In Scandinavia, marathon season is spring and summer, with cool temperatures and endless days. Stockholm finishes in an Olympic stadium, Copenhagen crosses a flat capital and Tromsø is run under the midnight sun. Here are the 6 best marathons in Scandinavia and Finland for 2027.
The short answer
- The classic: Stockholm (29 May 2027), finishing in the 1912 Olympic Stadium. Entry from 1,295 to 1,995 Swedish kronor depending on the date.
- The flattest: Copenhagen (9 May 2027) or Helsinki (7-8 May 2027), on almost flat courses.
- The most unusual: the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø, in June, above the Arctic Circle.
- To end the season: Oslo, in September, two laps of the city.
Contents
The 6 best marathons in Scandinavia
1. Stockholm Marathon (Sweden): finish in an Olympic stadium
The adidas Stockholm Marathon crosses a city built on 14 islands, between nature, quays and the medieval old town, with crowds all along. It finishes in the 1912 Olympic Stadium, where 83 world records have been ratified.
- Date: Saturday 29 May 2027, scheduled 12pm start
- Entry: four price periods: 1,295, 1,495, 1,795 then 1,995 Swedish kronor. Non-refundable. You must turn 18 in the race year.
- Cut-off: 6h30, with four checkpoints.
- Best for: runners who want a big late-spring marathon in a capital city.
2. Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark): flat and festive
The Copenhagen Marathon starts in Frederiksberg and runs through the historic streets, canals and neighbourhoods of the Danish capital to the waterfront. The course is flat, making it a good option for a spring PB.
- Date: Sunday 9 May 2027, 9:30am start
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners who want a flat marathon in a compact, bike-friendly capital.
3. Helsinki Marathon (Finland): along the Baltic
The Helsinki City Marathon starts near the Paavo Nurmi statue, runs through several parks, follows the Baltic coast to the centre and usually finishes in Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium. The course is almost flat: the highest point is 32 m. Temperatures are often around 13 to 18°C.
- Date: weekend of 7-8 May 2027 (Helsinki City Run, at the Olympic Stadium).
- Entry: on the official Helsinki City Run website.
- Best for: runners who want a cool, fast marathon away from the crowds.
4. Bergen Marathon (Norway): between fjords and mountains
The Bergen City Marathon takes place in spring in the city of fjords, on Norway’s west coast. It’s a good way to discover the country before summer.
- Date: April.
- Distances: marathon, half marathon, 5K and 2K
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners who want a nature weekend as much as a race.
5. Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø (Norway): under the midnight sun
Above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun Marathon is run through the streets of Tromsø in June, when the sun never sets. The race draws thousands of runners from around the world, and the 2025 edition broke participation records.
- Date: June (the 2026 edition was on 20 June).
- Distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K, 4.2 km and kids’ race
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners looking for a unique experience, far from the clock.
6. Oslo Marathon (Norway): two laps of the capital
Founded in 1981, the Oslo Marathon is two laps of the city, starting at City Hall. The course passes Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Karl Johans gate and the Bygdøy peninsula. In 2026, Erik Lomås won in 2:21:42 and Runa Falch in 2:38:13.
- Date: September.
- Distances: marathon, half marathon and kids’ race
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: an early-autumn marathon in a compact capital that’s easy to explore.
Which Scandinavian marathon should you choose?
| Race | 2027 date | Country | Main highlight | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | April | Norway | City of fjords | Official website |
| Copenhagen | 9 May | Denmark | Flat, canals | Official website |
| Helsinki | 7-8 May | Finland | Baltic coast, very flat | Official website |
| Stockholm | 29 May | Sweden | 1912 Olympic Stadium finish | SEK 1,295 to 1,995 |
| Tromsø | June | Norway | Midnight sun | Official website |
| Oslo | September | Norway | Two laps of the capital | Official website |
Copenhagen and Stockholm are three weeks apart in May: choose Copenhagen for a flat course, Stockholm for the stadium finish.
How to prepare for a marathon in Scandinavia
- Allow 16 to 20 weeks. For Copenhagen or Stockholm in May, start in January. For Oslo in September, start in May.
- Expect changeable weather. Even in spring, wind and rain can turn up: test your kit on your long runs.
- Work on your marathon pace. On the flat courses of Copenhagen and Helsinki, even pacing makes your time. Calculate your split times and practise holding them.
- Budget ahead. Accommodation and food are expensive in Scandinavia: book early, especially for Tromsø in June.
A plan built around your race date
RunMotion Coach builds your marathon training plan, personalised to your level, your goal and your race date, with personalised paces. Try it free for 7 days.
FAQ
What is the best-known marathon in Scandinavia?
Stockholm. It finishes in the 1912 Olympic Stadium, where 83 world records have been ratified.
How much does the 2027 Stockholm Marathon cost?
From 1,295 to 1,995 Swedish kronor depending on when you enter: the earlier, the cheaper. Entry is non-refundable.
Which Scandinavian marathon is best for a PB?
Copenhagen or Helsinki: two flat courses with cool spring temperatures. In Helsinki, the highest point is just 32 m.
What is the Midnight Sun Marathon?
A marathon in Tromsø, Norway, above the Arctic Circle, in June: at that time of year, the sun doesn’t set.
Want to compare with other countries? Read our best marathons in Germany and our top 10 flattest marathons.
Ready to race in the far north? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
