The Scandinavian countries are close enough to rent a minibus to visit them and explore them in a variety of ways. The good roads and polite drivers make this plan even more appealing, and the only question is where to point the minibus. The Scandinavian countries are Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which share the same cultural and historical space with them. The eight destinations listed below can be visited on as many different trips as you want, or they can be combined into one big adventure.
Stockholm – Gateway to Scandinavia
The easiest way to start is in Sweden, which you can reach by boat from Estonia. The main part of the Swedish capital Stockholm consists of fourteen islands and the entire city is connected by more than 50 bridges. While it is a good idea to walk around the old town, a minibus is useful for visiting Stockholm's various wonderful castles. Also a short drive away are the university city of Uppsala, Sweden's oldest city Sigtuna and the largest animal park in the Nordic countries, Kolmården.
The diverse port city of Gothenburg
The drive to Gothenburg offers beautiful views and exciting stops. In Sweden's largest port city, it's worth visiting the Maritama Centrum maritime museum, the Universum science center and the Liseberg amusement park. When you've had enough of architecture and seafood, you can head towards Malmö, stopping at the unique Wild West world of High Chaparral and Söderåsens National Park, where you can admire the beech forest and extremely relief landscape.
One bridge, two countries
The very environmentally friendly city of Malmö is almost the center of Swedish ecotourism. In addition to parks and enjoying organic produce, there is other interesting things to do there. The Renaissance-style Malmöhus Castle leaves an indelible impression. Fans of modern architecture will be delighted by the Revolving Torso skyscraper. Another great advantage of Malmö is the fast connection to Denmark, which opened in 2008. Passing the 8-kilometer Øresund Bridge and the 4-kilometer Drogdentunnelen tunnel is an experience in itself and an easy way to get from Sweden to Denmark. NB! The bridge toll for vehicles up to 6 meters long is 48 (online price) or 53 euros (when purchased on site).
Danish fairy tale world on the island of Fyn
Copenhagen is a city of cyclists, so those traveling by car can easily explore the rest of Denmark, such as the island of Funen, the birthplace of the storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. The island is characterized by castles, manors, windmills and beautiful nature. Most of the castles and manor houses are open to visitors, but if you had to choose one, it would be Egeskov Castle, which has various unique gardens and many different museums, of which the collection of old cars and motorcycles is the most attractive for technology enthusiasts. Families with children should also cross the bridge to the Jutland peninsula and visit the world-famous Legoland in Billund.
Skagen – a trip to the top of Denmark
One of the most beautiful regions in Denmark is Northern Jutland. Wonderful sandy beaches, numerous lakes and thick forests offer enough variety in a small area. If you are going, Skagen, Denmark's northernmost city, could be the destination. Originally an isolated fishing village, it soon became a favorite place for artists. There is still a creative atmosphere there, which is helped by galleries, antique shops and the mustard-yellow houses that have become the city's hallmark. Sunset in Skagen is something you should not miss. From northern Denmark, you can head towards Norway. A ferry leaves from the port of Hirtshals (ferry ticket for passengers with a minibus approx. €95) to Norway's southernmost city, Kristiansand, where you can add Dyreparken zoo and amusement park to your stops. Then drive north along the west coast of Norway.
From forests and fjords to the mountaintop
Norway's sharp mountain ranges and fjords cutting deep into the land make driving a real experience. Close to Bergen is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Not far from there is an exciting section of road: the road, open from May to September, starts in Galdbygd and climbs 13.8m over 1283km to Juvasshytta. Since the road at the foot of Norway's highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen (2466), has quite steep sections (up to 16,0%) and winter road conditions are not uncommon even in the summer months, it is a suitable destination for experienced drivers. You also have to take into account the toll. And if you are up to it, you can hike from Juvasshytta and visit the Styggebreen glacier with the guidance of a local guide and climb the top of Galdhøpiggen.
The more bridges, the more magnificent
The Atlantic Highway, also known as the “Road in the Ocean”, marks the seven-bridged section between Kårvåg and Bud, which is a truly admirable combination of natural beauty and modern engineering. The highway runs over moors, farmland and as close to the ocean as possible. Fishing enthusiasts should definitely stop at Myrbærholm Bridge and try their luck at catching dinner. The island of Eldhusøya, where a convenient hiking trail has been built, is also a good place to stop for a walk.
Wonderful Northern Scandinavia
The longer bus ride and lower temperatures are often not inviting, but there is also plenty to see and do in Northern Norway and Northern Sweden. There are two good options for traveling north from Norway: the main road E6 or Kystriksveien, or road no. 17, which runs along the coast and is a little longer, but offers more wonderful views. Places worth visiting are the city of Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands and several different national parks, where you can do shorter and longer hikes. When driving by car, you can choose when you have had enough, and when you cross the border, you can already start exploring Sweden and head south again, stopping at the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel, the national parks of Northern Sweden and the Dalarna county with its rich folk culture.
You can rent a minibus for your trip. www.rendibuss.ee