The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Scandinavia conjures images of stunning fjords, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. While many travellers flock to well-known destinations such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and the Norwegian fjords, there’s a more discreet side to this northern region, perfect for discerning visitors seeking luxury off the beaten track. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway each have hidden gems that promise sophistication without the crowds, where fine dining, exclusive hotels, and unique cultural experiences await. Let’s journey to some of these quieter locales, showcasing under-the-radar places with luxurious flair.
Now imagine experiencing these wonders while travelling in complete comfort and privacy by charter plane. With the expertise of Air Charter Service (ACS), you can enjoy seamless, personalised travel from one destination to the next, allowing you to maximise your time in each location and arrive in ultimate style. ACS, a global leader in private aircraft charters, arranges over 23,000 flights a year, ensuring that your Scandinavian luxury trip is tailored to your every need. Here’s how to explore the best of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland on this unforgettable private jet journey.
Gotland Island, situated in the Baltic Sea, is an ideal choice for those wishing to experience history in tranquil surroundings. Far from Sweden’s capital, this island offers a captivating blend of medieval charm and serene coastlines. The heart of Gotland, Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage town, enchants visitors with its medieval city walls, cobblestone streets, and ancient ruins. Walking through Visby feels like stepping back in time, especially when exploring St. Mary’s Cathedral or the Visby Botanical Gardens, where roses and native plants bloom along the old stone walls. Venturing outside Visby, the island’s coastal landscapes reveal secluded beaches and limestone cliffs, such as the striking sea stacks of Langhammars on Fårö Island, which evoke a sense of being at the edge of the world.
For accommodations, Fabriken Furillen, a design-forward hotel located in a former limestone factory, provides a stark yet beautiful juxtaposition to Gotland’s natural surroundings. This exclusive retreat offers minimalist, eco-conscious luxury with panoramic views of the rugged coastline. For a more intimate experience, Hotel Stelor, a 17th-century farmhouse turned boutique hotel, embodies a rustic-chic aesthetic that feels both cozy and refined. After a day exploring the island, indulge in an unforgettable meal at Lilla Bjers, an organic farm and restaurant where seasonal dishes burst with flavor, showcasing Gotland’s local produce. The six-course tasting menu here is a feast for the senses, with fresh ingredients like Gotland lamb and heritage vegetables prepared with exquisite attention to detail.
Moving inland, Jämtland offers an alternative luxury escape. Nestled in the mountainous region of central Sweden, this area is a paradise for nature lovers. With its endless hiking trails and pristine lakes, Jämtland offers a sense of remote wilderness without compromising comfort. One of the top spots to visit is the village of Åre, often associated with skiing but just as appealing in summer, where mountain biking and hiking trails open up vistas of wildflowers and snow-capped peaks.
In Åre, Copperhill Mountain Lodge stands as a beacon of modern luxury amidst the dramatic scenery. This five-star ski-in/ski-out lodge offers floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the panoramic mountain views. After a day spent exploring, the spa’s heated indoor pools and copper baths provide the ultimate relaxation. Nearby, Buustamons Fjällgård offers a more secluded stay with rustic elegance, featuring private cabins and its own micro-distillery. For dining, Fäviken Magasinet, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the region, elevates traditional Nordic ingredients to an art form. Expect to savor dishes like aged reindeer or wild trout, served in an atmospheric setting that enhances the close connection to nature.
Away from Copenhagen’s bustling streets lies Bornholm, a Danish island often overlooked by travelers, yet it’s a Scandinavian paradise known for its dramatic coastlines, dense forests, and quaint fishing villages. Bornholm’s charm is in its simplicity – a place where time slows down, and the focus shifts to nature and artisan craftsmanship. The island’s white sandy beaches, like Dueodde, offer an ideal place for peaceful walks, while the round churches scattered across the countryside provide a glimpse into Denmark’s medieval past. Hammershus Castle, perched atop a cliff, offers panoramic views of the island, while its ruins tell the tale of Danish royalty and battles long gone.
For a luxurious stay, Stammershalle Badehotel, an elegant seaside hotel, offers rooms with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and refined interiors that evoke a sense of classic Danish design. For something more secluded, Melsted Badehotel delivers a boutique experience where gourmet cuisine and quiet coastal elegance combine. Here, dining is an experience in itself – Kadeau Bornholm, a Michelin-starred restaurant, brings the essence of Nordic terroir to life, with innovative dishes made from foraged ingredients like wild herbs and local seafood. The restaurant’s approach is hyper-local, with a menu that changes according to the seasons.
