Renting cottages in Scandinavia: enjoy an adventurous holiday in the wilderness!

When you rent a holiday cottage in Scandinavia, nature is at your feet almost everywhere. In Sweden, Norway and Finland, the forests are so vast that you might not encounter a single soul during a walk. Step out of your Swedish log cabin into the crisp outdoor air and listen to the magical silence. In Scandinavia, you can rent small wooden cottages or spacious chalets for large groups in the most idyllic locations. Planning a hiking trip for two and want a romantic place to stay? Choose a wooden chalet with a view over a tranquil lake. While Norway, Sweden and Finland are known for their endless and peaceful forests, Denmark offers wide beaches and dune landscapes perfect for walking and cycling.

By ferry to Norway, Sweden and Finland

Dreaming of a cosy cabin for your outdoor holiday, far from civilization, surrounded by primeval forests, beaches and lakes? Rent a cottage in Scandinavia and enjoy rare peace and quiet in untouched nature! You can also embark on a road trip through the different countries, making a stop at Denmark's charming coast. From both Copenhagen and Jutland, you can take the ferry to Sweden and Norway. From Hirtshals, there are crossings to Larvik, Stavanger and Christiansand in Norway, and from Copenhagen, you can sail directly to Oslo! Heading to Finland? Then it’s best to board in Travemünde, Germany, for a crossing to Helsinki.

Renting cottages along Denmark’s beaches

Denmark’s coastline along Jutland and its many islands has a lot to offer. The beaches are known for being incredibly wide, with tall dunes and landscapes that stretch far inland. The gently rolling terrain is beloved by walkers, and although Denmark isn’t as forested as Sweden, its varied nature—with bare hills, small woodlands and charming white churches—is truly scenic. Denmark boasts an overwhelming selection of holiday cottages. In Northern Jutland you’ll find many around Skagen and Blokhus, but there are also rentals along the southern coast and on the Danish Wadden Islands.

In addition to the salty air and beautiful beaches, Denmark has many unique highlights. Try fossil hunting at the beach of Møns Klit in the south or search for amber at Hvide Sande. Bringing your dog along for the family holiday? On North Funen there’s a special dog forest with wonderful walking trails.

National parks and castles

Denmark may not be much bigger than the Netherlands, but it boasts some impressive nature parks. In the northwest you’ll find wide sandy beaches and dunes high above sea level. Many tourists—and Danes themselves—rent holiday homes here for scenic walking holidays. Forests, castles and lakes are found on the island of Zealand, and in Skjoldungernes National Park you’ll discover endless shores along Roskilde Fjord. In North Zealand, near Hillerød, stands the famous Frederiksborg Castle—one of the most beautiful castles in the country and a must-see on your holiday to Denmark’s largest island. Hiking paradise Rebild Bakker also awaits, with spectacular trails. In late summer, the heathland of this nature park is cloaked in glorious purple hues.

Discover Norway from a wilderness cabin

To admire Scandinavia’s untouched wilderness with dramatic elevation changes, Norway is the place to be. The country is dominated by fjords, glaciers and rugged forests, beloved by adventurous hikers and solo backpackers alike!

Preikestolen: iconic viewpoint over the Lysefjord

Norway’s most iconic sight is Preikestolen, a dizzyingly high plateau that overlooks a deep fjord. Despite the height, the viewpoint is fairly accessible, although it does require a hike of over three hours. The trail starts with a boardwalk, but becomes rockier and more challenging as you ascend.

Stavanger

The nearest towns to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen are Jørpeland and Stavanger. Stavanger is one of Norway’s larger cities and has a ferry port for services from Denmark and Sweden. Both in the city and the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of accommodations with lovely sea views. Once you head into the wild, the dramatic scenery will leave you in awe. It’s a great idea to combine your Norwegian nature escape with a cultural visit to this charming coastal town. Explore the colourful city and the white wooden houses in the old district of Gamle. Stavanger has many restaurants with a surprisingly international offering. Try the Ethiopian restaurant Etiopisk or book a table at Jai Hind Indisk for Indian cuisine. Of course, you can also taste traditional Norwegian dishes like dried cod.

Renting a cottage with Norwegian breakfast buffet!

In Norway, breakfast is often included when you book a hotel or, in many cases, a holiday home. This also means you might have trouble finding cafés that serve breakfast—but you probably won’t miss it, because the breakfast buffets in Norway are fantastic. Even at budget hotels and cottages, a hearty breakfast is common. A traditional Norwegian breakfast includes various cheeses, such as the distinctive sweet brown cheese, and fish like mackerel. One thing is certain: after breakfast in a Norwegian holiday home, you’ll be ready for a good hike in the wilderness!

