hiking trails reopen, guided glacier tours take place, and rafters take advantage of rivers filled with melted glacier water. That fantastic combination of sun against ice also leads to some fantastic and powerful waterfalls - natural wonders like Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss become even more breathtaking with renewed vigor.

Famous places like the geothermal Blue Lagoon and the scenic Golden Circle are also easier to travel, due to fewer tourists and more accessible routes.

In Norway the longer spring days wake up the cities and villages, but with fewer tourists there’s still the option to explore. It’s an ideal time for a city escape, whether you plan on cycling through Oslo’s gardens, exploring world-class museums, or just spending time at outdoor cafés. One might also wish to partake in utepils - the first beer enjoyed in the sun.

Beyond the capital, the fjords are at their most dramatic in spring, with Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Vøringsfossen and the Seven Sisters roaring to life thanks to the melting snow. Meanwhile, the Hardanger region transforms into a sea of pink and white apple blossoms, which is truly one of Norway’s most spectacular springtime sights.

Wildlife thrives too, with the return of puffins, eagles and other Arctic birds inviting a flock of birdwatchers to Varanger and Runde, while nature reserves like Jostedalsbreen give visitors opportunities to see reindeer and moose.

Or if mammals and birds aren’t your thing, spring is the perfect time to hike famous Norwegian trails like Trolltunga and Preikestolen, go glacier trekking on Folgefonna, or hop in a kayak between towering fjord cliffs.

Spring in Denmark is a season of celebration. In May there’s a variety of festivals from folk traditions to Nordic music, and Easter is a big deal for Danish families who (like us Brits) are also partial to a festive lunch and egg hunt. In cities, outdoor markets start up and the vibrant café culture rears its caffeinated head, while attractions like Tivoli Gardens reopen their gates. In Copenhagen, cherry blossoms bring the place to life, transforming parks like Bispebjerg Kirkegård and Langelinie.

Denmark’s countryside and coastline are also absolute must-sees in spring. Longer days and milder temperatures make outdoor activities even more inviting, whether you’re cycling along the clifftop Kattegat Path or exploring the forest of Rold Skov - home to ancient trees, springs, and crystal clear lakes.

Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and a mix of urban charm and natural beauty, make spring one of the best times to experience Denmark.

The spring months in Finland show a good contrast between the final embrace of winter and the first signs of summer, as well as being quieter when it comes to tourism.

In the Arctic north, Lapland stays snowy well into April and remains a winter sports wonderland for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. At this time of year, it’s also still possible to catch the last glimpses of the northern lights - perhaps the perfect end to a day watching reindeer races on frozen Lake Inari! Yes, really!

The further south you go, the milder the temperature gets. By central Finnish Lakeland the blossoms are beginning, and when you arrive in the southernmost Åland Islands there’s an explosion of colourful flowers, the first harvest is in full swing, and migratory birds are returning home for the warmer weather.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 10TH MARCH 2025