{"id":5824,"date":"2025-05-18T23:27:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T23:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=5824"},"modified":"2025-05-18T23:27:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T23:27:44","slug":"your-ultimate-guide-to-scandinavia-and-how-to-book-it-with-avios","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=5824","title":{"rendered":"Your ultimate guide to Scandinavia and how to book it with Avios"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Part of the charm of travel is in discovering the unknown. In a world where most places have been photographed, reviewed, and hashtagged into predictability, true discovery feels rare. But Scandinavia is different. It isn\u2019t flashy, it\u2019s not trying to sell you anything, and maybe that\u2019s the point; it\u2019s just very, very good at being itself. Once you\u2019ve experienced it, you\u2019ll realise it\u2019s less about checking off sights and more about how the place makes you feel.<\/p>\n

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So, where do you begin, and how do you use Avios points to get there? Let\u2019s break it down by city and scenery.<\/p>\n

What are Avios? And how do I use them?<\/h2>\n

Avios points are the reward currency used by British Airways (via British Airways Club) and its partner airlines, such as Iberia and Aer Lingus, as well as Qatar Airways. They\u2019re part of a scheme that allows you to earn points through flights with BA and its partners, as well as every day spending on dedicated credit cards and through a wide range of retail partners, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car hire, and more. Avios collectors can book reward seats on British Airways flights. The only cash you have to pay for a reward seat is the airline tax, which can start from as little as 50p per trip.<\/p>\n

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With that said, let\u2019s head to Scandinavia\u2026<\/p>\n

Stockholm, Sweden<\/h2>\n

The capital of Sweden and Scandinavia\u2019s largest city, Stockholm spreads across 14 scenic islands where Lake M\u00e4laren meets the Baltic Sea. There\u2019s water everywhere, crisp design in every corner, and a rhythm that\u2019s fast without feeling frantic. It\u2019s modern, yes, but never at the cost of its history.<\/p>\n

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Here are our top picks for things to do in Stockholm:<\/p>\n

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  • Get gloriously lost in Gamla Stan, the city\u2019s medieval old town home to the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral, and the Nobel Prize Museum. It\u2019s one of the best-preserved historic centres in Europe.<\/li>\n
  • Swim, kayak, or just watch the light shift across the water; it\u2019s all around you.<\/li>\n
  • Take a boat to Vaxholm, Fj\u00e4derholmarna, or Grinda and enjoy everything from kayaking to local seafood lunches. Public ferries run year-round, but summer is the ideal season to explore.<\/li>\n
  • Visit S\u00f6dermalm, the city\u2019s creative hub full of indie shops and bars.<\/li>\n
  • Spend a day at the Vasa Museum (home to a 17th-century warship), the ABBA Museum, Skansen (an open-air museum and zoo), and the waterfront amusement park Gr\u00f6na Lund, all on one lush island.<\/li>\n
  • Have fika (Swedish coffee break) at Vete-Katten or a local bakery.<\/li>\n
  • Visit \u00d6stermalms Saluhall and stock up on gourmet eats at this classic food hall.<\/li>\n
  • Make a day trip to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO site and royal residence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for Avios reward flights to take you there, off-peak Economy flights with British Airways start from 18,500 Avios plus \u00a31 return. You\u2019ll also earn BA loyalty tiers when booking through British Airways, which help you get lounge access and priority check in.<\/p>\n

    Gothenburg, Sweden<\/h2>\n

    Gothenburg doesn\u2019t always make the front pages, but that\u2019s exactly the point. It\u2019s less polished than Stockholm, more grounded, and full of character. A working port city with indie energy and great seafood.<\/p>\n

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    Here are our recommendations for things to do in Gothenburg:<\/p>\n

