Scandinavia’s capital cities regularly top surveys of the world’s most agreeable places in which to live. Clean, safe and well-organized, they are constructed on a human scale, with an appealing mix of handsome old buildings and striking contemporary architecture.

Modern public transport, fine museums, lively cafés, distinctive restaurants, colorful parks and scenic waterfront promenades all add to their considerable appeal. And thanks to enlightened environmental policies, the harbors of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo become giant open-air swimming pools each summer.

Although Scandinavian roads are excellent, it can be more relaxing to take advantage of the region’s high-speed rail network. And while Norway is blessed with spectacular mountain scenery, much of southern Sweden is flat, heavily forested and a rather tedious landscape through which to drive.