Where will 2025 take you? Perhaps you’re looking to explore new places in Europe or rediscover the ones that hold a special place in your heart. You’ve come to the right place for inspiration.
The desire to enjoy experiential, authentic travel adventures has never been stronger. Like many other travellers, you might be seeking local connections, stunning natural sights, and cultural wonders. That’s why a trip to Northern Europe makes sense for 2025.
Not only does this region offer all the above, it's also home to the happiest countries in the world. Northern Europe also has milder weather than the sweltering temperatures found elsewhere. Plus, you can look forward to special events in 2025, such as increased chances of seeing the northern lights.
Read on to explore the best places to visit in Northern Europe this year, according to the world’s leading travel publications. Here, we round up the top recommendations and throw in our own expert travel tips as well.
Get ready to discover the European destinations you’ll want to visit in 2025!
1. Norway
Norway’s iconic fjords were a favourite in 2024 travel recommendations, and that pattern looks set to continue into 2025.
You won’t want to miss the bustling port city of Bergen. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, it’s the perfect base for day trips into the surrounding countryside. TimeOut named it among the most underrated travel destinations for 2025.
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, one of the best ways to see the country is on a Norway cruise and train tour. Cruises can take you from Bergen to untouched Northern Norway.
- Experience the country’s stunning coastline on a Norway fjord tour
- Related: Best cruises in Norway
.jpg)
If you do go north, be sure to visit Tromsø, the unofficial capital of Northern Norway. Skyscanner lists Tromsø as one of its trending places for 2025, calling it “perfect for Astro Adventurers”. What’s more, at 350 kilometres (217 miles) above the Arctic Circle, it’s a fantastic place to see the northern lights.
Speaking of the aurora, it’s worth knowing that scientists predict 2025 will be another bumper year for nature’s greatest light show.
Why you ask? Well, the sun reached its solar maximum in late 2024, increasing solar activity and leading to brighter and more frequent displays of the northern lights.
So head north in winter – October to April – and you could experience this mesmerising natural phenomenon for yourself.
2. The UK
Dive into this year’s round-up of recommended destinations from top travel publications and you’ll uncover plenty of places in the United Kingdom. So it’s not hard to see why we recently added the UK as a new destination.
Let’s start with Oxfordshire, which AFAR listed among the best places to travel in 2025. If you want to experience the county for yourself, start with Oxford, a must-visit city for bookworms. It’s world-famous university has educated many influential writers, such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Meanwhile, fans of Bridgerton can see filming locations from the show across England. This includes Bath’s Royal Crescent, which serves as the facade of many of the series’ grand mansions. Or Castle Howard in Yorkshire, the stately setting for the Duke of Hastings’ estate.
Beyond England, the delights of North Wales should definitely make your travel wish list.
If you’re a keen walker, a couple of days in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park could be just the thing. It’s Wales’ oldest and largest national park, not to mention the home of the country’s tallest mountain, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
On a clear day, you can hike the 1,085-metre (3,560-foot) peak enjoying spectacular views as you go. Or hop on the mountain railway to save yourself the walk while still getting to appreciate the stunning surroundings.
- Explore at your own pace on a UK self-drive trip or travel with a local guide on a small group tour
- Related: Best places to visit in the UK
3. Iceland
Iceland has long held a special allure for thrill-seekers, nature-lovers, and the culturally curious. If you haven’t already seen the Land of Fire and Ice for yourself, why not make 2025 the year you do?
Safety is important when you travel, and Iceland has officially been named the most peaceful country in the world once again. It has held the top spot since 2008.
Like Norway, Iceland is one of the best Northern European countries to for chasing the aurora. And with an even better chance of spotting the northern lights in 2025, now’s the time to plan your winter getaway.
That’s not all that awaits if you visit Iceland in winter. You’ll also encounter crisp white landscapes, dazzling ice caves, and Reykjavík’s cosy café culture.
- Have a winter escape to remember on a northern lights tour in Northern Europe
If one natural spectacle isn’t enough to tempt you, you’ll be happy to hear that Iceland is also home to black sand beaches, gigantic glaciers, and active volcanoes.
Head to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) off the southern coast. TimeOut has dubbed these volcanic islands one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations for 2025.
The Reykjanes peninsula also makes for a memorable volcanic experience in Iceland. This is where the country’s newest volcano first erupted in 2021 and is where more eruptions have taken place recently. When it’s declared safe to do so, you could visit the region and see the fresh lava fields for yourself.
