Discover Sustainable Tourism in the Nordics: New Attractions and Experiences in 2025

Last updated: 1:15 PM ET, Tue December 3, 2024

WHY IT RATES: In 2025, The Nordics will offer new sustainable tourism attractions and experiences across Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, emphasizing heritage and natural beauty. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor

In 2025, The Nordics, a sustainable tourism cooperation co-funded by the European Union, welcomes a host of new attractions and experiences across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. With sustainability at its core, the region offers travelers unique opportunities to engage with its rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From fresh outdoor adventures and immersive cultural encounters to highly-anticipated eco-friendly accommodations, The Nordics provides a diverse array of options for those seeking to experience responsible tourism in the year ahead.

Denmark

In 2025, Denmark commemorates 150 years since the passing of beloved fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. His hometown of Odense, located on the picturesque island of Funen, will come alive next summer with vibrant celebrations of music, art, and storytelling to honor his enduring legacy. Highlights include the annual H.C. Andersen Festival in late August, alongside opportunities to explore Andersen’s childhood home and the cutting-edge new H.C. Andersen Museum. Beyond Copenhagen, new experiences await history and nature enthusiasts. The Viking Experience Center Borgring opens next year, offering an immersive journey into Danish Viking culture at one of Denmark’s UNESCO-listed ring fortresses. Nature lovers can visit Møns Klint, renowned for its dramatic chalk cliffs and unique biodiversity, which is expected to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status in 2025. New direct flights from the U.S. in 2025 will make these destinations all the more accessible, with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) launching service from Copenhagen to Seattle and Delta connecting Copenhagen to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Finland

Next year brings even more reasons to explore Finland’s untouched wilderness and rich cultural heritage. Opening in November 2024, Nivunki Village in Muonio promises an authentic Lappish experience, with glass huts providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature—ideal for spectacular Northern Lights viewing. The resort also features a historic courtyard with 150-year-old log buildings, a reindeer farm that connects guests to beloved Arctic traditions, and an unmatched dining experience that celebrates the region’s culinary heritage. Next year also brings the latest addition to Santa Park Arctic World’s unique hospitality offerings: Hotel Vartiosaari. The new boutique hotel set on a private island in Rovaniemi's Kemijoki River combines Lappish luxury with a rich historical backdrop, offering cozy accommodations, saunas, and a traditional hut-style restaurant. Further south, Kotona Manor in the serene Savonlinna region opens in 2025 as an exclusive hideaway for up to 22 guests, offering a full-board experience surrounded by Finland’s pristine nature.

Norway

With solar activity peaking over the next few years, 2025 is the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights at their most vibrant in over a decade. From now until 2026, aurora displays will be more frequent and intense across Norway and the entire Nordic region, making it an ideal time to visit. Tromsø, a prime location for aurora chasers, also offers a deeper connection to the rich Sámi culture through experiences like reindeer herding and joik singing. Newly expanded, Tromsø’s Winter Adventure Center will introduce exciting activities such as dog sledding and ice fishing, providing even more ways to explore the Arctic wilderness. In Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, new carefully designed hiking trails and kayaking tours allow visitors to immerse in the region's stunning landscapes while helping preserve its natural beauty. Furthermore, Geiranger’s new Fjord Center will feature interactive exhibits on local flora, fauna, and glacial geology.

Sweden

In 2025, Sweden solidifies its position as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of enhanced hiking and biking experiences. Notable highlights include the newly inaugurated national cycling route along Göta Kanal and the renowned Kattegatleden, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. For a more unique journey, cyclists can pedal through the picturesque countryside home of beloved Swedish children’s book author, Astrid Lindgren, or experience the breathtaking Lelångenleden, a regional route that recently went viral on Instagram. Biking in the Dalarna region offers 20 areas to explore, while the newly launched Jungfruleden along Sweden’s East Coast offers an exciting new option for avid riders. Hiking lovers can also enjoy the brand-new Archipelago Trail in the Stockholm Archipelago, alongside iconic routes like the King's Trail in the north. Sweden’s national and regional trails meet the highest safety and quality standards, and with new services for luggage transportation and route packaging, exploring the country’s stunning landscapes has never been more convenient.