Scandinavian Summer: A Personal Journey Through the Land of the Midnight Sun

In the summer months, I traveled through the enchanting landscapes of Scandinavia and found myself in a world that seemed so far from reality, full of beauty and rich cultural traditions. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland – each country unfolded its charisma and charm while traveling. The Scandinavian summer turned out to be something absolutely special, attracting tourists and locals alike in its inimitable charm.

Probably one of the most striking features, which impressed me throughout the journey, was something called "Midnight Sun." I saw, in large parts of Scandinavia, the sun just barely sets, offering almost continuous daylight that invigorated the natural world and energized the people around me. The extended daylight became a constant companion to my explorations and experiences of the region's wonders well into the night.

The natural beauty that I saw in Scandinavia during the summer was breathtaking. Starting with Norway, the one that particularly impressively left me speechless was the majesty of the fjords: emerald waters mirroring dramatic cliffs soaring above. In Sweden, serenity was simply lost amidst green thick forests and crystal-clear lakes where vistas after vistas outshone each other. It was the intoxicating peace that I had never known that beckoned me to Finland, with its countless lakes and dense forests. In Denmark, I wandered through fairytale coastal towns and golden beaches with the breeze softly blowing in my face from the sea.

These extra hours of daylight enabled me to indulge in a variety of outdoor pursuits: treading in forests with emerald foliage, cycling along the beautiful coastal routes, and even learning some kayaking on the calm waters of Sweden's archipelagos. The days were so long one seemed to have enough time to do all sorts of things around the region's varied geography.

Deep in the Scandinavian summer experience, I found this season for them means much about their culture. I visited many festivals and took part in lots of traditions full of history and covered by local habits. The highlight of Midsummer celebrations, which I personally experienced and brought the biggest impression on me, happened during my staying in Sweden and Finland.

I danced around the maypole with locals in Sweden—a tradition going on for hundreds of years. Traditional music filled the air with laughter as all ages joined in. I also sampled the traditional foods associated with the holiday: pickled herring and new potatoes, washed down with "nubbe," Swedish vodka. It was a day of garden games, everything from hammer throwing to egg-and-spoon races, rounded off by a joyous evening dancing to popular music and even some ABBA songs.

I celebrated their version of our Midsummer in Finland; there it's called "Juhannus." I headed out into the countryside with some newly minted Finnish friends, and we started off the party right, with a traditional sauna. At night—though it really wasn't that dark—we sat down around what seemed like an enormous bonfire, called "kokko." There is supposedly a tradition that states the more noise you make during these celebrations, the better your luck will be during the coming year. Let's just say we were loud!

Norway had another angle toward summer traditions with their notion of "friluftsliv," or outdoor life. I took to that with open arms and spent days hiking through breathtaking national parks, camping under the stars, though they were rather hard to see with the Midnight Sun, and just enjoying the beauty of nature. The Norwegians I met spoke emphatically about how this bond with nature is important for their mental and physical well-being, and I couldn't help but agree when I saw my own stress melt away through the interaction with the natural magnificence.

In Denmark, I was introduced to something called "hygge." The closest I can describe it is the notion of coziness and contentment within the simple pleasures of life. Even though summer was hot, the Danes I met still enjoyed hygge, just in a different expression. This meant I could sit in on candlelit gatherings in gardens, casual barbecues with new friends, and even join in on a bonfire on the beach. These experiences taught me about the value of slowing down and really enjoying the present moment. That is one lesson I have carried with me long after my Scandinavian adventure.

The summer Scandinavian journey offered just the right weather, with mild temperatures and occasional light rain. On average, I would say the temperature is usually between 15°C to 25°C, or 59°F to 77°F, just ideal for days of outdoor exploration. Although there were some sprinkles along the coastline, these were relatively short and surely would not dampen your mood or hinder your planned activities.

Every country I visited had its way of showing off the beauty of summer in nature. It was in Norway that I definitely kept my eyes open wide, for its fjords become more beautiful when the golden light in the long summer days touches their water. But of course, the Lofoten Islands form a perfect image with their landscape, rugged land, and charming fishing villages.

The archipelagos around Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, rolled into forming what would become some of the most special places of relaxation and exploration during my travel. Days were passed from island to island, phenomena that left me ruminating on how such small islands have developed such a big individualistic identity and charm. Calm waters and an abundance of green constituted a heaven that was hard for me to leave behind.

The vast forests and countless lakes of Finland called to the adventurer in me. Days were spent hiking through dense woods, with frequent stops for foraged wild berries guided by a local expert. I even tested some fishing on one of Finland's many lakes, where the experience taught me as much about patience as it did about Finnish culture and the deep connection to nature.

Without sparking doubt, summer weather in Denmark is quite mild and stable. I spent my wonderful days at the Jutland Peninsula on the island of Bornholm, while its sandy beaches and simple seaside towns kept me mesmerized. It makes me feel home because of the laid-back environment and friendly hosts.