Good to know: The volcanic events in the Reykjanes peninsula haven’t impacted flights or tours to Iceland over the past few years. Visit our Iceland volcano update page, or the SafeTravel website, for up-to-date information.
- Spark your wanderlust with these top-rated Iceland tour packages
- Related: Top things to do in Iceland
4. Ireland
In recent years, you may have heard Ireland mentioned as one of Europe’s hidden gems. Come 2025, the Celtic nation’s charm is undimmed. Thanks to its intoxicating mix of ancient history, emerald landscapes, and lively nightlife, Ireland remains one of the best places to travel in Northern Europe.
Just ask National Geographic, who highlighted Cork as one of the best places to visit in 2025.
The city is also an excellent base for exploring more of County Cork and County Kerry. Take day trips to the Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head, or Killarney National Park, then return to Cork for an evening enjoying toe-tapping Irish music at a local pub.
Along Ireland’s windswept west coast, you’ll find the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest continuous coastal route in the world. It’s a journey that blends compelling culture with jaw-dropping natural sights. You’ll be enchanted by quaint fishing villages, quiet coves, and deep inlets along the way.
- Discover the Emerald Isle with a local guide on an Ireland small group trip
- Related: Reasons why you should visit Ireland
5. Scotland
Scotland is part of the UK, but with so much to see and do, we think it deserves its own spot on our list. Whether you want to go sightseeing in charming cities or soak up natural beauty, Scotland has it all.
Last year’s round-ups zeroed in on the bustling cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. But this year, top travel publications recommend journeying further north.
Travel + Leisure names Inverness among the 50 best places to go in 2025. Inverness is often thought of as the capital of the Highlands, and from here, you can easily reach iconic spots like Loch Ness.
Go further north still, and you’ll find the windswept Orkney Isles. Visit in summer to make the most of the archipelago's stunning coastline, perfect for beach or clifftop walks. You’ll also discover ruins older than the Egyptian Pyramids when you check out the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
The Outer Hebrides are another amazing place for a peaceful escape. This island chain, off the west coast, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. And we’re not the only ones to notice – the islands appear on National Geographic’s list of the best places to visit in 2025.
- Discover the highlights of this Celtic nation on a self-drive or small group tour of Scotland
- Related: Best time to visit Scotland – Your complete guide
With so much incredible scenery to soak up, it’s no wonder that TV and filmmakers choose Scotland as their backdrop.
For instance, if you’re a fan of Outlander, you can follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie by visiting filming locations from the show. Head to top spots like Linlithgow Palace, aka Wentworth Prison, or Doune Castle, which stood in for Castle Leoch.
Meanwhile, The Traitors has shone a spotlight on Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, where intrigue and drama unfolded against a breathtaking backdrop.
6. Greenland
Imagine pristine glaciers, Inuit culture, and untamed wildlife. This is Greenland.
The Arctic island is definitely trending for 2025, appearing on best-in-travel lists for National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveller, and Travel + Leisure. Plus, it’s another hotspot for chasing the northern lights.
What’s more, Greenland’s capital city of Nuuk just got a new international airport, making it easier than ever to visit.
As you’ll learn, some of the country’s biggest thrills happen on the water. For instance, you could take a boat ride to the edge of Greenland’s colossal ice sheet or join a whale-watching tour.
There’s also plenty to see on land. Dive into cultural traditions in Nuuk or take advantage of the milder summer weather to go hiking.
Alternatively, wrap up warm and head to Ilulissat in the Arctic Circle. With opportunities to hunt for the northern lights and take helicopter rides over iceberg-strewn bays, it’s breathtaking, whatever the weather.
- Check out these summer tours of Greenland
- Related: Greenland travel – Top things to do
7. Sweden
Known for its rambling forests, delicious pastries, and world-famous design, Sweden has long been recognised as one of the best places to go in Northern Europe. What’s more, if sustainability is a priority when you travel, Sweden’s cosmopolitan cities should be at the top of your list.
Stockholm, the vibrant Swedish capital, is a great place to start. Stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town), soak in some culture at world-class museums, or take a boat trip through the city’s waterways.
East of the city towards the Baltic Sea, you’ll find the Stockholm Archipelago. This chain of 30,000 islands also made National Geographic’s list of the best places to go in 2025.
