‘Kayak across the fjord to your own secluded beach’: readers’ favourite summer trips to Scandinavia | Scandinavia holidays

Beautiful Bergen and beyond, Norway

Bergen is often referred to as “the city between seven mountains” – which encapsulates its blend of culture and nature. Lose yourself in its charming old town, fish markets, galleries and museums, then hike or take a funicular up Mount Fløyen for views and pine forest trekking. Bergen is a great base from which to day trip. Using direct buses/trains, you can go to Gudvangen to kayak across the fjord to your own secluded beach for a picnic lunch, or pop to Voss for its water sports, hiking and farm-to-fork food (Store Ringheim is my top pick).
Seb

Car-free calm on Utö, Sweden

Utö in the south-western part of the Stockholm archipelago might just be “utöpia”. We packed a tent and went for a weekend adventure from Stockholm, taking the bus and the Line 21 ferry. Life slows on the car-free island and you discover summer houses, wild strawberries, secluded beaches and swimming spots. We camped at a waterside site, with a view of the south harbour and Mysingen, which has its own beach. An absolute must is a visit to the island’s bakery, Utö Bakgård, to try its cinnamon and cardamom buns.
Lizzie Bird

A dream break by Lake Vättern, Sweden

Hjo in Sweden is on the edge of Lake Vättern and provides the setting holiday dreams are made of. You’d feel as if you’d stepped back in time … if it weren’t for the heated outdoor pools, modern play parks and a few antique shops for those looking to uncover a gem. Liquorice ice-cream in a homemade waffle cone is a must at Gula Paviljongen, a wonderful place to sit by the water and take it all in.
Kirsty Johansson

Kayaking around Vaxholm, Sweden

We’ve toured Norway, Denmark and Sweden over the last few summers, cycling and using public transport. We love the freedom it brings, and the opportunities it provides to explore cities and their outdoor pursuits. One of our favourites was travelling by commuter boat from Stockholm to the island of Vaxholm, which takes about an hour. It has lovely shops, huge ice-creams and picturesque cafes. We found a small jetty and beach that was popular with swimmers and kayakers. On the day we visited we’d already booked a kayak using Kayakomat, paying online and releasing the kayak and all the equipment needed using a pin code; it…