Far north in Denmark lies Skagen, a fishing village turned sophisticated retreat, where the meeting of the Baltic and North Seas creates a unique coastal landscape. Skagen’s distinctive light has attracted artists for centuries, and today, it offers a peaceful escape from city life. Stroll through Skagen Museum, where works by the Skagen Painters, who captured the beauty of this windswept landscape, are on display. A visit to Grenen, the tip of Denmark where the seas meet, is a serene experience.
In Skagen, Ruths Hotel is the epitome of coastal luxury, blending Scandinavian simplicity with refined comfort. The surrounding sea and sand dunes inspire the hotel’s bright, airy rooms. Another exceptional choice is Brøndums Hotel, a historic establishment where artists once gathered. Fine dining in Skagen is best experienced at Restaurant Hyttefadet, where the focus is on fresh, local seafood, from delicate smoked herring to langoustines caught just offshore.
While Helsinki often dominates the conversation about Finnish travel, the town of Hanko, located on Finland’s southern coast, is a hidden gem offering elegant coastal charm. With its pastel-painted wooden houses and pristine beaches, Hanko exudes a relaxed, seaside luxury. Visitors can take leisurely bike rides through the town, admiring 19th-century villas and stopping at the local markets. The nearby Tulliniemi Nature Reserve provides opportunities for coastal hikes and birdwatching.
For a stay that combines historical elegance with modern comfort, Hotel Regatta offers an exclusive experience in a renovated Art Nouveau villa. Its spa facilities and proximity to the beach make it the perfect retreat for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Alternatively, the Bengtskär Lighthouse, a remote island stay, offers a unique experience for travelers looking to disconnect entirely from the modern world. Dining in Hanko centers around local seafood, with Origo Restaurant leading the pack, offering inventive dishes featuring freshly caught fish and seasonal ingredients.
For those seeking wilderness adventure in Finland, Saariselkä, deep within Finnish Lapland, offers an immersive experience in the Arctic landscape. The region is famous for its pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and Northern Lights displays. Winter activities include reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, while summer brings endless daylight and opportunities for hiking.
In Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is known for its glass igloos, where guests can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of their beds. The resort’s traditional log cabins offer a cozy yet luxurious stay, blending authentic Lappish design with modern amenities. For an even more secluded experience, Northern Lights Village provides private cabins designed to optimize views of the aurora borealis. The fine dining experience at Aanaar Restaurant is not to be missed, offering a menu that showcases the flavors of Lapland with dishes like Arctic char and cloudberries.
Travelers seeking something beyond Norway’s famous fjords will find the Helgeland Coast a dramatic yet quiet destination. Known for its unspoiled beauty, this region is home to the Seven Sisters mountain range and the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its birdlife. Island-hopping by boat offers a unique perspective on this scenic coast, while visits to local fishing villages provide insight into Norway’s maritime heritage.
For a luxurious stay, Lovund Hotel on the island of Lovund offers a sophisticated escape with contemporary design and sweeping ocean views. Alternatively, Vega Havhotell delivers an eco-luxury experience, where the focus is on sustainable travel and locally sourced cuisine. Fine dining in this region is best experienced at Himmel og Havn, where the chef creates seasonal dishes that celebrate Norway’s natural larder.
Inland, the historic mining town of Røros is a UNESCO-listed site with colorful wooden houses and a rich cultural history. Exploring this quaint town feels like stepping into another century, with craft workshops and galleries showcasing traditional Norwegian artistry. Røros Hotell, with its modern Nordic design and spa, offers a luxurious base for exploring the region, while Bergstadens Hotel provides an intimate stay in the heart of the old town. The culinary scene in Røros centers on local produce, with Vertshuset Røros offering fine dining inspired by traditional Norwegian recipes, featuring reindeer, trout, and locally foraged ingredients.
Private jet charters allow you to land at smaller, closer airports, reducing travel time and providing flexibility that commercial airlines cannot match. Your private aircraft will be fully customised, whether you’re seeking spacious interiors, gourmet catering, or in-flight business services. With ACS, you’ll skip the hassles of long security lines and have the freedom to fly on your own schedule, arriving directly in the heart of the Arctic.
In these lesser-known corners of Scandinavia, luxury takes on a more intimate and understated form, where nature, culture, and refined living combine. For travelers seeking quiet indulgence and unique experiences, these destinations in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway offer a truly exclusive journey into the heart of northern Europe.