Rent a cabin with hot tub

Returning to your holiday home is especially enjoyable in Norway, as the chilly weather makes you crave the warmth of a mountain cabin or chalet. Want to make your Norwegian vacation extra special? Book a typical Norwegian holiday home with a hot tub, sauna and wood stove. Just imagine it—sitting in your private sauna with views over a lake or rolling forests!

Road trips past glaciers and the Norwegian coast

Norway’s scenery is so spectacular that many travellers opt for a road trip. Near the coast at Trollstigen lies a unique route that takes you across a series of islands—feeling as though you’re driving across the Atlantic Ocean, with the rugged coastline by your side. Another must-see drive is the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Though it’s just under 30 kilometres long, the alternating views of mountain peaks and valleys are phenomenal. The Sognefjell route spans almost 250 kilometres and offers views of mountain tops over 2000 metres high. Along the way, you’ll pass glaciers and towering snow walls beside the road.

Renting a chalet by the lakes of Sweden

Sweden is a land of gently rolling forests, lakes and wild camping. The largest country in Scandinavia is perfect for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The hills aren’t as steep as in Norway, but your bike route will likely pass a serene lake. Central Sweden is home to the largest lakes, where you can enjoy a holiday in a Swedish chalet nestled by the forest or directly on the water. These houses often feature terrace balconies—ideal for enjoying a traditional Swedish fika, the cosy coffee break Swedes love so much.

Canoeing in Värmland

One of the most wooded regions with countless lakes is Värmland. This nature area borders Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake. With so many lakes, this region is best explored by canoe. Routes are mapped out so you can enjoy nature at its best! If you’re staying in Värmland, you’re guaranteed a wild and peaceful vacation. The area around Lake Vänern is among the most popular regions in Sweden for a holiday in a Swedish cottage. You’ll always be near this immense body of water, one of Europe’s largest. Discover the many possibilities the lake has to offer. Around Vänern are lovely towns like Karlstad, as well as beaches and nature reserves. If you get the chance, be sure to take a boat trip across the lake.

Enjoy Swedish fika on Öland

Planning a road trip through Sweden? Be sure to include the southeast coast and drive to the island of Öland. Unlike the rest of Sweden, here you’ll find long sandy beaches and flat landscapes. On the island, you’ll pass charming café-restaurants offering typical treats like cinnamon buns or chocolate-coated licorice. Stay in a rural guesthouse and enjoy a royal breakfast before heading out—something that’s not uncommon in Sweden either. If you’re lucky with your host, you’ll be treated to a Swedish fika with homemade pie!

Rent a cottage and go kayaking in Finland

Finland is a great destination for a multi-day holiday both in summer and winter. In summer, enjoy countless blue lakes, while in winter you can admire the magical snowy landscape by snowmobile—or even more authentically, on a husky sled tour. Notable Finnish sights include the white cathedral in Helsinki with its proud domes and a hotel made entirely of snow each year. But it’s Finland’s natural beauty that steals the show, with its lake-filled interior offering the perfect setting for a wilderness experience by kayak.

Spotting bears in the Finnish taiga

Finland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, with far fewer people than the Netherlands. Its vast emptiness makes it ideal habitat for bears, moose and lynxes. You’re unlikely to encounter a bear during the day, however—they’re shy and avoid people. Still, guided bear-spotting tours are possible in certain regions!

Finnish Lapland

Even in Finland’s northernmost regions, you can enjoy summer hiking, for instance around Lake Inari. In midsummer, the sun doesn’t set, creating unique and magical lighting. In winter, Lapland transforms into a white wonderland. What makes Lapland special is the indigenous Sámi people, who continue their traditional way of life. They still herd reindeer and speak their own language. Want to learn more about the Arctic Circle? Visit the museum in the town of Rovaniemi. You can even view the Northern Lights from a covered glass tube if the conditions are right. In Lapland, more and more holiday rentals are becoming available—from rustic log cabins to luxurious chalets the size of a villa.

Renting cottages in Scandinavia: from Danish beach houses to holiday homes in Lapland

Scandinavia invites adventurers and nature lovers to explore its idyllic landscapes year-round. Although all the countries offer peace and untouched nature, each has its own unique character. In Denmark, you can enjoy beautiful dunes from your beachside holiday home. Looking for spectacular road trips and majestic fjord views? Rent a house near Stavanger in Norway. A picturesque chalet by the water in Sweden is the ideal base for a canoeing holiday—especially around Lake Vänern. And if you're seeking a winter destination and want to discover Sámi culture, explore Lapland from a cosy log cabin with a sauna in Finland!