5 reasons to visit the Nordics

Known for their dramatic landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, the Nordic countries - which include Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland - offer travellers a memorable holiday.

Visit stunning Lapland and experience an outdoor adventure - choose from activities like reindeer safaris or snow sledding - and learn about local Lappish traditions. If the conditions are right you'll catch a glimpse of the incredible Aurora Borealis. Enjoy snow-covered views of frozen seas and charming island archipelagos as you cosy up in a traditional lodge with panoramic views. You could also opt for a stay in the world's first ice hotel in Jukkasjärvia for an unforgettable experience.

Another way to enjoy the delights of the Nordics is to take a cruise through Oslofjord, visiting Oslo and its wealth of art and culture, and making a stop at Gothenburg, with its beautiful Trädgårdsföreningen park and palm house. Or cruise along the Norwegian coast, spending 5 nights above the Artic Circle, to really maximise your chances of catching a captivating Northern Lights display.

Perhaps choose a city break with a hotel stay in one of the wonderful Nordic capitals. Explore the many islands that make up Stockholm, pay a visit to the pretty old town and enjoy a leisurely fika. Or take a trip to trendy Copenhagen, hop on a bike to take a dip in the harbour pool and browse the fashionable boutiques. Alternatively spend a weekend in Reykjavík, and scale the tower of Hallgrímskirkja church for breathtaking views of the city's colourful roofs and the sea beyond.

Read on to see our five reasons why you should visit the Nordics...

Visit elegant Oslo and pretty Gothenburg on this springtime cruise on board small ship Balmoral.

Start your journey on beautiful Oslofjord, a glorious stretch of water framed by forests and dotted with attractive islands. Stop off in Oslo to explore its museums - try the Munch Museum, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum or the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Next, dock in central Gothenburg and enjoy a visit to colourful Trädgårdsföreningen, a stunning 19th-century park with woodlands, a rose garden and a striking palm house.

You'll spend two full days at sea on board Balmoral, which has excellent facilities including six restaurants, seven bars, two pools and open decks for soaking in the views.

Revel in breathtaking winter landscapes on a reindeer safari, husky safari and snowmobile tour on this active adventure to Finnish Lapland.

Your cosy base for this eight-day trip is Iso-Syöte, a boutique hotel high in the Finnish fells with breathtaking panoramic views.

Travel by husky sled and snowmobile through snowy forests, and take a reindeer safari and ice fishing trip, where you'll learn about fishing in the traditional Lappish way. Expert guides will join your excursions and inform you about this unique part of Europe.

You'll have free time to enjoy your hotel's facilities - indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish steam bath and hot tub - which are ideal for warming up after your adventures.

Remember to watch out for the magical Northern Lights during your stay - they're a regular visitor to these skies when conditions are right!

Take in the amazing scenery of Swedish Lapland on this escape to Brändön Lodge in the beautiful Luleå region, and stay at the original ICEHOTEL at Jukkasjärvia.

You'll stay in a warm and welcoming winter cottage, with an open-plan living and dining area with a kitchenette, and be wowed by views from your own terrace across the frozen Bothnian Sea and the Luleå archipelago.

During your stay at Brändön Lodge, you can choose from a range of exhilarating winter activities (not included) such as snowmobile and husky safaris, winter skills sessions and ice fishing. Then warm up after your arctic adventures in the sauna or hot tub (bookable and payable locally).

You'll also take a trip on the Arctic Circle Train to Kiruna to spend a night at the world's first ICEHOTEL®.

Special cold-weather clothing will be provided, and expert guides will be in charge of the activities.

Explore Norway's fjords and coastline with visits to Kristiansund, Tromsø and Trondheim on this 11-night cruise.

Seek the Aurora Borealis on this twelve-day cruise as you sail in comfort aboard your expedition ship, along Norway's coast. Or discover stunning landscapes, historic fishing villages, attractive cities and tales of ancient folklore on this six-night cruise sailing around Norway's glacial fjords.

A highlight will be crossing the Arctic Circle, and sailing Norway's northernmost waters, where your chances of spotting the Northern Lights are high, so as long as the conditions are right you'll be in for a magical experience. The Expedition Team will organise excursions, using their local knowledge to show you the most stunning locations.

Scandinavian design is world-famous; spend a night or two in one of our handpicked hotels and enjoy a comfortable and stylish stay. Choose from eco-conscious boutique hotels or landmark luxury establishments in Copenhagen, Stockholm or Reykjavík for an extra special experience.

Our recommendations

• To be near the action - Nobis Hotel, Copenhagen

  This five-star hotel is a stone's throw from many of the city's cultural attractions, including the Tivoli Gardens. You can hire bikes to explore the sights further. Or unwind in the marble-clad relaxation room with sauna and plunge pool

• For Art Deco style - Hotel Borg, Reykjavik

  This is a smart, beautifully-designed hotel, with nods to the Golden Age everywhere - from its public spaces to its guest rooms. The service is excellent, as is the food - fresh, local fish and seafood feature heavily on the menu at Restaurant Borg - and there's even a spa if you're looking for downtown after exploring the city