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    • Island-hop the Gothenburg Archipelago, a cluster of over 20 mostly car-free islands. You can also catch a ferry from Saltholmen or Lilla Varholmen and visit the nearby islands of Asper\u00f6, Br\u00e4nn\u00f6, Styrs\u00f6, and Varg\u00f6.<\/li>\n
    • Rent a kayak at Kajakbryggan and paddle through the city\u2019s 400 km of canals. Gothenburg is best seen from sea level, especially if you\u2019re in for a true eco-friendly experience.<\/li>\n
    • Being a port city, Gothenburg takes seafood seriously. Go upscale at Sj\u00f6magasinet or keep it casual at Feskek\u00f4rka, the city\u2019s fish market. For seasonal treats, head to Restaurant Atelier for oysters and Champagne.<\/li>\n
    • Gothenburg\u2019s old town, Haga, has reinvented itself with indie boutiques and cafes tucked inside charming wooden buildings. Don\u2019t miss a coffee and cinnamon bun the size of your face.<\/li>\n
    • Spend the night aboard Barken Viking, a beautifully restored 1907 windjammer turned
      hotel. Stop in for dinner or drinks in the onboard restaurant if you\u2019re not staying over.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Reward flights to Gothenburg start from just 18,500 Avios plus \u00a31 return in off-peak Economy. This is one of the best Avios reward flight redemptions for a laid-back, green city break.<\/p>\n

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      Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Copenhagen, Denmark<\/h2>\n

      Copenhagen is the kind of place that makes you want to trade in your car for a bike and takeaway coffee for a sm\u00f8rrebr\u00f8d at a waterside caf\u00e9. It\u2019s clean, confident, and built for people, not traffic. Public spaces feel intentional and naturally folded into daily life.<\/p>\n

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      Here\u2019s what to do in Copenhagen:<\/p>\n

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      • Your visit isn\u2019t complete without a trip to Tivoli Gardens. Open since 1843, it\u2019s the second-oldest amusement park in the world and an inspiration for Walt Disney himself.<\/li>\n
      • Take a selfie in front of Nyhavn\u2019s rows of brightly coloured houses and bobbing boats. This old commercial port is now a favourite hangout, lined with restaurants and bars, jazz spilling from open doors. Hans Christian Andersen once lived at No. 20, yes, the very one who wrote The Little Mermaid.<\/li>\n
      • Join a guided canal cruise or rent a kayak and explore Copenhagen on your own. Highlights include floating past the Opera House, Black Diamond Library, and the statue of The Little Mermaid.<\/li>\n
      • Step into Danish royal history at Rosenborg Castle, where you\u2019ll find the Crown Jewels and beautifully preserved royal apartments. Afterwards, stroll through the adjoining King\u2019s Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city centre.<\/li>\n
      • Watch the changing of the guard or simply admire the symmetry of Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family. It\u2019s one of the oldest monarchies in the world with a lineage that goes back to Viking king, Harald Bluetooth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        If you\u2019re planning a multi-city break in Scandinavia, flying via British Airways into Copenhagen is often the most cost-effective entry point. With direct off-peak flights from 18,500 Avios plus \u00a31 return, it\u2019s a smart way to start your Nordic escape.<\/p>\n

        Oslo, Norway<\/h2>\n

        With its population of over 700,000, Oslo may be a capital city, but it doesn\u2019t feel like one in the traditional sense. Instead of urban sprawl, you\u2019ll find a city hemmed in by thick forests, fjords, and daily life that bends toward the outdoors. Oslo\u2019s biggest flex is that you can go island-hopping in the morning, hike a mountain by lunch, and hit a world-class museum before dinner.<\/p>\n

        Here\u2019s what should be in your Oslo itinerary:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Take in the art scene that\u2019s everywhere. Check out giant murals in T\u00f8yen, over 200 naked sculptures in Vigeland Park, and don\u2019t miss the National Museum (home to The Scream) or the innovative new Munch Museum.<\/li>\n
        • Fjord-hopping is a thing, and you must do it. Oslo sits on the edge of the Oslofjord, and hopping between its tiny islands by ferry is the perfect summer pastime. Visit Hoved\u00f8ya for monastery ruins, Lind\u00f8ya for colourful cabins, and Gressh\u00f8lmen for beach walks and fresh seafood.<\/li>\n
        • Ride the metro up the forest and be on a hiking trail in under 30 minutes.<\/li>\n
        • Eat your way through Oslo with reindeer stew at Dovrehallen, small plates at Katla, cocktails at Pier 42, and a lap around Mathallen\u2019s food stalls. For a splurge, book Maaemo and don\u2019t look back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Avios reward flights, booked with British Airways, start from 23,500 Avios plus \u00a31 return for off-peak Economy reward seats.<\/p>\n

