On this summer journey, we begin with a day of hygge in Denmark’s royal capital, Copenhagen – often named the happiest city in the world. In the company of European Expert Travel Designer & Guide Gustav Enquist, we uncover the layers of the city: from its graceful blend of historic and modern architecture to the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design. Together we savor local flavors such as smørrebrød and enjoy a craft beer from one of Copenhagen’s many microbreweries. There’s also space to explore sleek boutiques of fashion and interior design – perhaps discovering a piece of Nordic style to bring home.

Crossing the bridge to southern Sweden, Skåne, we’re in for a treat of idyllic medieval coastal towns, white sand dunes with colorful characteristic beach huts, and a picnic overlooking the sound. Öresund is the vibrant cultural region by the sea where Sweden and Denmark meet. The Sound is the gateway to the Baltics, and it has been the nave of Southern Scandinavia since the Vikings and beyond. Skåne once belonged to the Kingdom of Denmark and through the centuries it has developed an intriguing cultural identity, combining elements of the two neighbouring countries. Today, Öresund is a sophisticated international hub of modern science, architecture and commerce.

Our journey continues to the charming university town of Lund where we will visit the cathedral, walk the cobbled streets and spend the night before heading north to Gus’ and Nilla’s Swedish home, the peninsula of Kullaberg. The area is known for its spectacular natural beauty, lush forests and rugged cliffs surrounded by the ocean. It is also home to prominent food and wine producers, as well as great artists.

In Arild by-the-sea – listed as Travel+Leisure’s ’25 Under-the-radar European Villages to Visit’ a couple of years ago – we spend two unforgettable days and nights of Swedish Midsummer traditional festivities. Joining the annual local celebrations with singing and dancing around the midsummer pole, and enjoying a delicious ‘smörgåsbord’ including strawberry cake, meatballs, pickled herring, schnaps and lots of cheese – this is the full experience guaranteed!

Leaving Kullaberg, we cross the sound by ferry, via Helsingborg to Danish Helsingør. Its castle is where Shakespeare’s famous tale of ‘Hamlet’ takes place. We will enjoy the old town and a good night’s sleep before heading down along the coast for a visit to ‘Louisiana’ – Denmark’s foremost museum of modern art with a striking natural setting.

Returning to Copenhagen, we celebrate our Scandinavian adventure with a visit to the north end of town and the world of fairy tales; Inspired by an H.C. Andersen saga, this is where Edvard Eriksen’s bronze sculpture ‘The little mermaid’ was unveiled over a hundred years ago and she has been a symbol of the Öresund region ever since. This followed by a final sightseeing and a farewell dinner to remember.