The Scandinavian & Nordic Breaks To Book Now

Hire A Lake House In Dalarna County

For a traditional Swedish summer, you’ll want to hire a lake house. And Dalarna County in central Sweden is the perfect place to do so. This picturesque region is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. Often called ‘miniature Sweden,’ it has forests, lakes, mountains and flower meadows — ideal for hiking, skiing in the winter and year-round outdoor adventures. Highlights include Lake Siljan, the Unesco-listed Falun Mine, and the iconic red cottages painted with Falu Rödfärg (one of the country’s oldest paints). The region is also home to the famous Dala Horse, while numerous festivals and celebrations take place over the summer months. 

STAY: Cabins Sweden has a range of holiday homes around Sweden, offering everything from romantic hideaways to spacious family cabins. Dalarna has plenty of both, including this set of three cabins, surrounded by peaceful forest and wildlife. Just 20m from the water, guests can wake up to lake views before taking a dip in the water, fishing or foraging for berries and mushrooms. It has solar-powered lighting, wood-burning stove, a fish smoker and other thoughtful amenities. 

As ever, Airbnb has plenty of options, too. This luxury off-grid cabin in Hälsingland is tucked 10km deep into the forest near Viksjöfors, offering total seclusion. Surrounded by lush woodland, it’s opposite a beautiful lake with cosy interiors, and indoor woodburner, a small kitchen and en-suite bedroom. You might even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights here.

Go Glamping In The Forest

Norway’s dramatic landscapes – fjords, forests, mountains and Arctic skies – make it a dream destination for glamping. From treetop cabins to lakeside yurts, glamping here lets you immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort. Think queen-sized beds, panoramic views and firepits under the midnight sun. Whether you’re hiking through Telemark’s forest trails, swimming in the fjords of Hardanger or foraging in the pine woods of Hedmark, there are options for couples, groups and families. Key regions to explore include Lofoten and Nordland for sea views and fishing; Telemark and Vestfold for forest retreats and mountain hikes; and the Western Fjords for outstanding beauty. 

STAY: WonderInn offers some of Norway’s most spectacular glamping stays, combining cutting-edge design with immersive nature experiences. Just 25 minutes from Oslo, WonderInn Riverside features mirrored glass cabins and glamping domes that blend into the forest, with panoramic views, private jacuzzis and chic interiors. Guests can relax by the lake, enjoy al fresco dining or explore nearby walking trails. 

Explore Norway's Fjords

Norway’s fjords are among the most beautiful natural wonders in Europe – deep, glacially carved inlets surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and small villages. With over 1,000 around the country, the most iconic include the Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, the dramatic Lysefjord with its famous hikes, and the vast Sognefjord, known as the ‘King of the Fjords’. Thanks to long daylight hours, summer is ideal for exploring by kayak, cruise, or scenic rail.

STAY: Located in the Aurlandsfjord (one of the most beautiful fjords in Vestland county) 29/2 Aurland is a boutique river lodge surrounded by nature. Spread across restored 18th-century farm buildings, the hotel looks like it’s been lifted from the pages of Architectural Digest. Guests can unwind in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub, enjoy farm-to-table dining and explore nearby trails, waterfalls and fjord cruises. With just eight individually styled rooms, it’s the perfect base for slow adventure – whether hiking the Aurlandsdalen Valley, fishing in the river or taking in the views.

Experience Iceland’s Geothermal Landscape

Iceland’s geothermal terrain is one of the most visually stunning in Europe – think steaming hot springs, erupting geysers, lava fields and ice-covered volcanoes. Summer is the perfect time to explore it all, with up to 21 hours of daylight and green landscapes revealed as the snow melts. The famous Golden Circle route showcases the best of Iceland’s geothermal power: walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, and see Gullfoss waterfall’s thundering cascades.

Further afield, the Reykjanes Peninsula is home to surreal lava fields and geothermal pools, while North Iceland’s Mývatn Nature Baths provide a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Geothermal energy isn’t just a spectacle – it powers homes, heats greenhouses, and fuels Iceland’s eco-conscious lifestyle. Bathing in naturally heated pools is a tradition, with locals gathering year-round to soak and socialise. 

STAY: Torfhús is a luxury Viking-inspired escape in Iceland’s Golden Circle. Each private cabin features reclaimed wood, basalt stone hot pools and views of volcanic plains and glaciers. Meals are served in the Langhús (a Viking-style dining hall) where guests enjoy seasonal meals made with local ingredients. The retreat is ideally located for exploring nearby geothermal sights like Geysir, Gullfos and Þingvellir National Park. If that wasn’t enough, other activities include horse riding, glacier hikes, helicopter tours and more.

Explore A Remote Peninsula

From the windswept cliffs of the Langanes Peninsula in the northeast, home to puffin colonies and abandoned fishing villages, to hot springs of the Westfjords, Iceland’s remote peninsulas feel like the edge of the world. Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called ‘Iceland in Miniature’, packs in glaciers, lava fields and black sand beaches into one compact area, while the Troll Peninsula in the north is ideal for hiking, sea kayaking and wildlife spotting. These areas were made for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-track adventure. 

STAY: Set within the Fljót Valley on Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, Eleven Deplar Farm is a converted sheep farm turned ultra-luxury lodge. One of the country’s top stays, the property has turf roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows and a geothermally heated outdoor pool.  Inside, the lodge offers Nordic-inspired interiors, a full-service spa, and chef-prepared meals featuring traditional Icelandic dishes. Everything is designed to immerse guests in the wilderness and leave as little impact in the environment as possible. Summer activities include fly fishing, hiking, sea kayaking and horseback riding, all guided by local experts.