Nordic Beaches // The Viking Coast

If you're planning your next beach holiday then heading towards the Arctic Circle has probably not crossed your mind. And why on earth would it?! I mean we are talking beaches here - sun, surf and sand... not penguins, polar bears and potential hypothermia!
Whilst it is true there may not be many palm fringed beaches in the extreme northern latitudes of Europe what you will find are some of the most spectacular and breath-taking beaches found anywhere on earth.

Made up of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden the beaches of the Nordic countries vary widely. From the other-worldly rock formations and glacially carved cliffs of Norway and Iceland to the miles of golden sand that make up Denmark's coast the old Viking lands are a place of beauty.

But there is more to do than just admire the scenery. Windsurfing has always been popular on the Scandinavian coast and now kite-surfing is booming. More surprising though is the growth of surfing in Norway and Iceland. There are plenty of good waves but it has to be said that even though the Gulf Stream keeps the water a little warmer, you'll need to pack more than your board shorts.

Even if the rest of the world has overlooked the many fine beaches of the far north of Europe this is to the advantage of the locals. Head north in the summer and you'll find plenty of activity on many of these lovely beaches And don't forget, the sun doesn't set if you go far enough.

• Yyteri Beach // Finland

  

  Yyteri Beach is a magnificent 6-kilometre stretch of golden sands on Finland's west coast. It looks out over the chilly waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, which merges with the Baltic Sea at its southern end. Backed by extensive sand dunes, and woodland beyond, the beach at Yyteri has a wild feel.

  This beach resort is one of the most popular summer destinations with Nordic residents, thanks to its position between Yyteri Nature Trail and the Bothnian Sea National Park. The trail follows the seashore and takes you past some… read more »

• Reynisfjara beach // Iceland

  

  Reynisfjara is one of Iceland's most iconic and spectacular beaches. Located around 2 hours from the capital Reykjavik, Reynisfjara is near the village Vik in Myrdalur on Iceland's South Coast. To the southern end of the beach is the 120 meter high promontory of Dyrhólaey, Iceland's most southerly point.

  This black sand beach is a geologist's wet dream with hosts of incredible rock formations and features. Rising up out of the sand are amazing cliffs formed of basalt columns, known as Gardar. These look like some kind of crazy steps… read more »

• Haukland Beach // Norway

  

  The stunning and dramatic natural scenery of the Lofoten Islands is well known. A landscape of jagged, rocky mountains that drop precipitously into the clear blue waters of the Arctic Sea. And a coastline dotted with white-sand beaches that are amongst the most gorgeous on earth. Amongst such beauty it is impossible to pick a favourite, but Haukland beach comes close.

  Haukland has all these attributes and is set in a wide horseshoe-shaped bay with mountain view in all directions. The sand here is as white as any of the archipelago's… read more »

• Kvalvika // Norway

  

  Situated in a remote bay on the north-west coast of Moskenesøy, the beach at Kvalvika is possibly the most dramatic in the Lofoten Islands, and that is saying something.

  Here the mountains meet the sea, and the goldens sands of the beach are flanked by precipitous, sheer rock faces, the most iconic of which is Ryten. This peak rises 550 metres, almost straight up from the beach and provides the most stunning views back over Kvalvika.

  In the centre of the beach is another towering peak which more or less divides… read more »

• Hoddevik // Norway

  

  Set at the foot of a green valley between towering cliffs on the far western coast of Norway is Hoddevik. This little fishing outpost with its weatherboard huts sits in front of one of the regions finest beaches. With almost a mile of fine white sand and clear blue waters this is an idyllic spot to (literally!) chill out and relax.

  Hoddevik is widely considered to be Norway's best surfing beach (yes, they have surf in Norway!) and is home to two surf camps; Stad Surfing and the Lapoint Surf… read more »

• Henne Strand // Denmark

  

  Situated on the west coast of Denmark's Jutland peninsula is the infeasibly long sandy beach of Henne Strand.

  Despite being one of the most popular beaches on this stretch of North Sea coast it never gets crowded here. In fact, outside of sunny days in the summer holidays it is generally quiet allowing you to appreciate the vast open space here.