          Troms\u00f8, Norway<\/h2>\n

          Located over 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, Troms\u00f8 is often called the \u201cGateway to the Arctic,\u201d and it lives up to the name. Ringed by snowy peaks and fjords, this surprisingly cosmopolitan city is the perfect place to chase the Northern Lights, explore S\u00e1mi culture, and get close to arctic wildlife.<\/p>\n

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          The best time to visit depends on your bucket list. Winter brings the aurora borealis, dog sledging, and polar night (November to mid-January) when the sun barely rises above the horizon. Summer means midnight sun, golden light, and long days for hiking, kayaking, and paragliding. Either way, it\u2019s a trip you won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n

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          Here are the activities we recommend:<\/p>\n

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          • Chase the Northern Lights. Troms\u00f8 sits right under the auroral oval. Go with a guide, or take a quiet electric boat out into the fjord and wait.<\/li>\n
          • Ride the Cable Car to Mount Storsteinen. Take the Fjellheisen cable car 421 metres above sea level and look out over sea, islands, and city. If it\u2019s dark, you might see the aurora. If it\u2019s daylight, lace up your boots and walk.<\/li>\n
          • Spend time with S\u00e1mi herders and their reindeer. There\u2019s storytelling, a hot meal, and a better way to understand this place than anything you\u2019ll read online.<\/li>\n
          • Explore the Arctic Cathedral, one of Troms\u00f8\u2019s most iconic buildings, inspired by snow and ice.<\/li>\n
          • Go Arctic Fishing in the Fjords. Join a local boat tour to cast your line into Troms\u00f8\u2019s icy waters, rich with cod, halibut, and herring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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            Reward seats to Troms\u00f8, booked with Avios reward points, start from 23,500 Avios plus \u00a31
            return in Economy (off-peak).<\/p>\n

            Beyond the cities<\/h2>\n

            Scandinavia\u2019s cities are great, but they\u2019re just the start. Once you head out, you\u2019ll find deep forests, rocky islands, and landscapes that feel untouched. What comes next is a shortlist of unmissable nature experiences that show off Scandinavia at its wildest and most unforgettable.<\/p>\n

            Norwegian fjords<\/h2>\n

            There\u2019s a quieter side to Scandinavia that doesn\u2019t show up in postcards, until you\u2019re standing at the edge of a fjord in western Norway, wondering how this kind of silence still exists.<\/p>\n

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            Here are some epic fjord adventures we highly recommend adding to your itinerary:<\/p>\n

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            • Geirangerfjord<\/strong>: UNESCO-listed and endlessly photogenic, Geirangerfjord earns its reputation. Cruise past sheer cliffs and waterfalls, stop at the \u00d8rnesvingen lookout for sweeping views, or take on the Geiranger Skywalk if you\u2019re not afraid of heights. The nearby Fjord Centre gives a solid overview without the tourist rush.<\/li>\n
            • Sognefjord<\/strong>: If you\u2019re only seeing one fjord, make it this one. Called the \u201cKing of the Fjords\u201d for a reason, Sognefjord is huge and packed with highlights. Hop on the Fl\u00e5m Railway, hike across Jostedalsbreen glacier, or detour to Urnes Stave Church, one of Norway\u2019s oldest wooden buildings.<\/li>\n
            • Aurlandsfjord & N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord<\/strong>: Two arms of Sognefjord that punch well above their size. Base yourself in Fl\u00e5m, take the train up to Myrdal, then ride a ferry through N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord\u2019s narrow, steep-sided channel to Gudvangen. It\u2019s a classic for a reason, and somehow still feels wild.<\/li>\n
            • Hardangerfjord<\/strong>: Trolltunga is the headline act (yes, that cliff you\u2019ve seen on Instagram) but there\u2019s more here. Stay in Odda or Rosendal for access to glacier hikes and quiet walks across the Hardangervidda plateau. Bonus: this area blooms with apple and cherry orchards in spring.<\/li>\n
            • Lysefjord<\/strong>: Just outside Stavanger, Lysefjord delivers big views with minimal travel. Climb to Pulpit Rock, take the 4,444 steps up Fl\u00f8rli, or hop on a fjord cruise for a front-row seat. It\u2019s popular, but still worth it and one of Norway\u2019s few certified Sustainable Destinations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Getting there with Avios<\/h3>\n

