I have read of the beauty, particularly of the west coast of Norway,and of some medieval towns, but what are some of the other reasons for travelling in Scandinavia?

Most Scandinavians can understand and speak English. Scandinavia is usually quite safe. You have lots of possibilities for outdoor-activities like river-rafting, fishing or mountain walks surrounded by natural beauty. In addition one can escape the south European summer heat and crowds.

For one, most people speak reasonably good English. Attitudes are also a bit more laid back / relaxed than most other European countries. Standards in almost all aspects of Scandinavian life are at the higher end of the scale, in my opinion anyway. Saying that, the cost of holidaying there can be quite expensive. That varies depending on which Scandinavian country you're going to obviously.

Thank you for the above responses. Are there any other thoughts? eg in the fields of society, culture, history?

I guess you also can add Scandinavia as an important anchestor source.
And beside nature, do not forget the ever changing light.
Bjorn

There's lots of viking stuff to enjoy - from raised ships through reconstructed villages. there are also stone age sites to explore. And a lot of more recent historic buildings, museums, home of Nobel prizes - just tons of things.

Hi Jim,

Have you looked at the fodors mini guides to Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark at fodors.com?

" eg in the fields of society, culture, history?" Apart from modern day society (= welfare states) it would be really sweeping generalizations to lump all Scandinavian countries together. They really are 5 different countries with different cultures and above all, different history. For example Sweden is a former superpower, while Finland is an eternal whipping boy between Sweden and Russia.

.... and regarding Winter Sports, Denmark knows nothing about snow, and Norway is the premium premium leader....

Bjorn, Oslo

a young man at our hotel informed me that the one euro coin shows how impotent Sweden is. I guess Norway is not in the EU, and the engraving for the coin shows Sweden and Finland, but leaves off Norway, even tho they are connected. It actually looks quite like a "limp biscuit", but you have to have good light and almost need a mag glass to see it. He got a big kick out of showing me that.
Scan is very cool, but plan on paying 6 or 7 bucks for a glass of beer. Everyone speaks English. The Norway WWII history is fascinating. The museum with the raised 16th century warship is simply awesome (stockholm). I thought the prettiest women were Copenhagen. The island of Aero was like going back into the 18th century.

One word. Wait, three words: <b>skandinaviske blonde piger!</b>

i went to a fjord high above the ocean near bergan and found our family farm dating back to the early 1700's which is still a working sheep and goat farm.

Jim,
Sakrisoy Rorbuer's in the Lofoten Islands......beautiful &amp; isolated....heaven!!
www.lofoten-info.no/sakrisoy.htm

Roishem, a 15th century farmstead in the hills near Lom, Norway. Utterly fantastic and housing an outstanding gourmet restaurant to boot. A really neat place to stay.
Another vote for the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. It houses the 16th Century ship referred to earlier. Remakable!
The unique thing about the Island of Aero, is the way in which wares are displayed on tables in front of the farms as you bike around the Island. Everything from preserves to handgoods, to crafts to farm products and more. No one around. Sometimes the house is a quarter mile or more from the table. There is a plate with change so you can make your purchases. Really charming.
One can only begin to describe the fjords. Their beauty is awsome.