Food was without a doubt one of the most memorable things about my Scandinavian summer trip because each country has its own culinary delicacies, each with fresh and seasonal ingredients, close to the bounty nature has to offer in the region.

I developed a new appreciation for seafood during my time in Sweden. I had a taste of the delicacy gravlax—a cured salmon—that afterwards became one of my best dishes. As much as I thought its taste was a bit difficult to appreciate at first, the Swedes' love for pickled herring paid its way into my heart. I later liked its special flavor, especially when a sprig of new potatoes and a sprig of fresh dill were taken together.

Denmark introduced me to the art of smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Many a lunch hour was spent marveling at the culinary creation in front of me—each a perfect balance of flavor and texture over a slice of hearty rye bread. From salmon, the succulent smoked to roast beef, from pickled herring to a hard-boiled egg, every smørrebrød was another adventure in taste.

This is where I came to love their freshly made waffles. These, more often than not, were served heart-shaped, with a dollop of sour cream and a copious spoonful of berry jam. I even got to taste them with cloudberries, a rare and cherished fruit that brought a whole new dimension of flavor between the two waffle sides.

In that respect, what added inestimable pride to my culinary journey was the great berry desserts from Finland. Great berry desserts were born in Finnish forests, thanks to a glut of blueberries, lingonberries, and bilberries. These mustikkapiirakka—blueberry pie—turn into my to-go, highlighting the sweet and tart essences of Finland's berries.

Along with these foods, I tried many of the classic summer drinks. The first one is aquavit, a classic in both Sweden and Denmark, and soon to become one of my favorites during holidays and parties. I acquired taste in local craft beers, each with its very own distinctive, refreshing profile that definitely goes with the dog days of summer.

As I kept going, I started building a mental checklist that one should require a pertaining to a Scandinavian summer; and top of my list is a good, lightweight rain jacket. The weather is unpredictable here; lots can change in an instant, particularly right on or by the coastlines. The possibility of rain is always prevalent.

Insect repellent quickly became one of my best friends, especially on hikes through the forests and evenings at the lake. Mosquitoes in some areas were really quite a force to be reckoned with, but with the right coverage, this didn't seem to take too much out of my enjoyment of the great outdoors.

I was glad that I packed comfortable, layerable clothing. With the changing temperatures during the day, it can go from one end to the other. Moisture-wicking base layers, lightweight sweaters, and comfy hiking pants/shorts all fit the bill on a trip there.

One thing I wish I had packed from the beginning is a nice pair of sunglasses. The long days, especially in the north, made sunglasses a must. Later on, I bought them locally, and they were some of the most used purchases I made.

A reusable water bottle was another important item, not only because it is more sustainable but also because I could indie from the clean, fresh water directly from the taps in Scandinavia. When hiking in the middle of Swedish forests or just meandering in Danish cities, a bottle of water comes in handy.

To anyone planning his or her summer adventure in Scandinavia, I would highly recommend having a portable picnic set along. This great tradition of heavy outdoor dining makes picnicking in some of the finest settings an absolute joy.

I'll always look back at my Scandinavian summer, knowing these days have changed me. The concept "friluftsliv" that I learned about in Norway is what motivates me to be more in nature during everyday life. "Hygge" from Denmark has taught to appreciate small things in life. The relationship with nature and respect for tradition I could see in Scandinavia carried my appreciation for the world around me on a different level.

At first amusing, Midnight Sun gained expression of unique beauty with which this region was equipped, and it stood for the endless possibilities and the sense of timelessness permeating my entire journey. Even now, months after my return, I can close my eyes and see the golden light of the Scandinavian summer, lighting up the fjords and forests, as well as people's faces, with its warm glow.

For someone who's considering their own Scandinavian summer adventure, I wouldn't recommend it highly enough. Whether it is natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, or scintillating cuisines, there is something so magical about Scandinavia during summer, when the Midsummer Sun reigns supreme.

In your planning, remember to pack things for variable weather, be open to new experiences, and allow for time connecting with locals; their insight and stories will add a lot to your travels. Don't be too cautious about veering off course because some of my best stories come from spontaneous detours and unplanned adventures.

But most of all, welcome the spirit of Scandinavian summer. Slow down, reach for nature, savor each moment, and let it change you in the most amazing part of our planet. From the monumental fjords of Norway to the abundance of serene lakes in Finland, from the Swedish archipelagos to the cozy, small Danish coastal towns, each signature ambiance leaves its print on your heart.

This summer Scandinavian trip has filled me with so many experiences, enhanced my connection with nature, and built an urge to return and explore more of this wonderful region. Hopefully, by sharing my experiences, you will be inspired to take your own adventure in Scandinavia. Trust me when I say, it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

Exploring the Scandinavian Summer and (Midsummer)