              You can fly to Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim, or Troms\u00f8 using Avios reward flights and plan your fjord tour. Not all destinations have a year round schedule however, so be sure to check. For example:<\/p>\n

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              • Bergen can be your launch pad for Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord, N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord, and
                Hardangerfjord.<\/li>\n
              • Oslo connects well to Geirangerfjord and the scenic railway to Fl\u00e5m.<\/li>\n
              • Trondheim offers quick access to Trondheimsfjord and northern fjords.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Best Avios reward flight tip<\/h3>\n

                Fly into Bergen via Oslo using your Avios, then pick up a rental car or connect via train or ferry to the fjords. Several scenic combo buses, ferries, and train tours operate from here between May and September.<\/p>\n

                Scandinavian mountains<\/h2>\n

                The Scandinavian mountains (locals call them Scandes) stretch across Norway, Sweden, and a slice of Finland, forming the region\u2019s spine. Though not very high in altitude, these mountains are among the steepest in the world and are far larger in area than the Alps and the Pyrenees combined.<\/p>\n

                The range has been around for about 400 million years, which explains the weathered cliffs, deep valleys, and the sense that nature\u2019s been at work here for a long time. They run from the southern tip of Norway, through Sweden\u2019s Dalarna, all the way to Treriksr\u00f6set, the meeting point of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, before finally dropping into the Arctic Ocean. The Scandes change completely throughout the year: in winter, they\u2019re quiet, white, and almost otherworldly. Come summer, the same slopes are green, alive, and dotted with hikers instead of reindeer.<\/p>\n

                So, what should you do when you\u2019re there? Here are some of our top picks:<\/p>\n

                Sweden<\/h3>\n
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                • Sarek National Park<\/strong>: A UNESCO-listed wilderness filled with glaciers, high peaks, and roaming moose.<\/li>\n
                • Kungsleden (King\u2019s Trail)<\/strong>: Sweden\u2019s most iconic 440 km hiking route through four national parks.<\/li>\n
                • The J\u00e4mtland Triangle<\/strong>: A great beginner hike with cosy huts and jaw-dropping views.<\/li>\n
                • Kebnekaise<\/strong>: Sweden\u2019s tallest mountain with trails for all levels.<\/li>\n
                • Padjelantaleden Trail<\/strong>: A scenic walk through Sweden\u2019s largest national park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Finland<\/h3>\n
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                  • Halti Fell & K\u00e4sivarsi Wilderness Area<\/strong>: Tackle Finland\u2019s highest peak or follow the Nordkalottleden Trail.<\/li>\n
                  • Lemmenjoki National Park<\/strong>: Finland\u2019s largest, where you can pan for gold or catch the Northern Lights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Norway<\/h3>\n
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                    • Jotunheimen National Park & Besseggen Ridge<\/strong>: Norway\u2019s top hiking region with unforgettable views.<\/li>\n
                    • Gaustabanen<\/strong>: A Cold War-era funicular train hidden inside a mountain.<\/li>\n
                    • Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)<\/strong>: A 604-metre-high flat rock overlooking the Lysefjord.<\/li>\n
                    • Aurora Spirit Distillery<\/strong>: Sip whisky where the mountains meet the fjord, the world\u2019s northernmost distillery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      But it\u2019s not all hiking boots and heavy backpacks, there\u2019s plenty of other fun to be had, no matter
                      the season. Here are some of our other favourite mountain activities that bring the Scandes to
                      life:<\/p>\n