  The beach is backed by an extensive network of sand dunes. These are dotted with wooden cabins and beach houses, however most of these are set a good… read more »

• Vestrahorn Beach // Iceland

  

  Vestrahorn, on the Stokksnes peninsula is one of those extremes of natural beauty that make Iceland such a fascinating destination. A wide, flat plain of volcanic black sand, backed by the still waters of a lagoon, suddenly rises up to the phenomenal heights of a series of jagged peaks of snow-capped gabbro rock. This is a photographer's paradise and even if you are not familiar with the name you will probably have seen photos of this awe-inspiring location.

  Just beyond the initial set of peaks is the so-called "Batman Mountain"… read more »

• Ramberg // Norway

  

  The description of Ramberg beach on the Lofoten Islands begins like many of the other tropical beaches on the World Beach Guide. A crescent of white sands washed by crystal clear turquoise water...

  ...but hold on a minute. Ramberg is anything but tropical, it is located in the Arctic Circle. In fact you are more likely to be chased polar bear than a shark in these frigid waters. And the big green mountains that rise up beyond the beach might make you think of Hawaii or Tahiti but they spend… read more »

• Breidavik Beach // Iceland

  

  The pretty little settlement of Breiðavík is located just around the corner from Iceland's (and Europe's) most westerly point, Látrabjarg. Besides the weatherboard church and a clutch of houses there is one thing that draws people to Breidavik - the enormous stretch of white sand beach.

  Breidavik Beach is said by many to be the finest beach in Iceland and it's not difficult to see why. Breiðavík set on a meadow encompassed by the huge crescent of glacier carved cliffs of Bjarnamupur and the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic ocean.… read more »

• Bratten Strand // Denmark

  

  Located about 10 km north of the east coast town of Frederikshavn the beach at Bratten Strand feels a million miles from anywhere. This long sweeping stretch of fine white sand and sapphire sea seemingly stretches on of ever. But it doesn't as this is the far north of Denmark and before long you will run out of land where the two seas meet at Grenen.

  Much of the year you can walk along the dunes here and soak up the scenery in solitude. It does however draw plenty of… read more »

• Nymindegab Strand // Denmark

  

  Nestled on the west coast of Denmark, 500 m from the town of the same name, sits Nymindegab Strand, one of the most popular holiday getaways in the entire country. That's due in no small part to the fact that the area is home to some of the most stretches of North Sea coast.

  The beach is located at the southernmost point of Ringkøbing Fjord. Despite its name, the "fjord" isn't home to the kind of steep massive rock formations you might imagine, but rather a lovely shallow lagoon.

  The shoreline of… read more »

• Uttakleiv Beach // Norway

  

  Uttakleiv Beach is probably the most visited and photographed in all the Lofoten Islands. I suspect this is more to do with its location than it being any more stunning and beautiful than Lofoten's other amazing beaches. That is not to say Uttakleiv doesn't have the same near-white sands, turquoise sea and dramatic mountain backdrop.
  

  As a beach, Uttakleiv is one of the best in Lofoten. It is wider and more open, with the mountains less looming. To the rear is a large area of level grassland where people often camp.… read more »

• Unstad // Norway

  

  Although it may sound a little odd, Unstad is in fact the heart of the Norwegian surfing scene. Despite being well within the Arctic Circle this beach attracts surfers from around the world. Admittedly many come out of curiosity, but there can be good waves here and the scenery is absolutely stunning.

  It is said surfing at Unstad beach dates back to the 1960s when some globe-trotting Norwegians returned from Australia with a bright idea. Since they ventured out on their home made surfboards things have progressed and these days there… read more »

• Ribersborg Beach // Sweden

  

  In contrast to Skåne's generally rural beaches, Ribersborg in Malmö is very much the city beach. Situated only three kilometres from the city center it is easy for residents to reach, and in the summer months they flock here.

  The beach at Ribersborg very much has the feel of a park - which is no coincidence as this is how Ribersborgsstranden started out. During the 19th century the waterfront was developed as a recreational area with wide lawns perfect for picnicking and paths for walking. Over the following years a number… read more »

• Tisvildeleje Strand // Denmark

  

  Tisvildeleje Beach is one of many beaches within striking distance of Copenhagen. Around 30 km north of the city the sandy shores here sit alongside the popular holiday village of Tisvilde. The area has long been a favorite of fishermen, and an active fishing scene remains a key part of the beach's culture today. Enjoy restaurants serving up the catch of the day or sit on the beach or in nearby cafés and watch the little boats drift by.

  The beach here has a wonderful wild feel with a long stretch… read more »

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