Lake Saimaa, Finland – The largest lake in Finland creates its own archipelago of 14,000 little islands. Navigate this watery labyrinth by kayak, boat or cycle. Cruises also take you to the best sights on this 400 km waterway. Summer activities including sailing on 100-year-old steamships, lounging on the lake’s many beaches and fishing.

Lakeland, Finland – As the Finns put it, these remarkably pure waters are at the ‘heart of Finnish identity’. Sailors, hikers, paddlers, nature lovers or the merely curious will find plenty to be enthralled about. Walk in the endless forests, pick mushrooms, try the Finnish sauna and find your own summer cabin. Or simply BYOB (bring your own boat) and make your way through the waters. If life on water thrills you, try the Squirrel route, the 57 km long canoeing route between Juva and Sulkava.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Lapland, Finland – Rated one of Finland’s top natural attractions, this area has the freshest air in Finland. Do a hilltop trek among arctic fells, snowmobile across three frozen lakes or immerse yourself in Lappish culture. It’s like nothing else you’ve seen or done before.

Beaches of Jutland, Denmark – Say ‘beach’ and Denmark serves up over 200 Blue Flag beaches, which are perfect for family outings, water sports or simply relaxing. Particularly enticing are the white sandy stretches along the Jutland coast.

Søndervig Beach – Named Denmark’s ‘Beach of the Year’ in 2014, this beach on the North Sea has white dunes and endless fun on offer.

Klitmøller Bay – Called the 'Cold Hawaii', it’s the place for wind and kite surfers.

Hirsholeme – Sail across to Hirsholmene, the home of Præstebugten, with white sands and stone reefs. Lucky footprinters get to spot seals as well.

Løkken – World War 2 bunkers, 500 beach huts and sunsets on the North Sea. Need any more reasons?

Skagen – Famous for migratory birds, Skagen has wide beaches and high dunes with stunning views of the North Sea. Geography buffs can head to Grenen, where you can stand in two seas at once.

Råbjerg Mile, North Jutland, Denmark – Meet the largest migratory dune in northern Europe. Moving east at the rate of 15 metres a year (that’s quite fast for a dune), this white sand menace eats up everything in its path. Hike up its slopes and you’ll be overawed by the sheer power of nature.