Solo travel is a new trend! More and more people prefer traveling on their own rather than depending on the needs of their co-travelers. You can choose between thousands of suitable solo travel destinations, but Scandinavia is undoubtedly one of the best. In this article, we’ll present the best Scandinavian cities for solo travel to help you decide which matches your traveling style and organize your perfect solo trip.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re unsure where to go for your first solo trip, consider traveling to Copenhagen! There’s a reason why the capital of Denmark attracts so many solo visitors every year. Actually, there are plenty of reasons!
First, it’s one of the safest cities in Scandinavia! Copenhagen is a city that welcomes all, no matter your age or gender. Crime rates are low, and locals are friendly and welcoming.
Second, Copenhagen is a great city to meet new people. There are numerous opportunities to make new friends and dance until sunrise in this city, from modern hostels with areas for solo travelers to meet to a wide range of nightlife options.
Finally, Copenhagen is small and easy to walk around. You don’t need a car, you don’t need a taxi, and you don’t really need public transport. You can just use your feet or a bike, and you’ll have access to all the top city sights.
Book cheap flights to Copenhagen here:
2. Stockholm, Sweden
If you need to be sure you won’t get bored during your solo trip, Sweden is your place! Particularly, Stockholm is one of the top Scandinavian cities for solo travelers due to its plentiful options. You can spend a week there alone and do something different every day.
Swedish fika is a sport for solo travelers. There are hundreds of cozy cafes in Stockholm to choose from. You can spend some quality time with yourself while enjoying a cup of coffee or a light snack. Additionally, Stockholm has plenty of fantastic restaurants serving delicious Swedish dishes, including the famous Swedish meatballs. You’ll be surprised to see that many solo travelers also book tables for one and enjoy their meals in peace.
Stockholm is full of museums, palaces, and castles. If you love art, there are countless places to explore. Some are the Royal Palace, Karlberg Palace, and the Vasa Museum. If you are on a budget, some of the free museums in Stockholm are also worth a visit.
If you want to venture outside Stockholm, you can consider visiting one of the beautiful islands that are a part of the Stockholm archipelago. Joining a cruise to Djurgarden island is a great option as it offers engaging indoor and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Book cheap flights to Stockholm here:
3. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is one of the most popular Scandinavian cities for solo travel during winter. Located in Swedish Lapland, Northern Sweden, Kiruna is small enough to relax and explore on a solo trip, and big enough so you don’t get bored, or feel isolated.
Some of the top outdoor sports activities that you can try in Kiruna are snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. Traveling alone is not an issue. You can join an organized tour, and you’ll discover that other solo travelers are also booking those tours.
In addition to winter sports, there’s one activity that Kiruna is ideal for: Northern Lights chasing. Kiruna is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. You can try spotting the Northern Lights alone, or join one of the several Northern Lights tours.
Finally, Kiruna is the perfect place in Scandinavia to seek some tranquility by being close to nature and away from big city life. You can explore national parks, or encounter some Scandinavian wildlife, such as moose or reindeer. If you are a nature enthusiast, you’ll be amazed by Kiruna.
Book cheap flights to Stockholm here:
4. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is a great winter destination for solo travelers, much like Kiruna. This city is situated in Northern Norway and is commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic”. Tromsø has become increasingly popular among solo travelers in recent years and is now the most sought-after solo travel destination in Norway.
In contrast to Kiruna, Tromsø is a well-known summer destination as well. Here, you can swim at stunning beaches and explore some of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords. Moreover, you can witness the fascinating phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets for a few months.
During the winter, you can indulge in your favorite winter sports and witness the mesmerizing northern lights. You can also have a fantastic whale-watching experience by joining one of the daily tours. If you’re looking for a thrilling Arctic adventure, you can visit Svalbard Island, situated just a few miles north of Tromsø.
Book cheap flights to Tromsø here:
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
According to many, Reykjavik is one of the best destinations in Scandinavia for solo travel. If you can handle the cold, everything else is perfect for a unique solo trip.
First, it’s safe for everyone. Female solo travelers won’t feel any danger at all. Iceland has been rewarded as the best country in the world for gender equality. In general, the crime index in Iceland is so low that you feel like you are in your own neighborhood.
Second, you can do many indoor and outdoor activities by yourself. For instance, Blue Lagoon is an ideal place to spend some time alone, and why not, also meet some new people?
Finally, it’s too easy to take all kinds of day trips from Reykjavik to other parts of Iceland. Both new and experienced solo travelers are booking tours daily to destinations such as the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, or the South Coast.
Book cheap flights to Tromsø here:
Solo Travel Tips for Scandinavia Solo Travelers
Traveling solo can be challenging. In Scandinavia though, if you follow the advice below, you can enjoy a memorable trip with peace of mind.
Share your plans with a friend
When traveling alone, your safety should be your top priority. Though Scandinavia is a safe destination for solo travelers, it’s always best to be prepared for any situation. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to inform a friend or a family member about your exact travel plans and to keep them updated regularly. Even if nothing happens, this will give you some peace of mind.
Stay at a hostel
All the best Scandinavian cities for solo travel have cheap and modern hostels. Instead of booking a hotel, make sure to book a bed at a hostel. You will easily make acquaintances, you can take part in group games and exciting tours, and at the same time save money.
Talk to people
Scandinavians are pleasant and friendly people, and in most cases, they are very social with tourists. Therefore, if you want to ask something, ask for directions, or just have a conversation, don’t hesitate. It can easily lead to a new friendship.
Try using a dating app
If you’re traveling alone and looking to add some excitement to your trip by meeting new people, then using a dating app is a great option. Scandinavians are known to be frequent users of dating apps and statistics show that most people there meet their acquaintances through these platforms. Therefore, if you haven’t created an account on a dating app yet, it’s worth doing so to increase your chances of meeting new people during your trip.
Final thoughts
Scandinavia is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, but it also boasts several charming and easily accessible cities. If it’s your first solo trip and want to avoid any hassle while ensuring your safety, Scandinavia is the perfect destination. Choose from a variety of Scandinavian cities that are ideal for solo travel, book your tickets, and embark on a wonderful and secure solo adventure!