THINK OF Scandinavian countries and you will likely think of ice and snow, huskies and reindeer, winter activities and the Northern Lights

Northern Norway, Tromso, Lofoten, Midnight sun, Hamn, Malangen, Sommaroy (17)Visit the same destinations in the summer months, though, and you will get sunshine and swimming, berries and bears, warm-weather activities and the Midnight Sun. Either is wonderful, but a summer visit is so unexpected that the wonder-effect is magnified, many-fold.

Artisan Travel specialises in travel that is handcrafted to delight and surprise. Its deep Scandinavian knowledge means it naturally has a range of wonderful winter destinations … that are now also perfect for a summer visit.

Northern Norway, Tromso, Lofoten, Midnight sun, Hamn, Malangen, Sommaroy (9)Midnight Sun Photography and the Wilderness of Nellim – Finland. This picturesque location is a photographer’s dream. In early summer it is bathed in daylight 24 hours a day and the wonder of the Midnight Sun provides photographers with a unique light in which to shoot. With an expert local photography guide at your side you will experience the best of Lapland in the summer. Three nights staying at the Nellim Wilderness Lodge and the Sarmi Wilderness Lodge – full board, two sharing costs from £895 pp. Travel between 23 May and 22 July. Includes flights (Heathrow).

Northern Norway, Tromso, Lofoten, Midnight sun, Hamn, Malangen, Sommaroy (1)Abisko and a Midnight Sun Adventure – Sweden. Amongst Abisko’s magnificent scenery you can enjoy an area of pristine wilderness, forests and mountains through which you can take a guided hike. Visit the Norwegian city of Narvjik to enjoy fjord and valley scenery, and jump on to a chairlift to the top of Nuolja Mountain for a panoramic view of the Midnight Sun. Lastly, take time to capture the solar phenomenon with your camera in the company of a renowned photographer who will guide and provide tips. Four nights staying at the Abisko Mountain Lodge – full board, two sharing costs from £1,375 pp. Travel between 25 May and 19 July. Includes flights (Gatwick).

Northern Norway, Tromso, Lofoten, Midnight sun, Hamn, Malangen, Sommaroy (10)Kuhmo – Wild Brown Bear Adventure – Finland. This adventure holiday will take you close to the Russian border to the small town of Kuhmo, which is surrounded by stunning wilderness. You will go cycling, hiking and bear tracking, as well as take part in the famous Elk Safari. During your stay you will head closer to the Russian border where your real adventure begins. Deep in the forest you will stay in a hide for the night to experience a real ‘Wild Brown Bear Adventure’. You may also see wolves, wolverines or lynx. Three nights staying at the Hotel Kalevela, part board, two sharing costs from £836 pp. Travel between April and October. Includes flights (London).

Northern Norway, Tromso, Lofoten, Midnight sun, Hamn, Malangen, Sommaroy (16)The Best of Northern Norway – 10 Day Self-Drive Tour. This wonderful trip merges the culture of Tromsø with stunning fjord views, dramatic mountain landscapes and beautiful white sandy beaches. Throw in the charming fishing village of Sommarøy, coastal whale watching and a range of activities such as kayaking, hiking and boat trips, and you will certainly not be bored. Set your own pace to explore the fjords, the best of northern Norway, where you will not have to venture far to find the unexpected. Nine nights staying in a range of hotels, B&B, two sharing, costs from £1,610 pp. Travel between 1 June and 21 August. Includes flights (Heathrow).