Gothenburg, the country’s second-largest city, is another popular destination thanks to its welcoming small-town atmosphere. And, when it comes to flight prices, Skyscanner named it one of the best-value destinations for 2025.
Or why not head north to stargaze and chase the northern lights? Abisko, one of Lonely Planet’s top northern lights destinations for 2025, is a great choice. This remote national park even has an Aurora Sky Station, complete with a restaurant serving gourmet Nordic cuisine.
- Uncover the best of this sustainability-minded nation on a tour of Sweden
- Related: Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden
8. Finland
Make 2025 the year you visit Finland. According to the latest World Happiness Report, it’s the happiest country in the world!
Start by absorbing the striking combination of modern and Neoclassical architecture in the welcoming capital of Helsinki.
When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing in the city, head north to Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi is the region’s self-proclaimed “capital of Christmas”. Here, you’ll find Santa Claus Village, one of Finland’s most popular destinations in winter.
Lapland was also named one of the top places to see the northern lights in 2025 by Lonely Planet and Travel + Leisure.
Good to know: Finland is just across the sea from the Baltic nation of Estonia. If you’re already planning a trip to Scandinavia, you can easily add time in the Estonian capital of Tallinn to your getaway.
- Make the most of winter in Finland with a tour of Lapland
- Related: Finland in winter – What to do and where to go
9. Denmark
There’s no bad time to visit Denmark. With its trendy cities, Viking history, and delicious food, this Scandinavian gem is sure to put a smile on your face.
Denmark is a fantastic place to lean into the growing coolcation trend. As global temperatures rise, more and more travellers are seeking out cooler destinations where they can escape the heat. With average summer temperatures of about 15–22°C (59–71°F), Denmark is an obvious choice.
- Related: Coolcation destinations in Europe
Copenhagen, the nation’s capital, boasts famous attractions like The Little Mermaid statue and Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
But why choose just one Scandinavian country to explore? The region has open borders, and English is widely spoken, so a nation-hopping journey couldn’t be simpler. We recommend combining your visit to Denmark with time in Norway and Sweden. Get ready to soak up a mix of chic cities and idyllic countryside.
- Kickstart your discovery of Northern Europe with a Scandinavian self-drive tour
- Related: Cool facts about Denmark
10. Bonus destinations: The Alps and Northern Italy
Snow-covered peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and a blend of European cultures. These are just some of the reasons why the Alps come up as a top travel destination year after year.
Nestled in Europe’s heart, the Alps stretch across Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France and beyond. With so much to offer year-round, the region’s wonders have graced many a travel guide over the years.
Grindelwald, in Switzerland, is one of Forbes’ top 25 places to visit in 2025. It sits at the base of the Eiger mountain, with incredible views and a picturesque chalet-filled village centre.
Zermatt is another must-see spot. Here, you’ll discover a timeless Alpine resort brimming with mountaineering history, not to mention views of the towering Matterhorn.
While it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, there are also indulgent dining experiences and luxury shops lining the streets. Spending a few days here is one of the best things to do in Switzerland.
For a trip to the Austrian Alps, Salzburg makes a good base. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of fascinating museums and impressive Baroque architecture.
Alternatively, head to Northern Italy’s iconic lake district to relax surrounded by world-class vineyards, rambling olive groves and medieval towns. Lake Como and Lake Garda, in particular, are must-see Italian destinations thanks to their dreamy lakeside villas and mountain views.
Nearby cities like Verona and Milan are also well worth checking out. In fact, Milan appears on the Forbes 2025 travel list. An unforgettable way to experience the highlights of Northern Italy on one trip is by taking a road trip through the Alps.
- Explore on an expert-designed self-drive tour of the Alps or Switzerland
- Related: Switzerland in summer – What to do and where to go
Explore Northern Europe with Nordic Visitor
Whether you’re looking for city breaks or longer adventures, at Nordic Visitor we can plan the trip of a lifetime for you.
When you travel with us, you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant who'll arrange your tour for you. Our travel experts – based in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Lucerne and Munich – will use their in-depth knowledge to craft your perfect trip.
All you need to do is choose your ideal tour package in Northern Europe. With self-drive tours, private trips, guided small groups, and other travel styles to choose from, you’ll find the 2025 getaway that’s right for you.
Get in touch with us and let’s make your 2025 travel dreams come true.
