Best Scandinavian Chess Holidays Built Around Real Events

Oslo: Norway Chess and the Norway Chess Open

Norway Chess is an invitational elite event. The 2026 edition ran 25 May–5 June in Oslo, after 13 years in Stavanger, and the 2027 host and dates have not been announced. The separate Norway Chess Open is a 7-round FIDE-rated event open to all levels, with a maximum of 72 players per tournament. From Oslo Airport, the Flytoget express takes about 19 minutes to Oslo S. See the Oslo guide.

Stockholm: the Rilton Cup

The Rilton Cup runs over the new year at Scandic Continental. The 54th edition runs 27 December 2026–5 January 2027. The main Cup needs roughly 2200 Elo, but amateurs can enter the Rilton U2200, the Rilton Open or the U1800 section. See the Stockholm guide.

Malmö: TePe Sigeman

The TePe Sigeman & Co tournament is an invitational round robin of eight grandmasters, with no open section, so plan this trip as a spectator. The 2026 edition ran 1–7 May at the Elite Plaza Hotel, and the 2027 dates have not been announced. Copenhagen Airport is about 20 minutes from Malmö Central by train. See the Malmö guide.

Copenhagen region: the Kronborg Chess Open

The Kronborg Chess Open runs 5–9 May 2027 at Comwell Borupgård in Snekkersten, next to Helsingør. It uses round-robin groups of eight, placed by Danish rating, with an entry fee of DKK 650, free for titled players. It is about an hour by train from Copenhagen Airport, so it is a regional trip, not a city break. See the Copenhagen guide.

How to choose

• I want to play, and I like winter: Stockholm's Rilton Cup.
• I want to play in spring: the Kronborg Chess Open in May 2027.
• I want to watch elite players: Oslo (late May/June) or Malmö (early May).

Scandinavian trips are expensive and the seasons are short, so book early once the organisers announce dates.