GETTING THERE & AROUND

Fly direct to numerous cities in Sweden and Norway from London, Manchester and Edinburgh; nonstop flights to various Danish cities operate from these hubs, as well as Birmingham and Aberdeen. ba.com easyjet.com finnair.com norwegian.com ryanair.co.uk flysas.com

Denmark, Norway and Sweden have efficient bus, coach and train networks, plus regional airports offering connecting flights. Car hire accesses more remote places: rental companies can be found in most cities and at airports. visitdenmark.com visitsweden.com visitnorway.com

WHEN TO GO

Warm-weather seekers should visit between May and September when the days are long and temperatures can reach 23C — although book ahead as this is peak travel for domestic tourists, too. Seasons here run to extremes, and winters (November to February) see temperatures dropping well below zero and daylight hours scarce in northerly Arctic regions, perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

HOW TO DO IT

Discover the World offers a tailor-made ‘Discover West Sweden’ self-drive trip, following the coastline from Gothenburg to Fjällbacka for six days, from £624 per person, excluding flights. discover-the-world.com G Adventures has a small-group ‘Norway Fjord Trekking’ tour from £1,529 per person, taking hikers from Bergen into the wilds for seven days, excluding flights. gadventures.com

Inn Travel offers a cycling ‘Danish Castles & Coast’ itinerary in the North Zealand region, starting at £960 per person for four nights, with the option to add two nights in Copenhagen for £250 per person. Excludes flights. inntravel.co.uk