Stockholm, Sweden

Although the fringe is industrial, and some suburbs are Stalinist baroque, Sweden's capital is a beautiful city. It's on one of the 24,000 islands of the archipelago and boasts more than 70 museums. The aquarium is a must - en route stop off to see the smallest monkeys in the world.

There are thousands of restaurants including kvarterskrog - neighbourhood pubs - which combine excellent cuisine with fully-licensed bars.

Scandinavian citiesReykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland and the world's most northern capital city is also one of the smallest. Everything that happens in Iceland happens in Reykjavik. It is an up-and-coming European clubbing destination.

It's worth paying a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja, an immense church, or the National Museum. There are Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Japanese restaurants as well as a plethora of Icelandic eateries and pubs.

Scandinavian citiesCopenhagen, Denmark

The liveliest city in Scandinavia is full of smart, beautiful people. It is a 24-hour party city full of street performers and free concerts in summer. There is a lively alternative scene in the westside Norrebro area.

It's a bit like a Scandinavian Paris. There's a Latin Quarter near the University Library and Stroget has hundreds of eateries. For a real Danish experience, try the herring buffet at Nyhavns Foergekro.

Scandinavian citiesMalmo, Sweden

A lively Swedish city influenced by what is going on across the Oresund in Copenhagen. The dense water traffic means you can shuffle between the two in less than an hour. The newly-opened 16.5 km Oresund bridge is bringing the two cities closer.

Malmo boasts the best museum in Scandinavia, the Kulturen. Head to the central squares on summer evenings - lots of restaurants offer al fresco dining and there's an abundance of clubs and pubs.

Scandinavian citiesHelsinki, Finland

Finland's capital is small and intimate. Its size makes it easy to walk around and cafes, parks, markets and the nearby islands are its summer delights. The city used to be under Russian rule and their influence can still be seen today.

There are plenty of pizza, kebab and hambuger joints in the city as well as Mexican, vegetarian, Chinese and Indian eateries. Russia's best restaurants are said to be in Helsinki.

Scandinavian citiesOslo, Norway

Norway's capital is the oldest of the Scandinavian cities. For a European capital it is remarkably low-key, casual and manageable. Oslo's highlights include the Bygdoy peninsula with its folk museum and Viking ships.

Take in the city's sights on a walking tour. Don't miss the The National Museum of Contemporary Art or the Edvard Munch Museum. Restaurant bills may require a mortgage.

Scandinavian citiesGothenburg, Sweden

On the sunny west coast of Sweden, this city is wedded to its port and has a more continental outlook than Stockholm.

The most popular way to pass the time in Gothenburg is to take a boat cruise on the Gota Alv. Kungsportsavenyn is the Champs Elysees of Gothenburg and is lined with all kinds of restaurants and bars. The Gothenburg Opera is worth a visit, and the city has excellent museums.

Scandinavian citiesArhus, Denmark

The second-largest city in Denmark, this has been an important trade centre since Viking times. It is the cultural heartland of Denmark, with fantastic music and entertainment scenes, a well-preserved historic quarter and plenty to see and do.

Sites range from good museums and old churches to woodland trails and beaches. The narrow streets of the old quarter, north of the cathedral, have a host of places to eat both Danish and ethnic food.

Scandinavian citiesTrondheim, Norway

The third-largest city in Norway, and originally the capital. Trondheim is a lively university town with a rich medieval history. The grand Nidaros cathedral is the city's most dominant landmark and Scandinavia's largest medieval building.

Studentersamfundet has good alternative music and an alternative cinema. Olavshallen is the city's main concert hall and hosts performances by the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.

Scandinavian citiesBergen, Norway

Bergen was the capital in the 12th and 13th centuries and in the early 17th had the distinction of being Scandinavia's largest city. It is a university town and the cultural centre of western Norway.

Theta Museum was the headquarters of the Norwegian Resistance during the Second World War, uncovered by the Nazis in 1942. There's a maritime museum with Viking ships. Vaskerlven is a bustling street with cake shops, bars and cafes.

Source: Teletext Holidays - September 2006