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                      • Snowmobile safari in the Lyngen Alps<\/strong>: Drive your snowmobile through one of the most picturesque regions of the Scandes. End the ride with a hearty campfire meal in the snow.<\/li>\n
                      • Snowshoe up to Trolltunga<\/strong>: Climb to one of Scandinavia\u2019s most iconic ledges to view Ringedalen Lake and the Folgefonna glacier with a guide. It\u2019s challenging but unforgettable.<\/li>\n
                      • Kayak around Lysefjorden<\/strong>: Paddle past sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and perhaps even curious seals on a kayak trip beneath towering cliffs reaching 400 metres high.<\/li>\n
                      • Husky sledding in Kiruna<\/strong>: Meet the dogs, learn to drive, and then dash through the Swedish Arctic on a thrilling dogsled adventure.<\/li>\n
                      • Hike Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)<\/strong>: As seen in Mission Impossible: Fallout, this dramatic 4\u20136 hour guided hike delivers unbeatable views over Lysefjorden and serious bragging rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        The Northern Lights<\/h2>\n

                        Nobody will believe you\u2019ve been on a Scandinavian trip until you give them conclusive evidence of having seen the Northern Lights. Known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural light show lights up the skies above northern Scandinavia in dazzling waves of green, red, and purple. The phenomenon is most commonly seen from September to March, especially near the equinoxes.<\/p>\n

                        And the best part? Some of the most reliable Northern Lights destinations are accessible via British Airways Avios reward flights.<\/p>\n

                        To help you plan the perfect aurora escape, here are our top recommended places to experience
                        them in Sweden:<\/p>\n

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                        • Abisko National Park<\/strong>: Thanks to a weather phenomenon over Lake Tornetr\u00e4sk called the \u201cBlue Hole,\u201d the skies above Abisko remain clearer here than almost anywhere else in Sweden. You can take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station or trek and camp in the park.<\/li>\n
                        • Jukkasj\u00e4rvi and the Torne Valley<\/strong>: Sleep in the world-famous ICEHOTEL, carved fresh every winter from blocks of the Torne River. Guided snowmobile and dogsled tours take you deep into the wild, or you can dine under the stars near Esrange Space Centre. Other excellent spots include Lake Poustijarvi, Nikkaluokta, and Vittangi.<\/li>\n
                        • Porjus and Laponia<\/strong>: This tiny village of 400 people sits on the edge of the Laponia World Heritage Area, near national parks like Muddus and Stora Sj\u00f6fallet. Clear skies, low light pollution, and consistently cold temperatures make Porjus one of the country\u2019s most beloved aurora viewing spots.<\/li>\n
                        • Lulea, Jokkmokk and Gallivare<\/strong>: Head into the Br\u00e4nd\u00f6 forests for aurora chasing in Lulea. In Gallivare, ride a snowmobile to the top of Dundret Mountain and enjoy a private light show.<\/li>\n
                        • Troms\u00f8, Norway<\/strong>: Troms\u00f8 is one of the most accessible and reliable places to witness the lights. Enjoy whale watching, reindeer safaris, or the Polar Museum while waiting for the sky to dance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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                          Kayleigh Hepworth<\/h3>\n

                          Kayleigh Hepworth is Head of Marketing at Reward Flight Finder. Reward Flight Finder is the perfect tool to search for British Airways reward flights. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                          Source: https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/2025\/05\/19\/your-ultimate-guide-to-scandinavia-and-how-to-book-it-with-avios\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Part of the charm of travel is in discovering the unknown. In a world where most places have been photographed, reviewed, and hashtagged into predictability, true discovery feels rare. But Scandinavia is different. It isn\u2019t flashy, it\u2019s not trying to sell you anything, and maybe that\u2019s the point; it\u2019s just very, very good at being […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5825,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5824"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5824\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}